A  -it" X   lbl
0i; 'IINi1
\IassV'~




































c/7  LC/-L


I —,"
q



HISTORY
OF


A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress,
its People, and its Principal Interests
Compiled from the official records of the County, the newslpapers and
data of persoual interv iewls, under the editorial supervision of
THADDEUS D. SEELEY


VOLUME I


ILLUSTRATED
TUE LE\VTIS PUBLISHING COMPANNY
CHTCAGO AND NE-W YORK
IqT2








INTRODUCTION
We present this history wilh pleasure, because it deals with a pleasant subject-Oakland county. There is another reason for this attitude toward our subject:-the cooperation of contributors and of citizens has been so general and hearty that the historical work required
has been transformed from a task into a labor of love.
Oakland county is peculiarly fortunate in the variety of her charms
and riches, to which truth these pages bear witness. With her landscape beauties and sunny lakes, she is drawing thousands to her who
seek restful homes and profitable investments. At the same time, her
soil is fertile and invites the practical farmer, dairyman and horticulturist, while in the urban centers, the industrial and commercial interests have obtained a firm foothold and assure livelihood and profit to
the citizen. No county in the state has better schools, and, as will be
made plain in the progress of this history, in no section has woman had
a more extended or elevating influence. In a word, Oakland is unexcelled as a home county; no more need be said to the good American,
whether of native or foreign blood.
As to the collaborators on the history, too much cannot be said
of the quantity and quality of the assistance rendered by Hon. Aaron
Perry. In those homely words which so truly express our feeling toward
him-"what could we have done without him!" Also as to Miss Martha
Baldwin and Mrs. Lilian Drake Avery-"what could we have done without them,' especially in setting forth the scope of woman's work, and
the splendid part taken by the pioneers of the county in laying the
foundation upon which the later generations have builded their comfort and prosperity. Thanks are rendered all our associate editorsFred M. Warner, Thomas L. Patterson, Harry S. Gardner and Samuel
W. Smith, for their willing and effective cooperation. The county
and village officials, business men, farmers and manufacturers-all, in
fact, who have worked to make Oakland county what it is today and are
laboring for its greater future-have our sincere thanks, both for what
they are doing toward the progress of this favored section of the state,
and for what they have done in enabling us to picture it in this history
of Oakland county.                     THADDEUS D. SEELEY.








CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION
WONDERFUL COUNTRY OF LAKES-CASS AND ORCHARD-REMARKABLE
NATURAL PHENOMENON-THE LAKE ORION REGION-SUMMER RESORT FEATURES-TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES —AS A FARMING AND
LIVE STOCK REGION-FEATURES OF THE TRANSFORMATION.     1
CHAPTER II
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES
SURFACE AND ELEVATIONS-IMM1ENSE DRIFT AND FORMATIONS BENEATH
-SOIL AND CLIMATE-THE SURFACE GEOLOGY OF OAKLAND
COUNTY.                                               9
CHAPTER III
INDIAN AND PRIMITIVE RECORD
ORCHARD LAKE AND THE GREAT CHIEF PONTIAC-THE LEGEND OF MENAH-SA-GOR-ING —PRIMITIVE TILLAGE AND INDUSTRIES-CONTACT
WITH KNOWN TRIBES-SCARS OF BATTLE-C. Z. HORTON'S CONTRIBUTIONS-INDIAN CAMPING GROUND AND CEMETERY-QUEER CUSTOMS-TIIE PASSING OF WE-SE-GAII.                     19
CHAPTER IV
FIRST SETTLERS AND LAND OWNERS
GREAT SET-BACK TO SETTLEMENT-OAKLAND COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLERS
-THE MACK COLONY OF PONTIAC-"UNCLE BEN" WOODWORTH-FIRST SURVEYS-LOCATIONS UNDER THE "TWO DOLLAR" ACTTHE "TEN SHILLING" ACT-GREAT EVENT FOR THE PIONEER LAND
OWNER-TOWN OF PONTIAC SETTLED-ORION AND OXFORD-ROYAL
OAK AND TROY-AVON AND WHITE LAKE-SPRINGFIELD AND GROVELAND-FARMINGTON AND WEST BLOOMFIELD —WATERFORD AND INDEPENDENCE-BRANDON, SOUTHFIELD AND BLOOMFIELD.       27
V




vi                      CONTENTS
CHAPTER V
PICTURES OF THE PAST
HERVEY PARKE COMES TO OAKLAND COUNTY-BLOOMFIELD AND ROYAL
OAK IN I82I-INFANT VILLAGE OF PONTIAC-GOVERNOR WISNER AND
HIS MULLET STORY-BECOMES HORATIO BEALL'S ASSISTANT-JOSEPH
WAMPLER'S   ASSIGNED TERRITORY-A SURVEYOR'S HARDSHIPS-RETURNS WITH HIS FAMILY-BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN H. PARKE-HOMESTEAD AT LAST-SURVEYS FROM PONTIAC-RUNNING LINES UNDER
DIFFICULTIES-FRESH TRAILS OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR-BETWEEN
SAGINAW BAY AND LAKE HURON-SURVEYS IN BLACK HAWK RESERVATION, IOWA-ANOTHER IOWA CONTRACT-CAPTAIN PARKE'S RECAPITULATION-RECOLLECTIONS OF BENJAMIN O. WILLIAMS-INDIAN
NEAR DEATH-DEAR OLD OAKLAND, THE BEST OF ALL-A PICTURE
OF MEMORY (BY JOHN M. NORTON)-ADVENT OF TIE PIONEER-.
RAILROAD AS A FUN-MAKER-THE LIFE BEQUEATHED BY THE PIONEERS-FIFTY YEARS AGO AND NOW (BY S. B. MCCRACKEN)CONTRASTS OF LIFE-"GRANNY" MCCRACKEN-FATIHER AND MOTHER
MCCRACKEN —THIE SCHOOLS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO-MORMON VISITATION OF 1832-AUBURN AND TIHE YOUNG PIONEERS.       37
CHAPTER VI
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS AND "DAUGHTERS"
COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLER, A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER-THE GRAIAM
FAMILY-NATHANIEL BALDWIN-GEORGE HORTON-STEPHEN MACK
-COLONEL MACK'S FAMILY-JOSEPH TODD AND PARTY-ITHAMAR
SMITH-WILLIAM   NATHAN   TERRY-JOSHUA   CHAMBERLIN  AND
ENOCH   HOTCHKISS-ELIJAH  DRAKE-EZRA   PARKER-JEREMIAH
CLARKE-BENJAMIN GRACE-CALEB BARKER MERRELL-LEVI GREEN
-JOEL PHELPS-ELIAS CADY-SAMUEL NILES-SILAS SPRAGUEESBON GREGORY-ZADOCK WELLMAN-CALEB CARR-HOOPER BISHOP
-DERRICK   HULICK - CALEB PRATT - SOLOMON JONES - LYDIA
BARNES POTTER-JAMES HARRINGTON AND JACOB PETTY-JOHN
BLANCHARD-ALTRAMONT    DONALDSON-JOSEPH   VAN   NETTERBENJAMIN   BULSON-NATHAN    LANDON-GENERAL   RICHARDSON
CHAPTER, D. A. R.-THE REVOLUTIONARY GRAVES MARKED-MEMBERSHIP OF THE DAUGHTERS                             72
CHAPTER VII
PIONEER RECORDS
COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY FOUNDED-THE SUPERVISORS' PICNICS-BETTER PRESERVATION OF RECORDS-SOCIETY INCORPORATED-PIONEER
WOMEN-OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY —PIONEER RELICS IN THE COL1,ECTION OF THE SOCIETY                             99




CONTENTS


V11


CHAPTER VIII
DEVELOPMENT OF JUDICIARY
TERRITORIAL SUPREME COURT-OLD DISTRICT COURT-COUNTY COURTS
- CHANGE IN SUPREME COURT-CIRCUIT COURTS AND JUDGES-THE
"ONE-HORSE" COURT-UNDER THE 1850 CONSTITUTION-A SUMMARY-UNDER THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION.                  110
CHAPTER IX
THE BENCH OF OAKLAND COUNTY
COUNTY COURTS AND JUDGES-PROBATE COURTS AND JUDGES-CIRCUIT
COURTS AND JUDGES-THE COURT OF CHANCERY-CIRCUIT COURT
COMMISSIONERS.                                        117
CHAPTER X
THE BAR OF OAKLAND COUNTY
DANIEL LEROY-WILLIAM    F. -MOSLEY-THOMAS J. DRAKE-ORIGEN
D. RICHARDSON-GIDEON 0. WHIITTEMORE-ROBERT P. ELDREDGESETII A. L. WARNER-WILLIAM DRAPER-RANDOLPH MANNINGCHARLES DRAPER-RUFUS HOSMER-GGEORE W. WISNER-ALFRED
H. HANSCOM-GOVERNOR MOSES WISNER-AUGUSTUS CARPENTER
BALDWIN-JOIN S. GOODRICI —LEVI B. TAFT-HESTER L. STEVENSMICHAEL E. CROFOOT-HENRY M. LOOK-M]ARK S. BREWER-LIVING
MEMBERS OF TIlE BAR-JUDGE THOMAS L. PATTERSON-JOSEPH EDWARD SAWYER-GEORGEE W. SMITH-ROBERT J. LOUNSBURY-AARON
PERRY-DANIEL L. DAVIS —KLEBER P. ROCKWELL-ARTHUR R.
TRIPP-ELMER R. WEBSTER-JAMIES H-. LYNCH-JOHN H. PATTERSON
-F. L. COVERT-HENRY MI. ZIMMERMAN —ANDREW L. M\OORE-H.
HI-. COI 'IN —PITER 13. BROMLEY.                      126
CHAPTER XI
BACKWNARD GLANCES AT BENCH AND BAR
JUDGE CROFOOT'S RECOLLECTIONS-BENCH AND BAR PRIOR TO 1840 (BY
JUDGE  BALDWIN)-CHIEF JUSTICE    MOORE'S PICTURES-AARON
PERRY'S CONTRIBUTIONS.                                158
CHAPTER XII
CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTY
FIRST OFFICIAL ACT COUNTY SEAT FIXED-ORIGINAL TWO TOWNSHIPS-PRESENT   BOUNDARIES  ESTABLISHED-OAKLAND   COUNTY
UNDER THE TERRITORY-TERRITORIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-LEGISLATION AFFECTING TOWN AND COUNTY-TOWNSIIIP GOVERNMENT
ESTABLISHED —FIRST SUPERVISORS' MEETING-SOME EARLY ASSESSMENTS-CIRCLE OF TOWNSHIPS COMPLETED —ROSTER OF COUNTY
OFFICIALS-ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES-POPULATION FOR NINETY




viii                   CONTENTS
YEARS-INCORPORATED CITIES AND VILLAGES-THE COUNTY COURT
HOUSES-COST OF COUNTY BUILDING-PRESENT COURT HOUSE-THE
OAKLAND COUNTY HOME-COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE
POOR.                                               188
CHAPTER XIII
OAKLAND COUNTY IN STATE POLITICS
QUESTION OF LAND TITLES-GOVERNOR CASS BRINGS STABILITYCHAMPIONS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS-THE STATE CONSTITUTIONSOAKLAND COUNTY'S PART IN CONSTITUTION MAKING-DOCTOR RAYNALE, DELEGATE TO I835 CONVENTION-SENECA NEWBERRY, DELEGATE TO 1835 AND 1850 CONVENTIONS-STATE OFFICIALS, ELECTED
AND APPOINTED-TERRITORIAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES-SPEAKERS AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE-MICHIGAN LEGISLATORS FROM OAKLAND COUNTY-STATE SENATORS-STATE REPRESENTATIVES-DISTURBANCES OF WAR ISSUES.                           214
CHAPTER XIV
THE COUNTY SCHOOL.SYSTEM
BASIS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM-CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AND BRANCHES
-FIRST ACADEMIES IN OAKLAND COUNTY-HEADS OF THE COUNTY
SYSTEM-REMAINS A PERPETUAL FUND-DUTIES OF THE TEACHER
OF TODAY - STANDINGS REQUIRED - DISTRICT LIBRARIES - HIGH
SCHOOL SCHOLARS-DISTRICT SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY-PRESENT
STATUS OF SCHOOLS.                                 227
CHAPTER XV
MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
FIRST OAKLAND COUNTY HIGHWAY-OTHER ROADS ESTABLISHED-IMPROVEMENT OF THE CLINTON RIVER-FIRST MICHIGAN RAILWAY
CHARTERED-DETROIT & PONTIAC RAILROAD COMPANY —FINALLY
COMPLETED TO BIRMINGHAM-DETROIT & MILWAUKEE RAILWAY
COMPANY-ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESENT SYSTEMS-COMING OF ELECTRIC LINES-THE GRAND TRUNK SYSTEM-THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL-PERE MARQUETTE RAILROAD-DETROIT UNITED RAILWAYSUMMARY.                                           234
CHAPTER XVI
BANKS AND BANKING
OAKLAND COUNTY'S FIRST BANK-THE "WILD-CAT" BANKS-ONE
"SAFETY FUND" BANK-NATIONAL BANKS IN THE COUNTY-THE
STATE BANKS-PONTIAC SAVINGS BANK-THE OAKLAND COUNTY
SAVINGS BANK-FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK OF PONTIAC-THE AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK-FIRST STATE SAVINGS BANK OF BIRMINGHAMFARMINGTON EXCHANGE BANK-ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK-HOLLY
SAVINGS BANKS —FARMERS' STATE BANK OF OXFORD —ROYAL OAK
SAVINGS BANK-THE ORION STATE BANK-STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF SOUTH LYON.                                      242




CONTENTS


ix.CHAPTER XVII
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
PIONEER CONDITIONS-PRIMITIVE STATE OF MEDICAL PRACTICE-ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS PRIOR TO I837-DR. WILLIAM THOMPSON,
FIRST PHYSICIAN-DRS. OLMSTEAD AND JOHN CHAMBERLAIN-DR.
EZRA S. PARKE —DR. CYRUS CHIPMAN-DRS. LAMB, LAMOND AND
ALGER-DR. JOHN C. EMERY-THE OLD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
-ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS FROM 1837 TO I866-THREE EARLYTIME HOMEOPATHS-PRESENT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY-PONTIAC
MEDICAL SOCIETY-PRESENT PRACTITIONERS.               249
CHAPTER XVIII
WOMEN'S INFLUENCE IN THE COUNTY
WHAT WOMEN HAVE DONE FOR OAKLAND COUNTY (BY MARTHA BALDWIN) —WOMEN'S WORK IN PONTIAC-THE PONTIAC CITY HOSPITAL
-PONTIAC PUBLIC LIBRARY-WOMEN'S LITERARY CLUB OF PONTIAC
-THE ROUND TABLE CLUB —WEST SIDE READING CIRCLE-WOMEN'S
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION-BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARYBIRMINGHAM LITERARY CLUB —GREENWOOD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
-LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF HOLLY.               259
CHAPTER XIX
MILITARY MATTERS
OAKLAND COUNTY SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 8II2-NAPOLEONIC SOLDIERS-EARLY MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS-THE MEXICAN WARTHE WAR OF TIlE REBELLION-FIRST MICHIGAN INFANTRY-SECOND
INFANTRY-GENERAL I. B. RICHARDSON-THE SECOND REGIMENTTHIRD INFANTRY-THE FIFTH INFANTRY-SEVENTH REGIMENTEIGHTH AND NINTH INFANTRY REGIMENTS-THE TENTH INFANTRY
-DEATH OF ADJUTANT COWLES —THE FOURTEENTH INFANTRYTHE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH-TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRYGOVERNOR MOSES WISNER-TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY-THIRTIETH
INFANTRY AND "MECHANICS AND ENGINEERS"-CUSTER'S MICHIGAN
CAVALRY BRIGADE-THE EIGHTH CAVALRY —NINTH AND TENTH
CAVALRY REGIMENTS-MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLERY-ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS-MILITARY
MATTERS OF LATE.                                     271
CHAPTER XX
VILLAGE OF PONTIAC
COLONEL MACK'S COMPANY-FIRST PONTIAC SETTLERS-WORKS OF
MACK, CONANT AND SIBLEY-COLONEL'S MACK, FATHER AND SONSETTLERS OF I822-I836-COUNTY SEAT AND COURTHOUSE-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION-THE VILLAGE OF AUBURN (AMY) —PONTIAC
VILLAGE INCORPORATED-EARLY TRUSTEE MEETINGS-REAL ESTATE




x


CONTENTS


ITEM-THE MILL POND NUISANCE-THE FIRE OF I840-EARLY
BRIDGES-COMMON COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY-TIIE VILLAGE
FIRE DEPARTMENT-GAS WORKS INAUGURATED —HEADS OF THE
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT.                                   286
CHAPTER XXI
CITY OF PONTIAC
FIRST ELECTION-CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT BORN-FIRST CITY HALLVALUE OF PROPERTY IN I876-"JOHN P. FOSTER NO. 2"-SMALLPOX
EPIDEMICS OF I88I-82-NEWSPAPER SENSATION-RESIGNATION OF
CHIEF ENGINEER FOSTER-CITY FINANCES IN I876-BOARD OF WATER
COMMISSIONERS CREATED-THE NEW FIFTH WARD-ORIGINAL SYSTEM OF WATER WORKS-ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SYSTEMS-FIRST GAMEWELL FIRE ALARM      TELEGRAPH-MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENT IN I894-FIRST THREE YEARS OF WATER SERVICELIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SERVICE AGAIN-SEWERAGE SYSTEM INAUGURATED-EXTENSION OF WATER WORKS-TELEPHONE SERVICE
UP TO DATE —COMMISSION GOVERNMENT ADOPTED-EARLY MEASURES PASSED —INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT —THE
PRESENT CITY HALL —MAYORS OF PONTIAC-THE CITY PRESSOAK HILL CEMETERY-GAS LIGHTING AND ELECTRIC POWERPOSTOFFICE AND POSTMASTERS —THE PONTIAC STATE HOSPITAL. 296
CHAPTER XXII
INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS PONTIAC
DIRECT SUCCESSOR OF 1820 MILL —TilE HOWARD INTERESTS —THE OLD
PADDACK MILLS-CHARLES DAWSON AND -IIs WORK —PONTIAC CITY
MILLS-PIONEER MACHINE SHOPS AND FURNITURE FACTORIESEARLY BREWERIES-FATHERS OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY-PONTIAC AND
OTHER MILLS OF I852-PONTIAC'S EARLY BUSINESS MEN-AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY OF PONTIAC-OAKLAND MVOTOR CAR COMPANY-GENERAL MOTORS TRUCK COMPANY-THE FLANDERS PLANTS-THE CARTERCAR COMPANY —MONROE BODY COMPANY-THE BEAUDELL BODY
WORKS —SLATER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY-PONTIAC BREWERYPONTIAC COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION.                       320
CHAPTER XXIII
PONTIAC SCHOOLS
SARAH MCCARROLL'S SKETCH-TIlE OLD PONTIAC ACADEMY —FIRST
COMMON SCHOOLS-PUBLIC SYSTEM ORGANIZED-THE "OLD UNION"
-HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING OF I87 —SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS AND
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS-THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL-PUBLIC SYSTEM AND LIST OF SCHOOLS-MIICIIIGAN MILITARY ACADEMY.  333




CONTENTS                         xi
CHAPTER XXIV
PONTIAC CHURCHES
EARLIEST METHODIST PREACIIERS-FIRST METHODIST CHURCH     IN
COUNTY-PASTORS FROM I826 TO THE PRESENT —MRS. SHATTUCK'S
REMINISCENCES-CENTRAL METHIODIST EPISCOPAL CIHURCI —THE
FIRST BAPTIST CIIURCII-FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-How THE
CHURCH WAS BUILT-FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CIIURCH —THIRD
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH1 IN TIlE STATE-NEW BI3UILDING-ST.
VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH-ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCHST. TRINITATIS LUTHERAN CHURCIH-THE AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH
-YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION —RED RIBBON CLUB OF
PONTIAC.                                             340
CHAPTER XXV
PONTIAC'S FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
MASONRY IN PONTIAC-THIRD LODGE IN TERRITORY-PONTIAC LODGE NO.
21-PAST MASTERS-PONTIAC COUNCIL No. 3, R. & S. MI.-OAKLAND
CHAPTER NO. 5, R. A. M.-PONTIAC COMMANDERY NO. 2, K. T.PONTIAC CHAPTER NO. 228, 0. E. S. —MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION-CANTON PONTIAC No. 3, I. O. O. F.-PYTHIAN KNIGHTS AND
SISTERS-DICK RICHARDSON POST, G. A. R.-KNIGITS OF COLUMJ:BUS Ro.\L NEIIGHICORS OF AMERICA-B. P. 0. E.-OTHER LODGES,
362
CHAPTER XXVI
BLOOCMIFIELD TOWNSHIP
PHYSICAL FEATURES —A GOOD IMANY DEAD INDIANS —FIRST LAND EINTRY-FORMATIVE TOWNSHIP PERIOD —TIREE COMPETING TAVERNSMILLS AND STORES OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHA\M —BLOOMFIELD CENTER
-BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE PLATS-OLD TIM\ES AT PIETY HILL-VILLAGE OF BIRMINGIIAM-REINCORPORATED-VIILAGE PRESIDENTS AND
CLERKS-PUBLIC   WORKS-SOLDIERS'   MIONUMENT-BIRMINGIIAM
CHURCHES-SECRET AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.             371
CHAPTER XXVII
HOLLY TOWNSHIP
DRAINAGE AND LAKES-FIRST ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT-OTHER PIONEERS OF THE TOWNSHIP-SETTLERS IN I832-I837 —FIRST THINGS
-QUAINT ALONZO R. ROOD —DESCENDANTS OF THE PIONEERSFOUNDING OF HOLLY VILLAGE-VILLAGE SCHOOLS —NEW    UNION
SCHOOL-TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE LIBRARIES-THE WATERWORKSHOLLY NEWSPAPERS-INDUSTRIES-TIIE CHURCHES-SOCIETIES. 388




xii


CONTENTS


CHAPTER XXVIII
AVON TOWNSHIP
JAMES GRAHAM, ORIGINAL SETTLER-THE HERSEY-RUSSELL-GRAHAM
COMBINE —VIEMORIES OF THE OLD HERSEY MILL-MILL STONES
FROM BOWLDERS-STONY CREEK VILLAGE-ROCHESTER PLATTEDPIONEERS OUTSIDE OF ROCHESTER-FIRST CORPORATION OFFICERSROCHESTER INDUSTRIES-WESTERN KNITTING    MILLS-CREAMERY
AND FLOURING MILL-THE SCHOOLS-ROCHESTER UNION SCHOOLWATERWORKS AND FIRE PROTECTION-ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWERROCHESTER NEWSPAPERS-THE CHURCHES —ROCHESTER SOCIETIESBIOLOGICAL FARM, PARKDALE-FERRY SEED FARM.           401
CHAPTER XXIX
OXFORD TOWNSHIP
CIVILLY ORGANIZED-FIRST SETTLERS OF THE TOWNSHIP-FIRST ROADS
AND RAILROAD —THOMAS-LAKES-OXFORD VILLAGE INCORPORATED
-SCHOOLS-OXFORD CHURCHES-NEWSPAPERS AND SOCIETIES-OXFORD INDUSTRIES-MICHIGAN PRESSED BRICK COMPANY-C. L.
RANDALL & COMPANY.                                   418
CHAPTER XXX
ROYAL OAK      TOWNSHIP
ORIGIN OF THE NAME-GOVERNOR CASS "SEES FOR HIMSELF" —SETTLERS
OF 1822-I826-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED-ROYAL OAK VILLAGE-CORPORATION RECORD-ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-SOCIETIESURBAN REST AND FERNDALE-ROSELAND PARK CEMETERY.      428
CHAPTER XXXI
ORION AND MILFORD TOWNSHIPS
ORION'S FIRST SETTLERS AND EVENTS —A TOWNSHIP OF LAKES-ORION
VILLAGE CHURCHES-.MILFORD TOWNSHIP FORMED-THE RUGGLES
BROTHERS-PIONEER   MILLS-THE   PRESENT  VILLAGE-MILFORD
CHURCHES.                                            440
CHAPTER XXXII
LYON AND FARMINGTON TOWNSHIPS
FIRST SETTLERS OF LYON TOWNSHIP —NEW HUDSON AND KENSINGTONVILLAGE OF SOUTH LYON-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-SOUTH LYON
INDUSTRIES-THE POWER COLONY FOUNDS QUAKERTOWN (FARMINGTON)-OTHER PIONEERS OF THE TOWNSHIP —DOCTOR WEBB ADDS
DISTINCTION-FIRST MILLS —RECOLLECTIONS OF P. DEAN WARNER
-VILLAGE OF FARMINGTON —SCHOOLS-THE CHURCHES-THE MASONIC LODGE-CLARENCEVILLE AND NORTH FARMINGTON.      449




CONTENTS                        xiii
CHAPTER XXXIII
ADDISON AND BRANDON TOWNSHIPS
LAKES OF ADDISON TOWNSHIP-LAKEVILLE'S EARLY PROMISE-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS-VILLAGE OF LEONARD
-BRANDON TOWNSHIP-ITS PIONEER SETTLERS-VILLAGE OF OAKWOOD-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION-VILLAGE OF ORTONVILLE.    461
CHAPTER XXXIV
INDEPENDENCE AND COMMERCE
SASHABAW  PLAINS, INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP-WATER COURSESSETTLERS AT CLARKSTON AND THE "PLAINS"-THE PRIMITIVE
SCHOOLHOUSES-CLARKSTON UP TO DATE-COMMERCE LAKES AND
STREAMS-FIRST SETTLERS AT COMMERCE AND WALLED LAKECOMMERCE OF TODAY-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FIRST POSTOFFICES-WIXOM AND SWITZERLAND.                       466
CHAPTER XXXV
SPRINGFIELD AND HIGHLAND
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED-SPRINGFIELD AND ANDERSON SETTLEMENTS-DAVISBURG-HIGHLAND'S PHYSICAL    FEATURES-FIRST
SETTLERS-HIGHLAND POSTOFFICE AND STATION-VILLAGE OF CLYDE
-METHODISM IN THE TOWNSHIP.                          471
CHAPTER X'XXVI
ROSE AND WEST BLOOMFIELD
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ROSE TOWNSHIP —ROSE CENTER, OR ROSEBLOOMFIELD AS A LAKE TOWNSHIP —EARLIEST PIONEERS-SALE OF
INDIAN RESERVATIONS-FIRST POSTOFFICE-ORCHARD LAKE POSTOFFICE-THE POLISH SEMINARY                           476
CHAPTER XXXVII
NOVI AND WATERFORD TOWNSHIPS
THE NAME "NOVI"-THE COLONY OF I825-26-NOVI CORNERS, OR NOVI
-WATERFORD TOWNSHIP AND ITS LAKES-COMING OF THE WILLIAMS' FAMILIES-WATERFORD VILLAGE FOUNDED-SCHOOLS AND
CHURCHES-WATERFORD OF TODAY —DRAYTON PLAINS-OLD CLINTONVILLE.                                            482
CHAPTER XXXVIII
TROY AND OAKLAND
THE TROWBRIDGE FAMILY OF TROY TOWNSHIP-JOHNSON NILES AND
TROY-BIG BEAVER AND CLAWSON-UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OF TROY-OAKLAND TOWNSHIP IN GENERAL-GOODISON'S.      487




xiv                     CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXXIX
SOUTHFIELD, GROVELAND AND WHITE LAKE
SOUTHFIELD TOWNSHIP'S FIRST SETTLERS-FRANKLIN AND SOUTHFIELD-GROVELAND TOWNSHIP-GROVELAND AND AUSTIN-ALMOST
A RAILROAD-WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP-OXBOW AND WHITE LAKE.
491




INDEX


Abbott, James, 33.
Abernathy, Thomas, 443.
Academies, 228.
Academic   building, Polish  Seminary,
Orchard lake, (view), 480.
Adams, Isaac, 406.
Adams, William   W., 760.
Addison township-Mention, 194, 195,
198, 199, 200, 206; lakes, 461; Lakeville's early promise, 461; township
organization and district schools, 462;
village of Leonard, 463.
Aderholdt, Henry A., 727.
African M. E. church, 358.
Agriculture, 7, 23.
Aitcheson, William, 255.
Albertson, (Mrs.) William, 268.
Albright, Egbert F., 109.
Alexander, George W., 660.
Alger, Charles A., 432.
Alger, Ira C., 393.
Alger, Josiah, 253.
Alger, R. A., 282.
Algonquins, 23.
Algor, William, 465.
Allen, Case J., 399.
Allen, Charles A., 432, 433.
Allen, Horace E., 552.
Allen, Ira, 392.
Allen, Jeremiah, 287.
Allen, Jonathan T., 389, 392.
Allen, Luther D., 664.
Allen, Moses, 29, 31.
Allen, Orison, 29, 212, 287.
Allen, Robert G.. 699.
Allen, Sterling W.. 251.
Allison, Edwin V., 676.
Allison, Henry E., 367.
Allopathic physicians (1837-I866), 254.
All Saints Episcopal church, 356.
Allyn, A. F., 460.
Alvord, Russell, 450.
Alvord, Thaddeus, 210.
American Savings Bank of Pontiac, 245.
Amy, 290.
Anderson, James W., 258, 8I7.
Anderson, John, 287.
Anderson. William, 852.
Andres, John, 437.


Andrews, Amasa, 321.
Andrews, Harry C., 120.
Andrews, Thaddeus, 458.
Annice, Isaac, 425.
Applegate, David, 423.
Apple Island (see Me-nah-sa-gor-ning).
Apple Island, Orchard Lake (view), 22.
Armstrong, John L., 445.
Armstrong, Stephen, 445.
Arnold, Ami, 748.
Arnold, Jerome F., 707.
Arnold, J. M., 435.
Arthur, Frank, 359.
Assembly island, 4.
Assessments, 193, I98.
Auburn, 69.
Auburn Academy, 228.
Auburn village (Amy), 290.
Austin, Darius, 392.
Austin, H-andy, 393.
Austin, Hiranm  393.
Austin, John B., 310, 619.
Austin, Nellie, 392.
Austin Corners, 493.
Automobile industry of Pontiac, 327;
Oakland Motor Car Company, 328;
General Motors Truck Company, 329;
The Flanders Plants, 329; the Cartercar  Company, 330; Monroe      Body
Company, 331; the Beaudett Body
Works, 33I.
Avery, Aaron B., 833.
Avery, Lillian  (Drake), 72, 97, IOI,
26I, 266.
Avon Riflemen, 273.
Avon township-Mention, 33, 194, 195,
198, I99, 200, 206; James Graham,
original settler, 401; the Hersey-Russell-Graham combine, 402; memories
of the old Hersey mill, 403; mill
stones from boulders, 404; Stony
Creek village, 404; Rochester platted
(1826), 405; pioneers outside of Rochester. 406; first corporation officers,
406; Rochester industries, 408; the
Western Knitting Mills, 408; creamery and flouring mill, 409; the schools,
409; Rochester Union school, 409;
water works and fire protection, 411;


XV






xvi


INDEX


electric light and power, 412; Rochester newspapers, 412; churches,
412; Rochester societies, 414; biological farm, Parkdale, 416; Ferry seed
farm, 417.
Avon township hall (view), 402.
Axford, Morgan, 419.
Axford, Samuel, 418, 419.
Axford, William  M., 420.
Babcock, Floyd B., 746.
Babcock, Henry S., 194, 218.
Bachelder, Frank S., 256.
Backer, Peter E., 582.
Backus, Standish, 328.
Bacon, Levi, Jr., 312, 315.
Bagg, M. La Mont, 120, 245, 295, 312.
Bagley, Amasa, 117, II8, 121, 122, I62,
291, 295, 362, 374.
Bagley, (Bloomfield Center), 374.
Bagley school, 338.
Bagnell, Gilbert, 453.
Bailey, Roy E., 884.
Baker, Calvin, 484.
Baker, Charles, 766.
Baker, Francis, 212.
Baker, George J., 247.
Baker, Norman L., 257.
Baker, Wilson W., 631.
Bald mountain, 9, 443.
Baldwin, Augustus C., 102, 123, 133, I6I,
180, 181, 221, 312.
Baldwin, Benedict, 30.
Baldwin, Edwin, 372.
Baldwin, (Mrs.) Edwin, 268.
Baldwin, Ezra, 33.
Baldwin, J., 33.
Baldwin, Martha, 259, 269, 270, 592.
Baldwin, Nathaniel, 33, 74, 96.
Baldwin, Sherman, 429.
Baldwin school, 38.
Ball, Hiram, 465.
Ball, Horatio, 40.
Bancker, James, 96.
Bank of Auburn, 243.
Bank of Oakland, 243.
Bank of Pontiac, 242.
Banks and Banking-Oakland county's
first bank, 242; the "wild-cat" banks,
243; one "safety fund" bank, 243; national banks in the county, 243; the
state banks, 244; Pontiac Savings
Bank. 245; the Oakland County Savings Bank, 245; the American Savings Bank. 245; First Commercial
Bank of Pontiac, 245; First State
Savings  Bank, Birmingham,     246;
Farmington   Exchange  Bank, 246;
Rochester Savings Bank, 246; Holly
Savings Bank, 246; Farmer's State
Bank of Oxford. 247; Royal Oak Savings Bank, 246; the Orion State Bank,
247; State Savings Bank of South
Lyon, 248.
Bar of Oakland county-Daniel LeRoy,
126; William F. Mosley, 127; Thomas
J. Drake, 127; Origen D. Richardson,


128; Gideon O. Whittemore, 128;
Robert P. Eldredge, 128; Seth A. L.
Warner, 129; William Draper, 129;
Randolph   Manning,    129;  Charles
Draper, 130; Rufus Hosmer, 130;
George W. Wisner, 131; Alfred H.
Hanscom, 131; Governor Moses Wisner, 132; Hon. Augustus Carpenter
Baldwin, 133; John S. Goodrich, 137;
Levi B. Taft, 137; Hester L. Stevens,
138; Michael E. Crofoot, 138; Henry
M. Look, 138; Mark S. Brewer, 139;
Thomas L. Patterson, 140; Joseph Edward Sawyer, I42; George W. Smith,
145; Robert J. Lounsbury, 145; Aaron
Perry, 148; Daniel L. Davis, I50;
Kleber P. Rockwell, 151; Arthur R.
Tripp, 152; Elmer R. Webster, 152;
John H. Patterson, 153; James H.
Lynch, 154; Andrew   L. Moore, 155:;
Peter B. Bromley, 156; F. L. Covert,
I57.
Barber, Theron W., 292.
Barkham   (S. W.) & Son, 409.
Barkworth, Thomas E., 204.
Barnes, Clayton C., 740.
Barnes, Hiram, 444.
Barnes, Samuel, 415.
Barnet, Frank, 348.
Barrett, F. J., 598.
Barrett, Edith L., 270, 599.
Barritt, Hiram, 218.
Bartles, Herman, 432.
Bartlett, Orson, 321.
Barus, Henry, 284.
Barwise, Isaac, 599.
Bateman, James W., 124.
Bauer, M. A., 369.
Baum, John, 432, 433.
Beach, Elisha, 237.
Beach, Lewis C., 790.
Beach, S. E., 245, 273, 295, 328, 333.
Beaman, Samuel, 362.
Beardslee, Aaron, 468.
Beardslee, E. C., 212.
Beardslee, George E., I25.
Beardslee, Henry C., 614.
Beardslee, John W., 466, 467.
Beardslee, Townsend, 467.
Beardslee, T. C., 274.
Beardsley, Clark, I0I.
Beaudett Body Works, 33I.
Beaudett, Oliver J., 331.
Beckwith, Mabel T., 5o6.
Beebe, Hosea D., 821.
Beech, Michael, 33.
Beeckman, (Mrs.) Mart, Io9.
Belding, Friend, 211, 212.
Belding, Ransom R., I73.
Belford, Henry, 392.
Belford, Hugh, 392.
Belford, Joseph, 392.
Bell, Thomas A., 57I.
Bellaire, Alexander R., 577.
Belmore beach (Lake Whittlesey), I6.
Bench   of   Oakland   county-County
courts and judges, 117; probate courts




INDEX


xvii


and judges, I 8; circuit courts and
judges, 120; prosecuting   attorneys,
123; the court of chancery, 123; circuit court commissioners, 124.
Bench and bar (reminiscences), I58-I87.
Benjamin, Colonel E., 830.
Benjamin, John, 439, 830.
Benjamin, Terrel. I94.
Bennie, J. W., 258.
Benson, (Mrs.) Catherine, 102.
Benson, John H., Io2.
Bent, Samuel, 352, 354.
Benton, John, 216.
B. P. 0. E. Lodge No. io, Pontiac,
370.
Berry, Bertha, 264.
Bettes, Ambro, 412.
Betzing, Peter, 368.
Big Beaver, 488.
Bigler, Jacob, 440.
Bigler, Philip, 440.
Bingham, Charles A., 5oi.
Bingham, George, 819.
Biological Farm, Parkdale, 416.
Bird, Eli, 247.
Bird, J. T., 257.
Birge, Henry, 324.
Birmingham-Mention, 200, 202; first
settlement on site of, 373; village plats,
374; (see also Bloomfield township,
381-387, and Piety Hill).
Birmingham Baptist church, 385.
Birmingham Lodge No. 44, A. F. &
A. M., 386.
Birmingham M. E. church, 385.
Birmingham Presbyterian church, 385.
Birmingham societies, 386.
Birmingham United   Presbyterian
church, 489.
Birney, Daniel, 413.
Bishop, Hooper, 90.
Bishop. Julian, 474.
Bissell, Edward J., 124.
Black, John C.. 258.
Black Hawk war, 48.
Blackwood, Joseph, 451.
Blair, Maurice R., 438, 814.
Blair, Nellie, 438, 8i5.
Blakeslee, Elmer E.. 125, I40.
Blanchard, Charles E., 349.
Blanchard. John, 93.
Blodgett, Herbert S., 548.
Bloomfield township-Mention, 36, 38,
190, I98, I99, 200, 206; physical features, 371; a good many dead Indians,
372; first land entry. 372; formative
township period, 372; three competing taverns, 373; mills and stores outside of Birmingham, 373; Bloomfield
Center,  374;   Birmingham    village
plats, 374; old times at Piety Hill,
375; village of Birmingham, 381; reincorporated, 381; public works, 383;
soldiers' monument, 384; Birmingham
churches, 375; secret and fraternal
societies, 386.
Board of county commissioners, 193.


Board of supervisors, I93.
Bodine, John, 383.
Bogie, George, 569.
Bond, Fred M., I25.
Book, James B., 330.
Bostwick, Lafayette, 650.
Boughner, Charles B., 668.
Boughton, Lyman, 194, 462.
Bowman, Joseph R., 124, 295.
Boyle, Dennis, 597.
Brace, Chauncey, 528.
Brace, Harry R., 433
Bradford, Andrew, 212.
Bradley, F., 212.
Bradley, Morton L., 715.
Braid, Edward, 512.
Brakeman, Isaiah, 34I.
Brandon   township-Mention, 36, 194,
195, I98, 199. 200, 207; its pioneer
settlers, 463; village  of Oakwood,
464; township organization, 464; village of Ortonville, 464.
Brannack, A. L., 256.
Brewer, John J., 246.
Brewer, Louise P., 261, 543.
Brewer, Mark S., 124, I39, 541.
Brewster, William A., 212, 312.
Brey, Helen, 269.
Bridges, 293.
Bristol, William A., 820.
Brodhead, Thornton F., 273, 282.
Bromley, Peter B., 125, 140, I56, 304,
310, 64I.
Bromley, (Mrs.) Peter B., 261.
Brondige, George F., 687.
Brondige, John E., I40.
Brondidge, John F., 309.
Bronson, Daniel, 33, II7, 118, 162.
Bronson, Henry 0., 272, 429.
Brooks, Eugene, 244.
Brooks, Joseph, 818.
Broughton, Herbert J., 6I2.
Brown, Arza, 343.
Brown, Avery, 419.
Brown, Benjamin, 483.
Brown, George A., 315.
Brown, Hugh, 337.
Brown, John B., 538.
Brown, Mills S., 788.
Brown, Vincent, 444, 743.
Brown, Willard M., 687.
Brown, William, 386.
Bruder, Charles, 636.
Buchanan, Alexander, 322.
Buchanan, James G., 315.
Buck, F. P., 337.
Buckhorn, (Rose), 477.
Buckland. Don Carlos, 315.
Buckland, (Mrs.) D. C., 265.
Buckland Memorial Chapel (view), 314.
Buckley, Jennie, 680.
Buckley, Pierre, 679.
Buhaczkowski, Witold, 481.
Bulson. Benjamin, 94.
Burbank, William, 33, 405, 409.
Burgess. Joseph, 433.
Burns, Edward, 626.




xviii


INDEX


Burr, C. B., 317.
Burr, C. D., 255.
Burt, Jamies K., 747.
Busch, Marsden C., 5I0.
Butler, Arthur M., 855.
Butler, Samuel A., 256.
Button, Francis M., 584.
Button, John H., 212, 460.
Butts, Philip E., 415.
Buzzard, Jacob, 558.
Cadle, Richard F., 356, 357.
Cady, Elias, 87.
Calkins, Eleazur E., 449, 451.
Calkins, S., 413.
Callow, James E., 845.
Campbell, A. C., 432.
Campbell,   Albert W., 620.
Campbell, J. F., 892.
Campbell, J. L., 257.
Campbell, J. W., 891.
Campbell, John L., 617.
Campbell, Josephine, 387.
Canandaigua City (Orion), 443.
Cannon, John, 425.
Canton Pontiac No. 3, I. O. F.., 368.
Carpenter, Ezra, 324.
Carpenter, Ira, 247.
Carpenter, William A., 665.
Carpenter (Samuel) farm, 449.
Carr, Caleb, 89.
Carr, W. H., 257.
Carroll, Frank H., 245, 312, 356, 367,
370.
Carter, Byron J., 330.
Carter, Henry, 630.
Cartercar Company, 330.
Carver, Jerome E., 786.
Cass, Lewis, 215, 235, 428.
Cass lake, 2, 3.
Cassels, Robert, 838.
Castell, D. G., 256, 310.
Caswell, George W., 140.
Castle, Lemuel, 3I, 193.
Central M. E. church, Pontiac, 345.
Central school, Pontiac, 338.
Challis, John, 587.
Chamberlain, Addison, 46I, 462.
Chamberlain, John, 252.
Chamberlain, Olmstead, 251, 292, 315,
320.
Chamberlain, Joshua, 80, 96.
Chamberlin, L. E., 734.
Champion Manufacturing Company, 330.
Chapel, Calvin, 273, 415.
Chapel, Charles W., 462.
Chapman, C. S., 244, 408.
Chapman, E. A., 257.
Chapman, Harvey S., 245, 256, 312.
Chapman, (Mrs.) H. S., 263, 264.
Chapman, Joseph B., 256, 257.
Chapman, William C., 246, 409.
Charter, Elmer 0., 530.
Chase, Bela, 449.
Chase, David, 218.
Chase, Jonathan, 218.
Chase, Joseph, 431.


Chase, J. B., 334.
Chase's Corners, 43I, 434.
Chattuck, (Mrs.) Maud, 261, 268.
Cheal, William, 873.
Chipman, Cyrus A., 33, 252.
Chipman, Henry, 122, 159.
Chipman, H. L., 284.
Chippewas, 24.
Christian, E. A., 256, 317.
Christian, (Mrs.) E. A., 261, 263, 264.
Christian church (see Church of Christ).
Chubb, L. D., 566.
Church, Judah, 35, 362, 440, 443.
Church, R. C., 334.
Churchill, William, 275.
Church of Christ, Oxford, 422.
Circuit court commissioners, 124.
Circuit courts, 112, 113, 114, 120.
Circuit judges, 112, 114, 122.
Citizens' Saving Bank of Holly, 246.
Civil affairs of the county-First official
act, I89; county seat fixed, T9o; original  two   townships,  I90;  present
boundaries established, 190; Oakland
county under the territory, 19[; territorial legislative council, 191; legislation affecting township and county,
192; township government established,
192; first supervisors' meeting, 193;
county commissioners and supervisors, 193; some early assessments, I93;
circle of townships completed, I95;
roster of county officials, I95; assessments and taxes, I98; population for
ninety years, 200; incorporated municipalities, 202; the county courthouses,
202; present courthouse, 209; the Oakland County Home, 210.
Civil war (see War of the Rebellion).
Clack, Jonathan J., 752.
Clarenceville, 460.
Clark, Aggie, 451.
Clark, Elijah B., 36, 440.
Clark, Jeremiah, 84, 96, 123, 194, 468,
47I.
Clark, Lawrence C., 672.
Clark, Mary J. W., 97.
Clark, Ogden, 119, I9I.
Clark, Rollin W., 310.
Clark, Wilson W., 468.
Clarkston, 467, 468.
Clarkston mills, 324.
Clarkston roller mills, 468.
Clarkston village, 201, 202.
Clawson, 489.
Clayberg, G. M., 337.
Cleary, (Mrs.) Sybil B., 204.
Clements, Samuel, 345.
Clemons, John, 423.
Clifford. William A., 278.
Climate, I.
Clinton Canal Bank, 243.
Clinton river, 2, 467, 478, 484.
Clinton river improvement, 216, 236.
Clinton River Navigation Company, 6,
216. 236.
Clintonville, 486.




INDEXxi


xix


Cloonan, S. J., 323.
Close, Solomon, 184, 326.
Clough, A. B., 475.
Clyde, 473.
Clyde M. E. church, 475.
Coates, Joseph, 218.
Cobb, James W., 593.
Cobb, Thomas H., 246.
Colby, Eastman, 34.
Cole, Henlry S., 129.
Cole, WV. L.-, 25 7.
Coleman, H-arry, 313, 644.
Coleman, Ann.L., 26i, 263, 264, 646.
Coleman, JaInes, 30.
Colemnan, J. DowN'd, 312.
Colemiani, Spencer, 11 7.
Coleman, Zena, 413.
Collier, TIheodore A., 868.
Collins, George C., 522.
Collins, George WV., 453.
Colvin, Hiomer H-., 140, 309, 312.
Colvin, N. B., 257.
Commerce townshiip-M~ention, i95, 198,
199, 201, 207; lakes and streams, 469;
first settlers at Commerce and Walled
Lake, 469; Commerce and Walled
Lake of today, 470; township organization  and  first  postoffices, 470;
Wi'xom, 470.
Commi-erce Village, 470.
Commi-ission government, 309.
Common1 council, 293.
Company E, Third Michigan Infantry,:285D.
Comjpaniy A, Fifteenth Regiment, U. S.
I., 273.
Comstock, E.., 352.
Comistock, E. B., 295.
Comstock, Solon B., 184.
Conant, Shubael, 44.
Conec, William. 212.
Congdon, E. H., 425).
Connor, Henry, 461.
Converse, F.E, 337.Cook, Egbert W., 179.
Cook, Elijah F., 216, 218.
Cook, Fred L., 549.
Cook, John 1)., 302.
Copeland], John T., 282.
Copeland, Joseph T., 123.
Copeman, Charles W., 563.
Corbin, Johnson A., 229, 337.
Coroners, 197.
Corporations, 217.
Corwin, George B., 875.
Council No. 600, Pontiac K. C., 369.
(County clerks, 195.
Couinty courts. TTT1, 1T7.
County jail (viewv). 208.
County officials, 195.
County Pioneer Society   (see Oakland
County Pioneer Society).
County seat, 190. 289.
County school commissioner, 229.
County school system-Basis of public
school system. 227; Central University


and branches, 228; first academies in
Oakland County, 228; heads of the
county system, 228; remains a "perpetual fund," 229; duties of the
teachers of today, 229; standings required, 230; district libraries, 230;
high  school scholars, 23I    district
schopls of the county, 231; present
status of schools, 232.
County superintendents of schools, 228.
County surveyors, 197.
County treasurers, 196.
Court of Chancery, 123.
Court house of i857-8 (view),:205.
Court houses, 183, 202.
Court Pride of the Oak No. 24, F. of
A., 438.
Covert, Frank L., 123, 125. 140, 157.
Cowdin, George D)., 532.
Cowvdin, Roy B., 575.
Cowles, Sylvester D., 278, 279.
Cox, B3yron L., 63/7.
Craft, A. L., 415.
Craft, (Mrs.) A. L., 261.
Craft, Ahraham L., 229, 621.
Crawford, Alfred, 120.
Crawford, John E., 886.
Crawyford, Julia, 448.
Crofoot, MNichael C. i8i.
Crofoot, Michael I. T20, 123, 138, 158,
Crofoot scllool, 338.
Crooks, J. C. K. 381.
Crooks, Wilhlim111 273.
Crooks, \Villinni K. 218.
Crosby, Arza C. 471.
Cross, Aaron II1 678.
Cudworth, A. B. ISI 312.
Cudworth, AgneS, 266.
Cudworth, Apollos, 483.
Cumuliugs, C, J. 246
Cummiugs, George, 872.
Ctinnien, Patrick, 393.
Currey, Daniel R. 140.
Ctirrin, John, Jr. 827.
Curtis, F., 254.
Curtis, Jeremai111 473.
Curtis, Nahani, 473.
Curtis, Thomas, 124, 2T8.
Cuthbert, James, '04.
Cutting, Frank D., 769.
Dahlmnaun, Frank, 878.
Dahlulaun, Theodore, 756.
Damnes, George E., 383, 594.
IDandison, Frederick, 841.
Danes, (-Mrs.) John, 393.
Daniels, Francis, 278.
IDaniels, John, 491.
Danielson, Daniel, 476.
Darrauigh, -Archibald, 190.
Daughters of the American Revolutioli, 95. 97.
Darrow, Francis, 212, 292.
Davidson, I. F., 423.
Davis & Company, 416.
Davis, (Mrs.) Arthur, 26i, 264.




XX


INDEX


Davis, Cornelius, 472.
Davis, Daniel L., 140, I50, 202.
Davis, George, 447.
Davis, James H., 472.
Davis, James S., 659.
Davis, John C., 472.
Davis, John H., 362.
Davis, Joseph P., 691.
Davis, Joshua, Jr., 362.
Davis, Martin, 364.
Davis, Phineas, 473.
Davis, R. W,, 295.
Davis, Richard P., 842.
Davis, Robert M., 212.
Davis, Robert W., 312.
Davis, Sarah G., 97.
Davis, William 0., 557.
Davison, Norman, 218.
Dawson. Charles, 312, 322.
Dawson's mills, 322.
Day, John C., 244.
Dean, Adam, 451.
Dean, Julius, 294, 295.
Dean, Ralph B., 337.
Dean & Hovey, 327.
Decker, Alanson, 419.
Decker, Jesse, 36, 44, 415, 440.
Decker's settlement, 440.
De Cou. C. A., 257.
DeCue, John, 393.
DeCue, Samuel, 393.
Deer lake. 5.
DeLano, Edwin E., 555.
Deming, Elbridge G., 35, 419.
Deming, H. S., 258.
"Democratic Balance," 312.
Dennison, Avery, 435.
Denton, Solomon W., 315.
Derragon, Eugene, 609.
Detroit & Bay City Railroad, 4, 238,
408, 420, 490.
Detroit &  Milwaukee   Railway   Company, 238, 447, 472.
Detroit & Pacific Railroad, 431.
Detroit & Pontiac electric road, 6.
Detroit & Pontiac Railroad, 6, 6o, 216,
237.
Detroit & Pontiac turnpike, 235.
Detroit & Northwestern Railway Company, 239.
Detroit & Saginaw turnpike, 390.
Detroit, Grand   Haven  &   Milwaukee
Railway, 239.
Detroit United Railway, 239.
Detroit United Railway car barns, 457.
Detroit Creamery Company, 452.
Dewey, A. L., 263.
Dewey, (Mrs.) A. J., 109.
Dewey, Auburn W., 56I.
Dewey, Dick, 310. 66I.
Dewey, J., 30.
Dewey, James S., I80.
Dewey, Joseph S., 123.
Dewill, A. D., 422.
Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., 369.
Dickinson, Geo. W., 221, 367.
Dingman, Harry H., 877.


District courts, III.
District libraries, 230.
District schools, 231.
Dobat, August F., 867.
Dobat, Daniel, 866.
Dodge, Harvey, I94.
Dole, Sidney, 162, 191, 221.
Donation Chapel (Amy), 340.
Dondero, George A., I40, 433, 70I.
Donaldson, Altramont, 93.
Donaldson, Arza B., I02, 343.
Donaldson, Joseph M., 649.
Donaldson, J. N., 254.
Donelson, Ira, 212, 34I, 343, 344, 398.
Donovan, John, 472.
Dort, David, 405.
Doty, Frank L., 140.
Doty, Harry L., 515.
Dow, Geo., 212.
Dow, James, 479.
Drahner, William, 507.
Drake, Elijah, 80, 96.
Drake, George H., 255, 256, 257.
Drake, Morgan L., 124, I67, I8I.
Drake, Thomas J., 29, 82, IoI, 123, I27,
164, I8I, I88, 216, 221, 272.
Draper, Albert, 32I.
Draper. Charles, I23, I70, i81.
Draper, William, 129, 167, 181, 237,
243.
Drayton Plains, 486.
Drayton Plains fish hatchery, 484.
Drift, I.
Dunlap, Lewis L., 486.
Dunlap, L. R., 328.
Dunlap,. Monroe G., 554.
Dunlap, Robert, 451, 452.
Dunlap Vehicle Company, 328.
Durant, W. C., 328.
Durfee, Austin, 486.
Durfee, Harvey, 486.
Durkee, Lillian D., 395.
Durr, George E., 444.
Dutcher, William, I94.
Dwight, Alfred A., 450.
Earle, Chauncey, 254.
Earle, Lee, 247.
Early industries, 324, 373, 374, 403, 408,
425, 445, 452, 453.
Early taverns, 373.
Eaton, W. M., 315.
Eccleston, J. B., 328.
Eddy, Joseph, 483.
Educational fund, 217, 229.
Educational history-Early schools, 67;
Pontiac   schools,  333;   Rochester
schools, 409; Royal Oak schools, 434;
Oxford schools, 422; Farmington
schools,  458;  Early  Independence
township schools, 468.
Edwards, Abraham, 190.
Eighth Michigan Cavalry, 282.
Eighth Michigan Infantry, 278.
Eilett, Jacob, 484.
Eldredge, Charles M., 118, 365.
Eldredge, Robert P., 128, I65.




INDEX


xxi


Elevations, I8.
Elizabeth lake, 2, 484.
Ellenwood, John, 218, 479, 767.
Ellerly, Edward, 479.
Elliott, Harry S., 229.
Elliott, Henry J., 322.
Elliott, Marcus D., 284.
Elliott, N. K., 465.
Elliott, W. G., 254.
Ellis, Charles D., 399.
Elmore, John, 483.
Elwell, Peleg, 415.
Elwood, B. F., 245.
Ely, Charles H., 807.
Emery, John C., 253, 482.
Emery, Josiah, 680.
Emmendorfer, F. A., 328.
Emmendorfer, J. William, 872.
Emmons, E. R., 4.
Eureka mills, 408.
Eveland, (Mrs.) Ida, 367.
Everett, Orion H., 822.
Everts, Caleb, 777.
Everts, William T., 778.
Fagan, Edwin, 393.
Fagan, John, 393.
Fagan, (Mrs.) John, 392.
Fagan, Peter, 393.
Fagan, Terrence, 389, 392.
Fagan, Thomas H., 393, 775.
Fagan, William, 392, 393.
Fairbank's Corners, 373.
Fairbanks, Joseph, 31.
Farmer, Edward R., 59I.
Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank, 243.
Farmers' Bank of Oakland, 243.
Farmers' State Bank of Oxford, 247.
Farmington, 340.
Farmington Baptist church, 459.
"Farmington Enterprise," 457.
Farmington Exchange Bank, 246.
Farmington Lodge No. 15, A. F. & A.
M., 460.
Farmington Methodist church, 459.
Farmington township-Mention, 34, 198,
199, 20o, 207; the Power colony founds
Quakertown (Farmington), 452; other
pioneers of the township, 453; Dr.
Webb adds distinction, 453; first mills,
453; recollections of P. Dean Warner, 454; village of Farmington, 457;
Farmington schools, 458; the churches,
459; the Masonic lodge, 460; Clarenceville and North Farmington, 460.
Farmington village  201, 202, 457-460
(see Farmington township).
Farnham, L. A., 257.
Farnsworth, Elon, 124.
Fawcett, George, 449.
Fay, Ernest H., 309.
Feir, John M., I25.
Felshaw, C. P., 257.
Ferguson, Erastus, 429.
Ferguson, Robert Y., 333.
Ferguson. R. Y., 257.


Ferndale, 439.
Ferry seed farm, 417.
Fifteenth Michigan  Infaittry, 280.
Fifth  Michigan  Infantry   ("Fighting
Fifth"), 277
Finn, Silas, 436.
Fire of I840, 293.
Fire department, 294.
First Baptist church, Pontiac, 347.
First car into Rochester (view), 241.
First Commercial Bank of Pontiac, 245.
First Congregational church, Pontiac,
352, 353.
First court in Oakland county, 118.
First court houses, 289.
First land entries, 31.
First legal case recorded, 118.
First M. E. church, Pontiac, 34I.
First Michigan Infantry, 275.
First Michigan railway chartered, 237.
First National Bank of Birmingham,
244.
First National Bank of Holly, 244.
First National Bank of Pontiac, 243.
First National Bank of Rochester, 244.
First Oakland county highway, 234.
First official act, I89.
First Presbyterian church, Pontiac, 349.
First settlers and land owners-Great
set-back to settlement, 27; Oakland
county's first settlers, 29; the Mack
colony of Pontiac, 29; "Uncle Ben"
Woodworth, 30; first surveys, 30; locations under the "two dollar" act, 31;
the "ten shilling" act. 32; great event
for the pioneer land owner, 32; town
of Pontiac settled, 32; Avon and
White   lake,  33;  Springfield  and
Groveland, 34; Farmington and West
Bloomfield, 34; Waterford and Independence, 35; Orion and Oxford, 35;
Royal Oak and Troy, 35; Brandon,
Southfield and Bloomfield, 36.
First State Savings Bank of Birmingham, 246.
First State  Savings  Bank  of Holly,
244, 246.
First supervisors' meeting, I93.
First surveys, 30.
First things and events, 389.
Fish, Elijah S., 375, 376, 377, 385.
Fish, Fannie E., 375.
Fisher, Arthur W., 847.
Fisher, Charles A., 284.
Fisher, Matilda,' 416.
Fisher, W. J., 3I0.
Fitch, Ferris S., 3I5, 337.
Fitzgerald, Josiah, 45I.
Flanders Manufacturing Company, 329.
Flanders, Walter E., 329, 330.
Fletcher, William A., 112, I2I, 122, 159.
Flinn, Thomas, 429.
Flint & Pere Marquette Railway, 238,
447.
Flint River Baptist Association, 424.
Florence Avenue school, 338.
Flower, Andrew, 366.




xxii


xxii                INDEX


Flower, Theron A., 245, 312, 366.
Flurnerfelt, George M., 6oo.
Flurnerfelt, John H., 742.
Flumerfelt, Joseph Ml., 568.
Foley, E. J., 369.
Ford, Frank, 383.
Foote, Orange, 273.
Foote, Thaddeus, 283.
lordl, Frank, 246.
Form-ian, Samuel G., 613.
Foster, Charles T., 784.
Foster, John P., 301, 367.
Fosdick, Edward, 654.
Fourteenth Mlichigan Infantry, 279.
Fox, C. J., 301.
Fox, T. 13., 412.
Fox, Thomas, 341, 344.
F ox, Truman, 447.
Fox, 'W. A.-, 412.
Fox, William, 41I, 604.
Fox, Willoughby A., 757.
Francis hrothers, 420.
Fiank, Lucitus L., 837.
Ftranklin, 491.
Frasi, (. S. 336,'337.
Frase, W. J. 415.
Frcdenbui oh Judson A., 125', 140, 629..French, C harles WV., 245.
Frink, Millardi L., 574.
Frishec, Phil S., 212.
Fuller, Ann, 47I.
Fuller, Asahel, 292, 47I.
Fuller, Burdick J., 685.
Fuller, C. IT., 247.
Fuller, E. C., 2 1)55.
Fuller, Luman, 447.
Fuller, William H., 421.
Fulton, James, 190, 286.
Gage, David, 477.
Gage, Stephen Al., 728.
Gage, WXilliaim, 389, 392.
Gadhraith, Frank B.,:254, 256, 274, 3T2.
Galhr ith. Stuart F., 2-57, 646.
Gallowav, George, 479.
Gallowiixay J. B., 30.
Gadlowa y. Tames D3., 30.
Galushia Lloii, 347.
GamewXl ll Fiire Alarm  Telegraph Cornpany, 304.
Gardner, Elisha, 287.
Gardner, Ephirairn S., 31.
Gardner, Ezra, 553.
Gardner, Harry 5., 511.
Gardiier, Thoma-s, 341, 344.
Garfield, Orrin, 453.
Garling, John, 739.
Garner, Andrew A., 6.58.
Garner, David Al., 694.
Garner. Isa B., 696.
Garner, James', 794.
Garner, Iohn C., 476.
Garner, Levi M., 280.
Garner, 'F'. C., 337.
Gaskill, Silas B., 123, 179, 18o.
Gass, William S., 257.


Gas works, 294.
Gates, A. G., 412.
Gates, Parley W. C., 218.
Geer, Harrison, 179.
General Motors Truck Company, 329.
General Richardson Chapter, D. A. R,
72, 9j6.
"Genesee Herald," 312.
George, Helmer, 682.
Gerls, Frank, 257.
Gerls, Thomas, 315.
Germa in, Georoge'S., 426.
German., Emanuel N., 520.
German, F. D., 2,58.
German, Frank P., 6o8.
Gihhs, Adrian A., 773.
Gihson, L. E., 257.
Gilboe, George, 703.
Giles, S. H., 369.
Gillespie, Glenn C., 140.
Gilleit, Edmund, 488.
Glaciers, 1:2
Glaspie, Andrew B., 425, 756.
Glaspie, Andrew P., 735.
Glaspie, Charles H., 576.
Glaspie, Rohert IH., 762.
Glass, D. H., 346.
Glines, George WV., 787.
Goddard, Josiah, 434.
Goig-, (M~rs.) Charles, 261, 264. 265.
Goodell, George F., 88o.
Goodison, Eda, 416.
Goodison, XWilliam, 490.
Goodison's, 489.
G;oodnman, E. W., 349.
cGoodmain, Stepheii, 435.
Goodrich, Chester, 46.
Goodrich, Elizur, 290.
Goodrich, John 5., 137.
Gordon, Nathaniel J., 785._
Gouild, John, 4.83.
(;race, Benj'amini, 81, 9)6.
Grade certificates. 230.
Grahami, Alexander, 27, 29, 33, 73, 402.
(;ralaiam Benjaminl, 29, 73.
Graham, James, 27,:29, 72, 96, 40I, 744.
(;raham, WVilliam WV., 524.
Grand Trunk system, 239.
Granger, Orson E., 576.
"Granny" Al~cCracken, 64.
Grant, Charles. 218.
Graves, Fred R., 336.
Gray, James S., 367.
Gray, Mason W., 249, 255, 256, 2257,
312.
Green, Arthur, 829.
Green, Augustus R., 358.
Green, Champlin. 33.
Greeii, Charles E., 300.
Green, Levi, 86, 96.
Green, ANforris, 392, 393.
Greeii, Samuel, 392.
Green, Sa,.nford M., 123, 175,, I8o, 216.
Greene, Alhert G., 401, 403.
Greenwood Cemetery Association, Birminghami, 269.
Gregory, Eshon, 89.




INDEXxii


xxiii


Griffin, Michael, 591.
Griggs, Charl es K., 76i.
Groesbeck, Charles L., 545.
Groom, (Mrs.) R. WV., 263.
Grosebeck, Charles L., 310.
Gross, Jonah, 47I.
Grosvenor, Ira R., 278.
Groveland College, 493.
Groveland township,- 34, 194, 195, I98, I99,
201, 207, 492, 493.
Grow, Joseph B., 772.
Grow, K. L., 502.
Guile, E. B., ~257.
Guillot, Harry C., 312, 642.
Guillott, H-. C., 2,57.
Guillott, (Mtrs.) tII. C., 26i, 263, 264.
Gullen, G. E., 459.
Hadden, John J., 6o6.
Madden, Marshall L', 751.
Haddrill, Alfred G.. 247.
Hadley, Arthur 0., 793.
Hadley, D. D., 247.
Hadwin, J. T., 426.
Hagerman, Frank, 381.
Hagern-an, Mark, 753.
Hagerman, William S., 86i.
Hale, Frank E., 244.
Hall, J. WV., 65s.
Hall, William, 373.
H1alsey, Edward HI.. 663.
H.-amilton, John, 31, 43, 372, 373.
Hamliu, G. F., 258.
Hamniniod, 1). J., 303, 6-T.
Haniuiond, David. 30.
Hammond, Judsou A., 301.
H-anuon, Williamn, 451.
H1ansardl, Charles', 7/96.
Hansconi, Alfred HT., 123, T31, 171, 218,
221.
1Ha nsen, Niels J., 595.
[larback, C. F., 393.
Hlaubridgc, E. It., 399.
Haro.'i2r Alark E., 599g.
Thularer S. Wilson, 832.
hiarp, 'T  Lafayette. 846.
Hariiic tooton, Cass E., 125.
H-arrin-tou, James, 34, 93.
Harritnton, T. F., 211.
Harris, Edward P., 124, 169, 218.
Harris', Frank, 212.
H-arris, Jamies H., 337.
Harrison, Charles A., 367, 705..Harrison, Elizabeth MU., 706.
Hartsoug-h, Christopher, 27, 29, 402.
Hartwxell, Simeon P., 25.
Hascall, Charles C., 216, 22I.
Haselswerdt. MI. HT., 244.
Hastings (Troy), 488.
Hastiiigs, E. P., 351, 488.
Hawkinson, John, 441.
Hayes, Alfred, 445.
Hazard, James, 30.
Heath, Lucretia D., 655
H-eavener, Josiah, 4321, 433.


Hebbard, W. B., 447.
Hemingway, N., 444.
Hemingway, Needham, 30, 443.
Hemingway, William, I79.
Henderson, W~illiam S., 295.
Hendrickson, Herman G., 386.
Hendryx, James WV., 514.
Ilennessy, T. J., 452.
Herrick, Charles, 393.
Herrick, Nathan, 388, 389, 392.
Herricks, F. B., 452.
Herring'ton, Charles, 465.
Herrington, James, 478.
Hersey, John, 27, 29, 402, 403, 405.
Hersey mill, 403.
H-ersey-Graham-mill, 408.
Hewes, F. WV., 3,36.
Ulewitt, J anre MXI., 7 32.
Hibruer, Herman, Soi.
FtIickev, John, 863.
llickey5 1\1ichael G., 472.
Hickey  Wildham, 472.
Hickory Ridge M. E. church, 475.
thicks, Beniam-iin. 477.
Hi V I-bv  lmnoie, 6i i.
lig~hi oaIii Uist Ml. F". church, 474.
lligh school, Birminlghamn (view), 382.
1Hgi'land  (p~ostoftice), 473.
II ighland township-MXention, 194, 198,
199, 2901, 207; physical features, 472;
fir~t scttleis. 473;1 Highland postoflice -illi station 43village of Clyde,
47 3 Mlethodismi in the township, 474.
11.11, Joshua-t 264.
hill11 (,Irs.) Joshtia. 261, 265.
Ill1.444
1Ihill Step~hen F., 764.
IHilton, S iMiltel, 30.
liltV, P. D., 2,'~8.
[Iiiinman, Williami G., 30.3. 312..Hitchcock, Porter, 334.
H-odgecs, Schuyler, 315.Hlogi e, George. 125, 140.
Hogle, james L., 521.
Iio)lconiuh brothers, 468.
Holcomb, Butler, 467, 468.
Holcombil, E. F., 25-7.
Holden, Eliza, 468.
HJolly, 474.
Hollyv Baptist church, 39,9.
Holly Electric & Power Company, 395.
HollyV libraries, 395.
Holly Mlanutfacturing  Company, 397.
Holly Ml. E. church. 398.
Holly Presbyterian church, 398.
Holly Produce & Milling Company, 395.
Holly Savinlgs Bank, 246.
Holly societies, 399.
"Holly Times," 397.
Holly township-M~ention, 195, 198, I99,
201, 207; drainage and    lakes, 388;
first entry and settlement, 388; other
pioneers of the township, 389; settlers
in 1832-i837, 389; first events, 389;
quaint Alonzo R. Rood, 390; descendants of the pioneers, 392; founding




xxiv


INDEX


of Holly village, 393; village schools,
394; new Union school, 394; township and village libraries, 395; the
waterworks, 395; Holly newspapers,
397; industries, 397; the churches,
398; societies, 399.
Holly village, 20I, 202, 393-400  (see
Holly township).
Holly Wagon Company, 397.
Holmes, Alexander, 31.
Holmes, Charles E., 732.
Holt, J. M., 475.
Homeopathic physicians, 255.
Hoodless, Charles, 438.
Hooker, William W., 757.
Hopkins, Erastus, 494.
Hopkins, Frederick, 494.
Hopkins, Sherman, 461.
Horner, George A., 346.
Horticulture, 7.
Horton, Christian Z., 24, 403.
Horton, George, 74, 96.
Hosmer, Rufus, 130, I68, 295.
Hotchkiss, Calvin, 272, 273, 287.
Hotchkiss, Enoch, 80, 361.
Hotchkiss, H., 416.
Hough, Benjamin, 30.
Hough, H. H., 435.
Hovey, Augustus W., 221.
Hovey, H. W., 212.
Howard, Betsey, 421.
Howard, David S., 3I2.
Howard, H. A., 324.
Howard, H. N., 320, 321, 352.
Howarth, E. B., Jr., 125, I40.
Howlett, Edward V., 256, 257.
Hubbard, Diodate, 429.
Hubbard, Frank W., 426.
Hubble. W. H., 280.
Hubble, William H., 562.
Huff, Alexander G., 464.
Huff, John, 478.
Hulick, Derrick, 91.
Hull, William, 214.
Humphreys, F. W., 315.
Hungerford, Samuel, I94.
Hunt, Henry I., I90.
Hunt, James B., 123, 172, 2I8.
Hunt, James W., 386.
Hunt, John, 120, 122, 174.
Hunter. Daniel, 373, 43I.
Hunter, Elisha, 43, 373.
Hunter, John W., 31, 43, 372, 373.
Hunter, Ledru R., 588.
Hurlburt, Cass, 300.
Hurd, Charles, 228, 335, 337.
Huron river, 445, 478, 469, 493.
Hymers, Elmer E., 140, 309, 472.
Idle, D. D., 346.
Incorporated villages, 202.
Independence Camp No. 3I27, Royal
Neighbors of America, 369.
Independence  township-Mention,   35,
195, I98, 199, 200, 201, 207; Sashabaw plains, 466; water courses, 467;


settlers  at  Clarkston and on the
plains, 467; the primitive schoolhouses,
468; Clarkston up to date, 468.
Indian and primitive record-Orchard
lake and the great chief, Pontiac, 19;
the legend of Me-nah-sa-gor-ning, 21;
primitive tillage and industries, 22;
contact with known tribes, 23; scars
of battle, 24; C. Z. Horton's contributions, 24; Indian camping ground
and cemetery, 24; queer customs, 25;
the passing of We-se-gah, 25.
Indian reservations, 479.
Indians, 25, 372.
Industrial and business Pontiac-Direct
successor of 1820 mill, 320; the
Howard interests, 321; the old Paddack mill, 322; Charles Dawson and
his work, 322; Pontiac City Mills,
322; pioneer machine shops and furniture factories, 322; early breweries,
323; fathers of the "auto" industry,
323; Pontiac and other mills of I852,
323; Pontiac's early business men,
325; automobile industry of Pontiac,
327; Oakland Motor Car Company,
328; General Motors Truck Company,
329; the Flanders plants, 329; the
Cartercar  Company,   330; Monroe
Body Company, 331; the Beaudett
Body Works, 331; Slater Construction Company, 331; Pontiac Brewery,
331; Pontiac Commercial Association, 332.
Industries (see early industries).
Ingals. Daniel F., 423, 425.
Ingersoll, E. S., 483.
Ingersoll, Erastus, 481, 483.
Ingersoll, George P., 712.
Ingraham, Roswell, 341.
Irish, Benjamin, 479.
Irish,Washington E., 876.
Irwin, Alexander J., 315.
Jackson, E. W., 315.
Jackson, Henry M., 677.
Jackson, Thomas J., 258.
Jackson, Washington, 447.
Jacokes, D. C., 342, 344.
Jacokes, James A., 120, 124, 245.
Jacokes, (Mrs.) J. A., 266.
Jacox, Linus, 467.
Jails, I83.
Jalowski, John, 849.
Jamieson. William, 385.
Jarrett Brothers, 797.
Jarrett, Duke, 797.
Jarrett, James, 797.
Jarvis, Joseph W., 359.
Jarvis, Minnie T., 244.
Jarvis, Robert, 443.
Jenkins, Frank E., I40.
Jenkins, John, 322.
Jenner, G. L., 333, 337.
Jennings, Perry J., 656.
Jennings, Stephen, 460.




INDEX


XXV


Jessup, Jesse, 451.
Jewell, Anne E., 99.
Jewell, Ezra W., 99, I00, 102, I09.
Jobes, Samuel, 399.
John P. Foster No. 2 fire engine, 298.
Johns, Horace, 451.
Johnson, A. J., 309, 312.
Johnson, Fred L., 258, 900.
Johnson, John H., 550.
Johnson, Lyman, 474.
Johnson, Schuyler D., 464.
Johnson, W. J., 4I4.
Johnston, Daniel M., 383.
Johnston, George C., 310, 546.
Jones, Albert D., 544.
Jones, George, 848.
Jones, J. C., 337.
Jones, Samuel, 435.
Jones, Solomon, 91.
Jones, Thomas, 449.
Joslin, A. M., 393.
Joslin, James, 393.
Joslin, John, 393.
Joslyn, George B., 423.
Jossman, Esidor, 862.
"Journal of the Oakland Medical Society," 256.
Judd, D. M., 212.
Judd, J. K., 310.
Judd, Samuel A., 277.
Judges (see bench).
Judiciary-Territorial supreme   court,
iio; old district court, III; county
courts, II; change in supreme court,
112; circuit courts and judges, 112;
the "one-horse" court, 112; under the
I850 constitution, I 3; a summary,
114.
Justices of the peace, II5.
Kearsley creek, 463.
Keeling, Relph F., 140.
Kedzie, Robert, 409.
Kedzie, W. Roscoe, 353.
Keller, Frank S., 780.
Keller, Otto, 437.
Kelley, Elbert J., 312.
Kelley, E. A., 369.
Kelsey, M. W., 43.
Kelsey, Sullivan R., 374.
Kemp, Henry, 867.
Kemp, Michael, 33.
Kemp, William H., 883.
Kenaga, Joseph, 528.
Kensar, John, 423.
Kensington, 450.
Kent, Franklin, 578.
Keokuk Canning Company, 452.
Kerr, Charles W., 882.
Kerr, William R., 882.
Kidder. A. D., 433.
Kimball, Charles F., 315.
Kimball, David L., 284, 285, 360.
Kinney, Robert C., 749.
Kinney. William A., 899.
King, Charles, 388.


King, George W., 904.
Kinsman, George 0., I40.
Kline, T. C. V., 247.
Knight, Alvin M., 536.
Knight, Belle D., 537.
Knight, Benjamin, 425.
Knight, Henry C., I72.
Knight, Z. B., 120.
Knights of Columbus, Pontiac, 369.
Knowles, Frank L., 432, 433.
Kraft, F. F., 385.
Kyle, Henry G., 828.
Ladies' Library Association, Birmingham, 385.
Ladies' Library Association of Holly,
270.
Laing, A., 444.
Lake, E. H., 399.
Lake Maumee, 14, I5.
Lake Orion, 4, 443.
Lake Orion Assembly Resort, 5.
Lake Orion Summer Homes Company,
5.
Lakeville, 46I.
Lakeville lake, 5, 461.
Lakes, I, 2, 3, 8, 12, I4, 37I, 388, 420,
441, 46i, 467, 469, 473, 476, 478, 484.
Lake Warren, 17.
Lake Whittlesey, 14, I5, I6, I7.
Lakie, William D., 77I.
Lamb, Caleb, 253, 255.
Lamb, William  H., 765.
Lambertson, J. V., 415.
Lamond, R. D., 253.
Lamoreaux, Fred A., 541.
Land entries, 31, 372, 388, 402, 429, 440,
489.
Land titles, 215.
Landon, Nathan, 94.
Lamed, Charles, 405.
Larzelier, George, 462.
Lathrop, Horace, 30.
Laubley, Joseph, 272.
Laurent & Emmons, 323.
Lawson, Finley 0., 633.
Lawson, Jacob M., 434, 8i5.
Lawyers (see bar).
Le Baron, Alfred F., 787.
Le Baron, Robert, 254, 257.
Lederley, E. J., 435.
Lee, George, 473.
Lee, Martin, 491.
Lee, William, 49I.
LeFavour, Heber, 281.
Legal Tender mills, 322.
Leggett, M. A., 323.
Leggett, Percy S., 275.
Leggett, Samuel M., 2I.
Lehring, Frederick, 393.
Lehring, Henry, 393.
Leonard, 5, 200, 202, 463.
Leonard, John W., 212.
Leonard, Mason N., 383.
LeRoy, Clare J., 140.




xxvi


INDEX


LeRoy, Daniel, 33, 34, II8, 121, I22,
I23, I26, i63, 190, 216, 221, 237, 243,
286, 291, 362, 406, 471.
LeRoy, Edward H., 710.
LeRoy, John P., 295.
LeRoy, Maria, 409.
Lessiter, llOyd J., 567.
Lessiter. Frank H., 741.
Letchfield, Hl., 248.
Lester, William, 29, 287.
Letts, Albert E., 632.
Levamseler, L. J., 433.
Lewis, George, 755.
Lewless, Alexander, 433.
Licenses,:299.
Lillis, Michael F., 125.
Linabury, Joseph, 324.
Linn, Charles MN., 278.
Little creek, 388.
"Little Dick,',S.
Livermore,. John S., 218.
Lockwood, 1). M., 474.
Lockwood, Floyd W., 258.
Lodge, Edward A., 257.
Look, Henry M., 123, 138.
Look,   (M,,rs.) H1. M., I0g.
Loomis, Delos P., 565
Loomis, L. C., 283.
Loomis. Oscar D.,.556
Loop, Jacob, 363, 364.
Losee, J. WV., 257.
Loughman', Eldmund, 437.
Louinsburv, Robert J., 140, 145, 239, 262,
310, 312.
Lovejoy, Charles E., 595.
Lovejov, Earl A., 140.
Luice, George A. C., 121, I0g.
Luidwig, William, 56o.
Lull, Alba A., 2-45, 301, 303, 321.
Lull, AuguLstus A., 5I8.
Lulmb~v L. R., 257.
Luther, L., 35, 429.
Lynclh, James H., 125, 140, 154, 202,
333, 369.
Lyon, G. M., 472.
Lyon First Presbyterian church, 451.
Lyon township-Mention, 194, 195, 198,
199, 200, ~201, 207; first settlers, 449;
New Hudson and Kensington, 4:50;
village of South Lyon, 450; schools
and churches, 451; South Lyon industries, 452.
Lyons, D. B., 248.
Lyons, W. W.,, 247.
Mabley, Thomas, 312.
McAlvey, John, 440.
McArthur, Abigail H., 93.
McBride, James, 377.
McCabe, James, 123.
McCarroll, Sarah, 333.
McCarroll, William, 255,.256, 257.
McCauley, William, 564.
McClaren, (J.. D.), Company, 452.
McConnell, B. B., 255.
McConnell, Joseph, 275.


-McConnell, Willard M., 212, 218, 274,
292, 325, 341, 342.
McConnell school, 338.
McCook, R. W., 451.
McCord, Don C., 330.
McCracken, S. B., 6i.
McCracken, William J., 8o8
M\cDace, George, 356.
McDonald, '.l'. E., 257.
MANclowell, Ebenezer, 436.
McDowell, K. H., 432.
Mlace Day lake, 5
McGaffey, Daniel A., 648.
McGee, Clinton, 140.
MlcGee, TIhomas H1., 543..McKinney, A. D., 257.
McKinney, J. W., 247.
McKinnon, George WV., 258.
McKinstry, David C., 35, 190, 429,
M~cLaren, Charles M., 733.
McLaren, Jamies WV., 703.
M~cLauighlin brothers, 474.
McOmber, Phiiilp, 493.
M~cX~horter, John J., 864.
Mack, Alm-on, 76, 77, 272, 288, 289, 4-05.
MNack, C. WV.,:257.
Mack, Connlant & Sibley, 287.
Mack, John M., 77, 406.
M\ack, Lovina, 288.
Mack, Stephen, 29, 31, 33, 39, 75", 76, 96,
189, 192, 216, 272, 286, 287, 320.
Mack, 5., 221, 320.
Mlackinnon, G. W., 247.
Macomb, Alex., 190.
Macomber, Phillip A., i68.
i~laetrott, Fred 5., 518.
Main street, Holly (view), 396.
Mlairs, William, 887.
Maitrott, Eluler E., 86g.
Makelv, Peter, 423.
Makely, Peter D., 418.
Malcolm, Frank J., 624.
MValcolm. Robert W., 503.
Maloy, Peter, 312.
Maltby, Sara E., 472.
Manly, Ora, 257.
Manning, Randolph, 129, 166, i8i, 218
Mansfield, Samuel, 453, 454.
Marcero, J. L., 369.
Marjison, William, 285.
Marlin, Ira, 212.
Marsh, Elisha, 393.
Marsh, Elmer, 393.
Marshall, John D., 334.
Martin, Joseph W., 308.
Martin, William W., 21T.
Mary D. Hive No. 393, L. 0. T. N. M..
386.
Mason, Stevens T., 441.
Masonic Temple Association, 367.
Mather, Asher F., 274.
Mathews, E. R., 246.
Mathews, George B., 32I.
Mathews, John B., i40.
Mathews, Lucy J., 367.
Mathews mill, 320.
Mathews, Solomon 5., 315.




INDEX


xxvii


Mathews, ('Mrs.) S. S., 267.
MXathews. S. 5., 369.
Mlatthiews, A. B., 295, 321, 324, 367.
Matthews, Charles, 140.
Matthewvs, Charles S., I25.
Matthew,1,s, Edward, 374.
Matthews, S. S.-, 245.
Matthews, Salmon J., 212.
Matthews, Salm-on S., 870.
Mayhee, John. 671.
Mead, Amos, 193, 445.
Mead, Henry. 212.
Mead, John IH., 879.
Mead, Polly A., 458.
"..Mechanics and Engineers," 282.
Medical profession-Pioneer coilditions,
249; primitive state and nie(lical practice,  2~50;  physicians  of  Oakland
county prior to 1837, 251; Dr. Will-.
iam ThopsnijS1, 251; Dr. Ezra S.
Parke, 2529 Dr. Cyrus Chipman, 252;
Dr. Ebenezer Raynale', 252; Drs. Lamb,
Lamond and Alger, 253; Dr. John C.
Emery, 2,, 3, the 01(1 county medical
society, 953, the Northeast District
miedical societies, 953; allopathic practitioners from 18371 to i866, 254; three
earlv-tim-c hiomeopaths, 2'-)55  present
Connty MIedic-il SocietV, 255; Pontiac
M edicad Soc'etv, 25~6; present practitioners, 256).
M'eigs, MAargaret, 264.
MWerrell, Caleb B3., 86, 96.,Mellen-Wrighit Lumiber Comupany, 434.
'Merrell, John1 if., 47k.
Mce-uah-sa-gor-ninig (Apple island), 21.
MNen's rest room, 101.
MVerrill, R. T., 374.
MNerrill, Roswell LF, 381.
Mferritt, John A., 433.
Mferz Jul'In1s, 315,.
Xlexican war, 273.
Mwihi-in Air Line, 239..Alichinin Bass Hlatchery, 486.
Michigan Central Railroad, 240.
MXichigan Light Artillery, 283.
Xlichi -in Mannfactnring    &    Lumber
Company, 397.
MWichitzan Mlilitary Academy, 338, 479.
Mfichigin Pressed Brick Company, 426.
AMichi in State -Medical Society, Branch
NI).   256..\i1hi in State   Telephone    Company,
308..Ailes, Johnlson, 237.
Nfilfoid, 474.
Xfilfoird \1\iillin Compan11y, 447.
\ lilfoird Presbyterian church, 448.
Al\Hford township-.Mention,    195,  198,
199, 2100, 201, 207; formed, 445; rcas'onl for names, 445; the Ruggle Brothers, 445; pioneer mnills, 445; societies,
448; the present village, 447; churches,
447.
MAilford village, 201, 202, 445-4,48 (see!
iAlilford town. hip) -


Military matter-s-Oakland county soldiers of the \Var of 18I2, 27I; Nap~oleonic soldiers, 272; early military
organizatios, 272; the M~exican war,
273; the War of the Rebellion, 274;1
the First Mi,1chigan Infantryl, 275; the
Second -Michigan Infantry, 275; the
Third Infiantry, 2717; the Fifth Infantry, 277; the Seventh Infantry, 278;
the Eighth andl Ninth Itifantry regiments, 278; the Y11enth Infantry, 278;
the Fourteenth Infantry, 279; the Fifteenth and the Sixteenth, 280; the
Twenty-second Infantry, 280; Moses
WVisner, 281; Twenty-ninth Infantry,
281; Thirtieth Infantry and "Mechanics and Engineers," 282; Custer's
Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 282; the
Eighth Cavalry, 282; Ninth and Tenth
Cavalry   regiments,   283;   Mfichigan
Light Artillery, 283, One Hundred
and Second U. S. Colored Troops,
284; military matters of late, 284.
Millard, Nathaniel, 119, 191.
Mi'll pondl nuisance, 293.
Miller, David, 674.
Miller, Darwin, 708.
Miller, Edward if., 8o6.
MAiller, Henry, 409,
Miller, if. A., 25-8.
MleJohn, 33.
Miller, L. P.-, 46.5.
Millerd, Natha niel, 405.
M1illigan, if. R. if., 351.
Alilliman, (;eorge -AlN., 258.
Mfills, 403, 445, 453.
Mills, Ada P., 803.
M\ills, ( Mr IS.) F_,red AM., 264.
Mill1s, JosephI E., 207, 263.
Miner, Clement E., 140.
MfI'nnock, Daniel, 393.
Minnock, ~Michael,, 393.
MAitchell, David, 392, 393, 774..
M~litchell, George, 392.
Mitchell, George 1.,244.
Mlitchell, James G., 394.
Mlitchell, L. T., 413.
Mlivels, George, 437.
Mock, F. E., 475.
M-onroe, H. G., 300.
Mfonroe  Hector L., 309.
Mionroe, R. F., 31T2.
Monroe Body Companly, 331.
Montileth, John, 31.
MAontgomiery, John, 581
Moore, Andrew L.-, 140, 155, 202, 218.
309.
Moore, (ANlrs.) A. L., 261, 267.
Aloore, Joseph B., 123, 178, 18o, 202.
Alorrell, K. N., 425.
Alorell, George, 121, 123.
Alorris, Benjam-in B., 218.
Morris, Beniamin, 326.
Alorris, C. D., 257.
Morris, William, i62, 362, 374.
Morrish, if. if., 45i.
Alorrisoi, if. S., 258.




xxviii


INDEX


Morrison, (Mrs.) L. L., 270.
Morrison, Thomas W., 535.
Mormons (1832), 67.
Morse, J., 255, 256.
Mosey, Emma, 472.
Mosher, Abraham, 730.
Mosher, C. W., 399.
Moseley, William F., 119, 123, 127, I9I,
216, 221.
Moss, R. E., 257.
Mother Hur Court, No. 17, 399.
Mothersill, (Mrs.) J. W., 392.
Mow, John C., 433.
Mount Judah, 443.
Mowry, Zebina M., 218.
Moyer, Douglas B., 725.
Mullet,John, 197.
Munson, Samuel C., 320, 324, 351, 352,
440, 486.
Munger, Charles A., 79I.
Murphy, Anne, 261, 263.
Murphy, Edwin M., 263, 328, 7o6.
Murphy, James J., 257.
Murphy, Mary, 707.
Mutual Fire Prevention Bureau, 427.
Myers, J., 33.
Nall, James, 436.
Napoleonic soldiers, 272.
Narrin, William, 537.
Nash, William I., 563.
National banks, 243.
Neal, John A., 140.
Neal & Wieland, 443.
Needham, John F., 437.
Nelson, Albert A., 602.
Nelson, J. C., 745.
Nesbett, William P., 312.
Newberry, A. F., 246.
Newberry, (Mrs.) A. F., 97, 265.
Newberry, James, 212.
Newberry, Seneca, 218, 219, 237, 405.
New Canadiagua (Orion), 441.
New Hudson. 450.
Newell, E. M.. 247.
Newkirk, Chauncey F., I25.
Newman, Ezra, 30.
Newton. F. H., 366.
Newton, Gilbert M., 438.
Newton, Isaac, 558.
Newton, J. G., 365.
Niles, Johnson, 488.
Niles, Joseph, Jr., 237.
Niles, Samuel, 88, 96.
Ninth Michigan Cavalry, 283.
Ninth Michigan Infantry, 278.
Nixon, Volney, 244.
Noble, Donald F., 140, 888.
Norris, Caroline, 394.
North Farmington, 460.
North, Oscar F., 120, 326.
North. William F., I40, 275.
Northeast District Medical & Scientific
Association, 253.
Norton, Gad, 33, 409.
Norton, John D., 245, 301, 303.
Norton, John M., 58.


Norton, Lewis, 470.
Norton, Samuel H., 299, 312.
Norton sawmill, 408.
Norvell, Freeman, 282.
Nott, Stephen, 840.
Novi, A. F., 258.
Novi Corners (Novi), 483.
Novi (postoffice), 483.
Novi township-Mention, 194, 195, I98,
I99, 200, 201, 207; the name Novi, 482;
the colony of 1825-26, 482; Novi Corners, or Novi, 483.
Nushaumer, George, 369.
"Oakland Advertiser," 397.
Oakland Avenue M. E. church, Pontiac,
345.
Oakland Chapter No. 5, R. A. M., 366.
"Oakland Chronicle," 312.
"Oakland Gazette," 312.
Oakland Lodge, No. 343, A. F. & A. M.,
362.
Oakland Motor Car Company, 328.
"Oakland Whig," 312.
Oakland county in state politics-Question of land titles, 215; Governor Cass
brings stability, 215; champions of
public improvements, 216; the state
constitutions, 216; Oakland county's
part in constitution making, 218; Doctor Raynale, delegate to I835 convention, 219; Lysander Woodward, delegate to 1873 convention, 220; state officials, elected and appointed, 221; territorial council representatives, 221;
speakers and clerk of the house, 221;
Mlichigan legislators from Oakland
county, 222;   state  representatives,
222; disturbances of war issues, 225.
Oakland county court house (view),
203.
Oakland county's first legal writ (facsimile), 16.
Oakland County Home, 210.
Oakland County Medical Society, 250,
253, 255.
Oakland County   Pioneer   Society
Founded, 99; the supervisors' "picnics," Ioo; better preservation of records, ioo; society incorporated, IOI;
pioneer women, IOI; officers of the society, o10; pioneer relics in the collection of the society, 102.
Oakland County Savings Bank, 245.
Oakland County Telephone Company,
308.
Oakland township. 190, 195, 198, I99,
200, 201, 207, 313, 489.
"Oakview," 4I7.
Oakwood, 464.
O'Connor, T. J., 369.
Odell, Bert A., 689.
Ogden. Mary, 472.
Old Hodges house (view), 326.
Old Union school, 335.
Old Mathews mill, 320.
Olds, Ira M., 451.




INDEX


xxix


Oliver, Dwight I., 667.
Oliver, John, 272.
Olmstead. Harley, 33.
"One-horse" court, 112.
One Hundred and Second U. S. Colored troops, 284.
On the Shiawassee river (view), 477.
On the shores of Pine lake (view), 478.
On the shores of Stony lake (view),
421.
Orchard lake, 2, I9, 21.
Orchard Lake (postoffice), 479.
Orchard Lake Military Academy, 2.
Orchards, 7.
Orion, I.
Orion Congregational church, 444.
Orion M. E. church, 444.
Orion Park Association, 5.
"Orion Review," 443.
Orion township-Mention, 35, I94, 195,
198, I99, 200, 201, 207; first settlers
and events, 440; a township of lakes,
441;   Orion   village,  443;  Orion
churches, 444; other stations, 445.
Orion State Bank, 247.
Orion village, 201, 202, 443, 444 (see
Orion township).
O'Riley, James A., 716.
Orr, Eleanor J., 835.
Orr, James W., 834.
Orton, Amos, 464.
Orton, Elsworth, 257, 312.
Ortonville village, 200, 201, 202, 443,
444, 464, 465.
Osman, Mortimer F., 211.
Osmun, Charlotte M., 97.
Osmun, Israel, 486.
Osmun, John, 486.
Osmun, William H., 310, 526.
Ostrander, Charles J., 125.
Otis, Amos, 457, 573.
Owen, Asa, 36.
Owen, George W., 432.
Oxford Agricultural works, 426.
Oxford Baptist church, 424.
Oxford carriage factory, 426.
Oxford creamery, 427.
Oxford Institute, 421.
Oxford machine works, 426.
Oxford M. E. church, 422.
Oxford township-Mention, 35, 194, 195,
I98, 199, 200, 201, 207; civilly organized, 418; first settlers, 418; first roads
and railroad, 420; Thomas, 420; lakes,
420; Oxford village incorporated, 421;
schools, 421; Oxford churches, 422;
the Methodists, 422; the Baptists, 424;
newspapers and societies, 425; Oxford industries, 42q; Michigan Pressed
Brick Company, 426; C. L. Randall &
Company, 427.
Oxford steam planing mills, 426.
Oxford Union school (view), 422.
Oxford valley mills, 426.
Oxford village, 201, 202, 421-427 (see
Oxford township).


Paddack, Daniel, 123.
Paddack, David, 123, 322.
Paddack's mills, 322.
Paint creek, 441, 489.
Palmer, (Mrs.) B. A., 265.
Palmer, Charles H., 221.
Palmer, R. A., 540.
Palmer, William C., 294.
Parke, Ezra L., 250, 253.
Parke, Ezra S., 43, 252, 372, 385.
Parke, Hervey, 37-55, 120, 287, 290, 372.
Parke, John H., 43.
Parker, Ezra, 83, 96.
Parker, Henry, 392.
Parker, John D., 392.
Parker. Philip M., 229.
Parker, Ralzemond A., 634.
Parker, William, 798.
Parker, W. H., 465.
Parks, Calvin C., 124.
Parks. Robert, 452.
Parmalee, Edward W., 720.
Partridge, Lemuel M., 372.
Patrick, Pierce, 294, 295.
Patrick, William, 218.
Patten, George, 212.
Patterson, E. & F., 397.
Patterson, Fred, 397.
Patterson, James, 393.
Patterson, James K., 123, 124.
Patterson, James W., 397.
Patterson, John H., 140, 153, 202.
Patterson, John H., (portrait), 153.
Patterson, John W., 835.
Patterson, Samuel J., 140.
Patterson. Thomas L., 102, 120, 140, 392,
393, 5I3.
Patterson, Thomas L. (portrait), 126.
Patterson, (Mrs.) T. L., 392.
Patterson, William F., 393, 514.
Patterson Manufacturing Company, 397.
Pauli, Henry, 284, 623.
Payne, Gennette H., 367.
Peabody, Lyman B., 383.
Pearce. Samuel, 275.
Pearsall, Sherman, 334.
Pearson, E. F. H., 315.
Pearsons brothers, 323.
Peck, Edward W., IOI.
Pelton, Carl H., 123, 140, 523.
Pelton. Homer J., 897.
Pepper. William H., 793.
Pere Marquette Railroad   240.
Perkins. Thomas V., 397.
Perrin. David. 362.
Perrin, Jonathan, 362.
Perry, Aaron, II, 1Io, 123, 140, 148,
182. 204, 2613.
Perry. Aaron (portrait), I47.
Perrv. (Mrs.) Aaron, 261, 266, 267.
Perry, Gleason F., 247.
Perry, John, 443.
Perry, John G., 463.
Perry, Jonathan, 486.
Peters. William C., 607.
Pettibone creek, 445, 473.
Pettibone, Levi, 445.




XXX


INDEX


Pettibone mills, 447.
Petty, Jacob,.93.
Phelps, Benjamin, 237.
Phelps, Edwin, 102.
Phelps, Guy, 488.
Phelps, Joel, 87.
Phel)s, William W., 124.
Phelps, Zenas, 473.
Pheney, Sylvester, 140.
Phillips, Archibald, 30, 31.
Phillips, Theodore S., 803.
Physical features-Surface and elevations, 9; surface geology, II.
Physicians (see medical profession).
Pickering, Effie G., 826.
Pickering, George 1H., 825.
Pierce, A. K., 451.
Pierce. Benjamin H., 36, 372.
Pierce, Delavan J., 802.
Piety Hill (Birmingham), 340, 373, 374,
375.
Pilcher, E. -I., 343.
Pilcher, Leander W.. 337.
Pine Knob, 466.
Pine lake, 2.
Pine lake (postoffice), 479.
Pinkerton, Thomas, 483.
Pioneer records, Ioo.
Pioneer relics, 102.
Pioneer times-Hervev Parke comes to
Oakland county, 37; Bloomfield and
Royal Oak in 1821, 38; infant village of
Pontiac, 39; Governor Wisner and his
'"mullet" story, 39; becomes Horatio
Ball's assistant, 40; Joseph Wampler's assigned territory, 40; a surveyor's hardships, 41; returns with his
family, 42; birthplace of John H.
Parke, 43; homestead at last, 44; surveys from Pontiac, 45; running lines
under difficulties, 45; fresh trails of
the Black Hawk war, 48; between
Saginaw bay and Lake Huron, 50;
surveys in the Black Hawk reservation, Iowa, 52; another Iowa contract, 53; Captain Parke's recapitulation, 53; recollections of Benjamin
0. Williams, 55; dear old Oakland,
the best of all, 57; a picture of memory, 58; advent of the pioneer, 59;
railroad as a fun maker, 6o; the life
bequeathed by the pioneer, 6I; fifty
years ago and now, 61; contrasts of
life. 61; "Granny" McCracken, 64;
Father and Mother McCracken, 66;
the schools of fifty years ago, 67;
Mormon visitation of 1832; 67; Auburn the young pioneers, 69; social
and industrial revolution, 70.
Pittman, C. C., 301.
Plummer, Ada, 394.
Poe, O. M., 276.
Polish  Catholic   Seminary,  Orchard
lake, 479, 481.
Pontiac Academy. 228, 334.
Pontiac & Paint Creek Turnpike Company, 236.


Pontiac & Orchard Lake Railroad Company, 239.
Pontiac & Sylvan Lake electric road, 6.
Pontiac armory, 284.
"Pontiac Bill Poster," 312.
Pontiac Board of Water Commissioners, 301.
Pontiac branch State University, 228,
333.
Pontiac breweries, 323, 331.
Pontiac Buggy Company, 328.
Pontiac Chapter No. 228, 0. E. S., 367.
Pontiac (chief), 19, 2i, 24.
Pontiac churches - Earliest  Methodist
preachers, 340; first Methodist church
in county, 341; pastors from 1826 to
the present, 342; Mrs. Shattuck's reminiscences, 342; Central Methodist
Episcopal church, 345; the First Baptist church, 347; First Presbyterian
church, 349; how the first church was
built, 351; first Congregational church,
352; third Congregational church in the
state, 353; new Congregational church.
354; St. Vincent de Paul's church,
355; All Saints Episcopal church,
356; St. Trinitatis Lutheran church,
358; the African M. E. church, 358;
Young Men's Christian Association,
359; Red Ribbon Club of Pontiac,
360.
Pontiac city-Mention,  I98, 200, 201,
202, 207; population by wards, 207;
chartered, 296; first election, 297;
city police department born, 297; first
city hall, 297; value of property in
1876, 298; John   P. Foster No. 2,
298; smallpox epidemics of I881-82,
299; newspaper sensation, 299; investigating light and water systems,
300; resignation of Chief Engineer
Foster. 300; city finances in I886,
301; Board and Water Commissioners created, 301; the new Fifth ward,
301; original system  of waterworks,
302; electric lighting and telephone
systems, 304; first Gamewell Fire
Alarm   Telegraph,  304;   municipal
government in 1894, 304; first three
years of water service, 306; lighting
and telephone service again, 306; sewerage system inaugurated, 307; extension of waterworks, 307; telephone
service u1-to-date, 308; commission
government adopted, 309; increased
efficiency of fire department, 311; the
present city hall, 311; mayors of Pontiac, 312: the city press, 312; Oak
Hill Cemetery, 313; gas lighting and
electric  power, 314; postoffice and
postmasters. 315; the Pontiac State
Hospital. 316.
Pontiac city hall, 311.
Pontiac City Hospital. 261, 262 (view).
Pontiac City mills, 322.
Pontiac Commandery No. 2. K. T., 366.
Pontiac Commercial Association, 332.






INDEX


xxxi


Pontiac Company, 7, 7 76, 103, 189, 286.
Pontiac Council No. 3, R. & S. MA., 365.
"Pontiac Courier," 312.
Pontiac Drop Forge Company, 329.
Pontiac Educational Society, 335.
Pontiac electric lighting, 304, 306.
Pontiac English and Classical school,
334.
Pontiac Fire Company No. I, 294.
Pontiac fire department, 298, 390, 311.
Pontiac Foundry Company, 330.
P:ontiac's fraternal societies-Masonry
in Pontiac, 362; third lodge in territory, 362; Pontiac Lodge No. 21, 364;
Pontiac Council No. 3, R. & S. M.,
365; Oakland Chapter No. 5, R. A.
M., 366; Pontiac Commandery No. 2,
K. T., 366; Pontiac Chapter No. 228,
O. E. S., 367; Masonic Temple Association, 367; Canton Pontiac No.
3, I. 0. 0. F., 368; Pythian Knights
and Sisters, 368; Dick   Richardson
Post, G. A. R., 369; Knights of Columbus, 369; Royal Neighbors      of
America, 369:  Order of Elks, 369;
other lodges, 370.
Pontiac gas works, 315.
"Pontiac Herald," 312.
Pontiac High School, 335, 336 (view).
Pontiac indebtedness, 310.
Pontiac's industries, 320.
"Pontiac Jacksonian," 312.
Pontiac Knitting Works, 320.
Pontiac Land Company, 29.
Pontiac Light Company, 314.
Pontiac Literary Society, 334.
Pontiac Lodg(e No. 2I, A.. & A.M.,
364.
Pontiac Lodge No. 19, K. of P., 368.
Pontiac Medical Society, 256.
Pontiac mills, 321.
Pontiac Motor Cycle Company, 329.
Pontiac municipal government, 304.
Pontiac Oxford &   Northern railroad,
238. 239.
Pontiac police department, 297.
Pontiac postoffice, 315, 316 (view).
Pontiac Power Company, 314.
"Pontiac Press-Gazette," 8, 26I.
Pontiac public library, 264.
Pontiac Savings Bank, 244, 245.
Pontiac schools -  Sarah  McCarroll's
sketch, 333; the old Pontiac Academy, 334; first common schools, 334;
public system organized, 334; the "Old
Union," 335; high school building of
I871, 336; school superintendents and
high school principals, 337; the new
high school, 337; public system  and
list of schools, 337; Michigan Military Academy, 338.
Pontiac sewerage system, 307.
Pontiac State Hospital, 316.
Pontiac State Hospital. main building
(view), 317; chapel (view), 318.
Pontiac telephone systems. 304, 306, 308.


Pontiac township, 32, 195, I98, 199, 200,
20I, 207.
Pontiac (village)-In 1821, 39; Colonel
Mack's Company, 286 first Pontiac
settlers, 287; settlers of 1822, 288;
county seat and court house, 289j
township orglanization, 289; the vi!lage of Auburn (Amy), 290; Pontiac
village incorporated, 291; early trustee imeetilngs, 291; real estate item,
292; the mill pond nuisance, 293; the
fire of 1840, 293; early bridges, 293;
icommon    council,"  the  governing
body, 293; the village fire department,
294; gas works    inaugurated,  294;
heads of the village government, 294.
Pontiac water works, 300, 302, 306, 307.
Pontiac's conspiracy, 20.
Pontiac's early business men, 325.
Pontiac's industries, 320.
Poppleton, O., 22, 29, 30, IO2, 374.
Population, 200.
Porter, Daniel L., 250, 253.
Porter, Moses, 96.
Portion of dormitory and power house
and "Castle," Polish seminary, Orchard lake (view), 480.
Portraits-Thomas L. Patterson, I26;
Aaron Perry, 147; John lI. Patterson,
153.
Post, (Mliss) V., 269.
Postal, George, 33, 406, 488.
Potter, ltlmuel, 92.
Potter. Lydia 1., 92, 196.
Potts, Henry A., 895.
Powell, Joseph C.. 120, 690.
Powell, (Mrs.) J. S., 266.
Powell, Sybil Maria, 690.
Powell, William H., 423.
Power, Arthur, 452, 453. 454, 455.
Power, D. H., 245.
Power, Jared, 452.
Power, John, 452, 453.
Power, Nathan, 458.
Power, Samuel, 454.
Powers, Pliny, 254.
Power's settlement (Farmington), 455.
PralI, J. R., 263, 354.
Pratt, Caleb, 91.
Pratt, William A., 221.
Precipitation, 1o.
Predmore, J. C., 247.
Predmore, John H., 783.
Press-Pontiac newspapers, 312; Holly
newspapers, 397;   Rochester   newspapers,  412;   Oxford   newspapers,
425.
"Press Gazette," 312.
Price, Roy F., 709.
Price, William. 211, 212.
Prince. Eri, 385.
Probate courts, 114, ii8, 119.
Probate judges, 119, 191.
Prosecutinii attorneys, 123.
Public lands. 215.
Purd\.,Roblert, 449.
Pythian Sisters. P)lltiac, 368.




xxxii


INDEX


Quakertown (Farmington), 452.
Quick, C. F., 438.
Quick, C. P., 393.
Quick, Charles '., 393, 432.
Quick, John, 393.
Quick, William, 393.
Quill, James, 465.
Ramsey, C. E., 457.
Randall, C. L., 427.
Randall, C. L., & Company, 427.
Randall, Leon, 427.
Ransford, Byron L., 124.
Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, 329.
Raynale, C. M., 257.
Raynale, Ebenezer, 218, 219, 252, 49I.
Raynale, George P., 258.
Raynor, John T., 123, i68.
Red Ribbon Club, Pontiac, 360.
Redway, Joel, 450.
Reed, William, 427.
Reese, Joseph, 670.
Reeves, George, 360.
Reeves, Stephen, 120, 191, 212, 856.
Registers of deeds, 196.
Reid, Wilson, 489.
Religious history-Pontiac church, 340;
Holly   churches,  398;   Rochester
churches, 412; Oxford churches, 422;
Royal Oak churches, 435; Orion
churches, 444; Milford churches, 447;
Farmington churches, 459.
Reservoir under construction, Rochester (view), 4I0.
Revolutionary graves marked, 96.
Revolutionary soldiers and "daughters"
-County's first settler, a Revolutionary soldier, 72; the Graham family,
73; Nathaniel Baldwin, 74; George
Horton, 74; Stephen Mack, 75; Colonel Mack's family, 76; Joseph Todd
and party, 77; Ithamar Smith, 78;
William Nathan Terry, 79; Joshua
Chamberlin and Enoch Hotchkiss,
80; Elijah Drake, 80; Ezra Parker,
83; Jeremiah Clarke, 84; Benjamin
Grace, 85; Caleb Barker Merrell, 86;
Levi Green, 86; Joel Phelps, 87;
Elias Cady, 87; Samuel Niles, 88;
Silas Sprague, 88; Esbon Gregory, 89;
Zadock Wellman, 89; Caleb Carr, 89;
Hooper Bishop, 90; Derrick Hulick,
9I; Caleb Pratt, 9I; Solomon Jones,
91; Lydia Barnes Potter, 92; James
Harrington, 93; Jacob Petty, 93; John
Blanchard, 93; Altramont Donaldson,
93; Joseph Van Netter, 93; Benj.
Bulson, 94; Nathan Landon, 94; General Richardson Chapter, D. A. R.,
95; the Revolutionary graves marked,
96; tribute to General Richardson, 97;
Membership of the Daughters, 97.
Rewold. Henry, 409.
Reynolds, Asa, 786.
Rhodes. John, 494.
Rice, Judson E., 692.
Rice, Paul, 443.


Rice, Zeba, 373.
Richards. Daniel, 450.
Richards, George R., 312.
Richardson, George B., 641.
Richardson, Hosea S., 406.
Richardson, Israel B., 97, 274, 275, 276.
Richardson, John P., 169.
Richardson, Origen D., 123, I28, I64,
221, 291, 292.
Richardson, Peter, 479.
Riggs, Jeremiah, 218.
Riker, John D., 257, 312.
Roads (see transportation).
Robb, S. B.. 258.
Robert, Philip R., 533.
Roberts, H. S.. 275.
Roberts, Ira, 33.
Roberts, William, 34.
Robertson, G., 212.
Robertson, William, 326.
Robinson, John C., 275.
Rochester, 200, 405-416   (see  Avon
township).
Rochester Baptist church, 412.
Rochester Chapter No. 317, R. A. M.,
415.
"Rochester Clarion," 412.
Rochester Congregational church, 412.
Rochester Creamery Company, 409.
'Rochester Era," 24, 412.
Rochester industries, 408.
Rochester Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F.,
416.
Rochester Rebekah Lodge No. 390, 4I6.
Rochester Savings Bank, 246.
Rochester societies, 414.
Rochester water works, 4II.
Rochester Woolen Mills, 408.
Rockwell, Charles L., 333.
Rockwell, Edward J., 902.
Rockwell, James H., 615.
Rockwell, Kleber P., I20, 123, 140, 903.
Rodger, James S., 45I.
Rogers, J. Sumner, 338.
Rood, Elonzo R., 390.
Rose Center. 476.
Kose township-Mention, I94, 195, I98,
199, 200, 201, 207; physical features,
476.
Roseland Park Cemetery, 439.
Ross, A. L., 516.
Rossman, Fite, 418, 419.
Rossman, John, 418, 419.
Round Table Club of Pontiac, 267.
Rouge river, 371, a78, 487.
Royal Oak Baptist church. 435.
Royal Oak Catholic church, 437.
Royal Oak Congregational church, 436.
"Royal Oak Experiment," 432.
Royal Oak German Evangelical church,
437.
Royal Oak Lodge No. 424, I. 0. 0. F.,
438.
Royal Oak Masonic Temple Association, 438.
Royal Oak M. E. church, 435.
Royal Oak 0. E. S., 438.




INDEX


xxxiii


Roval Oak Savings Bank, 247.
Royal Oak township-Mention, 35, 38,
I94, I95, 198, I99, 200, 20I, 207;
origin of the name, 428; Governor
Cass "sees for himself," 428; settlers
of 182z-I826, 429; organized, 430;
Royal Oak village, 430; business
houses, 431; corporation record, 432;
Royal Oak schools, 434; Royal Oak
churches, 435; Royal Oak societies,
438; Urban Rest and Ferndale, 439;
Roseland Park cemetery, 439.
Royal Oak societies, 438.
Royal Oak (tree), 38, 428.
"Royal Oak Tribune," 432.
Royal Oak village, 201, 202, 430-438 (see
Royal Oak township).
Royal Order of Moose, Pontiac, 370.
Ruggles, Elizur, 445.
Ruggles, Isaac W., 412.
Ruggles, J. W., 444.
Ruggles, Stanley, 445.
Rundell, Julius F., 383.
Rundell, Leroy J., 700.
Runyon, John, 389.
Rush, Daniel, 452.
Russell. William, 30, 31, 403.
Ryan, T. J., 355.
Safford, James, 337.
St. Fredericks Parochial school, 356.
St. John. W. I., 437.
St. Trinitatis Lutheran church, 358.
St. Vincent de Paul's church, 355.
Salems Evangelical church, Farmington,
459.
Saloon licenses, 310.
Salyer, C. A., 385.
Sanford. Miles, 344.
Sanford, Josephine B., 97.
Sapp, Resin, 341, 344.
Sashabaw creek, 467.
Sashabaw plains, 466.
Satterlee, Samuel, 123, 216.
Sawyer, Edward, 144.
Sawyer, Joseph, E., 124, 140, 142, 367.
Sayles, Lyman A., 258, 586.
Scene on the Rouge river (view), 492.
Scenes along Paint creek (views), 442.
Schermerhorn, Rufus. 850.
Schluchter, J. H., 426.
Schofield. S.. 45I.
Schulz. A. P., 257.
Scott, John. 432.
Second Michigan Infantry, 275.
Second National Bank, Pontiac, 244.
Seed. Charles S., 412.
Seeley, Harvey, 211, 212.
Seeley, Jesse, 494.
Seeley, O. C., 337.
Seeley, Thaddeus D., 309, 905.
Sellman. Thomas, 449.
Serrell, Harry J., 789.
Serrell, Samuel J., 780.
Sevener, Edward, 539.
Seventh Michigan infantry, 278.
Seymour, John B., 464.


Shackleton, John H., 454.
Shain, Charles J., 616.
Sharpe, A. X. M., 369.
Shattuck, Charles I., 843.
Shattuck, Mary D., 342.
Shattuck, Maud G., 97.
Shaw, George N., 406.
Shaw, James, 344.
Shaw, N. T., 257.
Shear, Bruce C., 581.
Sheldon, T. C., 33.
Shepard, A. H., 246.
Sheriffs, 196.
Sherman, G. D., 451.
Sherman, Maria, 421.
Sherwood, Samuel, 315.
Shiawassee river, 388.
Shier, W. H., 275, 344.
Shippy, John, 405.
Shore, James, 341.
Short, Marion, 472.
Showerman, George, 473.
Sibley, Harry, 256, 257.
Sibley, J. L., 360.
Sibley, Solomon, 33, 122, 159, I90, 286,
287.
Simmons. Charles, 823.
Simmons, William  I., 897.
Simonson, James B., 247, 431.
Simonson, John B., 43I.
Simpson, Thomas, 312.
Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, 280.
Skidmore, Austin, 551.
Slade, Ira, 383.
Slater Construction Company, 331.
Slocum. Fred, 397.
Sly, Addie, 894.
Sly, George W., 893.
Sly, Jane C., 893.
Sly, Joshua, 403.
Smith, Aaron, 290.
Smith, Ada L., 97.
Smith, Ainsley, 257.
Smith, Albert B., 625.
Smith, Asaph C., 483.
Smith. David. 452, 453.
Smith, Ebenezer, 290, 363.
Smith, Edward R., 383.
Smith, Ella L., 97.
Smith, Fred A., 338, 572.
Smith, Fred, 393.
Smith, George W., 114, 123, 124, 140,
145, i8o, 202, 204.
Smith, Harrison, 393.
Smith, Howard, 393.
Smith, I. L., 290.
Smith, Ira. 488.
Smith, Ithamar. 78. 96.
Smith, Jacob H., 627.
Smith, Tohn. 274.
Smith, Joseph, 77.
Smith, Laban, 479.
Smith, Lydia, 380.
Smith, Mortimer, 323.
Smith, Moses, 393.
Smith, Nelson P., 580.
Smith, Oliver B., 460.




xxxiv


INDEX


Smith, Samuel W., 123, 140, 901.
Smith, (Alrs.) Samuel W., 261.
Smith, (Mrs.) S. W., 263.
Smith, Sylvester, 290.
Smith, Thaddeus A., 312.
Smith, Walter H., 424.
Smith, (Mrs.) W. R., 393.
Smith, W. 0., 426.
Snook, John J., 737.
Snow, William  T., 343.
Snowdon, Harry H., 140, 229.
Snyder, C. W., 258.
Snyder, Oscar J., 638.
Soldier's monument, Birmingham, 384.
Soldiers' Relief law, 274.
Soil, Io.
Soper, Spencer, 859.
South Lyon, 450-452 (see Lyon township).
South Lyon   Free   Methodist  church,
451.
"South Lyon Herald," 451.
South Lyon M. E. church, 451r.
South Lyon village, 201, 202.
South Lyon Presbyterian church, 45.
Southfield Centre, 492.
Southfield township, 36, 194, 195, 198,
I99, 200, 201, 207, 491.
Southworth, Constant, 34.
Sparhawk, Arthur G., 312.
Spear, Archibald. 294.
Spencer, B. C. H., 258, 508.
Sprague, Eliphalet, 449.
Sprague, Frederick A., 33.
Sprague, Roger, 192. 193, 216, 221, 406.
Sprague, Silas. 88, 96.
Spring, J. F., 360.
Spring Mills. 473.
Springfield township-Mention 34, 194,
195, 198, 199, 200, 201, 207; organized,
471; Springfield and Anderson settlements, 471; Davisburg, 472.
Spooner, E. D., 68, 212.
Stanley. Luther, 383.
Stannard, David,  32,  119,  191, 237,
303, 471.
Stanton, Henry L., 330.
Stanton, Lottie M., 367.
Starke, Lena B., 531.
Starke, Philip H., 531.
Starker, C. T., 257.
Starker, James B., 400.
Starkev, Albert 858.
State banks, 244.
State constitutions, 2i6.
State representatives (alphabetically arranged), 222.
State Sanitary Commission, 274.
State Savings Bank of South Lyon, 248.
State senators (alphabetically arranged),
222.
State University, 228.
Stead, Benjamin, 190.
Steel, Edward, 454.
Steel, Harman, 454.
Steel & Mason, 455.
Stephens, Augustus C., 237.


Stephens, Henry, 429, 435, 436.
Stephens, J. T. M., 398.
Stephens, Sherman, 436.
Stevens, Hester L., 123, 138, 176.
Stevens, Shermaln, 237.
Stevens, William  S., 243.
Stevenson, Hlenry C., 584.
Steward, (Mrs.) F. S., 205.
Stewart, Clara P., o19.
Stewart, David, 272
Stickney, William B., 123.
Stickney, Williaim  W., 179, I8o.
Stiles brothers, 472.
Stillson, James, 443.
Stockton, John, 283.
Stockton, T. B. W., 280.
Stockwell, Joseph S., 120, 212, 359, 717.
Stockwell, (Mrs.) J. S., 261, 263.
Stockwell, Ross, 140.
Stone, John, 423.
Stony creek, 46I.
Stony creek village, 404.
Storz, Louis, 809.
Stout, Byron G.. 221, 245, 265, 337.
Stout, (Mrs.) Byron, 261, 265, 266.
Stowell, Hattie M., 97.
Strain, Charles S., 258.
Stratton, Jonathan F., 473.
Stuart, Charles L., 853.
Stumpf, C. Martin, 896.
Stumpf, Jacob, 770.
Subordinate Lodge No. I, K. L,. G.,
400.
Subordinate Lodge No. 972, I. 0. O. F.,
399.
Summer resort features, 5.
Supervisors' picnics, 1oo.
Supreme court, I11, 112, 113. 114, 124.
Surveyor general's report, 27.
Surveys, 30.
Sutherland, C. J., 257.
Sutherland, Nina, 422.
Sutherland, William C., 759.
Swan, Ziba, 123, 362, 372.
Swan, Ziba, Jr., 212.
Swartout, F. L.. 436.
Swartz creek, 388.
Sweet, M. E., 353.
Sylvan lake, 2, 3.
Symmes, John C., IIO.
Taft, A. S., 424.
Taft, Levi B., 123, 137, I8o.
Tafft, Pitts, 483.
Taggett, A. C., 474.
Taylor, C. V., 328.
Taylor (C. V.) Carriage Company, 328.
Taylor, Daniel B., 415.
Taylor, De Witt H., 439.
Taylor, Edson, 559.
Taylor, Elisha, 405.
Taylor, Firmin T., 839.
Taylor, George H., 626.
Taylor, Hudson A., 845.
Taylor, H. J., 246.
Taylor, John R., 882.
Taylor, Joshua, 415.




INDEX                xx


xxxv


Taylor, Joshua B., 218.
Taylor, J. S. D., 337.
Taylor, Lemuel, 405.
Taylor, Thomas M., 281.
Taxable property (1825), 192.
Taxes, i98, 192, 193.
Tecumseh, 271.
Tedmnan, Mariette, 462.
Temperature, i i.
Ten Eyck, Harry, 109.
Ten Eyck, H. S., 507.
Ten Eyk, Juits, 120, 123, 124.i.
Tenny, Jesse, 5o,5.
Tenny, Rufus, 505.
'Ten shillings act," 32.
Tenth Mlichigan Cavalry, 283.
Tenth Michigan In fantry, 278.
T'erry, Caleb, 212.
Terry, Charles H-., 890.
Terry, Frank B., 854.
Terry, HeIcnrx 1-). 277.
TPerry, Joshna, 479.
Terry, Josiah P. 8-7
Terri-, I ra K. 21T 2
Terry, Willi im N. 79, 96.
Thatchier Erastnis 312.
Thayer, John, 449.
Third i-lhchigan Infanitry, 277.
Thirtieth Michigan infantry, 282.
Thomas, 4, 20, 464, 465.
Thomas, Calvin, 179.
Thomas, John. 420. 492.
Thiomnas, Stephien, 179.
Thoma.-,s, William, 394.
Thompson, Otis C., 418.
Thom11pson1, Robert R., 452.
'Thompson, Thladdetis, 250, 253.
Thompson, William, 29, 33, 117, 118,
119, 162, 190, 191. 250, 251, 253, 286,
402, 406, 450, 452.
Thompson, William    M.L, 295.
Th1-ompson, WV. M.1, 312.
Th-omipson's  Corners   (South   Lyon),
450.
Thornhill, Eva T., '570.
Th-orpe, Joseph I-l., 653.
Thorpe, MAabel, 97.
Thorpe, Matilda, 653.
Thnrber, David D., 312.
Thnrher, Horace C., 212, 295.
Thnrber, H-. C., 294.
Thurber, William, 117.
Thurston, Frank, 607.
Thurston, George P.,, 194, 463, 464.
Thnitrber, William, 31.
Tibbets, George, 4,53.
Tienk,~en, John, 637.
Tillsoii, C. C., 140.
Tillson, 1. Arthnr, 140, 309.
TillSon. Plhilo, 253.
Tindall, Joseph, 423.
Tinsm-an. F. H-., 328.
Todd, Charles A., 6io.
Todd, Joseph, 29, 77, 96, 287.Todd, Mary P., 97.
Toledo war, 272.
Tower, Corneliuis L., 526.


Town, Charles H., 282.
Townsend, Harvey, 763.
Toxvnships, 31, 190, 192, 195, 289.
Toynton, Charlotte N., 8oi.
Toynton, John R., 8oo.
Traphagan, Ahram, 393.
TIraphagan. WV., 393.
Transportation-M ention  6,7; First
Oakland county highway, 234; other
roads established, 235; improvement
of the Clinto  rier 236; first Michigan railway chartered, 237; Detr(lit
& Pontiac Railroad CompanlV 237;
finally completed to Birmin-ghjaml 238;
Detroit & Milwaukee Ra111way Com-n
pany, 238; estahlishment of pr s ut
systems, 238; Grand Trunk s\ stem,
'239; the Michigan Central, 240' De —
troit United Railway, 240
Traver, R. Al., 349.
Treadway, Alfred, 169, 243, 295, 315.
T[reat, Loren L., 18T.
Tripp, Arthur R., 123, 124, 140, 152.
Trowhridge, G. Ml., 102.
Trowhridge, L. G., 283.
TFrowhridge, Rowland E., 487.
Trowbridge, Stephen V. R., 193, 216,
221, 48-7.
[roy Corners, 488.
Troy United Presbyterian church, 489.
Troyv township-Mention    35  9,    8,
199, 2001, 201, 207; the Trowbridge
family. 487; Johnson Niles and Troy,
487; Bigy Beaver andl Clawson, 488;
Unitedl Preshyterian church of Troy,
489.
Truesdell, Z., 337.
Tryon, Geneva, 257.
tryon, M.Nyron Al.,
Tubbs, Peter, 423.
Tucker, W. T., 2 57.
Turner, (Ai\rs.) C. B., 266.
Turner, C. B., 342.
Turner, Josiah, i~o.
"Two dollar" act, 31.
Twenty-ninth Michig-an Infantry, 281.
Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, 280.
Typical old grist mills (views), 446.


Uloth, AM. J.,~ 258.
Union schools-Pontiac',.335;
394; Royal Oak (view), 434.
University fund, 2 28.
Urban Rest, 439.
Utley, Sanford M., 453.
Van Atta, Roy 5., 525.
Van Biskir'k, Kate C., 97.
Van de Venter, Eugene, 273.
Van Every, Peter, 374.
Van Every mill, 374.
Van Gordon, John, 889.
Van Leuven, Fanny, 448.
Van Ness, E. C., 359.
Van Netter, Joseph, 93.
Van Sickle, Joseph, 466.
Van Sickle, J. R., 258.


Holly,




xxxvi


INDEX


Van Valkenburg, Jacob, I8I, 218.
Vegetation, I.
Views-At Lake Orion, 4; Neeley's flats
near Rochester, I6; Apple Island, Orchard lake, 22; Oakland county court
house, 203; court house of I857-8,
205; county jail, 208; first car into
Rochester, 241; Pontiac City Hospital, 262; Buckland Memorial Chapel,
314; the new Pontiac postoffice, 316;
main building Pontiac State hospital,
317; Chapel, Pontiac State hospital,
318; old Hodges house, 326; old high
school (I87I), 336; Woodward avenue, Birmingham, 382; high school,
Birmingham, 382; Main street, Holly,
396; Avon township hall, 402; Main
street, Rochester, 407; water works
wells, Rochester, 4Io; reservoir under construction, Rochester, 4IO; on
the shores of Stony lake, 421; Oxford Union school, 422; Union school,
Royal Oak, 434; scenes along Paint
creek, 442; typical old grist mills,
446; on the Shiawassee river, 477; on
the shores of Pine lake, 478; front of
Academic building, portion of dormitory and power house and "Castle,"
Polish seminary, Orchard lake, 480;
scene on the Rouge river, 492.
Vincent, John, 445.
Voorheis, Carl S., 684.
Voorheis, Isaac L., 212.
Voorheis, Jacob N., I93.
Voorheis, James K., 713.
Vowles, Frank J., 208, 583.
Vowles, Joseph, 447.
Vulcan Gear Works, 330.
Wade, D. W. C., 256.
Waite Brothers, 628.
Waite, Elwin L., 628.
Waite, L. Edwin, 628.
Wakefield, Daniel B., 216.
Wakelin. Thomas, 398.
Wakeman, C. E., & Company, 321.
Walch, James A., 34I.
Waldo, A. P., 398.
Waldo, C. E., 245.
Waldron, Henry, IOI.
Walker, Amos, 255.
Walker, Fred I., 414.
Walker, Solomon, 453.
Wallace, M. H., 355.
Walled lake, 2, 3.
Walled lake village, 470.
Walrod, Abram, 469.
Walter, Mark, 312, 367.
Walters, (Mrs.) F. J., 261, 268.
Wam-ler, Joseph, 30, 31, 40.
Wandle, J. A., 195.
Ward. David, 3, 824.
Ward, Elizabeth B., 50I.
Ward, Henry C., 497.
Ward, Willis C., 824.
War of the Rebellion, 274.
War of 1812, 271.


Warner, Fred M., 214, 221, 457, 812.
Warner, P. Dean, 218, 221, 454, 457, 8IO.
Warner, Seth A. L.. 129, 165, 454.
Warner's Exchange Bank, 246.
Warren, Henry M., 95.
Waterford mills, 324.
Waterford township-Mention, 35, I94,
195, I98, I99, 200, 201, 207; its lakes,
484; coming of the Williams' families,
484; Waterford of today, 486; Drayton plains, 486; old Clintonville, 486.
Water works wells, Rochester (view),
410.
Waters, Sarah W., IO9.
Water-shed, 9.
Watson, Joseph, 31.
Watson, Samuel G., 172.
Wattles, John M., 179.
Weatherson, Charles, 472.
Webb, Alfred, 301, 303, 860.
Webb, Ezekiel, 453, 454.
Webb, Harriet, 860.
Webster, Aaron, 290, 362.
Webster, Burt M., 869.
Webster, Charles P., I40.
Webster. Elmer R., I40, 152, 229, 333,
337.
Webster, James, 218.
Weed, Leonard, 362, 363, 364.
Weeks, James A., IOI, 212, 291, 295,
327.
Weeks, Smith, 33, II8, II9, 191.
Weelman, Joel, 32.
Weir, W. I., 416.
Weisbrod, S. L., 258.
Welcome Rebekah Lodge No. 246, I. O.
O. F., 368.
Wellman, Zadock, 89.
Wells Cultivator Company, 447.
Wendell, John A., 473, 477.
Wendell. Matthew, 669.
Wendorph, J. A., 439.
We-se-gah, 25.
Wesson, Suel, 292, 294.
West Bloomfield township-Mention, 34,
194, 195, 198, 199, 200, 201, 207; lakes,
478; earliest pioneers, 478; sale of Indian reservations, 479; first postoffice, 479; Orchard Lake postoffice, 479;
the Polish seminary, 481.
West Highland, 473.
West Side Reading Club, 267.
Western Knitting Mills, 408.
Wetmore, John, 35, 36, 440.
Wheaton, F. W., 411.
Wheeler, Harris A., 338.
Wheeler, Morris, 473.
Whipple, Charles W., 121, 123.
White, George, 392.
White, Jonathan R., 179.
White, Phineas, I79.
White, Samuel, 212, 218.
Whitehead, Almeron, 212, 244, 383.
Whitehead, Richard, 275.
White Lake postoffice, 494.
White Lake township, 33, I95, I98, I99,
200, 20I, 207, 493.




INDEX


xxxvii


Whitesell, R. J., 367.
Whittield, Thomas, 486.
Whiting, John L., 190.
Whitney, A. G., 190.
Whitney, G. H., 385.
Whitney, Wilson, 413.
Whittemore, Gideon 0., II9, I23, 164,
191, 218, 221, 243, 272, 292, 293.
Whittemore, J., 334.
Wicart, L. J., 355.
Wickens, Fred A., 702.
Wieland, Frederic, 123, 140, 743.
"Wildcat" banks, 243.
W/iggins, George, 465.
Wilber, Clinton W., 519.
Wilcox, Charlotte E., 603.
Wilcox, Edwin T., 24.
Wilcox, Mortimer, 603.
Wilkins, Ross, 122.
Willetts, Elijah, 43, 373, 374.
Willetts, Isaac, 33.
Williams, Alfred, 237.
Williams, Alpheus, 30, 35, 466.
Williams, Ephraim, 31.
Williams, Ferdinand, 72I.
Williams. Frederic A., 124.
Williams, Gardner D., I94.
Williams, George H., 486.
Williams, George P., 228, 333.
Williams, Harvey, 287.
Williams, Oliver, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35, 55,
362, 484.
Willits, Elijah, 117.
Willits, William, 506.
Willoughby, George, 781.
Wilson, A. C., 448.
Wilson, Albert W., 433, 683.
Wilson. Almon C., 736.
Wilson, Charles A., 247.
Wilson, (Mrs.) E. H., 261, 267.
Wilson, Jesse E., 258, 274, 406.
Wilson, Levi, 449, 45I.
Wilson, Oscar D., 890.
Wilson, Samuel, 419.
Wilson, Thomas W.. 328.
Wilson, William, 255.
Wilson school, 338.
Willson, Albert, 438, 683.
Windiate, Daniel, 324, 486.
Windiate park, 5.
Wing, Austin E., 31, 33, I90, 405, 429.
Winn, Anna, 472.
Winter, George, 398.
Wisner, Mrs. Ada McConnell, 97.
Wisner, George W., 123, 131, 171.
Wisner, Moses, 39, 132, 173, I8I, 221,
274, 281.
Wisner, Oscar F., 123.
Wisner school, 338.
Witherell, James, 120, 122.
Wixom, 470.


Wixom, Alijah, 470.
Wixom, Robert, 453, 457.
Wixom, Willard C., 470.
Wixson, Isaac, 216.
Women's Christian Temperance Union,
Pontiac, 268.
Wolcott, Chauncey D., 460.
Wolfe, William J., 799.
Wolverine Sand & Gravel Company,
427.
Women's Literary Club of Birmingham, 269.
Women's Literary   Club  of Pontiac,
266.
Women's influence in the county-What
women    have  done   for  Oakland
county, 259; women's work in Pontiac, 26I; the Pontiac City Hospital,
26I; Pontiac Public Library, 264; the
Women's Literary Club, 266; the
Round Table Club, 267; the West
Side Reading Circle, 267; Women's
Christian Temperance Union, 268;
Birmingham   Public  Library,  268;
Birmingham   Literary  Club,  269;
Greenwood   Cemetery    Association,
Birmingham, 269; Ladies' Library
Association, 270.
Woodbridge, William, 122, I59, 189,
235.
Woodward      avenue,    Birmringham
(view), 382.
Woodhull, C. H., 212.
Woodman, Elias S., 218.
Woodward, Augustus B., III.
Woodward, Lysander, 220.
Woodworth, Benjamin, 30, 31, 403.
Wooster, Benjamin, 488.
Wormer, G. S., 282.
Wright, David A., 493.
Wright, Reuben, 469.
Wyckoff, Cornelius G., 494.
Wyckoff, Herman A., 315.
Wyckoff, Thomas, 665.
Yankey, W. H., 409.
Yellow mill, 324.
Yerkes, Robert C., 322.
Yerkes, William, 212, 483.
Yerkes. William G., 322.
York, Samuel, 243.
Young, Joseph, 604.
Young, Marcus, 394.
Young Men's Christian Association,
Pontiac, 359.
Young, Mrs. Welcome, 267.
Young, William, 390.
Zahn, Herman H., 894.
Zimmerman, Henry M., I40, 22r, 589.
Zion church, Pontiac, 357.




I




History of Oakland County
CHAPTER I
THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION
WONDERFUL COUNTRY OF LAKES-CASS AND ORCHARD-REMARKABLE
NATURAL PHENOMENON-THE LAKE ORION REGION-SUMMER RESORT FEATURES-TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES-AS A FARMING AND
LIVE STOCK REGION-FEATURES OF THE TRANSFORMATION.
The natural features of Oakland county seemed to predestine its material development of the past twenty years or more. Its four hundred
and fifty lakes, many of which are thus called only by a generous stretch
of the imagination, are thickly sprinkled over its gently rolling surface,
while pretty islands stud these little gems of water. As there is a lake
to each two square miles of land it is evident that these charming bodies
of water had to be reckoned with in the future of the country.
In the early times those who settled in the county had to live, had to
eat and be clothed, and they therefore did what pioneers have always done;
they turned to the soil, and raised crops and live stock. But as the
country developed and became known to outsiders, its attractions as a
resort for those seeking rest and recreation, its advantages for those who
wished permanent homes with beautiful and comfortable surroundings,
became so apparent that there was more and more an insistent demand
for land, especially in the vicinity of the lakes-which obviously meant
that such demand not only became insistent but widespread. Before describing in detail this comparatively lake transformation of Oakland
county from an agricultural community to a country of summer and
permanent homes, we shall turn in our tracks and note the main features
supplied by nature in the bringing about of this change.
WONDERFUL COUNTRY OF LAKES
The average number of lakes in each township of Oakland county is
eighteen, though Troy, Royal Oak, Southfield, Farmington and Lyon
are very deficient in comparison with other sections of the county. The
largest of the lakes and the most generously supplied of the townships
lie west and southwest of Pontiac. Orion, toward the northeast, is also
1




2


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


the center of one of the most important development of resorts and
homes in the county, as it is the nucleus of some of its most charming
lakes, the largest of which is the body of water which gives the place its
name. In the Pontiac group are Cass, Orchard, Elizabeth, Sylvan, and
Pine. Walled lake to the southwest, lying in both Commerce and Novi
townships, is also one of the larger bodies, all of which are over three
hundred and fifty acres in extent. The largest is Cass, covering about
twelve hundred acres, or nearly two square miles. It was named after
Governor Cass, and lies mostly in West Bloomfield township, with two
of its arms extending into Waterford. Its extreme length from southwest to northeast is about two and three quarter miles and its extreme
breadth, not measuring its arm, is a trifle over a mile.
Altogether the lakes of Oakland county cover twenty thousand square
acres, and the comparative importance of the townships from the standpoint of natural reservoirs is told in the following figures: West Bloomfield has a lake surface of 4,000 square acres; Waterford, of 2,600;
Orion, 1,700; Commerce, 1,700; White Lake, 1,300; Highland, 1,200;
Bloomfield, I,200; Addison, I,ooo; Holly, 900; Rose, 900; Independence,
800; Brandon, 6o0; Springfield, 600; Novi, 650; Oxford, 500; Groveland,
250; Oakland, 250; Milford, I60; Lyon, I6o; Avon, 30.
CASS AND ORCHARD
Continuing the description of the individual lakes: After Cass comes
Orchard lake, in size; perhaps exceeding it in beauty and general interest.
It is certainly one of the finest sheets of water in southern Michigan, is
circular in form, lies wholly in West Bloomfield township, and, including the islands encompassed by its water, covers about eight hundred and
fifty acres. Orchard lake derives its name from the beautiful island of
some thirty acres embraced by it, which the Indians called "Me-nah-sagor-ning," or the "place of the orchard." When the United States surveyors and the earliest of the permanent settlers came to this locality,
they found quite a number of apple trees still in bearing, supposed to
have been planted by French settlers, or at least to have been grown from
seeds obtained of them at Detroit. Apple island, as it is now called, is
almost in the geographical center of the lake. Northwest of it is the
smaller Cedar island.
Both Cass and Orchard lakes are now surrounded by summer cottages and homes, pleasant walks and drives meandering around their
shores. One of the most artistically and thoroughly improved of the
beautiful shorelands of Cass lake is known as Keego Harbor, while a
popular feature counted among the attractions of Orchard lake is the
Polish Seminary, founded upon the old-time Orchard Lake Military
Academy. The entire chain of little sparkling lakes from Pontiac, southwest to Cass and Orchard-Crystal, Sylvan, Lord and Pine-presents a
succession of cottages, boat landings and summer devices, as well as a
display of comfortable, if modest, homes for residents who are justly in
love with the sunny and gentle picturesqueness of the country.
The majority of the lakes are drained by Clinton river, although quite
a large number in the western and southwestern parts of the county are




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


3


bound together by the Huron, while some in the northwestern portions
find an outlet through the Shiawassee river and thence into Saginaw
bay. A few lakes in Bloomfield and West Bloomfield townships are also
drained through the Rouge river.
Most of the lakes in Oakland county have picturesque, irregular
shores, with gravelly beaches, and in the early days were almost wholly
encompassed by forests of the American larch, or tamarack. Although
these have necessarily been thinned out by both the farmer and the home
seeker, they remain in the condensed form of hardy and shady groves
and some of the smaller islands are still quite thickly clad in pine and
cedar.
REMARKABLE NATURAL PHENOMENON
A somewhat curious natural phenomenon is noticed in several of the
Oakland county lakes, particularly in Cass and Walled Lake, the latter
lying mostly in Novi township, southwest of West Bloomfield. Reference is made to the action of the ice which seems to expand from the
center and force the sand, gravel and trees back toward the precipitous
banks a few rods from the water. By this action immense piles of these
materials are forced for some distance from the margin, where they are
left high and dry after the ice has disappeared in the spring. Walled
lake is a beautiful body of clear water covering about one square mile,
and this action has gone on in that locality so long that in places along
its shores a regular wall appears to have been erected by the hand of
man. At Walled lake, also, the deposition of bowlders is of quite remarkable extent and compactness.
Some years ago, David Ward, who had a farm on the shores of Cass
lake, and other competent investigators, carefully looked into this matter.
The consensus of opinion was this: During the most intense of the freezing weather the ice sometimes accumulates on the surface of the water
to the thickness of two feet or more. This, under atmospheric changes,
expands from the center toward the margin of the lake with a force, in
the case of Walled lake, to move bowlders several tons in weight. Along
the southeast shore of Cass lake this action is distinctly marked, a permanent embankment having been formed parallel with the water. Along
the eastern shore of Orchard lake there is a broad ridge of lake sand, undoubtedly formed by the same action, and in places overgrown by scattering forest trees.
A very careful examination of the phenomenon at Walled lake seems
to substantiate the following propositions: During the geological Drift
period a large deposit of bowlders accumulated along the western margin
of the lake, and extended a long distance into the water, and on this was
formed the sand bar which extends into the lake for some sixty or eighty
rods. Near the center of the wall-like ridge the ground is some ten feet
above the surface of the lake, and here the ridge is wanting; but trending north and south from this high land the slope is gentle until the ridge
lies but a few feet above the surface. The soil of this vicinity is filled
with bowlders of various sizes, some being perhaps from one to three
tons in weight. The expansive action of the heavy ice has operated to
simply crowd the surface bowlders together; the movement operates




4             HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
precisely like the pushing of sand or gravel before a scraper or board,
driven sidewise against it-it piles up and forms a ridge. The bowlders
are driven together in this way by an action continued for centuries perhaps, and the result is the curious wall, about which so much has been
written and conjectured. Anyone who has even a superficial knowledge
of geology will understand when it is stated that it is a glacial moraine
on a small scale.
Sylvan lake, already briefly mentioned, was formerly called Timber
lake, and along its shores are some of the most popular resorts for Pontiac people in the county.
THE LAKE ORION REGION
Outside of the chains stretching for miles to the west of that city none
has a wider popularity as a rendezvous for those who enjoy good boatpart of the county, send thither their contributions of resorters. Bellevue,
sometimes caller Assembly island, is nearly in the center of the lake, and
forms a beautiful spot for summer homes, with which its shores are lined.
As the region around and in Lake Orion was one of the first to be developed, a somewhat detailed history of the improvements in that vicinity
is allowable.
As soon as the Detroit & Bay City Railroad, which runs along its
shore, was completed, the region, with Lake Orion as its center, became
frequented by pleasure parties from Detroit and other cities. About that
time E. R. Emmons improved a natural park on the north shore of the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


lake, which was used largely for picnic purposes. In I874 he placed a
small steamer, the "Little Dick," on the lake, and excursions were run to
this park and many other islands of the lake. The same year a party of
speculators purchased one of the finest of these islands and formed themselves into what is known as the Orion Park Association. A bridge connecting the island with the mainland, a large reception hall with an observatory, a wharf and boathouse for "Little Dick," and other improvements
and attractions were inaugurated and completed, which gave the Lake
Orion region quite a wide reputation among the really popular summer
resorts of southern Michigan. In I899 the Lake Orion Assembly Resort
was organized, which practically purchased all the lake front. The company erected fine buildings, hotels and boathouses, and for ten years
operated a Chautauqua on quite an extensive scale. In I9IO the Lake
Orion Summer Homes Company succeeded by purchase to the assets of
the Assembly Resort. Twenty-one islands controlled by the management of the resort give ample assurance of seclusion and privacy to those
who wish to go into retreat in vacation days, rather than mingle with
the crowds of enthusiastic pleasure seekers, and cottages are for hire on
all these little beauty spots for those who are not attracted by hotel life.
Many of the homes are owned by regular summer visitors, and the Lake
Orion Summer Homes Company has done much for the upbuilding of
the place through its plan of building homes to suit the owner. Lake
Orion offers many natural advantages which alone would make it a most
pleasant summering spot, and the extensive improvements wrought
by the company which controls the amusement project have well completed what nature had so fairly begun.
Northeast of the Lake Orion region in Addison township is also
Lakeville lake, with Leonard as the nearest village in this developing
section of summer resorts. Deer lake in Independence township and
almost in Clarkson village has lately sprung into considerable notice, while
Mace Day lake and Windiate park, in Waterford township, have been for
years the resting places of numerous resorters.
SUMMER RESORT FEA\TURES
Most of the beautiful lakes of Oakland county are readily accessible
by means of either the Detroit United Electric Railway or the Grand
Trunk lines. The country roads are, as a rule, well built and kept in
good repair, and, in all seasonable weather, automobilists are much in
evidence. The season of the summer resorters in Oakland county commences early and lasts well into October, which makes both summer
homes and hotels profitable. This fact ensures reasonable rents and
steady income. While there are no mammoth hotels, such as are found
at short-season resorts, there is an abundance of fair-sized hostelries and
comfortable boarding houses.
Reference has been made to Oakland county as a favorite of the automobilist, on account of its good roads. He himself should be given full
credit for bringing about this improvement over the old order. And he
has been given his due, as witness the following from a metropolitan
sheet: "The advent of the automobile has tended greatly to spread the




6


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


knowledge of Oakland county lakes. Before the automobile came into
general use few people were able to get about the country to see what it
contained. With the automobile, came the tendency toward good roads.
Although at the present time many roads of the county are still in bad
shape, they are all being gradually improved and a number are in excellent condition. In time there will be perfect automobile roads around
the larger lakes of the country and between Detroit and Pontiac, which
will undoubtedly mean that Oakland's lakes will be even more popular
than they are at present."
TRANSPORTATION FACILTIES
As stated, the transportation facilities of the county are, on the whole,
excellent, and how they have been gradually provided is well told in a
booklet issued, more than ten years ago, by Joseph E. Sawyer, who is
one of the foremost citizens, as he has been for years past, in the special
development of Oakland county property which is being traced in this
chapter: "The importance of good roads and other facilities for transporting to market the products of the soil was early appreciated by the
settlers of Oakland county, and Clinton river was improved and rendered
navigable from Mount Clemens to Rochester by the Clinton River Navigation Company, organized in 1827. This company carried on business
several years, but was unable to compete with the Detroit & Pontiac
Railroad Company chartered in I834. This railroad was first built from
Detroit to Royal Oak and operated by horsepower. It was continued to
Birmingham in 1839 and steam power introduced, which was a notable
event in the history of the state. The road was extended to Pontiac in
I843.
"Other and better roads succeeded these primitive affairs, so that up
to the time when the electric roads appeared Oakland county considered
herself very well supplied. In the last few years, however, her advantages in this respect have been very much increased. The first electric
road in the county was the Pontiac & Sylvan Lake, which ran its cars
about Pontiac and as far out as Sylvan lake. This was soon followed by
the Detroit & Pontiac, named from its terminals and affording twentyminute service between them. In addition to this, the Detroit & Northwestern has for some time been running cars out Grand River avenue to
Sand Hill * and will soon be extended to Pontiac by way of Farmington,
and Orchard Lake. The Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion has
been completed to Rochester, and right-of-way has been obtained for three
more-the Pontiac & Flint, the Pontiac & Orion, and the Pontiac & Milford. It is probable that not only these but others will in a short time
extend through the entire county, connecting its towns and rich farming
districts with the markets at Detroit and other cities.
"But it will not be the farmers alone who will be benefited by the
improved facilities for transportation. Many busy city people will have
reason to be thankful for the ease with which they may reach the lakes
and the delightful scenery of the famous country.
"The Indians were always admirers of the beautiful in nature, and
*It should be remembered that this was written in I899. The prophecies herein
made have been more than verified.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


7


the lake district of Oakland was their favorite resort. The great chief,
Pontiac, honored it by choosing it as the place of his lodge and retired
hither after his repulse at the siege of Detroit. The prosperous city
which bears his name, numerous thriving villages and cultivated farms
now occupy the hunting ground of the Indian, but art has not entirely
usurped the bower of nature."
As A FARMING AND LIVE STOCK REGION
Thirty years ago Oakland county was, in many respects, the leading
agricultural and horticultural section of interior Michigan. That this
statement is not made at haphazard is evident from the following extracts
taken from an authoritative history of Oakland county: "Oakland county
stands deservedly high in its agricultural productions, though its apparent
standing as compared with other counties in the state is largely owing to
its greater area, it being the largest in the lower peninsula with the exception of Sanilac, which is comparatively a new county with a much
larger proportion of waste land. In the production of wheat for 1873
it ranked third, Calhoun and Washtenaw exceeding it. In the raising
of Indian corn it stood sixth, the counties exceeding it being Calhoun,
Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw. In all other grains it
ranked first, and in the production of potatoes it also stood at the head.
In the number of tons of hay cut it ranked third, Jackson and Lenawee
only exceeding it. In wool it was second to Washtenaw; in cheese 'and
butter second to Lenawee, and in pork ninth on the list."
In the acreage of orchards Oakland county was second, with twelve
thousand, nine hundred and thirty-two acres, in 1873, Berrien having
fourteen thousand. It led in the production of apples-five hundred and
seventeen thousand, six hundred and forty-two bushels for the year; also
in cherries, eight thousand, four hundred and fifteen bushels; and was
second only to Wayne county in melons and garden vegetables, its yearly
record being fifty-five thousand, two hundred and three bushels. The total
value of all its fruits and garden vegetables, $184,884, made it fifth in
the state, in this regard, being exceeded by Berrien, Hillsdale, Lenawee,
and Wayne.
As to live stock at this time, Oakland county stood first in the number
of horses produced and second in milch cows and sheep.
FEATURES OF THE TRANSPORTATION
It requires no very astute business man to understand what this development of farm and even waste lands into sites for summer resorts
and homes has meant for the material advancement of the Oakland
county property owner. It has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars into the county, advanced numerous small farmers into prosperous
land owners, furnished employment to an army of artisans, made of the
entire country a region of beauty thickly studded with homesteads, and
assured the stranger who comes to invest in new enterprises that he and
his family shall be surrounded by the fresh influences of nature as well
as modern comforts and advantages. The means for much of this splen



8


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


did development has come from the outside; wherein has arisen the
danger that the home people may eventually lose much of the real and
ultimate advantage of the transformation.
This thought is brought out in the following from the Pontiac PressGazette: "There was a time when the advantages of Oakland county
lakes were not appreciated and people did not enjoy what nature had
offered, but in recent years they have awakened to the possibilities and
each year sees more cottages and more people spending the summer
months on the shore of some lake. The lakes are so near Detroit, and
the metropolis of Michigan is so conveniently connected with the larger
lakes by electric lines that Detroit people have not been slow to see the
advantages, and many Detroiters now own homes at the lakes and spend
their summers there.
"Frequently the thought has come to Pontiac people that this city is
making a mistake in not reserving a substantial piece of ground at one
of the near-by lakes where a natural park and playground might be
located. Scarcely realizing that an opportunity is slipping away, the city
is watching private parties step in and buy all the available lake shore,
and in time the public may be entirely excluded and will be deprived of
the enjoyment the lakes afford. Not a few of the smaller lakes of the
county are owned by private individuals who keep them stocked with fish
and allow no one to fish therein without permission. A few wealthy men
have purchased enough land around some of the lakes to form fine estates
and have built beautiful homes to grace the shores."




CHAPTER II
GENERAL PHYSICAL FEATURES
SURFACE AND ELEVATIONS-IMMENSE DRIFT AND FORMATIONS BENEATH
SOIL AND CLIMATE -THE SURFACE GEOLOGY OF OAKLAND COUNTY.
Oakland is one of the extreme southeastern counties of southern
Michigan, in the third tier of counties from the Ohio boundary, and lies
northwest of Wayne county and Detroit. As it is nine hundred square
miles in area, it is among the largest of the counties in this section of
the state. Physically, it forms the water-shed between the headwaters
of the Clinton, Huron, Rouge and Shiawassee rivers, which drain into
Lake St. Clair, Detroit river, Lake Erie and Saginaw bay.
SURFACE AND ELEVATIONS
The surface of Oakland county is comparatively level, although the
land lies far enough above the numerous lakes to make the country remarkably healthful. In various sections the surface is broken by great
deposits of sand, gravel and bowlders, especially near these bodies of
water, but the highest hills and ridges are found, as a rule, in the townships which least abound in lakes. The most considerable of these elevations are located along the northeastern border of Pontiac township, in
the southwestern corner of Independence near Waterford, in the western
portions of Waterford township and in Highland township.
Bald mountain, lying partly in the northeastern portion of Pontiac
and the southeastern part of Orion is generally considered the highest
point of land in the county-that is, five hundred and twenty-nine feet
above Lake Michigan-although there is some dispute among surveyors
as to whether the highest elevation may not really be a little to the north
of that locality. The most pronounced ridge is, of course the water-shed
of the Clinton, Huron, and Shiawassee rivers, which passes through the
county diagonally, crossing the townships of Addison, Oxford, Brandon,
Independence, Springfield, White Lake, Commerce, West Bloomfield,
Novi and Lyon; spurs are thrown out into Pontiac, Groveland, Rose,
Highland and Milford. There are also collections of considerable elevations, some of them quite abrupt, in Bloomfield township.
9




10


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


IMMENSE DRIFT AND FORMATIONS BENEATH
Geologically considered, Oakland county belongs to the Drift' period.
Its water courses nowhere cut through the immense alluvial deposits of
sand, gravel and bowlders, to the rocks beneath. No minerals are known
to exist, except possibly in isolated sections mingled with the drift.
The rock formations underlying the drift all belong to the Carboniferous system. The coal measures are supposed to underlie a fraction
of the county northwest of Holly. Below them comes the Palma sandstone, which reaches a little further into the county; next lower, the Carboniferous limestone, with a still greater area; deeper still, the Michigan
salt group, which is supposed to underlie about two-fifths of the county;
then the Marshall sandstone group, believed to underlie the entire county;
and lastly, the Huron group, which extends beyond Oakland county into
adjoining districts.
Borings in the northwest corner of the county would penetrate all of
these formations, while in the southeast corner only the Huron group
will be found. The center of this geological basin would be near the line
between Gratiot and Midland counties, where the dip of the underlying
strata is probably the deepest; thence gradually rising toward the margin
of the basin. Fossils of various forms are found in the drift of Oakland
county.
The following information is condensed from the last report of the
Weather Bureau for the section known officially as Eastern Lower Michigan, being especially applicable to Oakland county: In this section there
are two high areas of land, the northern covering most of Otsego, Crawford and Roscommon counties. In the southern portion there is another
elevated area covering much of Jackson, Washtenaw and Hillsdale
counties; this elevation includes the sources of the Grand, Kalamazoo,
St. Joseph and Raisin rivers. A part of this elevated area extends northeastward into Oakland county and contains the headwaters of the Huron,
Rouge, and Clinton rivers. A comparatively low belt of land, extending from Saginaw bay to the lower valley of the Grand river, separates
these elevations. The greater part of the drainage is into Lake Huron,
Lake St. Clair or Lake Erie, although a portion finds its way to Lake
Michigan through the Manistee, Muskegon, and Grand rivers.
SOIL AND CLIMATE
The soil is varied in character. In the southern portion it is fertile
and well adapted to growing grains, grasses and fruits. In its original
state the land was covered with forests-of hard wood in the southern
portion and chiefly pine in the northern.
The yearly precipitation averages between thirty and thirty-five inches,
although there are limited areas where the yearly amount averages between twenty-five and thirty inches. It is well distributed throughout
the year, but is slightly greater during the spring and summer than during other seasons. In the northern portion the winter snowfall is heavy
and the ground remains covered during most of the winter, the accumulated depth of snow being often from two to three feet. In the south



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


11


ern portion the snowfall is less and is apt to be melted by warm or rainy
weather, so that during most years the ground is bare during part of the
winter season
The southern tier of townships is mostly a plain, without even ridges,
and has only one of the four hundred and fifty lakes of the county within its borders. In several localities are found extensive tracts of level
land, such as those around Orion and Oxford villages, the Sash-a-baw
plain in Independence, the Drayton plains in Waterford, and the White
Lake plains lying in the townships of Springfield, White Lake, Highland
and Rose.
The general surface of Oakland county is elevated from three to four
hundred feet above the water-level of the great lakes.
The climate is substantially that which prevails over southern Michigan-a climate whose temperature is lowered by the pronounced elevation of its surface, as well as by its proximity to the deep, cool waters of
Lake Huron; but it is neither as warm in summer nor as cold in winter
as in regions adjacent to Lake Michigan. The average summer temperature for Pontiac is seventy-two degrees, and is nearly the same as that
of southern Ohio, the districts around the lower end of Lake Michigan
and at Ottawa (Illinois), one hundred and fifty miles south of Saginaw.
The winter temperature of Pontiac is about twenty degrees, which
is somewhat colder than other places in the same latitude in Michigan,
being the same as Mackinaw in the extreme north of the lower peninsula.
All the climatic conditions, like those of elevation and drainage, are firm
guarantees of health and physical vigor, and form another practical reason why Oakland county is so admirably adapted to the founding of
homes and the prolonged life and happiness of the individual.
As to vegetation, owing to the comparatively cool temperature it is
somewhat backward, but as the soil of the county is generally of a sandy
loam, the heat of the summer months is rapidly absorbed and the advance
is rapid. The autumn is usually agreeable and frosts are uncommon before October. Both the climate and the soil of the county are particularly
favorable for the growth of wheat, and for all small grains; it goes without saying that most of the fruits are readily raised. But the agricultural
interests have been mostly crowded out by the developments which have
brought the county into the front rank of Michigan's residential districts.
One exception must be made to this statement. Her dairy interests are
still large and growing, particularly in the southern plain districts, with
Farmington as their center.
THE SURFACE GEOLOGY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
By Aaron Perry.
The most interesting as well as the most obvious feature of the surface geology of Oakland county is the great body of glacial drift overlying the bed rock of the whole county. This drift is mostly unstratified,
or only locally and discordantly stratified. It is from one hundred to
five hundred feet or more deep, depending on the locality. It consists
of clay, sand and gravel, mixed with rounded and water-worn pebbles,
and boulders of all sizes, from sand grains to six feet or more in diameter.




12


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


This sketch would not be complete without some mention of the origin
of this drift.
It is now the accepted theory of geologists that this great body of
drift has been ground up, worn and deposited in its present situation and
condition by glaciers and moving waters; and geologists are now able to
satisfactorily account for its origin. I cannot take space to give the
various theories that have been advanced to account for the changes of
climate which were necessary to produce and melt away those monstrous
glaciers. It is sufficient here to assume as a fact that former great
changes in the climate of North America took place, and that within a
comparatively recent period in its geological history this county was
covered with glacial ice such as is now found on the high table lands of
Greenland and on the Antarctic continent at the south pole. The existence of vast coal beds and tropical fossils (petrifications), in the Arctic
regions is one of the evidences of such great differences in the climate
between former and recent times. Neither was the glacial age continuous and uninterrupted, but there were interglacial colder and warmer
periods when the glaciers advanced or melted away and retreated only
to advance again. A great part of Oakland county is now, except as
modified by snows, rains, streams and ponds, in substantially the same
condition in which it was left by the last glaciers. Wherever the reader
has seen hills or banks of clay, sand, and boulders entirely unstratified
he can assume that they are now just as they were left by the glaciers.
Perhaps nowhere can be seen better exhibits of recent glacial drift than
are found in Waterford and White Lake, west of Mace Day lake. Many
of the bowls and hollows are today without outlets and substantially as
left by the ice sheet. Similar illustrations can be seen in many other
places in the northerly and westerly parts of the county. Heaven Hill,
in White Lake, the Bald Mountain ridge, the Grampian Hills of Addison,
and, in fact, most of the hills of this county are substantially as they were
left by the glaciers. Oakland county's four hundred lakes are due to
the hollows and depressions left by the last glaciers. They show that,
geologically speaking, this is a new country. In time all these hills will
be rounded down and all the lakes filled with earth or emptied of their
water, by the wearing down of their outlets. In the water-washed southeasterly part of the county there are no lakes left; all have been filled and
obliterated by the action of the waves.
To account for these glaciers it is not necessary to imagine any very
great elevation of the lands northerly of us. Centuries of snow piled up
farther north and, unmelted and accumulated until they had become
thousands of feet thick, was sufficient to furnish all the elevation necessary to force the glaciers. southward across this county. The great
weight of such a body of snow would suffice not only to change it into
ice but would from pressure alone, convert it into a semiliquid state. In
such a condition a glacier will flow, slowly of course, down a declivity
little above a dead level and even force itself uphill over a ridge. They
may not have moved at a velocity as great as fifty feet in a year, but
they did their grinding, crushing work just as effectually, and their underlying and lateral streams of water helped to wear, assort and round the
pebbles, gravel and boulders brought by the ice lobe.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


13


Later, I will speak of the melting back of these glaciers, but here I
want to help the reader to account for the irregular and discordant stratification that all have noticed so often in sand and gravel banks in this
county. It can largely be accounted for by recalling that the glaciers in
receding, and perhaps in advancing, with their burden of ground up rock
and debris would leave depressions, pools, hollows and dammed up valleys, and that the rains, winds and waves, and the streams of water flowing in and out of such depressions would assort and stratify the sands,
clays and gravels the same as they do now in like situations. Often the
rims of these hollows were worn away slowly by the gradual deepening
and wearing down of their outlets, or quickly by floods or other causes;
and then the stratification would begin anew under different circumstances and in a different situation. Is there any wonder then that in
a small gravel pit the stratification may be so discordant, tipped and
varied that we are puzzled to account for it in detail?
The soil of Oakland county has been transported very largely from
the northeast. This is established both by the detached fossils and
minerals, as well as the fossiliferous boulders we find scattered over the
county. Pieces of iron ore, copper and other minerals, as well as corals,
brachiopods and other fossils, are often found. The corals are sometimes called by the finders petrified "wasp nests" or "honeycomb," and
are very common in our drift. All the above are still found northerly
of us in Canada, in places in solid bed rock.
These glaciers swept over all Michigan and to, and in some places
beyond, the Ohio river. The last great ones that crossed this county
ended in northern Ohio and Indiana, and left there and in southern Michigan a great terminal moraine of earth, rock and debris, which accounts
for the hilly country of Hillsdale county in Michigan, and in some of
the counties in northern Indiana and Ohio.
Glacier streams or lobes, like other streams, generally follow depressions and valleys, although ultimately they may leave a hill where a valley
existed before. Geologists are now agreed that a number of great glacial
sheets swept down from the north, covering the northern states east of
Minnesota and north of the Ohio river. These glacial sheets succeeded
each other at different periods far apart. To distinguish them geologists
have differentiated and named those known, as the Kansas, Iowa, Illinois
and Wisconsin Glacial Sheets, and have determined that they came in the
order in which they are above mentioned. The Wisconsin, the last of
those great glacial sheets, passed over Michigan, including this county.
This great ice sheet included numerous subordinate glacial lobes, two of
which concern this county and largely shaped its present surface conditions. Both came from the northeast and in all probability originated in
the vicinity of Hudson's Bay, in Canada. They traveled over this county
in a southwesterly direction.
One of them, known as the Saginaw ice lobe, or glacier, came down
Saginaw bay and swept south across our state. Its left bank or moraine,
as the geologists call it, passed down the "Thumb" and across Huron,
Sanilac, Tuscola, Lapeer, Genesee and Oakland counties, and farther
south to and beyond Hillsdale and western Lenawee. The right or western moraine of the other, the Maumee ice lobe or glacier, which termin



14


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ated in the Maumee valley in Indiana, passed across the southerly part
of Oakland county and thence southwesterly into Ohio and Indiana and,
in its course commingling in this county with the eastern moraine of the
Saginaw glacier, greatly complicated the surface geology of this locality.
The numerous lakes of Oakland county are only a fraction of the
number that must have existed at the time of the final melting away and
retreating of the last glaciers. Some of these, extinct lakes must have
been quite large, for otherwise it is hard to account for the existence of
such broad, sandy, gravelly plains as Sashabaw Plains and those found
in the township of Commerce, and in Orion and other parts of the county.
Those level, sandy, gravelly stretches of land, so common here, clearly
show that they have been leveled and the soil assorted and laid down in
shallow wave-washed lakes and ponds.
But a still greater force leveled and planed down the southeasterly
part of this county, including the townships of Troy and Royal Oak and
parts of Farmington, Southfield and Bloomfield. That force was the
great glacial lakes known as Lake Maumee, Lake Whittlesey and Lake
Warren. Those lakes all disappeared many thousands of years ago.
Probably no human eye ever saw any of them, but to distinguish them,
after generally conceding the evidence of their former existence to be
conclusive, geologists have given them the above names.
As the Maumee glacier began to melt back from its southerly end in
the Maumee valley the lands southwest of the terminus, in Indiana, being
higher than the land under the glacier, a lake was formed at the foot of
the retreating glacier, which is known as Lake Maumee, the outlet of
which was at first at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the drainage from the
lake passed thence into the Wabash and Ohio rivers. When the glacier
had melted back as far north as Imlay City, in Lapeer county, another
outlet was formed at that place through which the waters of Lake Maumee
passed across, near North branch, into the Cass river, thence across Genesee, Shiawassee and Clinton counties into the Grand river, and thence
by way of the present site of Chicago to the Mississippi river. Lake
Maumee is supposed to have kept both outlets for a time and until the
Imlay outlet had lowered so as to carry off all its flood waters, when the
outlet at Fort Wayne ceased. The glaciers continued to melt back farther until a still lower outlet was formed across the "Thumb" in Huron
county at Ubly, to Cass river, known as the Ubly Outlet; and as this outlet deepened the lake quickly lowered and shrank on its southerly and
westerly sides and continued to extend northerly with the retreating
glacier. Lake Maumee, after the close of the Fort Wayne and Imlay
outlets and while its outlet was across the "Thumb" at Ubly, has been
given the name of Lake Whittlesey.
The glaciers continued to retreat farther north until finally a still
lower outlet for Lake Whittlesey was formed around the end of the
"Thumb" or across the north part of it and by way of the Saginaw valley
and along Maple river, in Shiawassee and Clinton counties, to the Grand
river at Pewamo, a short distance east of Ionia. That last stage of Lake
Maumee, the one when its outlet was at the last mentioned place, has
been given the name, Lake Warren. This lake continued to exist until




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


15


the glaciers had melted back far enough to allow an outlet down the St.
Lawrence valley, when the lake retreated from Michigan.
Lake Maumee washed the easterly side of the high lands in Oakland
county caused by the westerly moraine of the Maumee ice lobe, or
glacier, and left its raised beaches as a record of its shore line through
this county. The leveling and planing down of the parts of Oakland
county easterly of that shore line and the assorting of the surface soil
in those parts into sands, gravels and clays was all done by the great
glacial Lake Maumee during the various stages of its height above explained.
The surface of Detroit river at the foot of Woodward avenue is five
hundred and seventy-five feet above the ocean. Lake Maumee when its
outlet was at Fort Wayne only, was two hundred and eighteen feet higher
than Detroit river at the foot of Woodward avenue. And when it had
two outlets at the same time, one at Fort Wayne and one at Imlay City,
it had fallen ten feet. When its outlet was at Ubly, and it was known
as Lake Whittlesey, it had fallen forty feet more. And when it had become Lake Warren and had its outlet across or across the northerly part
of the "Thumb" it had fallen eighty-five feet more, and was then only
eighty-three feet higher than Detroit river at the above mentioned place.
The above figures as to the height of these shore lines are taken from
the report of W. H. Sherzer on the geology of Monroe county, published
in Volume VII of the Geological Survey of Michigan, page I43, and it
will appear later in this sketch that the first shore line of Lake Maumee
in some parts of Oakland county has materially risen since it was originally formed.
Leverett, in Monograph 41 of the United States Geological Survey,
page 721, described the shores of Lake Maumee where they pass across
this county in the following language: "The beach enters Oakland
county near the southwest corner of Farmington township and takes a
somewhat direct course across that township, passing through the northwestern part of Farmington village and leaving the township in the northeastern part of Section 12. It usually forms a definite gravel ridge three
to six feet high, and thirty to fifty yards or more in width. It lies along
the inner border of a sharply morainic tract. To the east of it there is
a rapid descent to the Belmore Beach but the surface is remarkably
smooth." The Belmore Beach is the highest shore line of Lake Whittlesey.
Leverett continues: "Immediately northeast of the point where the
beach leaves Farmington township there was a bay-like extension up to
and beyond the village of Franklin, and in this the beach is not clearly
defined. East of Franklin the shore follows the inner border of the
moraine, and is usually in the form of a cut bank, as far east as the
meridian of Birmingham. The second beach (the one when the lake had
the two outlets), runs parallel with it, scarcely one-half mile distant and
presents usually a gravel ridge.
"Near Birmingham there is considerable complexity caused by a till
ridge and moraine hills which appear along the borders of East Rouge
river. The till ridge at Birmingham is barely high enough to catch the
second beach on its crest. Northeastward along the till ridge, however,


A*




16


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


it soon rises to the level of the upper beach. The lowering of the lake
to the level of the second beach seems to have followed closely the withdrawal of the ice from this till ridge and the opening of the Imlay outlet. Indeed, it is probable that the opening of this outlet is the main
cause for the lowering of the lake.
"The second beach from Birmingham northward to the Imlay outlet is usually a gravelly ridge. It is exceptionally strong at Romeo and
in the vicinity of Almont. It lies along the inner face of the till ridge,
just noted, from near Birmingham to Romeo."
A peculiar feature of this upper Maumee beach is the fact that as it
extends north it rises. At Birmingham, Leverett says, it is nineteen feet
higher than at Ypsilanti, and that it is eleven feet higher at Rochester
than at Birmingham. That may be due to the gradual tilting of the surVTIEW ox NiEELY's FLATs NEAxR ROCHESTER
face of this state. The very eminent United States Geologist, Gilbert,
claims to have determined that the north part of the state is now very
slowly rising and the southern part as slowly settling.
Leverett says that at Birmingham  the second Maumee beach is
twenty-nine feet lower than the upper one. He also traces the shore of
Lake Whittlesey (the Belmore Beach), through this county as follows:
"From two miles northeast of Romeo it swings southward and leads
through Washington township to Clinton river, just below Rochester.
The village of Rochester stands upon a delta which was formed in connection with this beach. The beach continues in a course west of south
for about twelve miles from Rochester, passing one and one-half miles
southeast of Birmingham. It there curves abruptly westward, forming
an interesting series of hooks, in its curving portion, and crosses to the
west side of East Rouge river, about two miles southwest of Birming



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


17


ham. From this point its course is southwestward through Farmington
to Plymouth where it crosses West Rouge river."
While I have not personally traced this beach I think the chances are
very great that the well marked low, gravelly ridge crossing the south
end of the Beekman farm south of Birmingham is the Belmore Beach.
At Rochester one can easily imagine the Paint creek and Clinton river
emptying into Lake Whittlesey at substantially the same place and together forming the delta plain on which that beautiful village stands.
I have no accurate information as to the altitude of the highest shore
of Lake Warren, but it was about fifty feet lower than the shore of Lake
Whittlesey and entered Oakland county from the northeast about straight
east of Troy Corners and passed southwesterly through the vicinity of
Big Beaver and Royal Oak village until it reached a point near the south
line of Royal Oak township where it turned abruptly west and kept that
main direction until it approached to or near the Belmore Beach, at which
place it passed southwesterly with it into Wayne county. Wide, low,
sandy ridges are stated by the geologists to be characteristic of this
beach for much of its length, and probably for a part, at least, of the
portion thereof in this county.
Beneath the drift in this county is the bed-rock extending, as far as
geologists know, to the melted interior of the earth. In all probability
all of Oakland county had risen above the ocean before the close of the
Carboniferous age. and no rocks more recent than the Carboniferous
appear beneath the drift here. The first rock underlying the drift in
the southeast corner of the county and under the township of Royal Oak
and parts of Southfield and Troy is of the Devonian age, while under all
the remainder of the county the first rock is of the next later age, the
Carboniferous. The coal basin of the state, which covers the central
part of the lower peninsula, only touches the extreme northwest corner
of Oakland county if at all, and no coal is likely to be found in the
county. It is quite possible that oil may exist in the Trenton rock, but
to reach that stratum wells would have to be bored several thousand
feet deep. Salt-bearing strata probably underlie all of the county at considerable depths below the first bed-rock, as well as strata impregnated
with sulphur and other minerals. Where the sloping shores of Lake
Maumee dip and trend away from the westerly Maumee glacial moraine
crossing the southeast part of the county porous strata overlaid by impervious strata having been occasionally so deposited and formed by the
waters of Lake Maumee as to make artesian wells possible. They are
found in Avon, Troy, Bloomfield, Southfield and Farmington townships.
Artesian wells are also found in the vicinity of Ortonville and in some
other parts of the county, and natural springs are quite common.
Most of thie county lies on the easterly slope of the easterly moraine
of the Saginaw glacier, but a small part of the county is drained westerly.
The relative elevation of different parts of the county is a matter of some
interest. As stated above, Detroit river at the foot of Woodward avenue
is 575 feet above the level of the ocean. Lake Huron is five feet higher
and Lake Erie is two feet lower than the surface of Detroit river at that
point. Passing from the river at the foot of Woodward avenue northwesterly along the Detroit and Pontiac electric railway the elevations
fol. 1-2




18


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


increase as follows: The elevation has increased at Highland Park and
at the south line of Oakland county about 65 feet, and at Royal Oak
about 19 feet more, Royal Oak village'being about 84 feet above Detroit
river. The south part of Birmingham is I9I feet and the northern part
about 209 feet above Detroit river. At the Cranbrook road, Bloomfield
Hills, the height above Detroit river is 290 feet. At Kimble's Corners
the height is 363 feet, and at the United State bench mark on the northeast corner of the courthouse, Pontiac, the height above Detroit river is
369 feet.
The following elevations in feet of various other villages in the county
may be of interest, viz: Big Beaver, go; Troy Corners, 175; Amy, 298;
Rochester, 185 to 225; Goodison, 282; Orion, 419; Eames, 437; Oxford,
486; Thomas Station, 518; Leonard, 435; Andersonville, 472; Drayton
Plains, 385; Waterford, 418; Clarkston, 425; Davisburgh, 383; Holly,
362; Southfield, 103; Franklin, 212; Orchard Lake, 372; Farmington,
about 175; Novi, 337; Walled Lake, 368; Commerce, 367; Wixom, 358;
South Lyon, 365; New Hudson, 356; Milford, 37I; Highland, 435; Clyde,
455; Rose Centre, 405; and White Lake, 466. Thomas Station, 518 feet,
is therefore the highest village in the county.
The heights in feet of the following hills above Detroit river are:
Bald Mountain, in Pontiac township, 618; hills in south part of Springfield township, 585; Mt. Judah, Orion township, 575; Waterford hill,
574;' Heaven hill, White Lake township, 525; hills west of Mace Day
Lake, 525. I have no data for the height of the hills in the northern tier
of townships of the county but some of them must be nearly if not quite
as high as Bald mountain.
Cass lake is 356 feet above Detroit river, and very many lakes in the
county are over four hundred feet above that river. All are filled with
pure water. While, because of its glacial origin, a large part of Oakland
county is rolling and somewhat hilly, very few of the hills are too steep
to be profitably farmed, and the whole county lies at such an elevation
that there is very little of it that cannot be successfully drained. As
would naturally be inferred from its geological history, the soil of the
county is so constituted that it is eminently fitted for agriculture.


Is




CHAPTER III


INDIAN AND PRIMITIVE RECORD
ORCHARD LAKE AND THE GREAT CHIEF PONTIAC-THE LEGEND OF MENAH-SA-GOR-ING-PRIMITIVE TILLAGE AND     INDUSTRIES-CONTACT
WITH KNOWN TRIBES —SCARS OF BATTLE-C. Z. HORTON'S CONTRIBUTIONS-INDIAN CAMPING GROUND AND CEMETERY-QUEER CUSTOMS-THE PASSING OF WE-SE-GAH.
The legitimate history of Oakland county, so far as it relates to the
settlement and civilization of the whites, commences with the abandonment of the siege of Detroit by the great Indian chief, Pontiac, in 1764.
With this portentous danger removed, the interior of southern Michigan became a field of investigation to adventurers and those seeking
homes; so that in I815 the surveyor general of the state commenced to
run his lines south from Detroit toward the Ohio boundary.
ORCHARD LAKE AND THE GREAT CHIEF, PONTIAC
Orchard lake, southwest of Pontiac, was one of the homes of the chief
after whom the city was named, and from that region he is said to have
drawn not a small portiof of his supplies, such as fish and water fowl,
which enabled him to make such an alarming display of his strength and
resourcefulness before the English stronghold.
Pontiac had not been slow in transferring his allegiance from his oldtime friends, the French, and the new British rulers of the country. In
September, I760, four days after the surrender of Montreal, Major
Robert Rogers received orders from his superiors to take possession of
Detroit, Michilimackinac and other western posts which fell to the British as the result of the war. On his way to Detroit he reached the mouth
of the Cuyahoga river, the present site of Cleveland, and there encamped
with his command of two hundred rangers who had come hither from
Montreal in fifteen whale-boats.
Soon after the arrival of the rangers a party of Indian chiefs and
warriors entered the camp. They proclaimed themselves an embassy
from Pontiac, ruler of all that country, and directed, in his name, that
the English should advance no further until they could have an interview
with the great chief who was already close at hand. In truth, before the
day closed, Pontiac himself appeared; and it is here for the first time
that this remarkable character becomes a part of American history. He
19




20


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


is said to have greeted Major Rogers with the haughty demand "What
is your business in this country; and how dare you enter it without my
permission?"
Rogers informed him that the French were defeated, that Canada had
surrendered, and that he was on his way to take possession of Detroit
and'restore general peace to white men and Indians alike. Pontiac
listened with attention, but only replied that he "should stand in the path
until morning."  Having inquired if the strangers were in need of anything which his country afforded, he withdrew with his chiefs at nightfall to his own encampment, while the English stood well on their guard
until morning.
Pontiac then returned to the camp with his attendant chiefs and made
his reply to Rogers' speech of the previous day. He was willing, he
said, to live at peace with the English, and suffer them to remain in his
country as long as they treated him with deference. The Indian chief
and provincial officers then smoked the calumet together.
Up to this time, Pontiac had been the fast ally of the French, but,
ignorant as he was of what was passing in the great world of the whites,
his remarkable instinct told him that the English were in the decided ascendant; that it was the best policy to cultivate their friendship; and he
hoped to secure them as allies in furthering his ambitions against tribes
of his own race. In the latter expectation he was so bitterly disappointed
that he became a fierce and stern foe long to be remembered.
When Pontiac found that he could not use the English, he set about
to exterminate them. In 1863 culminated his plans and conspiracies of
several years' standing. Under his leadership, the Delawares, a portion
of the Six Nations, the Wyandots, the Shawnees, the Ottawas (his own
people), and the other western Indian nations, had agreed to fall simultaneously upon all the frontiers from Lake Superior to the Susquehanna.
Pontiac's eastern coworker in the famous conspiracy was the celebrated
Seneca chief, Kyasuta or Guyasuta, whose home was on the Allegheny
river, but history has given the palm of greatness to the western leader.
The details and outcome of the conspiracy are known of all; how
Pontiac and his Warriors attempted to enter the Detroit fort and massacre all therein; how this plan not only failed, but expected relief from
the French as well, and how, in chagrin, he raised the siege, upon the
approach of Braddock's army in August, I764, and withdrew to the headwaters of the Maumee, where he still endeavored to stir up the red race
against the whites. In 1766, at the great Indian council near Otsego,
New York, he signed a perpetual treaty of peace with the English, and
remained at Maumee until 1769, when he removed to Illinois. Soon
afterward he visited St. Louis to call upon his former friend, St. Ange,
the commandant of that post. He was dressed in the full uniform of a
French officer, which the Marquis Montcalm had presented to him as a
special mark of respect toward the close of the French war. Everywhere he was received and entertained as a great man.
Pontiac remained at St. Louis for several days, when, hearing that
a great number of Indians were assembled at Cahokia on the opposite
side of the river, said he would cross over and see what was going on.
St. Ange tried to dissuade him, but he replied that he was a match for




-HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


the English, and, with a few of his followers, crossed to the Illinois
shore. Entering the village, he was soon known and invited to a grand
feast where liquor was freely circulated. The chief, with all his dignity
and natural strength of character, could not resist the native passion for
strong drink. After the feast was over and he was well under the influence of liquor, he strolled down the street into the adjacent woods,
where he was heard to sing the weird medicine songs of his race, which
proved for him to be his requiem. A Kaskaskia Indian followed close
behind, and his dead body was soon after found in a thicket. It is believed that the savage had been hired to tomahawk the great chief by an
English trader named Williamson, the wage for the dastardly act having
been the promise of a barrel of rum.
A terrible vengeance followed this great crime. The Indians of the
northwest united and almost exterminated the Illinois tribes, the remnants of whom never afterward cut any figure in history.
Whether Pontiac ever made the Orchard lake region his actual place
of abode is questionable, but he undoubtedly often passed through the
charming region, and that his name is attached to the metropolis of the
county is an added reason why his career and personality should be presented at some length.
VTHIE LEGEND OF MIE-NAH-SA-GOR-NIN(
One of the most noted of the Indian legends attaching to this region
has to do with Orchard lake, or more strictly speaking with the beautiful
Me-nah-sa-gor-ning (Apple island), which lies in its center. Many years
ago, Samuel M. Leggett, one of the county's old settlers, told the story
of this legend in verse, but at such length that it cannot be here reproduced. His introduction, however, furnishes matter which is both interesting and available. "In the state of Michigan," it says, "in one
county alone-that of Oakland-is a chain of beautiful lakes, some hundreds in number, many of them miles in length and width. Around these
wind the roadways, over beaches of white pebbles and shaded by the
'forests primeval.' Two rivers, the Huron and the Clinton, run through
these lakes, and, in their tortuous forms, wind, and turn, and twist, till
after a course of hundreds of miles, they at last rest in Lakes Erie and
St. Clair. These rivers are in the summer dotted with the water-lily, as
they flow on through the 'openings,' and on their banks are huge old oaks
under which, in the days that are gone, stood many a wigwam.
"The legend which I have attempted to verify is founded upon an
incident occurring at Orchard lake long before the coming of the white
man and while the grand farms now lying around it were merely a vast
oak opening, its sole occupant the Indian and the wild beast. Very near
the center of this Orchard lake is a farge island, wooded to its very shore.
On it are a few apple trees, old and gnarled, remnants of an orchard
planted so long ago that the Indians even have no data concerning it.
Its name, Me-nah-sa-gor-ning, meaning "apple place," still lives in tradition.
"On this island the Algonquin chief, Pontiac, had his lodge after
his repulse at the siege of Detroit. On the high bank of this lake, oppo



22


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


site the island, is still to be seen the ancient burial ground of the Sacs,
Hurons and Wyandots.
"Tradition says that back beyond the memory of the tribe a young
chief sickened and suddenly died. The maiden to whom he was betrothed became insane, and whenever she could escape from her guardians they would take the body of the chief from its resting place in the
old ground across the lake and carry it back to the place where his lodge
formerly stood.
"At last, weary of guarding her, with the advice of their medicine
man the tribe killed her, upon her refusal to marry. This crime, so directly opposed to all former Indian custom, so offended the Great Spirit
that he avowed his intention of totally destroying the tribe, and to give
the maiden, 'as long as water flowed,' complete control over it. She alone
AIPPLE ISLAND ORCHARD LAKE
has power to assume her form at any time. She can compel the attendance of the tribe at any time by the beating of the Indian drum. At this
sound they must gather and wait where an old canoe has been gradually
covered by the drifting sands. Upon the signal of her coming with her
dead the warriors must meet her on the shore, bear the chief on his bier
and lay him down by the ashes of his council fire and, waiting beside him
until she can caress him, bear him back to his resting place. All, however, must be done between sunset and sunrise-a foggy night being
always chosen to elude observation."
PRIMITIVE TILLAGE AND INDUSTRIES
'One of the most complete sketches of aboriginal history as it relates
to Oakland county has been written by O. Poppleton, formerly president
of the Oakland County Pioneer Society. It is mainly contained in his
address delivered before that body in June, 1884. The portions applicable to the subject now being considered are as follows:




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


23


"Oakland county is not barren of traditional or legendary events of
deep interest to the historian, and to her people. When the Jesuit fathers
and French fur traders first visited this region of the country, and following them the very early pioneers, they found many evidences of a
prior occupation by a semi-civilization, in the tillage of the soil by unknown and extinct agriculturists of a very remote period. Many rude
agricultural implements have been found in the clearing and tillage of
the land and by excavations; thus demonstrating theoretically that the
country had been previously occupied by a people who were well versed
in the knowledge of practical agriculture, and who subsisted by cultivating the soil, by mining, in pursuit of game of the forests, and the fish of
the lakes and rivers.
"The very early surveyors in pursuit of their calling, and the pioneer
in exploring this region for a favorable location for his homestead, found
large areas which, evidently, had been tilled in hoed crops, judging from
the regular and well defined rows of hills for corn and vegetables, upon
which were then growing the largest oaks and other trees of the forests.
By an actual computation of the yearly growth of these trees, the occupation of this region by those people must have been centuries before the
discovery of this continent.
"The traditions were that corn, beans and other grains and vegetables
were raised upon these aboriginal fields; that they had sustained a
numerous population, who were proficient in the arts of rude manufacturing of cloths, pottery and copper utensils, silver and copper ornaments,
stone axes, hammers, mortars and pestles, flint arrow heads, graining and
skinning knives, many of which have been found during the early explorations of the missionaries and traders and since by the first settlements of the pioneers of the county.
"At what period those people occupied the county is difficult even
to approximate a date. Yet from the modified barbarism which is indicated by works left by a pre-historic race, there can be no other conclusion than that this county has been occupied by a race long since extinct,
who were undoubtedly connected with the early civilization of Europe.
CONTACT WITH KNOWN TRIBES
"In the early explorations of the Great Lakes by the French, commencing in I534-5, they found the descendants of the Algonquin tribes of
Indians occupying the country to the north and west of Detroit, with
whom they held social and commercial intercourse, yet but little of the
French and early Indian history has been preserved. It is known that the
fur traders made their annual visits to this region, through the rivers
Huron, Rouge, Raisin and Clinton, for the purpose of bartering with
the Indians for furs and skins.
"But little has been preserved of the Indian history, or of the French
nomadic occupation. One Micheau, a French and Indian trader, who
died about the time of the first settlement of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, at the advanced age of one hundred and fifteen or one hundred and sixteen years, relates that one of the traditions of the tribes was
that a sanguinary conflict occurred between the Foxes and Chippewas,




24


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


upon the plains north and west, adjoining what is now the village of Birmingham, and known as the Willits, Doctor Swan and Captain Blake
farms, on sections 24 and 25.
SCARS OF BATTLE
"The village of the Chippewas was situated near the present site of
the cemetery and formed a nucleus from which they sallied forth upon
their hunting, fishing and warlike expeditions and forays, returning with
varied success and bringing game, furs and the scalps of their hated foe,
the Foxes. Between these powerful tribes there had existed a deadly feud
for many years, until it culminated in an attack by the Foxes upon the
Chippewas, at their village. How many braves were engaged in the conflict, tradition has failed to hand down to us. That there were many on
each side is evident from the number of dead redskins said to'have been
found in the trail of the retreating tribes and on the battlefield. The Chippewas were defeated after a desperate struggle in defending their children, squaws and camp fires, and their village burned. They retreated
along the trails towards what is now Detroit, closely pursued by their foes,
leaving about seven hundred dead bodies along the course of their retreat;
and on the field of battle the dead were too numerous to be counted. The
pride and prowess of this once powerful tribe was crushed and humiliated, and thereafter they declined in influence and numbers.
"There is one other notable Indian tradition, of an event which
occurred in the county-that of a hostile meeting between the great chief
Pontiac and another tribe, in the vicinity of a large, while oak tree, in
the township of Royal Oak, on section I6, from which the township
derives its name; located near the junction of the Crook's, Niles and Paint
Creek roads. At the time I first saw it, in I825, it still bore the scars made
by the tomahawks, arrows and bullets. But at what date this happened,
or what tribe was opposed to Pontiac and his followers, I have never been
able to learn, not even through traditional history."
C. Z. HORTON'S CONTRIBUTIONS
C. Z. Horton has also made valuable contributions to the Indian pictures of Oakland county, some of which are given. They were originally
published in the Rochester Era. As to evidences of former tillage, either
by Indians or a more primitive race, he says: "In this connection I would
state that the appearance of the woodlands when I first came here (to
Rochester), especially south of the Clinton river, looked like an old corn
field, or like hills where corn had grown, the rows running a little west
of north and east of south, about four feet apart each way; besides all
the stones had been piled up, as but few scattering ones could be seen and
many of them were deeply imbedded in the earth."
INDIAN CAMPING GROUND AND CEMETERY
"Near the dwelling of Mr. Edwin T. Wilcox, on the Paint Creek road,
some two miles south of Rochester," he continues, "there were deep in



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTfY


dentations in the ground, and from ten to twelve feet across, some of
them two or more feet deep. They followed the line of the ridge, were
from four to six feet apart-perhaps Ioo of them-and were parallel,
showing the appearance of a winter camping-ground where the earth
had been thrown up around their wigwams, as it was afterwards discovered, in digging in them, they contained the debris of ashes and charcoal. On the lot owned by Mr. Simeon P. Hartwell, the same broken
surface appeared, also the corn hills. On the Chipman farm, now occupied
by Mr. Weaver, some eighty or one hundred rods east and north, the
same indications were observable, also an old burial ground. These signs
I never observed north of the river.
QUEER CUSTOMS
'It was a custom with the Indians that when their young arrived at a
proper age they were enclosed in a wigwam and had to remain thus in seclusion by themselves a number of days, or until they would dream of
some animal, bird, or reptile, and be able to number and tell of it in the
morning. Whatever the dream might be that would be an object of worship through life-such as a bear, a deer, a fox, an eagle, hawk, or smaller
animals and birds, and even snakes and lizards. I have often seen trees in
the woods, in this vicinity, with rude representations of this kind worked
on them, which was their habit of doing. I saw two boys in their wigwams
undergoing this ordeal-singing during the day and silent at night. This
happened in front of Mr. William Burbank's residence in the summer of
1825, where Mr. Conrad Taylor now resides. I asked Mrs. Burbank
what was the object of the Indians to be thus engaged on a sultry day?
She said it was one of their religious ceremonies. I have since learned
that such was the case.
"Here is another circumstance, or rather a ceremony of the Indians I
have heard narrated by the old settlers, which will be of interest to all
those living in this vicinity, which took place in 1824. It is this: south
of the Barnes Brothers' paper mill, near the hill, on the land occupied by
Mr. Ezekiel Dewey, the Indians cleared off all the flat, built a large logheap, and set it on fire; in building the heap they left an opening in the
centre. They then brought forth two white dogs which they had fantastically decorated with red flannel around their necks, tied in their ears
and around their legs and tails; and when the pile had fairly become
ignited all through, they threw their canine victims into the aperture left
in the middle of the blazing pile. They then commenced their songs and
dances, which they kept up all night-as the old saying is, 'they made the
welken ring.'
TiiiH PASSING OF WE-SE-GAH
We-se-gah was probably one of the most turbulent of the Indians in
this section. He was large and muscular, and when in liquor was ready
for fight. Most of the settlers were afraid of him. Of his quarrelsome
and pugilistic propensity none perhaps were better acquainted than Alexander and Benjamin Graham. They both had, several times, quarreled




26            HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
with him. We-se-gah at one time drew a tomahawk on Benjamin while
he was at work on his shoe-bench, for which Benjamin gave him a very
sound thrashing, and at another time he attacked Alexander. After a long
tussle, of nearly an hour's duration, Alexander finally overpowered him.
We-se-gah, drawing his blanket over his face, then sat down and waited
for Graham to dispatch him according to Indian law-by burying a tomahawk in his head. Graham raised the blanket and said to him: "Go!
Never come back. If you do, I will kill you!" We-se-gah went, and was
never seen in this section afterward."




CHAPTER IV


FIRST SETTLERS AND LAND OWNERS
GREAT SET-BACK TO SETTLEMENT-OAKLAND COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLERS
-THE MACK COLONY OF PONTIAC-"UNCLE BEN" WOODWORTH-FIRST SURVEYS-LOCATIONS UNDER THE "TWO DOLLAR" ACTTHE "TEN SHILLING" ACT-GREAT EVENT FOR THE PIONEER LAND
OWNER-TOWN OF PONTIAC SETTLED-ORION AND OXFORD-ROYAL
OAK AND TROY-AVON AND WHITE LAKE-SPRINGFIELD AND GROVELAND-FARMINGTON AND WEST BLOOMFIELD-WATERFORD AND INDEPENDENCE-BRANDON, SOUTHFIELD AND BLOOMFIELD.
Any general history will inform the reader as to the nature of the
civil or judicial jurisdiction which was theoretically exercised over the
territory now recognized as Oakland county, but humanly speaking we
have no vital interest in the subject until men, women and children commenced to appear and form households in the new country. This happened about two years after the state surveys commenced in southern
Michigan, the pioneers in the Oakland county movement being James
Graham, his son Alexander, Christopher Hartsough and John Hersey.
They located in the township now known as Avon on the I7th day of
March, 1817, and brought their families with them.
GREAT SET-BACK TO SETTLEMENT
It took so many years to counteract the report made by the surveyor
general in relation to the military, or southern Michigan lands, that a
somewhat extended review of the attending circumstances seems germane
to the subject. On the 6th of May, I812, congress passed an act requiring that two million acres of land should be surveyed in the then territory
of Louisiana; a like quantity in the territory of Illinois, as well as in the
territory of Michigan-in all, six million acres, to be set apart for the
soldiers of America in the war of 1812. The lands were surveyed
and appropriated, under this law, in Louisiana and Illinois, but the
surveyors reported that there were no lands fit for cultivation. The principal meridian and the base line for the Michigan surveys were established in I8I5.
The surveyor general's report which so long retarded immigration to
southern Michigan and Oakland county was as follows: "The country
on the Indian boundary line from the mouth of the Great Auglaize river
27




28


HIISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and running thence for about fifty miles is (with some few exceptions)
low, wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed with
very bad marshes, but generally very heavily timbered with beech, cottonwood, oak, etc.; thence continuing north and extending from the Indian
boundary eastward, the number and extent of the swamps increase, with
the addition of numbers of lakes, from twenty chains to two and three
miles across.
"Many of the lakes have extensive marshes adjoining their marshes,
sometimes thickly covered with a species of pine called tamarack, and
other places covered with a coarse, high grass, and uniformly covered
from six inches to three feet (and more at times) with water. The margins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps are found, for
they are interspersed throughout the whole country, and filled with water,
as above stated, and varying in extent.
"The intermediate space between these swamps and lakes-which is
probably near one-half the country-is, with very few exceptions, a
poor, barren, sandy land, on which scarcely any vegetation grows, except
very small, scrubby oaks. In many places that part which may be called
dry land is composed of little, short sand-hills, forming a kind of deep
basins, the bottom of many of which are composed of marsh similar to
the above described. The streams are generally narrow and very deep
compared with their width, the shores and bottoms of which are (with
very few exceptions) swampy beyond description; and it is with the
utmost difficulty that a place can be found over which horses can be conveyed in safety.
"A circumstance peculiar to that country is exhibited in many of
the marshes, by their being thinly covered with a sward of grass, by walking on which evinces the existence of water, or a very thin mud immediately under the covering which sinks from six to eighteen inches under
the pressure of the foot at every step, and at the same time rises before
and behind the person passing over it. The margins of many of the
lakes and streams are in a similar situation, and in many places are literally afloat. On approaching the eastern part of the Military lands towards
the private claims on the straits and lake, the country does not contain
so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility and barrenness of
the soil continues the same.
"Taking the country altogether so far as it has been explored, and to
all appearances, together with information received concerning the balance, is so bad there would not be more than one acre out of a hundred,
if there would be one out of a thousand, that would in any case admit of
cultivation."
The effect of this report upon congress was that so much of the act
of I812 as related to Michigan was repealed by an act of April 29, I8I6,
which also located 1,500,000 acres of additional land in Illinois and 500,ooo acres in Missouri, in lieu of the original 2,000,000 allotted to Michigan. It was not until 1817 and I818 that a few venturesome pioneers
braved the dangers of the terrible morasses depicted in the report of the
surveyor general, and demonstrated how flimsy was the basis for its misleading statements. The visits of Major Oliver Williams and his companions, in the fall of I818, marked the great turning point of public




IISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


29


o)pinion for the better; it proved beyond question that there was a fertile
and beautiful country in the interior, when once the immigrant had penetrated through the marshy belt which girdled Detroit.
OA\KL\ND COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLERS
Something about these men who thus sowed the seeds of civilization
in Oakland county is given by Hon. T. J. Drake in one of his many
historical addresses, to which all writers of the early times are so much
indebted. His words are: "In early life old Mr. Graham  (James),
resided near Tioga Point, on the Chemung branch of the Susquehanna
river, in Pennsylvania. About sixty years since, he moved to Oxford,
in Upper Canada, in I8i6 to Mt. Clemens, and on the I7th day of March,
1817, came into Oakland county to locate on a farm now occupied by
Dr. William Thompson, lying on the north bank of the Clinton river.
1I. Graham, a young son of Mr. James Graham, was employed as one
of the hands under Colonel Wampler, in surveying that town in I816.
John Hersey was the first man that entered lands in the county of
Oakland on the 29th of October, 1818. He entered a part of section Io,
in this town, on the waters of Paint creek and erected a saw mill, the
first in the county. He placed in it a run of stone which were manufactured in the county by a mechanic by the name of Wood, and made
the first flour manufactured in Oakland. By his exertions the inconveniences and hardships attendant on a new settlement were greatly relieved and immigration largely induced. The name of John Hersey,
whose long life was marked by signal industry and integrity, should be
engraven on the memory of every citizen of Oakland. Pioneers of Oakland! Long may his memory be cherished."
Mr. O. Poppleton's account in an address before the County Pioneer
Society: "It has now been sixty-seven years since the first permanent
settlers located in the county of Oakland. The first were John Hersey,
James and Alexander Graham and Christopher Hartsough in the township of Avon, with their families, on March 17, I817, who spent their first
night on the plat of ground between the junction of Paint creek and
Clinton river. These families came by way of Mt. Clemens, following
the course of the Clinton river, there being an impenetrable swamp between Detroit and their new home-so reported by the commission sent
out by the surveyor general. The report demonstrates how little was
known of the interior of the territory and county at that time. Sixty
years ago Moses Allen entered the first lands in the county at the United
States land office at Detroit on October 24, I818, being the southwest
quarter of section 32 in Orion."
TIIH  MACK COLONY OF PONTIAC
In I818, the year after the Grahams settled in Avon township,
Colonel Stephen Mack, agent of the Pontiac Land Company, located a
small colony on the site of the future county seat. Accompanying him
were Orison Allen, William Lester and Major J. J. Todd, with their
families, and they were not "planted" until in the fall of that year.




30


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


The same autumn and winter, settlements were commenced at Birmingham, Royal Oak, and other places above the Detroit and Saginaw
trail, and in March, I819, Major Oliver Williams and his brother-in-law
Alpheus Williams, settled in Waterford township. Captain Archibald
Phillips also settled in Waterford very early. Among the first to enter
land in Troy were Messrs Castle, Hunter, Hamilton and Fairbanks, in
February, I819.
"UNCLE BEN" WOODWORTH
In town 4, north of range I east, now called Oakland, the first purchase was made by Benjamin Woodworth and William Russell, on the
i6th of March, I8I9. They entered a part of section 33. The history
of father Russell, as he was familiarly called, is truth itself, candid and
unassuming. He was an example of sociality and benevolence, upright
and just in all his ways. Benjamin Woodworth, "Uncle Ben," as he was
known by all who ever stopped at the "Steamboat Hotel" in Detroit, had
a heart full of kindness and a hand ever ready to help the distressed. He
was the constant friend of Oakland county, and he never forgot or forsook her early inhabitants. In 1824, James Coleman and James Hazard
purchased; in 1825, Benedict Baldwin, Horace Lathrop, James D. Galloway, J. B. Galloway, J. Dewey, Samuel Hilton, Ezra Newman, David
Hammond and Needham Hemmingway, became purchasers and were
among the early settlers.
FIRST SURVEYS
Most of the earliest explorers of Oakland county came in by way of
Mount Clemens and the Clinton river, the year I8I9 being one of the
busiest of the very early period. The pioneers followed close on the heels
of the government surveyors. Among the latter who saw the country
in the pioneer times of which we write were Colonel Joseph Wampler
and Captain Henry Parke, and to the latter the author is indebted for an
interesting picture which will be presented later.
Virtually, the dates of land entries fix the dates of settlement, as most
of those who entered land did so for the purpose of founding homes and
not to hold it for "speculation." Mr. O. Poppleton has made the most
complete synopsis of those who located the first lands in the different
townships, and his list is often published without giving him due credit.
It was first given in his address before the Oakland County Pioneer Society February 20, I889.
From the date of Pontiac's abandoning the siege of Detroit, in 1764,
to the time of ordering the survey of the county by the surveyor general,
in I815, I find in my researches but little authoritative historical interest,"
he says. "But in my investigations of the early surveys in the state and
county I find it replete with interest. From the old records I learn that
the first surveys in the territory of which we find any public record were
made by Aaron Greely of 'Private Land Claims' on St. Clair, Detroit and
Rouge rivers in the winter of 1809 and from July to November, I8Io.
The first surveys upon the meridian line were made by Benjamin
Hough in the fall of 1815, from the north line of town 3 west, in Jack



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


31


son county, south to the Ohio state line. The first surveys on the base
line were east of town 5 east, in Livington county, to Lake St. Clair, by
Alexander Holmes, in 1815.
The earliest subdivisions of townships are given in the order as surveyed, viz.: In March, 1817, town I north, range Io east, Southfield; in
April, I818, towns I and 2 north, range I east, Royal Oak and Troy,
by Joseph Wampler; in May, 1817, town I north, range 9 east, Farmington, by Samuel Carpenter.
LOCATIONS UNDER THE "Two DOLLAR" ACT
Entries under the "credit" system or the "two dollar act" were made
in the townships of the county as follows: Waterford, Independence,
Southfield, Bloomfield, Pontiac, Orion, Troy, Avon, Oakland and Royal
Oak, commencing October 24, 1818, by Moses Allen in Orion, of the
southwest quarter, section 32, the first location of land in the county.
The second location was made by John Hersey of the southeast quarter, section Io, in Avon, November Io, I818.
The third was made by Joseph Watson of the District of Columbia,
of the east one-half and northwest quarter of section 35, in Pontiac,
November 30, i8i8.
Stephen Mack, who has had credit for the first entry in the township,
did not locate until September 19, i8i8, nineteen days after that made by
Joseph Watson.
The fourth location was made by John Montieth of the southwest
quarter of section 3, in Southfield, December 15, i8i8.
The fifth was made by Austin E. Wing, of the northeast one-quarter
of section 29, in Bloomfield, December 23, I818. Mr. Wing was afterwards elected a delegate in congress from the territory to the Nineteenth,
Twentieth and Twenty-Second congresses.   Mr. Wing accompanied
General Cass on one of his explorations through Oakland, Genesee and
Saginaw counties. Passing through Bloomfield they camped on the banks
of Wing lake, which now bears his name and where he located the land
mentioned.
The sixth location was by Archibald Phillips, of the east one-half and
southwest one-quarter of section 29, in Independence, February 6, I8I9.
The seventh was by William Thurber, of the northwest quarter of
section 6, Royal Oak, February 4, 18I9.
The eighth was by John Hamilton, J. W. Hunter, Lemuel Castle and
Joseph Fairbanks, of the northwest quarter of section 19, in Troy, February 12, 18I9.       A
The ninth was by Ephraim Williams, of the north one-half of section
13 in Waterford, February I8, I819, bordering on the banks of Silver
lake, being the homestead of Major Oliver Williams, father of Ephraim
S., Gardner D., Alfred, Alpheus, Benjamin 0., James, Mrs. Stephens,
Mrs. Mary Hodges and Mrs. Harriet Walker.
The tenth was by Benjamin Woodworth and William Russell, on section 33, in Oakland, February I8, 1819.
Numerous other locations were made in the ten townships under the
"credit" or "two dollar act" until July, I820, when the law passed by




)82


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


congress reduciing the price to $1.25 per acre, advance payment, took
effect.
THE "TEN SHIILIING" ACT
The first entry made under this act in the county.was by Davis
Stanard, July 3, 1820, of the northeast quarter of section 4, in Bloomfield.
The second was by Joel Weelman, July 3, 1820, of the one-half
southeast quarter of section 33, in Avon.
Colonel Stanard was a popular hotel keeper in those early days of
pioneer life and dispensed to the traveling public with a liberal hand
choice venison, fresh fish, Ohio hog and Kentucky Bourbon, and later in
life imbibed too freely himself for weak eyes. When remonstrated with
by his attending physician for so doing and told that he must stop drinking any stimulant or lose his eyes, he replied: "Then good-bye, eyes."
There are a few pioneers here today who knew the Colonel well, and no
doubt have partaken of his good cheer, not omitting old bourbon.
At the opening of the land offices in Michigan, the public lands were
offered at auction, and such as were not sold were subject to sale to
individuals at two dollars an acre, one-fourth to be paid down, the remainder in one, two and three years with interest. And all the lands
which were entered previous to the 3d day of July, I820, were purchased
under this act.
GREVAT EVENT FOR THE PIONEER LAND OWNER
iAt the risk of repetition, here and there, we add facts along this line
compiled by Judge Drake, as follows:
On the 23d of April, 1820, congress passed an act authorizing the
sale of public lands at $I.25 an acre, payments in full at the time of the
purchase. This was the great event in the history of Michigan, and indeed of the whole western country. It put an end to that system of
vassalage under which the purchasers of public lands had labored. The
purchaser became at once the absolute owner of the soil. Every act of
improvement was made to benefit him or his children.
There was a feeling of certainty in his labors, and in his possessions
which was more than wealth. If death overtook the pioneer in his first
efforts, the agony of parting from his wife and children was half removed.
When he turned upon them the last living gaze and beheld their little
forms gathering around his dying bed, he was consoled with the thought
that the land on which he had toiled was theirs. No exacting landlord
could claim it as forfeited for payments deferred. From the passing of
that act, the growth and prosperity of Michigan became a certainty, and
the increase of population was surprising.
TowN OF PONTIAC SETTLED
Ezra Baldwin, Job Smith, John W. Hunter, David Johnson, Oliver
Levi Willetts, Joseph Fairbanks, William Morris, Lemuel Castle, Joseph
Torry, Daniel Ferguson, Ziba Swan, John Hamilton, Amaza Bagley,
Almy and Asa Castle were among the first settlers in town 3 north, range
o1 east, called Pontiac.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


33


The first entry of lands was made by Col. Stephen Mack for the
Pontiac Company. On the 6th day of November, I818, he entered section 29, and the northeast quarter of section 33, soon after the north
half and the southwest quarter of 28, and finally the southeast quarter
of 20, on which the company laid out the village in I818.
On the south side of the river and on the west side of the Saginaw
road, was the great Indian camping ground, where all the Indians used
to stop on their way to and from Detroit.
In town 2 north, range II east, called Troy, the first lands were purchased by Castle, Hunter, Hamilton and Fairbanks. On the i2th of
February, I819, they bought a part of section 19. On the 22d of October,
1819, Ezra Baldwin entered a part of section I8; Michael Kemp on the
25th of November, I819, a part of section 3, and on the 7th of December, I819, Michael Beech a part of section 8.
In the years 1820, 1821 and 1822, John Prindle, George Abbey, Joshua
Davis, Ebenezer Belding, S. V. R. Trowbridge, Jesse Perrin, P. J. Perrin,
Luther Fletcher, Aaron Webster, Stillman Bates, William Wellman, A.
W. Wellman, Silas Glazier, Guy Phelps, Johnson Niles, John Waldron,
Edward Downer, Ira Jennings, Humphrey Adams and S. Sprague, became purchasers, and were among the early settlers. The second lot,
which was entered under the "ten shilling act" was by Joel Wellman, in
Troy, a part of section 3.
The gentle sloping surface of the country-the majestic growth of
timber, the dark, rich soil, attracted many settlers to that town, and the
whole was settled with unrivalled rapidity. And now the nicely painted
houses, and well cultivated farms show how accurately the pioneer
judged, and how well the earth has repaid him for his labor.
AVON AND WHITE LAKE
In town 3, north range I I east, now called Avon, the first lands were
entered on the 29th of October, I818. In 1819, A. E. Wing, T. C. Sheldon, Solomon Sibley, James Abbott, Daniel LeRoy, Alexander Graham,
William  Williams, J. Baldwin, D. Bronson, J. Myers, Ira Roberts,
Nathaniel Baldwin, George Postal, William Thompson, John Miller and
Isaac Willetts entered land; in 1821, Cyrus A. Chipman and Frederick
A. Sprague; in 1822, Champlin Green, Gad Norton, William Burbank,
and Smith Weeks. It was in this town that the seeds of civilization
were first planted in the county of Oakland, as has previously been narrated at some length.
In town 3, north of range 8 east, now called White Lake, the first
entry was made by Harley Olmstead, of Monroe county, New York, on
the 7th day of October, 1830; he entered a part of section 36. In 1832
Joseph Voorheis and Jesse Seeley purchased. Thomas Garner, John
Garner, C. C. Wyckoff and John Rhodes also bought land and were
among the early settlers in that town. "In 1829," says Judge Drake,
"while searching for the headwaters of the Shiawassee river, I traveled
over the most of the town, visited the shores of that beautiful sheet of
water from which the town derives its name, and the charming plain on
which now stands the village of White Lake, then clothed in the gorgeous
Vol. I-3




34


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


dye of autumnal flowers, presented one of the most magnificent views of
uncultivated landscape."
SPRINGFIELD AND GROVELAND
In town 4, north of range 8 east, now called Springfield, on the g9th
of July, 1830, Daniel LeRoy made the first entry. He purchased on
section I9, including the Petit Lafountain or Little Springs. This place
had a wide renown. It was the resting place of the trader and trapper,
of the red man as well as the white man when on his journey to and
from Saginaw and other places in the northern wilderness. Immediately
after the LeRoy purchase the place was occupied by Asahel Fuller. In
1833 Giles Bishop, O. Powell, John M. Calkins and Jonah Gross purchased.
In town 5, north of range 8 east, now called Groveland, on the 3d
day of September, I829, William Roberts, then of the county of Oakland, made the first purchase. On the 29th of May, I830, John Underhill, E. W. Fairchild and M. W. Richards bought land. In I830 Henry
W. Horton purchased at a point then known as Pleasant Valley, and in
1831, Franklin Herrick, Alexander Galloway and Constant Southworth
became land owners. Mr. Southworth settled on a famous spot on the
old Saginaw trail known in those days as the Big Springs. Those who
have taken the trouble to descend from the roadside to the spring of
water will bear testimony to its great beauty. It was ever held in great
veneration by the Indians, and they seldom passed it without refreshing
themselves. Those who have looked into that crystal fountain and beheld the sparkling water as it came bubbling up from the secret chambers
of the earth, will not wonder that the redman saw in the aqueous mirror
the Chemanito, or Great Spirit.
FARMINGTON AND WEST BLOOMFIELD
In town I, north of range 9 east, now called Farmington, Eastman
Colby, of Monroe county, New York, made the first entry; on the I2th
of October, 1822, he entered a part of section 14. In January, I823,
Arthur Power purchased. In the same year G. W. Collins, William B.
Cogshall, Peleg S. Utley, Benjamin Wixom, Timothy Allen, Leland
Green, Abraham Aldrich made purchases and among them were the first
settlers in that town.
In town 2, north of range 9 east, now called West Bloomfield, James
Harrington, of Cayuga county, New York, made the first purchase on
the I5th of May, 1823, entering the entire section 36. The same year
Rufus R. Robinson, Erastus Durkee, John Huff, Benjamin Irish, Edward
Ellerby, Benjamin Leonard and William Annett purchased, and John
Huff bought a tract on the south side of Pine lake and erected the first
house in that part of the town. William Annett purchased a part of
section 22, his wife died at an early day, the old gentleman lived on the
farm and cultivated it until his death. It was long afterward owned by
his only child, Mrs. Hartwell Green.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


35


WATERFORD AND INDEPENDENCE
In town 3, north of range 9 east, now called Waterford, Major
Oliver Williams, called by the Indians, Togee, settled on the west bank
of Silver lake, in I819, on section 13. His brother-in-law, Alpheus
Williams and Captain Archibald Phillips, settled early at the crossing
on the Clinton river, where the village of Waterford now stands and
erected there a sawmill as early as 1824. David Mayo purchased on
the 25th of September, 1821; Captain Chesley Blake, Harvey Durfee
and Austin Durfee in 1822; Harvey Seeley, John S. Porter, Samuel
Hungerford, W. M. Tappan, Thaddeus Alvord, Charles Johnston and
Joseph Voorheis, in I823.
In town 4, north of range 9 east, now called Independence, Alpheus
Williams made the first purchase on the Ioth of October, 1823.
The point was well known to the Indians, and by them called Saepee.
In I819, Major Joseph Todd, William Lester and Orrison Allen, were
residents in the village; in the same year Calvin Hotchkiss and Jeremiah Allen entered lands, and Judah Church in I820.
In 1821 Abner Davis, Eastman Colby, Alexander Galloway, Rufus
Clark, Enoch Hotchkiss and James Harrington purchased; and these
men, with G. W. Butson, John Edson, Joshua S. Terry, Joseph Harris,
Stephen Reeves and Capt. Joseph Bancroft, were among the early settlers
of the town of Pontiac.
ORION AND OXFORD
In town 4 north, range Io east, now called Orion, Judah Church and
John Wetmore made the first purchase; on the I8th of October, 1819,
they purchased a lot on section I9, being the first choice, in what was
known as the Big Pinery. In 1824, Moses Munson, Powell Carpenter,
Jesse Decker, Phillip Bigler, Jonathan Pinckney and Simeon Simmons
purchased. Alexander McVean, David Bagg, John McElvery and Daniel
McVean, were among the early settlers.
In town 5 north, range Io east, called Oxford, the first purchase
was made by Elbridge G. Deming, on the 28th of January 1823. But
few inhabitants settled in this town until 1833, when Joseph Rossman,
Fitz Rossman, John Shippy, John Wellman and S. Axford purchased.
Daniel Applegate, Jeremiah Hunt, Jutish Bixley and Messrs. Van
Wagoners were among the early settlers.
The plains about the village of Oxford were passed over by those
seeking for farms for many years; and places less valuable were settled
in the far off forests, under the supposition that those were valueless
for agricultural purposes. Thus one of the best portions of the county
remained uncultivated till a late period.
ROYAL OAK AND TROY
In town I north, range I east, called Royal Oak, L. Luther and
D. McKinstry made the first entry; on the 6th of July, 1820, they entered a part of section 33. In 1821, Henry Stephens, Alexander Camp



36


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


bell, Diodate Hubbard, Abraham Noyes, J. Goddard, Hezekiah Gridly,
James Lockwood and David Williams, and they, together with Henry
O. Bronson, Daniel Burrows, Mr. Chase, Mr. Morse and that eccentric
old lady, Mrs. Chappel, well known by the soubriquet of Mother Handsome, were among the first settlers.
In 1826, John W. Beardsley purchased on the Chesse-bau plains,
where he resided for many years afterward.
Henry T. Sanderson purchased in I833. In 1831 Melvin Dorr, and
Butler Holcomb bought lands, about where stands the village of Clarkston, and erected there, on the east branch of the Clinton river, a sawmill.
BRANDON, SOUTHFIELD AND BLOOMFIELD
In town 5, north range 9 east, called Brandon, Elijah B. Clark, Asa
Owen and Jesse Decker made the first purchase on the 3oth of June,
1831, and entered a part of section 25. In 1833, John Perry, Alexander
G. Huff and Mary Quick purchased, and in 1835, G. M. Giddings, Henry
Forbes and Daniel Hunt entered lands. But few entries were made in
this town before I836.
In town I north, range Io east, first organized as Ossewa, but now
called Southfield, the first entry of lands were made by John Wetmore
in May, 1821. In the same year Peter Dennoyer and John Monteith
purchased, and in 1822 Harry Brownson, Samuel Shattuck and Eli
Curtis. Dillucena Stoughton, Elijah Bullock, Edward Cook, Philo Reed,
John Davis, William Lee, were among the early settlers of the town.
In town 2 north, range Io east, called Bloomfield, the first entry of
lands was made on the 28th of January, I819, by Benjamin H. Pierce.
March I6, I829, Peter Dennoyer entered a lot, and on the 3d day of
July, 1820, Col. David Stannard entered a part of section 4. The Stannard entry was the first made in Michigan under what was called the
"ten shilling" act.




CHAPTER V


PICTURES OF THE PAST
HERVEY PARKE COMES TO OAKLAND COUNTY-BLOOMFIELD AND ROYAL
OAK IN I82I-INFANT VILLAGE OF PONTIAC-GOVERNOR WISNER AND
HIS MULLET STORY-BECOMES HORATIO BALL'S ASSISTANT-JOSEPH
WAMPLER'S ASSIGNED TERRITORY-A SURVEYOR'S HARDSHIPS-RETURNS WITH HIS FAMILY-BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN H. PARKE-HOMESTEAD AT LAST-SURVEYS FROM PONTIAC-RUNNING LINES UNDER
DIFFICULTIES-FRESH TRAILS OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR-BETWEEN
SAGINAW BAY AND LAKE HURON-SURVEYS IN BLACK HAWK RESERVATION, IOWA-ANOTHER IOWA CONTRACT-CAPTAIN PARKE'S RECAPITULATION-RECOLLECTIONS OF BENJAMIN O. WILLIAMS-INDIAN
NEAR DEATH-DEAR OLD OAKLAND, THE BEST OF ALL-A PICTURE
OF MEMORY (BY JOHN M. NORTON)-ADVENT OF THE PIONEERRAILROAD AS A FUN-MAKER-THE LIFE BEQUEATHED BY THE PIONEERS-FIFTY YEARS AGO AND NOW     (BY S. B. MCCRACKEN)CONTRASTS OF LIFE-"GRANNY" MCCRACKEN-FATHER AND MOTHER
MCCRACKEN-THE SCHOOLS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO-MORMON VISITATION OF 1832-AUBURN AND THE YOUNG PIONEERS.
In the previous chapter mention has been made of the first settlers
and land owners in the various sections and townships of Oakland
county. In this chapter, the author is pleased to present, through the
papers of several well known pioneers, pictures which are principally
drawn from experience and observation "on the spot."
HERVEY PARKE COMES TO OAKLAND COUNTY
The first contribution is taken from papers read before the County
Pioneer Society in 1874 and I876, by Captain Hervey Parke, the oldtime surveyor whose name has already appeared a number of times in
the course of the historical narrative. His first paper is entitled "Recollections of My First Tour in Michigan in I82I," and such selections
are taken from it as appear to be most pertinent. Captain Parke was
teaching in Oneida county, New York, at the time, but like many enterprising young men had studied surveying and wanted to see the west.
Despite the discouraging reports regarding Michigan, which had reached
the east through the surveyors' reports, he determined to investigate
for himself, and on the 2Ist of March, 1821, in company with Treat
37




38


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Bryant and John Simons, started on his journey of five hundred miles,
carrying a knapsack containing his surveying instruments and enough
other contents to weigh forty-five pounds. After sixteen days of travel
through mud and water, often knee deep, the three young men reached
Detroit river and crossed over to the city in a rowboat.
In Detroit Captain Parke had his first view of the Steamboat Hotel,
kept by Benjamin Woodworth, who was to figure considerably in Oakland county affairs, and also passed the store of Oliver Newberry, in
whose employ he was to meet Elisha Beach, a future citizen of Pontiac.
The travelers did not linger in the metropolis, at this time, but were
soon in the highway which led into the interior toward the northwest
and Oakland county. The last of the three small houses which they
passed before fairly striking the wilderness of southern Michigan, was
about nine miles from Detroit, and was occupied by Mrs. Chappel, more
familiarly known as Mother Handsome. Here they found shelter for
the night. About half a mile beyond, when they resumed their journey
in the morning, they reached the causeway built by the troops under
Colonel Leavenworth in I8I8. This was a little less than a mile in
length and pronounced by Captain Parke as "the worst ever built, as
no regard was paid to equalizing the size of the logs, the largest and the
smallest lying side by side.
BLOOMFIELD AND ROYAL OAK IN 1821
"At the angle of the road, twelve miles from Detroit, we passed the
Royal Oak tree, which had nothing remarkable in its appearance, but
was known as the point from which Horatio Ball had started the line
when surveying the road to Pontiac, known as the Ball line road. This
angle also was the point of intersection of Paint Creek road; a Mr.
Woodford lived about a mile beyond. A little south of the line between
the towns of Bloomfield and Royal Oak two families by the name of
Keyser and Thurber had settled. Reaching the beautiful table-land
where is now situated the village of Birmingham, we found four families: Elisha Hunter, his son, John W. Hunter, John Hamilton and
Elijah Willets-the latter, inn-keeper. Here I got my first glimpse of
the lovely land of Oakland county. Three-fourths of a mile this side of
Hunter's lived Dr. Swan and his son-in-law, Sidney Dole, who was
justice of the peace, register of deeds and county clerk. The next
house was that of Deacon Elijah Fish, and on the hill just south of
where now is Bloomfield Center, resided Amasa Bagley and his son-inlaw, William Morris, the latter being sheriff of the county.
"The next settler was a Mr. Ferguson, whose neighbors, if living,
may remember him from the remark he made after the nomination of
Austin E. Wing, as delegate to congress in 1824 or 1825. Ferguson
was a Whig, and, disputing with a Democrat who asserted Wing could
never be elected, replied:  'He will surely be elected, for the very
whippoorwills sing "vote for Wing, vote for Wing."' Well, Wing was
elected, took his seat in congress, and performed his duty nobly for
the young territory.
"Major Joseph Todd lived on the farm since known as the Elliott




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


39


farm, and near by Asa B. Hadsel. The next house, a half-mile further,
was that of Colonel David Stanard, a small framed house, being the
same Joseph J. Todd occupied about forty-five years, having added to
its length and height.
INFANT VILLAGE OF PONTIAC
"About one and a half miles through the woods we approached the
village of Pontiac, where we found a small framed house on the west
side of Saginaw street, nearly opposite where the Methodist church now
stands, occupied by Mr. Terry. Crossing the bridge, on the corner of
Saginaw and Water streets, we found a small log house, the first erected
in the village, and a little beyond and on the east side of Saginaw street
(if my memory serves me), O. Bartlett lived in a small framed house.
These were the only buildings at this time (June I, 1821) on Saginaw
street. This street being well filled with hazel brush, Water street received the travel to Perry street. On the west side of the latter street,
between Pike and Lawrence, were three houses, one occupied by Deacon
Orisen Allen, and a little beyond on the east side of Perry street, nearly
opposite the grist mill, stood a double log house called the 'Company
house,' and occupied by Colonel Stephen Mack, agent of the Pontiac
company. In addition to the grist mill there was a sawmill and work
shop. On the first Monday in June, my first visit to the village, a
militia training was in full blast; John W. Hunter commanded the one
and only company north of the base line in Michigan territory. On
this day the company was divded and a new company formed by electing the late Colonel Calvin Hotchkiss captain. Proceeding northwest
on the road occasionally traveled to Saginaw, distant about a mile from
the village, Captain Stanley lived on what has more recently been known
as the Pier farm, on the present White Lake road.
GOVERNOR WISNER AND HIS "MULLET" STORY
"The Indian trail from Detroit to Saginaw, which decided the location of Pontiac, crossed the Clinton at the same point as the present
bridge on Saginaw street; turned northerly toward the company house,
then bore northwesterly, keeping east of the extensive marsh just beyond the residence of the late Governor Wisner, then turned in a
northwesterly direction, crossing the Pontiac creek a few rods northwest of the present crossing on the Saginaw road. Oliver Williams, on
the southwest side of Silver lake was the next home, three and one-half
miles from Pontiac. He had removed to this place from Detroit in
1818; he built the first farm barn in the county, the lumber for enclosing
it being manufactured by a couple of Frenchmen from Detroit, with a
whip saw.
"Mr. Wisner kept open house, and in passing and re-passing to
Flint river, in 1821, I invariably called. He was a real gentleman, social,
good-natured, remarkably generous and hospitable, and fond of a good
story. I well remember late one evening in December, 1821, in returning with our surveying party from Flint, after fording the Clinton at




40


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


the little pinery, with the thermometer at zero, when nearly off our
legs, we reached and were most kindly cared for in this most hospitable
home. During one of my calls I inquired if there were many fish in
Silver lake; he replied he could not say in regard to numbers, but he
once hauled out a mullet that weighed one hundred and forty pounds.
This rather surprised me, and while reflecting, not wishing to dispute
his veracity, he observed my embarrassment as to the remark being
somewhat fishy, and explained that a brother of John Mullett, the surveyor, was once fishing there, and falling into the lake was rescued by
Mr. Williams. In those days of easy familiarity, he was known by the
cognomen of Major Togee, and once at a social party at Dr. Chipman's,
Mrs. Chipman desiring to address him by his title, and in the excitement
of the occasion being forgetful of the same, said 'Major Hot Toddy,
Major Hot Toddy!' About four miles beyond O. Williams, and at
the crossing of the Indian trail on the Clinton, resided Alpheus Williams and Captain Archibald Phillips, where a sawmill had been erected,
and at this time was in operation.
BECOMES HORATIO BALL'S ASSISTANT
"But I will now return to my temporary home at Captain John Hunter's, of whose kindness, together with that of his excellent wife, long
since gone to her reward, I cannot too highly speak. Here I made the
acquaintance of Horatio Ball, son of Daniel Ball, who lived three-fourths
of a mile southwest of Hunter's. He had received a contract for subdividing ten townships of land between Flint and Cass rivers. I arranged to accompany him as assistant, to carry the compass half of the
time. He was waiting for the completion of the town lines, which had
been assigned to a young man by the name of Hester. We were soon
informed he had aone nothing after having discovered an Indian wigwam
near a small lake, and, as he was accompanied by his dogs and was
otherwise prepared for a winter's hunt, had decided to pass the winter
in this pleasant locality and avoid the swamps. In a week's time every
man of his party had left him, while he was taking lessons of the Indians
in hunting and of the squaws in moccasin making. Here he remained
during the winter. The next June he was seen passing through Pontiac
on horseback, accompanied by about a dozen natives of both sexes, to
make his report to the surveyor general at Chillicothe, and also to his
father for $600 cash advanced.
JOSEPH WAMPLER'S ASSIGNED TERRITORY
"Hester having thus failed in fulfilling his contract, the work was
assigned to Joseph Wampler, of Ohio (the surveyor who sub-divided
ranges Io and I I in Oakland county). We set off for our work on the
13th of June, arriving at Flint river before Wampler returned from
Saginaw bay. The heavy rains had swollen the river to nearly full
banks, and as there was no way of crossing we started up the river to
the Kearsley, where we felled a suitable pine, about sixteen feet of
which we removed from the main body of the tree and shaped it canoe



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


41


like, digging out the same so far as could be done with axes and made
it answer our purpose, and we floated it down the river and landed it
on the north side, where the city of Flint is now located. Here we
found Jake Smith, called 'Wabaseis' by the Indians, who had been
an Indian trader for several years and who had recently received the
appointment of Indian farmer. He had built a comfortable log house
a few rods below the present railroad bridge. This was occupied by
Smith, a white man, with his mother and sister; also by a man by the
name of Doane. The two men at this time (the middle of June) were
hoeing corn, with veiled faces on account of the mosquitoes.
"After waiting about a week we were furnished with the field notes,
and commenced our work in town 7 north, of range 7 east. After a
week's work we returned to the trading house, when soon after Wampler
and his party came in, the men utterly refusing to continue longer on
account of the suffering they had endured from the mosquitoes, both
men and horses being weak from loss of blood and want of rest. Owing
to the discontinuance of the township lines survey, we were compelled
to discontinue our work and we decided to accompany Wampler's party
to Pontiac. During the remainder of the season I made my home with
Mr. Hunter, and occasionally accompanied a land-looker.
"Early in autumn Wampler returned to Flint river to finish his
work, and our party followed for the purpose of finishing our work, in
October.
A SURVEYOR'S HARDSHIPS
"This occupied about sixty days, and from the experience of Ball
and the miserable outfits, we suffered both from hunger and cold. We
had no tents, only an old second-hand tarpaulin, which had been laid
aside as useless for hatchway service. In the absence of a kneading
trough, our cook made use of this piece of canvas to mix his bread.
This was unfortunate, for on our first visit to the trading house some
swine, attracted by the adhering dough, nearly devoured and entirely
destroyed it, and we had now no cover besides our blankets. Our provisions were inadequate; we were frequently reduced to a short allowance of only buggy peas, and at one time, when weak from want of
food, we found a wigwam where a squaw was cooking succotash, which
she kindly divided with us. This occurred on the last day of our survey,
while meandering the river. Closing our work on the line of the reserve
at sunset and following up the river, forcing our way through thick
beds of rushes knee high, at about 9 o'clock we reached Smith's tradinghouse, so hungry from several days' short allowance that we took the.potatoes from the kettle half boiled. I must not forget to mention the
names of the men who formed this surveying party. Besides Ball and
myself, there were Rufus Stevens, Michael Beach, Chester Webster,
and a young man from the Emerald Isle, named Pool.
"During the sub-division of town 9 north, of range 6 east, we encountered the most terrible gale of wind I ever witnessed in the woods
of Michigan. The trees crackled and fell in all directions close around
us. It was on the same night the 'Walk-in-the-Water' lav off Buffalo,
deeply laden for Detroit. Captain Rodgers, after discovering the open



42


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ing seams of the steamer, and realizing the impending danger, very
properly gave the order to slip the cable, releasing her, and she went on
shore.
"We finished our work on the last of December, and I decided to
accompany Mr. Ball to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he made his returns
to the surveying general's office. In addition to letters I already possessed from Governor Clinton, of New York, and from Judge Wright,
chief engineer of the Erie canal, I had procured one from Governor
Cass, who recommended me from the fact I intended making Michigan
my home. Starting on our journey, when a little way below Detroit,
we were fortunate in obtaining passage with an Ohio farmer, who had
just made sale of his butter and cheese in Detroit. Landing at Sandusky, we footed it to Chillicothe. Presenting my letters, which proved
satisfactory, he promised me future work. The purpose of my visit to
Michigan being accomplished, and arrangements for future employment as government surveyor perfected, I immediately returned to my
home, where I arrived on the I4th of February, having been absent
eleven months."
RETURNS WITH His FAMILY
As stated, during his first visit to Michigan, Captain Parke made
arrangements with Edward Tiffin, surveyor general of Ohio, Indiana
and Michigan, to return in 1822 to continue his work. In May of that
year he started for the west with his wife and child from his home in
Camden, New York, and journeyed by the Erie canal and lake steamer.
After being delayed for about a week by a severe gale, the family took
the steamer "Superior" from Buffalo to Sandusky. "Putting into Sandusky as usual to receive passengers," continues the narrative, "I met
Judge Burt for the first time, direct from the surveyor general's office.
Arriving at Detroit I met John Hamilton, with whom I formed an
acquaintance the previous year. He was provided with an ox-team and
being in pursuit of a load, I engaged him to take me to my journey's
end.
"It was late before we left the city; we did not reach the angle of
the road (six miles) until nearly sunset.  At this point begins the
causeway, constructed by the United States troops when garrisoned at
Detroit under the command of Colonel Leavenworth.*        *
"Arriving at White's tavern, their beds were occupied, but Mrs.
White spread a few blankets on the floor where we slept as soundly as
the swarming mosquitoes would permit.
"In the morning Hamilton came up and we again mounted the
wagon, going smoothly along over the plains to the angle of the Paint
creek road, where then stood the famous oak tree. The numerous pitchholes made riding so uncomfortable we were glad to get out and walk
the remaining five miles to Mr. J. W. Hunter's place of residence.
Here we received such a welcome as only himself and family could give,
and we were invited to remain several weeks with them. During this
time Mr. and Mrs. Hunter visited their eastern home, leaving us in
charge of their family of young daughters.
*This piece of road has already been described.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


43


BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN H. PARKE
"On their return home he offered me the use of the shop, as he called
it, an unfinished log house, built but not used for blacksmithing purposes, which he said I would be quite welcome to occupy. Doors, windows and floors were soon put in, and we moved into our first home
in the west. There, in 1823, my only son, John H. Parke, was born.
Our furniture consisted of a table made by myself from a rough board,
and chairs which my brother-in-law, Harry Brownson, who came soon
after myself, built with his ax out of rough timber.
"These articles, with our beds and bedding, several trunks and a
small stock of clothing, comprised all my worldly possessions. I will
not neglect to add that $8.50 in cash remained, and I was at this time in
my thirty-third year. Of course the strictest economy was necessary,
but my hopes were bright. I was in perfect health and all the preliminaries for the future work in surveying public lands entered into the
previous year.
"It being time I was on the move for family supplies, when, with the
asistance of a friend, I raised a sum sufficient, added to the above, and
set out on foot for Detroit, encountering mud, water, flies and mosquitoes.
"Cattle drovers from Ohio were the chief dependence of the pioneers,
but finding none at the time, I bought a fine looking new milch cow
from a Frenchman, which proved to be so ungovernable as to require
two men to hold and milk her, until I made a pen so constructed that
she could neither turn, go ahead, or back out, and the milking could be
performed by a single person. After this I made another purchase of
a cow at the administrator's sale of the estate of Webster, in the fall of
1824.
"Whether Mr. Webster died in 1822, or 1823, I am unable to say.
He came as passenger in the steamer 'Superior' in May, 1822, with the
mill-irons on board, when it was said that Burtt & Allen, millwrights,
were set at work and the sawmill was put in running order at Auburn,
called Smith's mill. After the death of Mr. Webster the real estate
passed into the hands of the father of Captain Isaac Smith.
"At the time of my arrival at Hunter's the settlement (now Birmingham) contained four log dwellings, occupied by Elijah Willetts, John
W. Hunter, Elisha Hunter, his father, and John Hamilton.
"In the fall of 1822 my brother, Dr. Ezra S. Parke, having recently
completed his medical studies, arrived with his wife and one child, an
infant daughter, who afterward became the wife of M. W. Kelsey. He
was an earnest, zealous Christian, member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and soon after his arrival commenced holding occasional religious
services in his own house on Sunday afternoon. On these occasions the
singing was principally performed by his wife, who was remarkable for
her rich, sweet voice, as well as many other lovely Christian graces.
The early settlers and other friends can never forget this excellent woman;
her cheerfulness of temper in all circumstances.  Her kindness and
sympathy in sickness and affliction were unsurpassed.  She literally
went about doing good. These meetings were the first held in the
neighborhood, with the exception of a sermon I heard in 1821, in Wil



44


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


lett's barroom, by a Methodist minister who came up the Rouge and
whose name I do not remember.
"I could get but little employment during the summer. Occasionally
I assisted emigrants in land-looking and surveying, but endeavored to
wait patiently for the fulfillment of the promise which had been given
me. Early in the winter I received the place of teacher in the school
on Swan's Plains, where I continued until February, when a letter from
Mr. Mullett, of Detroit, proposed our visiting Chillicothe together that
we might soon procure the promised contract.
"I resigned my place in the school to my brother, Dr. Parke, and
soon arranged with Mr. M. for our journey. Our outfit consisted of
a French pony, a jumper rudely constructed with a crockery crate for
a box (this half filled with straw) and a couple of blankets, not forgetting a saddle; and we were soon gliding down on the ice of the Detroit
river to Sandusky. Here we left the jumper, saddled the pony, and
proceeded on our journey-one riding and the other walking. After
going a certain distance, the horseman would dismount, hitch the pony
to a sapling, and proceed, taking his turn in walking, while his companion after a time would pass him on horseback, and in the proper
place, he, too, would dismount and hitch, and the journey was concluded
on this ride-and-tie principle.
"Our interview with the general was most satisfactory. The oath
of office was administered and each received a contract. Mr. M. and
myself were the first appointed from this territory, except Mr. Ball,
who filled one contract of ten townships in I82I. In a year or two
William Brockfield, of Detroit, received a contract. Others were furnished work soon after."
HOMESTEAD AT LAST
From this time on, Captain Parke's duties as surveyor took him into
various sections of Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, his professional
labors covering some sixteen years. His home, however, was in the
township of Pontiac. "In the autumn of 1823," he says in his second
narrative, "I purchased of Shubael Conant, the southeast quarter of
section 33 in the township of Pontiac, at a little less than three dollars
per acre. The following year I added thirty-one acres on the north
and adjoining the same at five dollars per acre. The year previous,
however, I purchased of the same sixteen and a half acres to secure
building ground, as the line of road from Detroit had cut off my former
building ground and first purchase, the price being ten dollars, with the
privilege of one, or as many acres as I chose.
"In May, 1824, I was ready to take possession, when Judge LeRoy,
who owned and occupied the house in which Joseph J. Todd has since
resided about forty years, kindly offered me a room for the use of
my family while my own house was building. This required the labor of
three men besides myself for two weeks. The roof was covered with
boards, battened with slabs, and as the house logs were cut in unequal
lengths, when raised to their proper place they formed steps convenient
for mounting the roof at the alarm of fire. The interior was quite com



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


fortable and pleasant, the logs being hewn and partially covered with
newspapers, the floor of white pine, and two doors, and windows opposite, of seven by nine glass; a wide, open fireplace, one side of which,
in the corner, was a ladder for ascending the loft, where our friends
found a comfortable bed. And soon after, for further convenience,
especially for the aged, as it was difficult to ascend the ladder, and
dangerous with all, I added to the rear of the house a room for their
accommodation, and a sixteen by twenty room at the south end for a
kitchen.
"From the year 1824 up to December, 1829, I surveyed twenty-two
townships, in addition to the foregoing, extending from the principal
meridian to the west boundary of the large Indian reservation extending
to Saginaw bay. In the fall and winter of I826-7, I subdivided six
townships on Lookingglass river (Clinton county). This survey extended south and west to the north line of the township in which the
state capital is located.
"The Stevens family-father of Messrs, Rufus and Sherman Stevens
-resided at Grand Blanc, and from this place I packed my provisions;
finishing my district the I5th of January, I arrived home in the evening
and my wife, on the lookout, having heard of my arrival at the village,
met me at the door, welcoming me and presenting to my arms our infant
daughter, aged six weeks. This, my youngest child, became the wife
of ILevi Bacon, Jr. It was a joyful meeting of the family, I having
been absent sixty-two days.
SURVEYS FROM PONTIAC
"The last week in December, 1829, three surveyors, Clark, Thomas,
and Christmas, left Pontiac on a surveying tour west from Saginaw,
myself following them a day or two after, my work being twelve townships, from towns I to I8, north from the meridian, east to the reservation above mentioned on the Kankanin river, having engaged Phillip
Bigler to transport my provisions to Saginaw, where I made headquarters. Proceeding on the ice of the Saginaw and Tittabawassee
rivers to the line of township 12 on the west side of the Tittabawassee
river, the snow full knee deep at every step rendered our work slow and
tedious, when, before we were aware of it, we found ourselves running
a line in the Forks reservation, causing much delay in our work in
hunting the lines when backing out for this purpose. Succeeding in
this, our work went on at the rate of four or five miles a day only, as
the lines were to be walked over the second time; continuing at this
rate only throughout the winter, not losing a day on account of the
weather until the 8th of April, we started out as usual as soon as it
was light.
RUNNING LINES UNDER DIFFICULTIES
"The wind, rising as the sun rose, increased, and as the treetops
were loaded with snow, filled the air, so that we were compelled to
return to camp, where we remained two days.  When hearing from
Thomas, it was said he was about at the point of discouragement




46


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


in not being able to find his starting point, this being his first experience
in the woods, when he sang out 'I will give any man fifty dollars that
will show me my starting point.'
"'Will you give me that?' said Chester Goodrich, who had been
through one surveying tour with Mr. Mullett.
"The next I heard was that Christmas had gone to the settlement
and had engaged board for himself with Mr. O. Williams for the winter, leaving two men to keep camp at half pay. Thomas had found his
corner, had become stimulated with courage, declaring that he would
leave his bones in the woods sooner than leave his work. I never heard
whether Chester had received the fifty dollars.
"The snow disappeared and warm weather succeeded, the men composing the three parties (for Christmas had now returned) suffered so
extremely from inflamed and swollen feet that they were obliged to
stop work and went to the forks of the river, where there was a trading
house which was our base of supplies. A sub-chief soon brought me a
letter from Clark, urging me also to discontinue work, in order to make
it a general thing. I had already performed the full amount of my
twelve townships, for Clark had been unable to reach me with his lines,
and I had been necessitated to run several of his township lines. For
eight weeks I had carried the compass with a badly crippled foot, the
result of a frost bite, and, during the breaking up of the ice swamps,
being compelled to wade a good share of the time in ice cold water. I
suffered more than my pen can describe. Being in this position, and
John Powel, my axeman, just taken lame, I acceded to the request and
we were soon on our way to Pontiac. While traveling together Clark
said, 'Parke, if we are ordered to complete our work, you must finish
mine, for I would rather lose all I have done than return here.' During this winter we had many hindrances to encounter. When encamped
at the northwest corner of township 17 it was necessary to go to the
northeast corner of the township to run the line west.
"This corner had been previously established on the left bank of the
Tittabawassee, when we mistook the Tobacco river for the Tittabawassee
river, and sought nearly two days in a blinding snow storm, having
passed the junction of the two rivers, when not able to see the corner
on account of the brush covered with snow, having passed it several
times during the second day. At night I told the boys we must have
intersected some other stream, and in the morning we would continue
east, when we would find the corner.
"My expectations were realized, and we found the corner and a
brush-built hut built by Steinbrook, in which he had been awaiting our
arrival. Becoming impatient, he had left, probably for Saginaw. On
his return, owing to the difficulties of passing through the brush, he
rigged a kind of jumper, drawing it on the ice and attaching it to himself in such a manner as to disengage himself when breaking through
the ice in deep water; but at one time he came near losing his life.
"On another occasion, when returning from Saginaw with his jumper,
discovering a pack of wolves feasting on a deer they had just drawn
from an ice hole, he decided on sharing a portion of the deer with the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


47


wolves; and, when they growled and glared at him, hastily sprang upon
them, yelling and waving his hat; they slowly retired a few steps, while
he took a portion that was left, and retired.
"Early in autumn, I830, we, the delinquent surveyors of the past
year, were notified to go forward and complete our work without delay.
When preparing outfits for another campaign in the Saginaw woods,
Christmas made his appearance, being on his way to complete his unfinished work.
"The two parties, his and my own, left Pontiac together, and when
on our way he suggested assisting me in completing the three contracts
on my hands. Arriving at Saginaw, the schooner from Detroit, on
board of which were our supplies, had grounded on the river bar, causing delay and serious consequences for a time.
"Through the kindness of the Messrs. E. F. and Gardner Williams,
at Saginaw City, we were supplied with sufficient provisions for a single
trip, as they were short, their supplies being on board of the same vessel.
Dividing with Christmas and leaving part of my own for the next trip
of the packer, Samuel Steinbrook, the parties proceeded together and
recommenced work. The other packer went for supplies first, and as
the schooner had not arrived my provisions were taken for the other
party, Steinbrook being provided with two bags of potatoes, being all
our friends, Messrs. Williams, could do for us.
"I regretted, when too late, that I did not send Steinbrook with a
letter demanding a share of the provisions stolen after dividing with
the party. Potato diet, working twelve hours a day, was hardly sufficient. The third day, as we were running a line east, we met the packer,
and never did the pony obtain relief so sudden as then. Every man had
his pocket knife in requisition, sharpening sticks for broiling pork.
"After this occurrence our work went on regularly, as there was no
further delay for some time.  Steinbrook, on his return, brought a
letter from Christmas, desiring to know what I would give for the
privilege of completing his work.  I answered hini briefly: as for
'giving' for this privilege it was out of question, and, respecting the
finishing of his work, no encouragement could I offer.
"On the next return trip of the packer this surveyor had taken passage, leaving two men at camp, Eli Sawtels being one of them. Christmas, renewing his application, got my assistance in the further fulfillment of his contract. He had become broken down, discouraged, homesick and sick of the woods, to the shedding of tears, as he was pleading
for assistance.
"When out of pity to him I said, 'If you will finish the township in
which you are engaged, I will complete the remainder (two townships)
of your work.' It is not for me to say how I found his work had been
performed, having but two men left to assist, the others having left for
home. The following year I received a letter from him, stating his
expenditures during the two trips exceeded the amount of his receipts
ninety dollars.
"I never heard from Thomas after his leaving the Saginaw woods.
Clark dropped dead from apoplexy, with the compass under his arm,




48


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


while extending a range line in the western part of the state in I836
or I837.
"I will mention here that I finished the work of the two last named'
surveyors in the Saginaw woods and marshes.
"In the autumn of 1832 I left home for the purpose of subdividing
fifteen townships in the lead mine district in Wisconsin.
FRESH TRAILS OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR
"This is remembered as the cholera year, and also the one which
closed the Black Hawk war. A little cluster of whitewashed houses
at the mouth of the Chicago river marked the site of the present great
city. A little distance from this point we discovered fresh wagon tracks
diverging from the main road which had been made by General Scott's
little army in pursuit of Black Hawk and his warriors, which with the
aid of a pocket compass for general course, we mainly followed. Our
troops must have made about eleven miles a day in their march, as was
indicated by their camping grounds, where we found traces of their
fires, cast-off clothing and frequent new-made graves. Half a mile east
of Rock river we first discovered where Black Hawk and his warriors
had encamped three weeks previous, and took possession for one night
only. In addition to the tent-poles were six or eight brush heaps twelve
or fifteen feet in diameter, three or four feet high, the use of which
considering their mode of warfare, we could not comprehend.
"At sunrise we were by the river which was filled by new made, sharp,
cutting ice, and the depth of the water was midriff to the pony. The
poor animal had a hard time taking us all over. Erwin Tyler, the cook,
being the smallest man, was selected as ferryman, and crossed and recrossed, carrying one man behind him each trip. From this point the
character of the country changed from level to hilly, and reaching the
height of ground we could distinctly see, looking ahead, three Indian
trails, apparently six feet apart, indicating that the warriors marched
in single file. The second day after crossing the river, we came across
an Indian trader, rebuilding, the Indians having burned his house and
from him obtained a fresh supply of provisions. Arriving at Mineral
Point, met a son of General Dodge, from whom I engaged a good supply of smoked side pork, not needed for the troops, as the war had
closed. I engaged flour at fourteen dollars per barrel. During our
journey the weather had been warm and smoky, but the night of our
arrival a terrible snow storm occurred, continuing thirty-six hours, with
drifts fifteen to twenty feet high. This was discouraging, for in a prairie country the corners are made by raising mounds of earth two and
one-half feet high; in the top a stake is driven and inscribed with marking-iron, denoting town, range and section. The weather was bitter
cold and our labor severe, but with a spade and two-edged axe, we overcame all difficulties.
"The month of February was pleasant and the honey bees were out
flying in the air. One morning I discovered honey-comb near the foot
of a hollow tree, from which we took two camp kettles' of as beauti



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


49


ful honey as I ever saw, and from this time forward we were constantly
supplied with honey.
"There was occasionally much excitement caused by the movement
of the Indians, although after the battle of Bad Axe, on the Mississippi, where General Dodge gave them a terrible whipping, some of the
principal warriors succeeded in crossing the Mississippi. Black Hawk
was soon after captured, having left his warriors after crossing Rock
river.
"One day, sitting there in camp, copying field notes to transmit to
the officers, having sent the boys out to complete a couple of lines, I
was a little startled in hearing the crack of a rifle close by, and rapidly
approaching footsteps, followed by an Indian greatly excited, who pointed
in the direction of the gun shot; then stooping to the ground he picked
up a piece of bark which he threw in the same direction. Shaking my
head he saw I was determined not to understand him, and he looked
sullen, mad, and much disappointed. Of course I thought he had an
accomplice, and had I left would have robbed the camp. In a few minutes two more Indians appeared and when within six feet of the tent
placed the butt of their riffles upon the ground. I felt quite relieved.
We exchanged the usual salutation of 'boo shoo,' at their first appearance. I invited them to lunch with me as was always my custom in
Michigan, after which we parted good friends.
"I finished this work the last of April, and my men returned home,
with the exception of my nephew, EM. B. Smith, who accompanied me
to Cincinnati, as the surveyor general's office had been removed to the
city.
"I had waited at Galena three weeks for the arrival of the first
steamer going south. During my stay at Galena great excitement existed in regard to Indians, as rumor said they were assembling by hundreds at Dixon's ferry, on Black river. One day a great scare occurred
as a horseman appeared on the opposite side of the river, shouting 'to
arms! to arms!' All the inhabitants were fleeing from Dixon's ferry
to Galena in great terror. He plunged his poor, panting horse into the
stream, rapidly urging him over. The poor animal feel dead soon after
reaching the opposite shore. Laying aside my papers I set off for the
ferry, where drums and fifes were playing and fifty or more men and
boys had assembled. About the time I was leaving, the assembled multitude, fifteen or twenty young men mounted on horseback, were crossing the river to assist the women and children on their way. But as
usual it proved a false alarm.
"While making returns at this time, the surveyor general suggested
my entering into contract for surveying the exterior lines of townships
in Indiana, and proceeding to the work as soon as I could make the
necessary arrangements. Owing to the ill health of my wife when last
heard from, I chose to defer giving an answer till I arrived home, when
it was suggested my leaving a blank contract, to which I assented. The
work in Indiana was afterwards given to Sylvester Sibley and another
Michigan surveyor. For this act of the government agent the Indiana
surveyors were much displeased, so much so as I was told, it was carried into congress at the next session.
Vol. I-4




50


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


BETWEEN SAGINAW BAY AND LAKE HURON
"During the following autumn orders were received by the surveyor
general to cause that part of the territory lying between Saginaw bay
and township 9, on Lake Huron, to be surveyed. The chief clerk was
instructed to fill the blanks in the above mentioned contract and forward the same to me. This work had been given to Joseph Wampler
in the fall of 1822, embracing about eighty township exterior lines, extending south to township 6, and from range 8 east to Lake Huron, he
(Wampler). having surveyed about twenty-four townships, leaving the
north line of township IO unsurveyed, such being his anxiety to leave
the swamps. It was the most dreaded portion of the lower peninsula,
and would have been objectionable at the most favorable season of the
year, but as there was one deputy surveyor, William A. Burt, at work
near the lake, and another on his way, it was necessary the survey of
the township lines should be continued or the subdivision must cease.
"I was on the ground with a full party or on about the first day of
January, 1834, at the northwest corner of township IO east, and therefore nearly forty miles east of township line (9 or Io) left unsurveyed
by Wampler. To commence surveying it was necessary to cross the
townships by ranging with pocket compass to intersect just south of
quarter section corner, it being necessary to measure from said corner
a half mile, at which point the town corner was established in readiness to run the line west. This operation was necessary to perform
in every range of townships. The snow being eighteen inches deep and
the evergreen underbrush bent to the ground, it was extremely difficult
ranging to keep our course, which occasioned our falling two miles
short of camp when overtaken by night, and the going of this, our first.
day without supper, tent, or blankets. In running long lines among
swamps, where it is impossible for horses to pass, it was a common
thing for each man to shoulder and carry throughout the day a pack
containing a blanket and several days' provisions. Continuing my work
for a few weeks under great disadvantage, I concluded to return home
and wait until the frost should bridge the streams, which would enable
us to extend our lines into the interior.
"In six weeks I entered the second time, after having obtained the
field notes of a survey in township 9, where the timber, beech, denoted
hard land, indicating that pack horses could be used. With this view
I made a deposit of provisions at Mill Creek in addition to that made
at Lapeer, and Burch's mill on Black river, six miles north of Port
Huron. In addition to the horses, I engaged an extra pack-man, and
proceeded by way of Romeo to Mill creek. Crossed the creek early
in the morning, but soon plunged into almost an unpenetrable swamp,
where I had expected being able to proceed with the horses, but they
repeatedly sank, were unpacked, dragged out through mud and water,
repacked, but soon down again, until night overtook us, when we
chanced to find a section corner by which we learned we had progressed
one and one-half miles. Finding it impossible to get the horses through,
I sent them with two men, back to Romeo, with orders to proceed to
Port Huron, then up to the lake shore about twenty miles, thence




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


51


northwest to the point designated. The axeman, two chainmen and
cook, headed by myself, each with a blanket and two weeks' provisions,
pocket compass in hand, course northeast, set off through the marsh,
readily finding the corner left in my first trip. We commenced work,
continuing two weeks, our provisions much reduced, and not hearing
from the pack-men, I decided we would go in pursuit. Taking an east
course, we intersected Black river, followed down stream, boarded a
shingle shanty, and were informed by the men that the men and horses
had crossed the river and gone west. Turning back in our course we
followed their tracks, and in due time met together. When running
west I dispatched our new pack-man, directing him to go southwest
by the pocket compass and, when eight miles, look sharply for an east
and west line I had surveyed, follow it until he found what I had described on paper (handing it to him) and he would find provisions in a
basswood trough covered with a like made trough, secured by heavy
logs for safety.
"Finding the provisions he made a full pack from the deposit and
set off to meet the surveying party. But his return was long delayed.
Fortunately the other packer, Steinbrook, was returning from my other
deposit-Burch's mill-and met the lost and bewildered man, when
the two returned to camp the following day. Of course he had a long
story to tell of his adventures and sufferings during his two weeks'
solitude in the wilderness. For six or eight weeks the land in the
vicinity of the heads of Cass and Black rivers (the English of the
Indian name is 'Big Marsh') was under water from knee to waist
deep, and we were obliged to dispense with our horses while extending range and township lines, while each man carried on his back his
own blanket and provisions.
"Our progress, of course, was slow, making two and one-half to
three miles per day. We were frequently obliged to lay down poles
and pile on them hemlock boughs to keep out of the water while we
slept. I remember we built one camp-fire on the earth-covered roots
of an overthrown hemlock, after driving center-poles to scaffold up
to the fire. The difficulty of transporting provisions caused us to be
on short allowance, and I well remember, at one time, when our hunger had not been satisfied for days, and while establishing a corner on
the bank of Lake Huron, a couple of the boys killed a coon when starting for camp, and not being able to reach it before night, we roasted
one quarter of the coon for supper, and lay down blanketless for our
night's repose. The remainder of the Jittle animal, with the last pint
of flour at camp, was quickly disposed Qf on our arrival.
"In April, finding I was accomplishing so little after two months'
hard work, I decided to return home and await a more favorable season. When making returns of the work performed I was offered twelve
townships subdividing, with privilege of selecting my own location. This
I accepted, and early in the autumn started on my third trip. When
recommencing my work on Lake Huron another surveyor was landing
his provisions, preparatory to commencing subdividing where I had
already surveyed the township lines, and another party was said to be
on his way for like purposes. It seemed as though the government




52


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was determined the survey of the part of the Lower Peninsula should
be completed, twelve years having passed by since Wampler commenced
the township lines. I found the condition of the country more favorable,
the water having passed off. We found plenty of game, elk, deer, and
indications of moose.
"Trappers had marked their lines with numerous dead-falls for martin and other animals, valuable for their furs,' having coasted along the
lake shore, as we found their boats well secured at the mouth of one
of the streams.
"My work of subdividing lay partly on Saginaw bay. I completed
it and returned home in February.
SURVEYS IN BLACK HAWK RESERVATION, IOWA
"In the autumn of 1836 I received a contract for surveying the exterior lines of about sixty townships in Iowa, extending from the south
boundary of the territory to a point five miles north of Rock island,
being equal to about one-third of the Black Hawk reservation.
"Arrived on the left bank of the Mississippi, opposite Burlington
the 23d day of December, I836. The river nearly filled with thick cakes
of ice, it was with great difficulty that a ferryman, with my assistance
in throwing a line to them from shore, by which they hauled the boat
to land, having floated with the current far below the city. The packer,
going down the river twelve miles, was able to cross over with the
pack-horses, returning to the party in about two weeks. During this
two weeks were extending lines, putting up at night with the settlers.
"During the time required for the performance of this work up to
June following, the party suffered extremely with the severity of the
weather, it being an open tract of country, principally prairie. The
great wonder among the 'squatters' was, why we came to survey in
winters. 'Why,' they say, 'you cannot survey half the time, as you cannot endure the cold.' In addition to this, the snow was sixteen inches
deep for eight weeks.
"Much time was lost daily in travel to and from timber, for camping. We continued many days working, while the 'squatters' were sitting by the firesides. I well remember one rainy morning during this
month, entering the open, wide-spread prairie six miles west of Burlington, when running a range line (the pack-man with the horses turning to the right for wood shelter), my nephew, M. B. Smith, said,
'Uncle, your face is frozen.' This was about the middle of the day.
Such was the sudden change of weather in three or four hours' time,
and increasing, that were it not that we had reached the town corner,
and running east with our backs to the wind, we should have been compelled to flee to the timber to avoid freezing.
"One terrible cold night the prairie winds blew out all our fires,
and our full supply of blankets seemed to afford no protection. Some
of the boys started on a bee line for the nearest house, going in their
stocking feet as the fire had been insufficient to thaw hard frozen boots.
The remainder soon followed and I remained alone in camp until sunrise, when I was glad to follow, the entire company's blankets being




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


53


insufficient protection from such terrible cold and wind. During the
month of March the reflection of the sun on the snow was extremely
painful to our eyes, and notwithstanding we adopted the Indian custom
of blacking our faces, it was unsuccessful, and I was compelled to send
a long distance for green glasses, giving relief at once.
"After the middle of April our work went on finely. Approaching
the western boundary of the reservation, we were anticipating some
trouble with the Indians, as they had manifested some dissatisfaction
regarding the line as surveyed their encampment. But the only annoyance we received from them was stealing the only remaining pack
pony, and, as I had sent his mate off with the packman, this compelled
the party to carry packs when extending lines. This was the fourth
horse stolen by the Indians during my surveys. Completed this work
the first of June, having been absent from home about six months.
ANOTHER IOWA CONTRACT
"Receiving another contract for subdividing twelve townships, also
in Iowa, extending from Dubuque to Turkey river, and two ranges west
to an extensive prairie, I left home on the 22d day of August, 1837,
it being the second day of election under the territorial law. Arrived
at Dubuque on the 6th of September, and before the first township was
completed three of the party were taken down with the ague and fever,
causing much delay with our work. Nevertheless we finished the subdivision in due time, and commenced the survey of the islands in the
Mississippi, and when about two-thirds completed the January thaw
breaking up the ice compelled us to discontinue our work, the only contract I ever failed to fulfill. After waiting a week in vain for a change
of weather we crossed the river with much trouble, for home via Galena, as there was no road open further north. Arriving at Chicago
the principal topic was the Michigan wild-cat money, followed by the
Canadian patriot war. We frequently met sleighs overloaded with families fleeing from their Canadian troubles.
"Arrived home the latter part of February. I then intended discontinuing the survey of public lands. However, in the autumn of
1844, I received a letter accompanied by a contract for resurveying
the township of Salem (township i south, range 7 east). The county
surveyor declined making further surveys.  It furthermore was enjoined on me to pay strict regard to the instructions transmitted, they
having emanated from the hand of the commissioner of the land office.
This work required three weeks.
"Early in the year I845 the office of the surveyor general was removed from Cincinnati to Detroit, when one of the early pioneer surveyors, the late Hon. Lucius Lyon, received the appointment of surveyor general.
CAPTAIN PARKE'S RECAPITULATION
"The number of miles of established lines which I surveyed in
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, from March, 1822, up to the middle of




54


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


January, 1838, including the survey of township I south, range 7 east,
Washtenaw county, if performed in subdividing, would be equal to
more than three times the size of Oakland county, amounting to 5,400
miles, the ground twice walked over, amounting to I0,8oo; to this add
the daily walking from and return to camp, about equal to thirty miles
to the township; to this add the travel to and from my districts, sometimes several hundred miles from home, and the whole number would
not fall short of 20,000 miles.
"I have not penned the foregoing as being anything extraordinary,
as there are thousands of men in Michigan who could go through the
same fatigue if they would form a resolution to do so. We suffered
much from frozen feet, the painful effects of which I am still hourly
reminded, after a lapse of forty years.*
"It was not uncommon to carry packs of blankets and provisions
camping, when overtaken by night.
"In the prairie country we occasionally carried poles from two to
three inches in diameter, from which to cut posts to set in mounds
every half mile, when raised in the spring. These posts we marked
with the marking iron-township, range and section. I have occasionally entered a prairie with three poles, equal to nine posts, with compass and staff in hand.
"Our food was healthy, highly relished, and never gave us dyspepsia.
Our breakfast was eaten before daylight, from October to June, that
we might reach our work before sunrise, traveling three or four miles
in prairie or open country. This meal consisted of a strong tea, fried
or cold boiled pork, and shortcake, yellow with saleratus and rich with
pork drippings. Our lunch, finished by Io or I  o'clock, and eaten
while walking, for we never stopped in winter, consisted of a bite of
cold pork and a piece of bread-the latter often frozen too hard for
use, until the axe was used to cut it into small pieces. We worked until near dark, and, arriving late in camp, the hot bean soup with bread
and tea was eaten with great relish.
"Before leaving the subject I would like to record the names of
some of the men who assisted me in this work. They were the following: Samuel F. Byran, Oliver Torry, Lucius Hunt, David Wilcox,
Calvin and Chester Ball, Moses Peck and brother, John Powell, C. P.
Webster, Wim. Phillips, M. B. Smith, Pliny Skinner, Geo. Case, Jed
Van Wagoner, Samuel Steinbrook, Marvin Tyler, I. Welch, Davis,
George Galloway, C. Killicut, Hannibal, Sawtelles, Pike, Gould, Phipps,
Hart, Meacham, Dixon, Walter Ostrander, Allen, Michael Van Buren,
E. J. White, and others I do not remember.
"I will mention the name of Clark P. Risden, United States surveyor, who published the first map of the surveyed part of Michigan
territory and had several contracts. I hear he is still living, and must
be near my own age, eighty-six in April next. We are probably all
that are left of the pioneers employed by government in surveying the
lands of Michigan."
This narrative of Captain Parke is quoted quite generously not only
because much of it relates to Oakland county and vicinity, as well as
*Written in 1876.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


55


to a character well known in the days when the country was a wilderness and for many years after it had become developed into prosperous
communities, but because it furnishes pen pictures of the trials and
hardships endured by the men of the compass and tripod who run those
lines through forest and swamp which must always precede the purchase of lands and the guarantee of permanent homesteads.
RECOLLECTIONS OF BENJAMIN O. WILLIAMS
Major Oliver Williams was one of the first half a dozen settlers to
make Oakland county his home (he located on Silver lake) and, as
noted by his son, Benjamin O., in an address at one of the pioneer reunions he himself "thought himself the first settler in the county." The
bulk of the address is given, as follows:
"Having never considered it a fortunate circumstance to have been
reared in a new country, deprived of most of the advantages enjoyed
by those brought up in well educated communities and surrounded by
highly cultivated people and works of art, I have never felt any especial
pride in having been raised a pioneer in the backwoods of even old
Oakland county. I would have greatly preferred that fortune should
have permitted my parents to have remained where nearly all of their
children were born, and, although not quite among those who, according to John G. Saxe's facetious remark df those born in Boston, 'need
no other birth,' yet would gladly have been sufficiently near to have
received a good education-the greatest blessing to mankind, except
it be that 'second birth.' But fate would not have it so, and most of us,
at least while young, had to submit to her sway. And fully believing
that 'there is a divinity that shapes our ends,' I have ever felt that my
honored parents, did all in their power, under the circumstances, to
make their children happy, while aiding somewhat to develop the resources of Michigan while a territory.
"With her eight children my dear mother arrived in Detroit sixteen days before the county of Wayne was, by the proclamation of
Governor Cass, organized and named. She, with my father, had selected
their farm while it was still in the county of Wayne, and moved their
family into a large, well-built house in less than two months after
the governor, by proclamation, organized and named Oakland county,
as your county history shows.
"Presuming that it is well known that I have contributed to the
history of this county in the State Pioneer and Historical Society's Collections, and fully believing that my father was the first to break through
the almost impassible woods and swamps back of Detroit, by clearing
and opening a road from the end of the Leavenworth road to this place,
and to his farm in the fall of I818, before the county was named, the
Pontiac company formed, or their land selected; and, no doubt, in entire ignorance of the fact that the Grahams, Mr. Hersey, Mr. Hartsough, and possibly the Hoxies, had followed up the Huron river from
Mt. Clemens and formed a settlement, as did my father from another
direction, before the boundaries of the county were fixed or its name
given, he very naturally thought himself the first settler in the county.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


56


But, Mr. President, I have already occupied too much time on this unimportant subject, and should not have alluded to it but for the fact that
you sent me, last year, a list of the first entries of land made in the county,
taken by yourself from the books of the United States land office; and
why my father's or brother's entries of land did not appear under their
proper dates, is to me, a mystery. For I do know that, quite early in
the fall of I818, the lands were selected, and that improvements were
commenced and the house built, and do not believe it was left subject
to entry by others at the land office, until the time, by your list, it appears to have been purchased.
"Instead of the above I might have described to you the sickness,
privation and hunger endured; the killing by the tyrant chief, Kishkorko and his band, of one of Mr. Austin Durfey's valuable oxen in
front of the house on Drayton plains, and of the fight or the breaking
of Capt. Archibald Phipps' leg, near Allen Durfey's house, a little south
of Drayton Plains station, and of the surgical skill of our family physician, who, upon arriving at the house, decided that it was not necessary to set the limb before the inflammation subsided and the muscles
relaxed, for which about one week's time would be necessary; of the
hopeless look of the captain when he heard it; of our sending for
Doctor Richardson and carrying Phipps home on a litter, and, the
same day or the next, myself extending the limb while the doctor adjusted it to the great relief'of all present. Of the great number of
rattlesnakes; while mowing a marsh one day, we killed twelve before
noon and none of us wore boots; Mr. Harvey Durfey was barefoot and
wound a twisted rope of marsh hay around both feet and legs and worked
in safety. One massasauga the same day stuck its fangs into brother
Ephraim's tow pants and was dragged several rods before discovered
and shook off. Of the wolves we killed without thought of bounty, and
of their depredations on our sheep and swine; of the pigeons by the
million, and their digging acorns out of the deep snow; of the ducks
and geese that blackened the surface of the lakes,; of the bee-trees
from which we took hundreds of pounds of honey from a single tree;
of the pine trees and logs we borrowed from 'Uncle Sam,' and how we
rafted the lumber down the Huron river to Ann Arbor from the Walrod place; of my father, Doctor Thompson, and Judge LeRoy, at a
very early day, going in our large canoe with an Indian guide down the
Clinton river to Orchard lake, and borrowing from the island a boatload of apple trees in the spring of the year-most of these died from
having their roots in the water too long-and of Captain Hotchkiss'
first drill of militia by platoons, saying he wanted them to wheel to
right or left just as his big barn door swung around; or of the lynching of a tramp who robbed his benefactor, Acker Toule, of about $800,
all the money he had, and that he had just returned from the east with.
(You may be sure that the thief gave up the money.) And of three
Indians one day after concluding the sale of skins, furs and beeswax,
exhibiting seven skins, stretched nearly round, with the remark, as the
oldest man drew from his medicine bag, that 'he didn't suppose my
father would care to buy them'; they were once worth five dollars a
piece.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


INDIAN NEAR DEATH
"Mrs. Hodges first pronounced them scalps. My father's face was
terrible to look upon as he first took in the situation and the insult, and
I have ever thought that Indian was as near death that moment as he had
ever been. My mother, who stood in the door laid her hand on father's
shoulder and bade him come into the house at once. I will give you
my reasons for that belief. Having often heard my father relate that
on the second day after General Winchester's defeat and the massacre, while walking on Jefferson avenue in company with one French
gentleman and an English officer, meeting a band of painted Indians
all carrying scalps on sticks or at the end of war clubs or tomahawks,
one of the tallest and heaviest looking struck my father in the face with
the fresh scalps, torn from those unfortunate Kentuckians, and he always turned pale and had the same look of horror and rage as he related
it that I then saw on his face. The Indian quickly replaced the scalps,
but not before we had all seen to whom they must have belongedtwo men, one woman, a girl, two boys and a fair-haired child or babe,
as we judged by the length and cut of the hair. Those Indians belonged
to the Grand river bands, and were probably Ottawas. I never saw
them afterwards.
D'EAR OLD OAKLAND, THE BEST OF ALL
"Since then it had been my lot to traverse the valleys, hills and
mountain ranges of California; to see those valleys covered with beautiful flowers in all their pristine loveliness; to climb the basalt capped
and snow covered mountains; have ridden over the grass covered wide
savannahs; clambered up and down and viewed the wild savagery of
the Andes; crossed and recrossed the awe-inspiring Cordilleras of Central America, whose forests are filled with the progenitors of Darwin;
witnessed on its plains on the night of April 12, 1850, the birth of a
volcano, standing at a safe distance; watched through a long, tropical
night the grand display of nature's fire-works, and upon the land felt
the throbbing of its mother earth. And of all these grand and beautiful
scenes none have left more lasting, vivid and pleasant remembrances
than did the grand old forest, shining lakes, hills, valleys, flowered
covered plains, musical with the hum of bees and the song of birds, of
old Oakland as we found and lived among them. Nor will the others
ever make as happy homes, or sustain as dense populations. And I
now look back and endeavor to recall the often suffering faces of
the many respected pioneers by whose kindness, example, friendship,
instruction and admonition I was enabled to profit I find of their number nearly all have. crossed the river that we, too, must soon be ferried
over. That we shall meet again, retaining full consciousness of our
lives and friendships here, it seems to me that no intelligent persons
should doubt if they have studied well the past and present history of
the world and the life and death of the King of mankind-He who
spoke and is still speaking to us as never man did before or ever will




58


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


again, when He bade us love one another. Let us all try to keep that
precept."
A PICTURE OF MEMORY
The following address was delivered by John M. Norton at the socalled "supervisors' picnic" (a misleading term, as he says), held August
24, 1892; also at the meeting of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society, June 7, I893:
"Mr. President, citizens of Oakland county:  Once more under
bright skies, in health, in prosperity and in peace, we exchange greetings
at our annual county reunion. It is termed the 'Supervisors' picnic,' but
its meaning and its nature are broader than its name.  This yearly
assemblage imports something more than a mere summer's day outing
for a set of township and ward officers. It signifies something nobler
than the atmosphere of office; its dignity is higher and deeper.
"This annual picnic is the yearly refreshment of a great people's
heart. Its issues are the brightening of thought, the rekindling of healthful emotion, the rejuvenation of life. Cords of union and affection which
else might ravel and break, are here strengthened and renewed. For the
hour, each individual is transfigured-all utterance is true, every purpose is unselfish.
"Two pictures are hung before the eyes of this multitude today.
One is traced by the pencil of hope, and it hangs against the sunrise of
the future; the other is painted by the brush of the memory, and it
leans against the purpling sunset of the past. Not one of us sees them
both. Upon the former look all the young, as upon an opening vision
of prophecy; upon the latter look all the old, as upon the closing of the
gate called Beautiful. Each picture is circled with a glowing framethe one new and fair, unscathed by the flame and sword of life's battle;
the other is bruised and scarred, but is of gold tried in the fire.
"I am one of the old. Providence has bounteously granted me the
full three score and ten years, with two years grace. Come now, my
companions in the 'silver gray,' and look with me for a moment upon
our picture-the picture painted by memory, and which leans against
the sunset in the frame of gold. To your eyes and mine the figures in
this picture are clearly drawn, and of life size. The coloring is faultless
and the perspective is so perfect that it seems to speak to us like a
living voice. All this is partly owing to the skill' and integrity of the
artist, but chiefly to the fact that the picture was painted from life.
"The background of this painting includes, in a general way, all of
the southeastern portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan north of
Detroit; but all of its special detail and development are confined to
Oakland county, as lines and limits were established by Governor Lewis
Cass. in his executive proclamation of the date of March 28, I820, and
as the same now are. In the misty distance this beautiful county appears
as a land of forest and stream, of hill and vale, fresh and wild as it
came from nature's hand, in the possession of savage beasts and more
savage men. The Jesuit priest and the French voyager push through
the great lakes and up the Clinton river, and open communication with
the imperial Pontiac and the rude nations subject to his vast survey.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


59


One lifts the holy cross and the sound of the mission bell echoes across
the quiet waters of the lakes along whose borders we encamp today.
The other opens his store of trinkets and traffics with the Indians for
his furs and peltry.
ADVENT OF THE PIONEER
"But nothing is accomplished towards the settlement and genuine
improvement of the country until the advent of the man who came with
the axe and the plow-the enlightened pioneer who came to subdue the
forest and to make a home-the man who came to stay.
"The first man who built a house within what is now Oakland county,
and cut an opening through which the sun might shine upon it, was
Alexander Graham. That was within what are now the corporate limits
of Rochester, in the township of Avon, and the house he built stood
about twenty rods southeasterly from the present 'stone store,' and east
of the present Main street. He brought with him his son, and with
them came Christopher Hartsough. They all 'came to stay.' That was
in 1817.
"Then in the next year, I818, came Col. Stephen Mack, Maj. Joseph
Todd, Deacon Orison Allen and William Lester, settling at and founding the town of Pontiac. The Grahams were also encouraged by the
settling in Avon, in I818, of Ira Roberts, George Postal, Daniel Bronson
and William Bronson.
"In I8I9 the Pontiac colony was enlarged by the coming of Calvin
Hotchkiss; and Major Oliver Williams bought and settled upon land
near Silver lake, Waterford, and built thereon the first barn properly
such, in the county. Avon was also gladdened in I8I9 by the immigration of Judge Daniel LeRoy, Dr. William Thompson (the widely famed
and eccentric 'Dr. Bill'), John Miller, Nathaniel Baldwin, John Meyers
and Amozi C. Trowbridge.
"In 1820 and 1821 the tide increased. Such well known settlers as
Judah Church, Abner Davis, Alex. Galloway, Joshua Terry, Judge
Steven Reeves, Capt. Hervey Parke, Enoch Hotchkiss, and Rufus Clark,
came to Pontiac and its vicinity, while Linus Cone, Daniel Fowler, Cyrus
A. Chipman, and Walter Sprague made Avon their home, and Troy was
settled in 1821 by Johnson Niles. 1822 found Almon Mack, Joseph
Morris, Asa Murray, Capt. Joseph Bancroft, Schuyler Hodges, and
Geo. W. Galloway residents of Pontiac, and S. V. R. Trowbridge, Ebenezer Belding, George Abbey, Joshua Davis, P. J. and Jesse Perrin, Aaron
Webster, William and A. W. Wellman, Ira Jennings, and Silas Sprague
had followed Joshua Niles to Troy. Champlin Green, Gad Norton, William Burbank and Smith Weeks came into Avon, and more than half
the townships in the county had by this time one or more families.
"From this date population increased rapidly. In 1824 Nathan and
John Power, David Smith, Geo. W. Collins and other representatives
of the denomination of Friends, or 'Quakers,' most excellent and highly
intelligent people, made important and substantial beginnings in Farmington.
"Your present speaker (John M. Norton) came with his parents to




60


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Avon in the spring of 1824, aged then only four years, and has ever
since resided in the county. M3y mother died the next year, and my
father in June, 1832, when I was but twelve years old. My own health
and strength were my only resources. These I used as best I could,
and with such degree of success as has enabled me comfortably to provide for and educate my family, with a sufficiency remaining for the
declining years of myself and of her who has been through all so faithful an helpmate. The latch-string of our home is out today, as it was
in the early days, and we shall always take pleasure, not only in entertaining those of our friends of both this and the former generation, but
also in showing them the evidence that industry, integrity, and 'pluck'
are sufficient for success in this free and fertile country. As I review
the long list of my acquaintance, my observation teaches me that an
inherited fortune is more often a curse than a blessing, and leads more
frequently to ruin than to the substantial success and happiness-not to
mention the usefulness-of its possessor.
"More and more rapidly the incoming settlers followed each other
into the country, until, by 1830, Oakland county was practically redeemed
to civilization. Pontiac was by this time a center of trade for all the
region lying north and northwest of it as far as the Saginaws, and during the close of navigation even to the mouth of the Saginaw river.
Oakland county had five thousand inhabitants in I830, and Pontiac was
known commercially throughout the eastern states.
"Until about this period the roads between Detroit and Pontiac, and
especially between Detroit and Royal Oak ('Mother Handsome's'), were
indescribably bad, often absolutely impassible for anything except ox
sleds, mud carts, and similar conveyances. For this reason the settlers
of Avon and Troy made their journeys to and from Detroit quite as
often as otherwise via Mt. Clemens, that is, by team to Mt. Clemens,
and thence by boat down Clinton river to Lake St. Clair, thence through
that lake and Detroit river to Detroit.
RAILROAD AS A FUN MAKER
"As an evidence of the growing commercial importance of the capital, the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad was chartered by the legislature of
I830, and, although this immediate enterprise failed, it was followed in
1834 by the incorporation of the company which actually built and operated the road. As a fun-maker, the old Detroit and Pontiac Railroad
Company probably surpassed any comic minstrels ever organized. Its
directors were inveterate practical jokers and fun lovers, and if Mark
Twain would write the true antics of these 'innocents at home,' stating
only facts, the work would eclipse all the fiction of his 'Innocents Abroad.'
"Improvements, in all the meaning of the term, characterized the
county henceforward; splendid farms, fine residences, improved highways, enterprising towns, multiplied upon all hands, until it has now
become 'Old Oakland' and ranks as one of the finest counties in the
nation.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


61


THE LIFE BEQUEATHED BY THE PIONEERS
"As we look about us today, where are the men whose names I have
mentioned as pioneers of Oakland? Here is their magnificent work, but
where are they? The institutions they have founded are the admiration
and pride of their successors, but they themselves are gone.
"An association of the pioneers who settled in Oakland county in
or prior to the year I830, is proposed. Alas, how few would be the
names upon the roll!
"Watch the pictures again. The forms and faces there, all but a
few are stark and still. They breathe not, speak not, move not. Men
call them dead. They are not dead; they live in all that we behold
about us-their glorious work. They live in the only true life-the
only life that is deathless-and they will live thus until civilization shall
cease from among men. As we read their names upon the tomb, we
call that the shadow in the picture. In the true sense, there is no shadow
there. This living work of theirs that is all about us is their truest
life. It is the true light of the pictures, and no shadow of death is
there. All is light immortal, and its framework is of pure gold, tried
in the fire.
"Even so may the other picture become when it shall hang at last
in the sunset!"
FIFTY YEARS AGO AND NOW
(Written by S. B. McCracken for the Oakland County Pioneer Society,
1887)
Those of us who have passed middle age seem to stand on the
divide between two worlds. On the one hand we can view, in memory,
what has been; we can live anew in recollection the scenes of fifty years
ago; on the other hand, we can realize as a present certainty the things
that are. We can appreciate something of the contrast between the life
of fifty years ago and now. I select fifty years ago as the point of comparison for manifest reasons.
First, it is convenient as a round number. Second, it is a period
within the clear recollection of those who still linger among us as pioneers.
Third, while it does not comprehend the earliest period of pioneer life
in Michigan, it is its representative epoch. Fourth, fifty years ago
marks, comparatively, the beginning of that era of marvelous development and discovery in mechanism and in science that has planted this
generation so greatly in advance of any in the world's history.
To have pictured to the youth of fifty years ago the methods of
life that attain today, would have seemed like a fairy tale. To relate
to the youth of today the methods of life of fifty years ago would seem
like exaggeration, and, but for the confidence that youth happily reposes
in the lessons of age, would scarcely obtain credence.
CONTRASTS OF LIFE
Let us glance briefly at some of the contrasts of life afforded by the
two periods, because they will be not only to our edification but to the




62


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


instruction of the rising generation and those that will come after.
Fifty years ago the children of the pioneers studied their few books
either by the firelight from the open fireplace, or by an open lamp made
by placing some grease and a cloth wick in a broken saucer, or at best,
the light of a tallow candle. Now, we have the kerosene lamp, the gas
jet, and the electric light. Then, friction matches were unknown; fire
was produced by the flint and steel, and when the fire went out on the
hearth, those who were without this device had to send to the neighbors
for a coal or a brand. The present generation knowing nothing of the
pleasure of watching the burning logs in the fireplace and noting the
shifting panorama of warriors, winged chariots, camels, and rampant
lions. Nickle plated stoves, or the furnace in the basement, supply the
warmth without the pictures. The modern youth, who treads on carpets
or on marble tiles, hardly realizes that his grandfather's floor was very
likely made of basswood logs split through the center. Our cooking
utensils then consisted of a frying pan, bake kettle, dish kettle and dinner pot, and the teakettle, that no longer sings the song that it used to
sing. Those who were the better able, sometimes had a brick fireplace,
and a crane on which their cooking utensils were hung over the fire.
Generally, however, the "lug-pole," with some hooks attached, served the
purpose. The bread was baked in a round iron kettle (shaped very
much like a large cheese) with a cover, the kettle being placed on coals
drawn out on the hearth, with live coals on top, and good bread they
made, too. Our spare-ribs and turkeys were suspended by a tow string
before the fire for roasting, and there are those who will say that no
such roasts ever came from an oven. And then, the act of making a
tow string; every well regulated family kept a hutch of tow, which was
indispensable not only to good housekeeping, but to good husbandry.
I don't believe there is a young man of twenty today, with all the learning of our modern schools, who knows how to make a tow string. We
had neither silver nor cut glass goblets in those days, and not always
tin cups or dippers, the "noggen" or gourd supplying their place. Our
carriages were ox sleds. Fifty years ago there was probably not a
threshing machine in Oakland county, all grain being threshed with the
flail, or trodden out by horses on the barn floor, where they had horses
and barns. Of course there were no reapers, mowers, wheat drills, or
cultivators. There were few fanning mills. Grain was separated from
the chaff by holding up a shovel full in a stiff breeze and sifting it off
by shaking the shovel.
Wheat was wholly cut with the cradle, which was a great advance
upon the sickle that preceded it, and the hand scythe was the only means
of reducing the grass. All grain was sown broadcast, and those who
were boys fifty years ago, and retain a vivid recollection of the horrors
of riding a horse to plow corn, will appreciate the advantages of the
cultivator. Most farmers raised more or less flax and hemp. The
flax culture was simply a relic of that domestic industry, which, in former years, expressed itself through the distaff and the manufacture of
linen for family use, but which, like many similar arts, has become obsolete through the operation of machinery. The music of the spinning
wheel is now unknown, and the doubting maiden today is not permitted




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


63


to know whether she will have a handsome husband or not as the well
deserved reward of her efforts to build the yarn systematically upon
the spindle; nor is the boy now required to break his arms and his back
by making a reel of himself for granny to wind her yarn from.
In the lesser affairs of life we find striking contrasts. The boy of
fifty years ago was happy to possess a pair of indifferent skates that he
could strap to his stogy shoes and skim over the crystal surface of some
of our lakes or over the mill pond, which looked a great deal larger
then than it does now, and many of the older boys will remember the
vexation of trying to make the heel corks stay in place. Now they have
patent fastenings and they go on of themselves, and they skate in rinks.
and go on wheels as well as runners, and where we used to slide down
hill on a board, we now have the toboggan. In the matter of music,
too, pianos are almost as plenty now as jewsharps used to be, while
gingerbread as the classic feed on training days is wholly unknown, as
are training days, too, for that matter.
India rubber was first coming into use fifty years ago. It was then
made into a coarse overshoe, wrought into webbing for suspenders, and
also relieved from embarrassment the modest young lady who blushed
to speak of her garters, which thereafter became "elastics."
And then the average boy was happy if he could get a bit of rubber
as a foundation to build his ball upon. Now it would require many
folios to indicate the infinite variety of uses to which it is put. Next
to rubber, perhaps, if not before it, in the variety of its modern uses,
is paper. Fifty years ago it was used only for writing and printing, and
in a very coarse form for wrapping. Now it is found in all grades of
service, from the collar of the dude to the coffin of the sage.
There are other contrasts between the long ago and now. Then,
if we wished to communicate with a friend at a distance it could be
done only by letter with a mail once a week and postage two shillings.
The letter must be folded and sealed by its own fold, as no envelopes
were in use. If the letter comprised more than one piece of paper, even
if not overweight, the postage was two shillings on each piece. As
quarters were distressingly scarce in those days, it may well be conceived that friendly letters were comparatively few. Visits of a few
miles were made on foot. Persons frequently passed a period of sickness and were dead and buried before friends at a short distance even
were apprised of their condition. Now we are in instant communication with friends far away, by telegraph or telephone, while the railway
places us by their side in a few hours even though hundreds of miles
distant.
I have sometimes queried whether affection is as strong now as in
the olden days, and whether the sentiments of love were not more deep
and abiding when the distance was greater between us and the objects
of our regard. Human emotions are drawn out by trials, and it seems
as though the yearning for communion with friends that can be gratified
only at rare intervals, if at all, serves to tone and intensify the affections and attachments. The lady who is the possessor of a pair of
singing birds knows that the music can be got out of them only by
their separation. We are mixed up with so many more people in modern




64


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


life, that the divine love within us seems spread out so thin that it is
sometimes difficult to find it at all. The old song so remarkable for its
doleful pathos, "When shall we three meet again?" could hardly have
been written in an age of railways, as the three would scarcely care
whether they met again or not, as they would meet some other three
the next day or the next hour. Nor do I think that the highly drawn
character of Jennie Deans, in her lonely pilgrimage on foot from Edinburgh to London in behalf of her sister, who was in extremity, as portrayed in Sir Walter Scott's charming romance "The Heart of MidLothian," could have been given us in an age like this. Think of the
devoted Jennie taking her seat in a railway car with her bundle in her
lap, surrounded by the rush and clatter of moving humanity at the
present day, and being whirled over the distance in three or four hours'
time. All the poetry and adventure would be lost, and poor Jennie's
heart could hardly have been attuned to the pitch necessary to the successful prosecution of her mission.
We might pursue indefinitely the array of contrasts between the
things of long ago and the now, with reflections upon the changed state
of affairs, but in addressing a local society of pioneers there seems a
propriety in discoursing of things more local in their character.
There needs no apology on my part for a reference to my own family. Personal history forms the very essence of our pioneer annals, and
this personal history can only be supplied (in most cases at least), by
the relatives of the subjects themselves.
"GRANNY" MCCRACKEN
There are many still living in the county who will remember my
grandmother, who was familiarly known as Granny McCracken. Although she died when I was less than six years old, I.remember her
very well, and many incidents associated with her. I have always had
her in mind as a little old Scotch woman, short, but of sturdy frame.
Her lineage, however, so far as I am able to trace it, gives but a small
percent of direct Scottish blood. Her family name was Hutchinson,
one of the regicide judges who condemned King Charles to the block.
The family were, at that time, of quality and some antiquity in England.
Although Colonel Hutchinson was included in the act of amnesty after
the restoration, he afterwards fell under suspicion, was arrested and
died in prison. Some of his descendants, either from political or other
causes, went to Ireland, and it is from thence that this branch of the
family is immediately. derived, through Thomas Hutchinson, my great
grandfather, who came to this country prior to I740, and settled and
married in Philadelphia, where my grandmother was born.
The old residents who remember Granny McCracken will be impressed the more especially by her bright, quick mind, and her strong
physical powers. To go back a little as illustrative of these traits, it
may be remarked that during the War of the Revolution, being a resident of Pennsylvania, she was an active patriot, being on confidential
terms with General Washington and other leading officers of the army,
and not infrequently acting as a bearer of important intelligence. She




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


65


came to Michigan with my father's family in 1824 or '25. She built a
little log house for herself a few rods from my father's cabin, cutting
the logs for it herself, and at the "raising" she carried up her corner,
in pioneer phrase, equal to the next man, and she was equal to the
average man for a day's work in the field.
Though somewhat blunt in her ways the old lady was peculiarly
tender in her disposition, and with her naturally strong mind, of marked
intelligence considering the limited opportunities which the country then
afforded for education and instruction. A few books that had been
her companions found their way into our pioneer abode. Among them
I remember Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," a work entitled "The Holy
War," and a polemical work, "An Antidote to Deism."  Passing over
all questions of ethics or of tenets as represented by these works, their
titles show the indifference in the class of reading that was deemed the
most valuable at that day as compared with the present. I remember
also a romance, "Charlotte Temple," and a copy of Scott's "Lay of the
Last Minstrel," as forming a part of our limited library. The latter
work I had at my tongue's end, and could repeat the most of it from
memory before I had ever seen the inside of a schoolhouse. Elsewhere
I may advert to the manner in which myself and brothers acquired what
little of early education we enjoyed.
You will pardon a further brief reference to the dear old lady whom
I remember with tender affection. It was a favorite way with her to
reply to inquiries and salutations in rhyme, and to carry on a conversation and relate incidents in the same way. My excellent friend, the
Hon. B. O. Williams, of Owosso, relates this of her: "An occupation
in which she was expert was making straw bee hives. Being thus employed on one occasion, working in the barn at the residence of Mr.
William's father, one of his brothers, in her absence, tried his hand at
the business. Not succeeding very well, in deep disgust he threw his
piece of botch work over the bay in the barn. When Granny returned
to her work she discovered it, and gathering the boys about her as an
audience, told the story in rhyme, ridiculing the lad's efforts to steal
Granny's trade, and closing with the couplet,
"'And if you're inclined to have some fun,
Just look in the bay and see what he's done.'"
Grandmother died March 5, 1830. A notice of her death, probably
written by Elder Ruggles, was published soon after in the Detroit Gazette.
The notice is preserved in a valuable collection of clippings by Capt.
J. W. Hall, of Detroit, to whom I am indebted for a copy. I reproduce
it as bearing out the estimate which I have myself placed upon my beloved ancestor. The reference to her descent confirms my early impressions, and varies somewhat from the pedigree before outlined, but
it is hardly worth while to try to reconcile the variance at this time.
The notice is as follows:  "In Pontiac, March 5, Mrs. Mary McCracken, aged eighty-two. Mrs. McCracken was born in the United
States, of Scotch parents. She was endowed by nature with a healthy
constitution, and uncommon powers of intellect. She educated herself,
and through life discovered a great fondness for reading. At the age
of thirty, she united herself with a church in Pennsylvania, and about
Vol. 1-5




66


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


four and a half years since connected herself with the church in Pontiac.
Her life was a life of prayer, and evinced that she had much at heart
the glory of God and the salvation of souls."
Of my father's ancestry I know but little. The family were, I believe, from the north of Ireland, and were probably emigrants from
Scotland under the severe policy of the British government after the
establishment of the Orange dynasty. The name is unmistakably Gaelic,
and has the same root as Craig, Craik, Cregg, Cragen, etc., meaning
literally, son of the crags, or son of the rocks. My father's parentage
on both sides was of the rigid Scotch or Irish Presbyterian stock, that
became a distinguishing element in the emigration to portions of Pennsylvania, Virginia and the Carolinas during the first half of the eighteenth
century. My father's father died from camp fever contracted in the
patriotic army in the War of the Revolution.
FATHER AND MOTHER MCCRACKEN
My father represented in a marked degree the mental and physical
characteristics of his mother. Like her, he was self-educated. Probably to his relation to this mother in her widowhood, is due to the fact
that he married late in life, about the age of forty-three, I think. He
came to Michigan in 1824 or '25, and located on a piece of land on
section 23, in the now town of Waterford. During the first few years
he chopped and cleared, as I now survey the area by the mind's eye,
some twenty or thirty acres. He planted an orchard, and I remember
very well that he had a small nursery of young apple trees. An increasing family and an invalid wife made the struggle to subdue the forests
and at the same time make it yield a subsistence, a hard one. He found
more immediate returns in working for others, and this gradually became his preference, to which possibly a naturally convivial temperament contributed, especially when his work lay in the village. A second marriage, on the death of my mother, in 1835, proving anything
but satisfactory, he sold his place and removed to Pontiac in the fall of
I837, relying upon the income of a laborer for his support. But with
a man past his sixtieth year, and with a constitution, however strong,
impaired by hardship, the situation was one in which the best of men
would find themselves in the descending rather than in the ascending
scale. It is in this situation that a recollection of my father dwells more
in the memory of those now living than as a pioneer seeking to hew a
home out of the forest after having started upon the down grade of
life's journey. It was from this situation in his life that the compilers
of the Oakland county history derived the information that led them
to speak of him as "a queer genius, whose time was spent more or less
in writing rhymes," etc. His rhyming was come honestly by, was
incidental, merely, and was a pastime and amusement. Two editions of
the rhymes in small pamphlet, were published by him. His dedication,
in one or both of these editions, should be a sufficient apology, if apology
were needed, for the matter of his poetical effort:
"And as you read, don't judge too hard
Of your unlearned and simple bard,"




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


67


covers the whole ground. Some person or persons, for purely mercenary
purposes, some years ago made a republication which was wholly without
the knowledge or consent of those who had at least a moral right to be
consulted in the matter.
I remember my mother as a meek, suffering woman, who withered
and died at a comparatively early age under the labors and cares incident to a large family, and to the hardships and privations of pioneer
life. She was of more than average education for the time and the condition of the country, and of exceptional refinement and delicacy. Her
family name was Bromley. She was, I believe, a native of Connecticut, but removed from there to western New York. She died in the
fall of I835.
THE SCHOOLS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO
I promised to say something about the educational methods of fifty
years ago, and especially how my brothers and myself came to our first
knowledge of the rudiments of book learning. There was a little schoolhouse on the corner where the road leading south from the old Carman place strikes the Elizabeth lake road. It was a modest little frame
building, that I remember to have passed many times, though I was
never inside of it. It was a mile (more or less) from our dwelling,
and as the school was usually open only during the winter season, we
could not attend. I have often thought, however, that the instruction
received at the hands of my father and mother was of greater value
than that which we would have been likely to receive at the school.
The four older boys formed a little class, and in some cases the older
taught the younger. A boy belonging to a neighboring family also
formed a part of our little school for a time. Our text-books were
Webster's elementary spelling book, the old English reader, and the
New Testament. A work called the American Selection, printed on
dingy brown paper, was also among the household treasures. Confined at home, and largely to the house, during winter, with these few
books only for companions, their contents became as household words,
much of which I could repeat from memory. And here we may fairly
raise a question as to whether the multiplicity of books and printed
matter at the present day affords as good a mental discipline as the
more thorough study of a few carefully selected books would do. It
is fairly a question whether so much literature, and of such a varied
character, does not affect the mind in a way analogous to that in which
food in too great quantity and in great variety affects the stomach, and
whether we do not suffer from a mental dyspepsia. It is also a question whether, under the modern development of our schools, education,
as it is called, has not become too cheap a commodity to be adequately
valued.
MORMON VISITATION OF 1832
There is one episode in the local history of the county that I am
not aware has been placed on record. I refer to the Mormon visitation
about the year 1832, the successful proselyting, and the exodus from
the county of people who cast their lot with the Mormon church. My




68


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


father became possessed with a copy of the Book of Mormon, and was
deeply interested in it. Two Mormon missionaries came into the neighborhood to expound the doctrines. The spread of the new faith seemed
to be a contagion; neighborhood meetings were held every day, and
new converts announced. Some of the converts claimed to have received
a new inspiration and to speak in unknown tongues. My father became an early convert and was received into the church. My mother,
either from a feeling of sympathy with my father's action, or yielding
to the importunity of the preachers who visited us, was also baptized.
I remember the occasion very well. As my-mother sat in the chimney
corner arranging a change of habit that she could use after her immersion, by the light that shone down the chimney, the Mormon elder
was the chief spokesman, as if eager to add mother to the sacrifice,
and impatient at the necessary delay, repeated the question several
times, "Are you going to join this Gospel?" The preparations being
at length completed, the procession, including my father and mother
and the two Mormon elders, started for Watkins lake, about a mile
distant. It was a cold day in winter. About a quarter of the distance
on the route to the lake was a small pond or cathole. Upon reaching
this, the shepherds of souls concluded that it was as good a place to
make a new saint as the lake would be, and accordingly a hole was cut
in the ice and the sacrifice made there. I was of course too young to
realize the shocking inhumanity of the act, or to feel the just sense of
indignation that I have since felt in reflecting upon it. It may be asked
why my father permitted or stood sponsor at such an outrage. The
answer can only be found when we discover the mystery that underlies
and inspires fanaticism, those phenomenal epochs in the moral world
when the best of men do unwise things. Neither my father or mother
maintained a connection with this movement for any considerable time,
but quietly withdrew from it by leaving it out of their thoughts and
actions.
It may be wondered why new ideas and new theories sometimes seem
to take root and flourish in isolated neighborhoods, affording a moral
analogy to the phenomena of wild shrubs that occupy given areas.
Probably at the time of which I am speaking, people thought more deeply
and intensely on religious subjects than now. The people of the county
were directly descended from localities and times in which religious
thought was paramount. Isolated in their cabins in the forests, their
religious feeling was rather elemental and one of sentiment, than systematic. It was not crystalized in church connections, but was ready to be
moulded into form, and to center around the light that first appeared,
even though the light might be a false one. Living substantially in the
woods, each family by itself, seldom seeing any other persons except
their immediate neighbors, every new voice was to them a charm, and
every new face a revelation. These Mormon emissaries coming among
and mingling with these people, pretending to bring a religion not opposed to, but in fulfillment of what they already believed; coming in
this guise and under these circumstances, it is not strange that they
found ready credence and willing proselytes. And it should be noted
also that the Mormon agitation was then but just begun, and had given




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


69


no intimation of embodying the one feature which has within the past
thirty years placed it under the bane of both social and legal outlawry.
I believe, however, that one of the earliest developed fancies or purposes of the Mormons was the massing together of the faithful and the
building of a new Zion; that idea of unity and oneness of purpose that
has been the touchstone of the wonderful growth and power of the Mormon church. As showing the firm hold that the new gospel, as it was
called, acquired upon its devotees, a good many families, numbering
more than fifty persons in all, in and around Pontiac, abandoned their
homes and committed their fortunes to the guidance of the fatal star that
hovered first over Nauvoo and subsequently over Salt Lake City. Thaddeus Alvord, an uncle of mine by marriage, his first wife having been a
sister of my mother, with his family, were among the converts. I remember hearing Mrs. Alvord (his second wife) repeat what seemed to be
a prophecy among them, namely, that they were to acquire their new
Canaan either by purchase or by blood, and if by purchase, they were to
be persecuted from synagogue to synagogue and from city to city. This
prophecy has not been wholly unfulfilled. The Mormons were certainly
not left in peaceful occupancy of their first location at Nauvoo, and they
will claim that they are now being persecuted in Utah and the western
territories. Whether the other portion of the prophecy, that an acquisition by blood shall ensure them immunity from persecution thereafter,
implies a struggle of arms on their part in the future, we will have to
refer to those who receive inspiration and direct the counsels of the
church.
Among those who cast their lot with the Mormons at that time
within my own knowledge, were Thaddeus Alvord and his family, including two or three sons-in-law and families. Mrs. M. A. Hodges, in a
recent letter, kindly supplies me with the names of a number of others,
as follows: Ezekiel Kellogg, Seville Harris, Jeremiah Curtis, Nahum
Curtis, Joseph Bent, all with their families, and the Stevenson family,
one of the latter, Edward Stevenson, being now an elder in the church
of Latter Day Saints; also the widow and one or two daughters of Col.
Stephen MAack, one of the members of the original Pontiac company, the
founders of Pontiac.  The Bents, Mrs. Hodges informs me, subsequently left the Mormons and settled in St. Louis. Of those going
away, she says, all were members of churches, some Baptists, some
Presbyterians and others Methodists, and all except the Bents continuing
in the faith. We dismiss this topic, trusting that the attention given it
will not be deemed an unprofitable expenditure of time viewed in the
light of local history.
AUBURN AND THE YOUNG PIONEERS
In glancing at the excellent history of Oakland county published
some years ago, I was struck with the account there given of the village
of Auburn in the earlier days of the county, of its commercial enterprise and its business men, and I reflected somewhat wonderingly upon
the number and character of the young men who in the early days cast
their lot in the little hamlets that sprung up in the woods. They were men




70


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


of keen business faculties, quick, intelligent, and as it seemed to me more
generous, of broader views and higher principles than the average of the
young men of the present day. I say it so seemed to me, although without disparaging the young men of the present, we can find a solution of
the seemingly discrepancy in the thought that the young mind is more
susceptible to favorable impressions, and is less critical than the more
mature mind. But with what buoyant hopes and ambitions the young
men of the former time have left their eastern homes for the untried
west. The young men of the two periods certainly differ in so far as
this, that the young men of the present, accustomed to the attraction of
city life, and to follow the modern channels of commerce, would hardly
delve into the forests with the same courage and pluck as did those of
the former generation. Alas! how many blasted hopes have left their
trace upon the pages of our western local history, either written or unwritten. How many wrecks strew the pathway of time in its march of
fifty years. It is after all but the repetition of the processes of all human
progress. Life is but an experiment. Its failures count as a thousand to
one of its fruitions. The young men who laid the foundations of our
civilization did not in all cases judge adequately of the work that they
were undertaking. The land of promise did not in all things develop
equal to their sanguine hopes and anticipations. The place where in
imagination they had builded cities shriveled and withered under the
necessary reaction upon an abnormal growth and the exacting laws of
commerce. Many of the actors succumbed to the diseases incident to a
new country. Others yielded to financial disaster. Others sought new
fields. Some rusted Qut, while others weathered the storm, and have left
their visible impress upon the things with which they had to do. In
the great aggregate of life, in the final balancing of accounts, let us not
say that one shall have more honor than another. The comforts and the
blessings that we enjoy today are the consensus of their lives and their
sacrifices. So let us hold in pleasant and in grateful memory the young
men of fifty years ago. The history of Auburn is that of many a western
village. In the early days the rival of Pontiac, we need not rehearse the
causes that have made it simply a quiet little hamlet, the abode of a number of worthy citizens.
SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
As connected with those causes, however, we may refer in closing to
the social and industrial revolution that has especially marked the half
century. The application of steam has rendered of much less value the
water power that is so abundant in the county. The adaptation of machinery brings the best economic results by its aggregation in large manufactories. The construction of railroads, affording unlimited facility for
distribution, makes large concentrations of capital and machinery, and
the consequent immense production practicable. The local factory and
the local mechanic no longer exist. The effect of this change upon the
distribution of population is shown by the census returns. In I790 the
per cent of the whole population of the country residing in cities was 3.3.
In 1830 it was 6.7, and in I880 it was 22.5.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      71
These facts suggest problems in political economy that appeal both
to the present and the future. They connect themselves with the past
only by comparison and contrast. These problems are the most vital,
we had almost said, of any now engaging the public attention. They are
vital, nevertheless, for on their wise solution may depend our very civilization itself. But it does not become me to prophecy of evil at this
time. Let us hope only for the good now and always, and that the benign
influences that have advanced us so immeasurably within the past fifty
years will continually beckon and invoke us to come up higher.




CHAPTER VI


REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS AND "DAUGHTERS"
COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLER, A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER-THE GRAHAM
FAMILY-NATHANIEL BALDWIN-GEORGE HORTON-STEPHEN MACK
-COLONEL,MACK'S FAMILY-JOSEPH TODD AND PARTY-ITHAMAR
SMITH-WILLIAM     NATHAN   TERRY —JOSHUA   CHAMBERLIN   AND
ENOCH   HOTCHKISS —ELIJAH   DRAKE-EZRA    PARKER —JEREMIAH
CLARKE-BENJAMIN GRACE-CALEB BARKER MERRELL-LEVI GREEN
-JOEL PHELPS-ELIAS CADY-SAMUEL NILES-SILAS SPRAGUEESBON GREGORY —ZADOCK WELLMAN-CALEB CARR —HOOPER BISHOP
-DERRICK   HULICK- CALEB    PRATT —SOLOMON    JONES —LYDIA
BARNES POTTER-JAMES    HARRINGTON AND JACOB PETTY-JOHN
BLANCHARD-ALTRAMONT      DONALDSON-JOSEPH    VAN   NETTERBENJAMIN   BULSON-NATHAN      LANDON-GENERAL     RICHARDSON
CHAPTER, D. A. R.-THE REVOLUTIONARY GRAVES MARKED-MEMBERSHIP OF THE DAUGHTERS
By Lillian (Drake) Avery
There is, perhaps, no section of the state of Michigan where so great
a number of the soldiers of the Revolution settled as in Oakland county;
certainly in no other county of Michigan has so many of them been
found and their names and burial places noted.
General Richardson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has succeeded in reviving the memory of these men; has placed
markers on the graves of nineteen, and will continue the work until all
whose last resting places can be found shall be honored with their
official insignia. In some instances, where there were no headstones,
they have applied for and placed, government markers.
COUNTY'S FIRST SETTLER, A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER
James Graham, the first permanent white settler to plant his home in
old Oakland, was a Revolutionary soldier, whose father, a Scotch-Irish
gentleman, came to Pennsylvania several years previous to the Revolution. His Dutch neighbors called him "Grimes" and his enlistment is
recorded under that name.
James Graham, born in I749, was one of a large family, and there
is a tradition that when he emigrated to America he sold himself, as
72




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


73


was quite customary, into service to a physician of New York City, to
pay the necessary passage money thither. After the term of his service
expired, the war was on and he enlisted April 15, I777, for one year, in
Pennsylvania, as a member of Captain Hewitt's Company, Colonel Dennison's Regiment of Connecticut troops, and served in that company
till Captain Hewitt's death at the battle of Wyoming. He was then
attached to Captain Spalding's company in Colonel Butler's regiment
and was discharged at the expiration of his enlistment.
His home in Pennsylvania, at least after the Revolution, until ISIo,
was at Tioga Point, on the Chemung river. At that time he moved to
Canada, on the site of the present city of Ingersoll. Mr. Graham must
have been in the enemy's country all during the War of I812, but as
soon as peace was declared in I816 he crossed the border and took up
his residence first at Mt. Clemens.
TIE GRAHAM FAMILY
His two sons, Benjamin and Alexander, started out during the summer to look up a suitable location for a home. Following up the Clinton
river, they passed beyond the site of Rochester for a mile or two and
concluded they had found what they were seeking. They cut hay in
the open meadows along the stream, built a little hut and returned for
their family. The following spring, their father, his sons and son-inlaw, Christopher Hartsough and John Hersey, arrived on the 17th of
March. They paid their homage to good St. Patrick by rolling up the
first log house in Rochester for Alexander Graham.
James Graham stayed for a short time with his son, then took up a
squatter's claim on section 21. He lived here only a year or so when
he removed to the farm now occupied by William Graham, who inherited it from his father, Benjamin Graham.
The wife of James Graham was Mary Van de Mark, a native of
Holland, and his family comprised nine children; James, David, John,
Alexander, William, Benjamin (b. March 23, I808; d. Oct. 13, I864;
m. Nov. I8, 1832; Mary Postal b. March 23, I808; d. Jan. 20, 1845 in
Avon, dau. of George Washington and Lydia (Fulham) Postal of Avon,
Mich.), Chester, Martha and Mary.
The Oakland County History (1877), tells us that Alexander Graham married a Miss Hawkins and lived on the east side of what was
afterwards called Main street in the house mentioned, where his eldest
son, James, named ifi honor of his grandfather was born early in the
year I818, and who was also the first white child born in the county.
The proprietors of the village subsequently gave the lot on which the
pioneer baby was born to the youngster, who owned it till his decease
when it passed to its present owner, which at the date mentioned (1876),
was John Barger.
James Graham is remembered for his unbounded hospitality and
proverbial kindness. He was not only held in high esteem by his white
neighbors, but the Indians as well who would do anything Mrs. Graham
asked of them. She died September 7, I835. He died September 5,




74


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


1837, aged eighty-nine, and they lie buried in the little cemetery the
Grahams have consecrated for this purpose.
Mr. Alexander Graham was well versed in the Indian tongue, and
acted as interpreter. Benjamin also understood the language and was
a trader. He was called by the Indians "Mauchung," which meant
chunk bottle, as all commodities sold to them (sugar, flour, powder and
whiskey, alike), he measured in a chunky glass bottle. Many interesting stories are current of the Graham boys and their representatives are
still living in our midst.
NATHANIEL BALDWIN
Nathaniel Baldwin came only a year after the Grahams, and settled
near by. He taught school in a log schoolhouse which stood where
the stone blacksmith shop now stands. He was born in Goshen, Connecticut, July 20, I76I. While still a lad he enlisted in the sixth regiment from Connecticut under Colonel Parsons. This regiment was
organized at the first call for troops and recruited from New London,
Hartford and Middlesex counties. He remained on duty at New London until July 17, 1775, when they were ordered to the Boston camps,
where they remained until discharged, December IO, I775.
After the war Mr. Baldwin was married to Susanna Sherman, niece
of Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Their children were: (I.) John, b. July I6, I784;- (II.) Martha
Minot, b. April 20, I795; d. June 28, 1839; m. Thomas J. Drake;-(III.)
Nathaniel Augustus, b. June 27, i8oi; d. Aug. 22, 1845; m. (Ist) Margaret, m. (2) Jane Maxwell, April 2, 1842, died March 23, 1884;(IV.) Susanna Eliza, b. July 12, I805; d. Jan. I8, I858, unmarried;(V.) Walter Baldwin, b. Feb. 5, I809.
The Baldwin Genealogy gives two other children, Sherman and
Zimri, and the ancestry of Nathaniel as Nathaniel (4), Nathaniel (3),
Samuel (2), Nathaniel (I), of Milford, Connecticut.
Mr. Baldwin moved with his family from Connecticut to East Bloomfield, New York, where they lived many years before coming to Michigan. The track of land they occupied lies about two miles south of
Rochester, where the Crout farm now is located. His daughter, Susan,
taught school in the Postal district in a small log house built for the
purpose in I82I, one of the earliest schools in the county.
Mrs. Baldwin seems to have been a woman of excellent Christian
character and patience, and died January 2, I839, aged seventy-four. Nathaniel Baldwin lived until August 30, I840, when he was laid to rest
in the cemetery at Rochester. Mrs. Milo Newberry, a granddaughter,
is the only member of the family now living in Oakland county.
GEORGE HORTON
Another Revolutionary soldier to settle as neighbor to Nathaniel
Baldwin and James Graham, was George Horton. He gave his military
service in Pennsylvania, enlisting in May, 1780, when nineteen years of




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


75


age, in Captain Shoemaker's company, Pennsylvania troops. He was in
no pitched battles, but participated in several skirmishes with the Indians. He served until September, 1783.
Mr. Horton emigrated from   Northampton county, Pennsylvania,
to Canada in I809, where he settled first at Port Colborne. In 1820 he
moved to Yarmouth, Elgin County, Ontario, and in March, 1825, arrived
at Detroit, and came to Avon township, settling about two miles south
of the village of Rochester. He seems to have lived with his son-inlaw, Cornelius Decker, who located on section 21. His son, Benjamin
Horton, took up land on section 22. There were about twenty people
who came from Canada at this time, the heads of the families being all
related to George Horton. Mrs. Elsie Horton, wife of George Horton,
was buried in the Rochester cemetery, in February, 1827. He died in
1835, the exact date being unknown, but his last pension was paid March
4, I835.
STEPHEN MACK
The blazing of the trail into Oakland county did much for the settlement of Michigan, as it proved that the interior of the territory was
not the morass that the interested fur traders had reported it to be,
unfit for cultivation, but was as fine farming land as could be desired.
A company of Detroit and Macomb county men, called the Pontiac
Company, with Colonel Stephen Mack as their agent, purchased 1,280
acres of land for the purpose of establishing a town on the tract. The
company was formed in November, I818, and the first building erected
on the site of Pontiac was a log cabin put up by their workmen who
came out to build the dam and sawmill. It stood on the corner of
Saginaw and Water streets, near where the old Clinton House is now
located.
Colonel Mack was long the most prominent business man in
Pontiac. He was born in Lyme, Connecticut, I764, and emigrated with
his father, Solomon Mack, before the revolution to Gilsum, New Hampshire. The war found both father and son rendering service with the
patriots.
Stephen Mack's name appears on a receipt dated Montague, March
24, 1781, for bounty paid said Mack by the town of Montague, to serve
in Continental Army for the term of three years; also, descriptive list
of men raised in Hampshire to serve in the Continental Army, as returned by Noah Goodwin, superintendent; age, i6 years; stature, 5 feet
4 inches; complexion, light; occupation, farmer; engaged for town of
Montague, April 2, 1781, term of three years; also, private in Captain
John Trotter's Company, Colonel Rufus Putnam's sixth regiment;
muster roll for April, 1781; dated, West Point. (Massachusetts Soldiers
and Sailors of the Revolution, Vol. Io, page Io9.)
Colonel Mack married, 1788, Temperance Bond of Gilsum, and they
settled in Tunbridge, Vermont, where he engaged in the mercantile
business. He also built a tavern at the "branch" which became famous
in after years as the "White House." It was the first painted building
in the place. He took a great interest in military matters and eventually




76


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


rose to the command of one of the militia regiments of the Green Mountain state, whence came his title of Colonel. About the year I8Io he
came to Detroit, where he again embarked as a merchant, and was here
when General Hull surrendered to the British. During their occupancy
his affairs were in pretty bad shape. After the war was over he engaged
in trade under the firm name of Mack and Conant. He was a trustee
of the village of Detroit and a member of the reception committee for
President Monroe in I817; supervisor in I816-I818, and director of
the Bank of Michigan in I818. After the Pontiac Company was formed
he made Pontiac his home. He and his partners associated themselves
with Judge Sibley as a silent partner and under the name of Mack,
Conant and Sibley obtained from the Pontiac Company the title to the
water power for which they were to pay a thousand dollars toward
county buildings, if the county seat were located at Pontiac. Beside the
dam and sawmill, they erected a grist mill and a small woolen mill,
which was of great convenience to the pioneers.
COLONEL MACK'S FAMILY
Colonel Mack's family, consisting of wife and twelve children, had
remained in Vermont on a farm until I816 when they removed to Norwich, Vermont, in order to have better school facilities. A military
college was located there where Almon Mack obtained a knowledge of
military tactics, which made him quite a prominent officer in the militia
of Michigan in after years. In 1822 the family came to Detroit and one
of the daughters, Lovina, and an adopted orphan girl, Elvira Jamieson,
came to Pontiac and kept house for the colonel. His son, Almon, also
came about this time and took charge of his father's books and made
himself generally useful about the mills and in time came to be the
manager of the business.
Colonel Mack as early as I820 had erected a large building which
was used as a dwelling and an office, and was called the company's
building. It stood nearly in front of the mill. This dwelling was occupied by Colonel Mack's family in 1823 on their arrival from Detroit.
Colonel Stephen Mack died November II, I826, and was buried on
his own land on the east side of the river and south of Pike street. He
was afterward buried in Oak Hill cemetery on the crest of the hill that
overlooks the land he was the first white man to possess.
Stephen Mack, Jr. (born I798), located in Rockton, Illinois, where
he opened a trading house for Indian goods. He afterward married
(1828), the daughter of a Winnebago chief. He held various offices,
among them that of county judge. His death took place in Rockton
about 1849. John M., another son, settled in Hamtramck.  (Married
April 8, 1827, Maria A. King.) He also held various offices in the gift
of the people.
Colonel Almon Mack (born April 28, 1805), married the orphan girl,
Elvira Jamieson, in March, 1827. She was a woman of extraordinary
mental and physical endowment and greatly beloved and respected by
all who knew her.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


77


Of the daughters, Lovicy (born September 13, I795), married David
Cooper, a wealthy merchant of Detroit. Her twin sister, Lavina, was
the first white woman to die in Pontiac, September 2, 1823. Harriet
married Reuben Hatch, who had been a lieutenant in the army. He
died about 1827 while in charge of the lighthouse at Fort Gratiot. His
widow afterward married Hon. Gideon O. Whittemore. Dr. George
Drake is one of her descendants. Acseah died young.
Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, was a cousin of the Macks, and
visited Oakland county several times previous to his removal to Illinois.
Almira Mack, twin to Almon, joined the Mormons at an early day and
followed their fortunes to Utah, where she was living in I876. Mrs.
Mack joined her daughter in 1846 and remained with her until her death,
which occurred some ten years later. /Ruth Mack married
Buckland, and her twin Rhoda married     -    Stanley.
In 1824, during Colonel Stephen Mack's residence in Pontiac he
built a grist mill at Rochester. After the Colonel's death his sons,
Almon and John M., were appointed administrators of his estate, which
was involved in the collapse of the Bank of Michigan. Colonel Mack
was one of the bondsmen of James McCloskey, the cashier of the institution who defaulted to a large amount, and being the only one who
had available means, his entire estate, except a small dower to the widow,
was absorbed in the settlement, and his heirs were virtually left penniless.
JOSEPH TODD AND PARTY
Although it was through the agency of Stephen Mack that Pontiac
was located and settled, yet the first actual settlers were Joseph Todd,
his son-in-law, Orisson Allen and William Lester, and their families.
Joseph Todd was born February 11, I765, at Warsaw, New York, and
was a resident of that place when he enlisted for service in the Revolution in April, 1781, serving ten months and twenty days as a private in
Captain Peter Bertholft's company, Colonel Henry Wisner's regiment.
His father also was Joseph Todd who was a second lieutenant in the
same company.
In I8I8, at the time he applied for a pension, he was a resident of
Palmyra, New York, and it was in November of the same year that he
journeyed to Michigan, taking twenty-eight days to reach Detroit from
Buffalo. They were driven back to Erie three times by bad winds.
From Detroit they moved by wagons to Mt. Clemens and soon after Mr.
Todd and his party set out on an exploring tour into what is now Oakland county. It was now the middle of December and the snow lay
ten or twelve inches deep. Each man carried a supply of provisions, a
blanket and an axe. Two of them were armed with rifles.
The first night's encampment was where the village of Romeo afterward grew up. They cleared away the snow and built a fire and then
felled a hollow basswood tree, which they cut in seven foot lengths and
split open. Each man took half a log, placed it by the fire and with
his blanket snugly wrapped around him lay down in the hollow inside
and had a good night's sleep. The next day they camped where Pontiac
now is. They returned to Mt. Clemens convinced that Pontiac would




78


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


be their future home, and began preparations for moving thither. They
were three days making the journey with a team. At the time there
were four houses on the road, at two of which they passed the night.
They reached Pontiac the g9th of January, I8I9, and occupied the one
log house that the company had built, making a little community of
fourteen persons. There were no chambers in the house, no chimney,
and no floor, except some split logs where they laid their beds. Here
they lived until April, when their own houses were ready for occupancy.
Mr. Todd was not well after coming to Michigan, and by July the
whole party were sick, not one able to help the other. Dr. William
Thompson was the only physician in the county and he lived eight miles
from Pontiac. Fever and ague was, of course, the complaint. Affairs,
however, grew brighter after a little and Mr. Todd lived to see the village a thriving one, even boasting of the advent of a railroad. He married first, Julia Johnson, who died February io, 1843, aged seventy-four.
He married, second, Patty Lee, September 21, 1843. Joseph Todd
died at Bloomfield, Michigan, August 4, 1848, and is buried in Oak Hill
cemetery.
Children: (I.) Elizabeth, b. Dec. II, 1791; d. Nov. 5, I846 in Bloomfield; m. ist,      - Harding; m. 2d, Asa B. Hadsell.
(II.) Catherine, b. Aug. 1796; d. March i8, I845, in Pontiac.
m. Orisson Allen.
(III.) Julia, m. ist, -      Todd; m. 2d, Joseph Voorheis.
(IV.) John, m. Polly Smith.
(V.) Joseph J., b. 800o; m. Chloe Matthews.
(VI.) Jonathan.
(VII.) Samuel, b. 1804; m. Dec. 31, 1839, Armena Irons.
ITHAMAR SMITH
Ithamar Eleazer (5), John (4), John (3), Philip (2), Lieut. Samuel
(I) Smith, was born at Longmeadow, Massachusetts, January 13, 1756.
He married January 26, I780, Lucy Nevers of Springfield, and had by
her thirteen children, seven of whom he buried in New England. She
died September 25, I843.
Mr. Smith in June, 1776, enlisted for six months as a private in Captain Josiah Smith's company, Col. Whitney's regiment; also in April or
May, 1777, as artificer for two years in Capt. Richard Faxon's company,
Col. David Mason's regiment; again, in I779, he was in charge of the
quartermaster's shop at Springfield, Massachusetts, under Col. William
Smith. At the time of his enlistment he was a resident of Wilbraham,
Hampshire county, Massachusetts. About the year I8o6 he removed to
Marcellus, Onondaga county, New York. September 14, 1832 he applied for and received a pension while resident of this place. From there
his wife and children and grandchildren, except his youngest son, Dr.
George Smith and family of Syracuse, numbering twenty persons, came
to Pontiac in the fall of 1835.
When they left Marcellus they came to a place called Jordan on the
Erie canal, where they chartered a boat for Buffalo. Some of the neighbors followed them to the canal to bid them farewell, for Michigan was




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


79


then considered near the "jumping off place" and the good old minister
preached a sermon before they started, from the text "They seek a country." Arriving at Buffalo they took a steamboat for Detroit, and thence
over a rough road to Pontiac. They all moved into the house known as
the Benjamin Phelps house (now the Presbyterian parsonage) and remained there until they could look around and select a permanent home.
Mr. Smith bought the farm of Mr. Griffin, afterwards known as the
George Wisner farm, which was managed by his son-in-law, Deacon
Frost. He and his family were very regular in their attendance at
church, going quite often with oxen for the first year or two. He was
quite deaf and used to stand in the pulpit with the minister when he was
over eighty years of age, no matter how long the sermon. In I843 he
sold his farm to George Wisner, taking in part payment a farm in West
Bloomfield. About this time his wife was taken sick and died, aged
eighty-four years. They had lived together sixty-three years. On the
Ist of September, I844, while getting ready to go to meeting Mr. Smith
fell and died in a few minutes.
Ithamar Smith was a blacksmith by trade and in 1874 there was still
existing an account book he used from 1800 to I812. While in the
Revolutionary service he had the pleasure of seeing and shaking by the
hand his great commander, George Washington. On the 4th of July,
1838, at a celebration given by the citizens of Pontiac, Mr. Smith and
Mr. Beach, another Revolutionary soldier living here, were given the
posts of honor. He is buried in Oak Hill cemetery.
Children: (I.) Roderick, b. March Io, I78I.
(II.) Henry, b. April I9, 1782.
(III.) Henry, b. Feb. I7, 1784.
(IV.) Sally, b. March 5, I786.
The foregoing all died in infancy.
(V.) Sarah, b. January 23, 1787, d. February 8, 1876 Pontiac, Mich.
(VI.) Fanny, b. January I2, I789, d. March I858, Pontiac, Mich.
(VII.) John Morgan, b. Dec. 3I, I790; d. Oct. 26, I864, Grand Rapids; m. January 8, I8II, Lydia Goodrich, b. January 3, I794, d. March
25, I88I, in Manistee, Mich., dau. Allen Goodrich.
(VIII.) Eleazer b. October 21, I792; d. Nov. 23, I797.
(IX.) Hannah Morgan, b. June 17, 1794; d. May I, 1851, Pontiac,
Mich.; m. Josiah Frost.
(X.) Louis Nevins, b. March 21, I796; d. May I796.
(XI.) George (Dr.) b. August I9, 1797; d. August 25, 1844, Syracuse, N. Y.; m. Electa Ellis.
(XII.) Lucy, b. April 17, I799; d. July 8, 1837, Pontiac, Mich.; m.
Weston Frost.
(XIII.) Eleazar, b. November 25, I801; d. May 22, 1802.
WILLIAM NATHAN TERRY
William Nathan Terry made his declaration November Io, 1828, at
which time he was sixty-eight years old. He enlisted for the war in
March, 1774; was at the battle of Bunker Hill in June, 1775, as a member of Capt. Ransom's company of Pennsylvania troops, in Colonel But



80


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ler's regiment. He served till October, 1782. While on a furlough he
fought as a volunteer at the battle of Wyoming, and afterward returned
to his corps and was engaged in the battle of Princeton. He came to
Michigan in 1824, leaving property in Tioga county, New York, out of
which he was partially swindled, and was too poor to prosecute his rights
for its recovery. He settled on the Saginaw turnpike, two miles northwest of Pontiac, and lived to be about eighty years old. He died January
20, 1840, and is buried on the Charles Terry lot in Oak Hill cemetery.
His wife, Eleanor Lewis, died August 25, 1849, aged seventy-three years.
Children: (I.) Charles, d. July 3, 1854, aged fifty-two years; cemetery record.
(II.) Sarah Lee, b. October 27, I806; d. June 13, 1899; m. July 5,
1827, Isaac Voorheis, b. March I I, I806; d. July 12, I892.
(III.) Ellen, m. Sept. 14, 1833, Matthew Stanley.
(IV.) William, m. Hannah Lusk.
(V.) Jacob.
(VI.) Joshua, m. Lucy Tining.
(VII.) John.
(VIII.) Merritt, m. Emily Lewis.
(IX.) Caleb, b. October ii, I816, Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y.;
d. April 26, I890, Lansing, Mich.; m. 1840 Loraine Cole, b. February I,
1821, d. September 13, I9o8, Port Huron, dau. of John and Elizabeth
(Skinner) Cole.
(X.) Polly, m. Elijah Kirkham.
(XI.) Barney.
JOSHUA CHAMBERLIN AND ENOCH HOTCHKISS
The fifth Revolutionary soldier's grave to be located and marked in
Oak Hill cemetery, Pontiac, was that of Joshua Chamberlin. He enlisted
April 3, I777, at Richmond, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, serving as
a private until April 3, 1780, in Captain Jeremiah Miller's company,
Col. Vose's regiment of Massachusetts troops. He applied in I8I8 for
a pension, which was granted, he being a resident of Lewiston, Niagara
county, New York. In I820 he was a resident of Detroit and undoubtedly came to Pontiac with his sons, Joshua, Jr., and Dr. Olmstead Chamberlin, two years later. Dr. Chamberlin was one of the prominent business men of Pontiac a great many years. His father died February 20,
1827, aged sixty-seven years. Sarah, his wife, died at Gorham, New
York, August 14, 1814, aged forty-nine.
Enoch Hotchkiss, who is buried in the orchard on the farm he originally settled in I819, is claimed to be a soldier of the Revolution.
ELIJAH DRAKE
The early life of Elijah Drake was spent in the neighborhood of the
Delaware Water Gap, that now famous summer resort where the combination of mountain and river forms scenery unexcelled in beauty.
Here he was born July 4, I759. In the sparsely settled country embraced
by Smithfield township, the settlers were protected from raids of hostile




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


81


Indians by the garrison at Fort Penn. It was located on a large tract of
land owned by Col. Stroud and commanded also by him. Lying adjacent to this great property of Col. Stroud was the land of Samuel Drake,
father of Elijah.
A company belonging to the Associates Battalion formed in Pennsylvania was organized in Smithfield May 22, I775, of which Jacob Stroud
was captain and Samuel Drake lieutenant. In I776 Jacob Stroud was
colonel and Samuel Drake captain (Vol. 14, second series of Pennsylvania
Archives, page 555, 576).
In June, 1778, the records of the Bureau of Pensions state that Elijah
Drake enlisted as a private and served six months under Capt. Benjamin
Schoonhoven, Col. Stroud's Pennsylvania regiment; reenlisted June 5,
1779, for three months under the same captain in Col. Armstrong's regiment Pennsylvania troops. After that a service of fifteen days is recorded under Capt. Samuel Shoemaker and his place of residence is
given as Lower Smithville, Northhampton county, Pennsylvania. The
state records also show the service of his brother Thomas. This official
record is meager enough, for in reality he gave four years of his life
to the service of his country. The position of the family on the frontier
of necessity demanded the protection of father and sons in the early days
of the war and Elijah thus served three years b)efore his official enlistment in 1778.
Like others of the valiant volunteers who first viewed the fertile
valley of the Susquehanna in time of strife, he was resolved to make this
locality his home some time in the future, and after serving as executor
of his father's estate in I789 he joined his sister Ruth, who had married
Capt. Daniel Mc5owel and settled at Chemung, fourteen miles below
Newtown Point, or Elmira, as the place is now called.
Living in the beautiful valley of Wyoming at the time of the terrible
massacre, was the family of Thomas and Abigail (Culver) Stoddard,
settlers from Connecticut. They were warned of the approaching danger by a friendly Indian, in time to escape with their children. Their
daughter Abigail was at that time eight or nine years old and many times
in the course of her long life of ninety years, she recited the thrilling
experiences which were so indelibly stamped upon her memory. The
youngest child of two years of age died of exposure and hardships encountered in their long march in the wilderness.
Just where was their refuge we do not know, but presumably to the
north. This much is fact-that Elijah Drake married Abigail Stoddard
in the year 1790 at Newtown Point. Their home was in Chemung, as
we find Elijah Drake elected overseer of highways at the fourth town
meeting held 1791. The next year he is still a resident, as is proved by a
release given by him to his brother Joseph, for his interest in a piece of
land adjoining their home farm.
His second daughter, Welthy, is said to have been born in Scipio,
New York. If so, the change of residence must have taken place early
in 1793. His father-in-law, Thomas Stoddard, went with him, and they
settled on a farm in the town of Scipio, one and three-fourths miles east
of the village of Aurora, lying on Cayuga lake. Here his eight sons were
Vol. 1-6




82


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


born and here he lived until 1821 when he sold out and bought a farm
two miles east of the village of Perry, Genesee county, New York, where
he resided ten years.
Thomas J., the second son, had made his way to Pontiac, Michigan,
in 1824, and became one of the most prominent men of the early history
of Oakland county. His success and liking for the new country influenced the rest of the family to leave New York for the land of promise.
In I835 Elijah Drake, with six of his sons, and their families embarked from Buffalo on the old time steamer, "Thomas Jefferson." One
son, Cyrus, with his family, settled in Huron county, Ohio, but the other
five became pioneers of Michigan.
After tarrying a while in Oakland county, the old gentleman and his
wife went to live with their sons who had settled near Ann Arbor. After
a residence there of a few years, they removed with their son, Dr. Flemon
Drake, in 1844, to Royal Oak, where they made their home the remaining years of their lives.
Elijah Drake died April 8, I848. His wife lived to be over ninety
years old and died February 20, I86o.
Children: (I.) Sally, b. January II, I79I, at Chemung, N. Y.; d.
February 18, 1875, at Humberstone, Ont.; m. April 4, 1810 at Scipio,
N. Y., Guy Jerome Atkins.
(II.) Welthy, b. March 4, 1793, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. April 30, 1856, at
Buffalo, N. Y.; m..March 4, 1820 at Perry, N. Y., Samuel Rudolph Atkins.
(III.) Samuel, b. August 27, 1795, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. Sept., 1827, at
New Orleans, La.; m. November 28, 1816 at Buffalo, Eliza Chapman,
oldest daughter of Col. Asa Chapman. Her mother vxas Electa Doney,
daughter of John and Mary (Keyes) Doney. Mrs. Eliza Drake died
January 5, 1859, at Farmington, Mich.
(IV.) Thomas Jefferson, b. April I8, 1797, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. April
20, I875, at Pontiac, Mich.; m. December 17, I826, Martha Minot Baldwin, daughter of Nathaniel Baldwin of Rochester; m. 2d April I9, 1843,
Evelina H. Talbot.
(V.) Cyrus, b. December 24, I800, Scipio, N. Y.; d. April I5, I855;
m. November 14, 1824, Sylvia Huestis.
(VI.) Elias, b. Sept. 25, I803, Scipio, N. Y.; d. Nov. I8, I878, at
Madison, Lenawee county, Michigan; m. Sept. I9, 1837 at Lima, Washtenaw county, Michigan., Jane Hudson.
(VII.) Elijah, b. December 24, 1805, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. April 14,
1875, at Flint,.Mich.; m. June I, 1839 at Rush, Livingstone county, N.
Y., Sally Webster.
(VIII.) Flemon, b. April 30, I807, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. November 2,
I865, at Royal Oak, Mich.; m. April Io, I834, Electa Depue; m. 2d.
Mary E. Pierson.
(IX.) Edward L., b. April 30, I8Io, at Scipio, N. Y.; d. Feb. 4, 1896,
at McBain, Mich.; m. Ist, I834, Ambrosia Lacy; m. 2d, Mrs. Cynthia
B. Capen.
(X.) Morgan L., b. Oct. I8, 1813, Scipio, N. Y.; d. April 21, 1865,
at Pontiac, Mich.; m. September:9, 1837, Sarah Sophronia Stannard




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


83


EZRA PARKER
One of the two Revolutionary soldiers buried in the township cemetery of Royal Oak is Ezra Parker. He was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, December 13, 1745, and died in Royal Oak, Michigan, July 7,
I842 in the ninety-seventh year of his age.
With the family of his father, Andrew Parker, they removed from
Wallingford, Connecticut, to Adams, Massachusetts, about I770; having previously married Sarah Tuttle. He married as his second wife,
Elizabeth Perry of North Adams, Massachusetts, about 1772 and they
had ten children, to-wit: Samuel, David, Ezra, William M., Joel, Cratus,
Elizabeth, Ira, Abigail and another son, name unknown, who died young.
After the Battle of Lexington, April, I775, Mr. Parker joined the
Berkshire company; was present at the battle of Bunker Hill in Boston,
and in September of that year was a sergeant among the picked I,200
which constituted Arnold's expedition through the wilds of Maine to
Quebec and participated in the entire campaign, returning with the
remnants of that expedition. Later a commission was tendered him in
the Revolutionary army by the state of Massachusetts, but was declined.
He, still as sergeant, was engaged among the troops from western Massachusetts at the battles of Bennington and Saratoga.
In I793 the family removed to Herkimer county, New York, and in
I795 to Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York. Mr. Parker, however, was the owner of extensive tracts of land in various points, in the
state of New York, including St. Lawrence county near Watertown, and
upon these tracts he settled his various children. Later, he and Mrs.
Parker made their home with their son, William M., in Sangersfield
county, New York, from about I8I3 to I835, and removed with his son
William to Royal Oak, Oakland county, Michigan, in June, 1835, living
there until his death in 1842. His descendants are quite numerous and
are scattered all over the United States. The family is connected through
various branches with many of the prominent families of the east of that
name.
The only ones of his immediate descendants living in this section
was William M. Parker, who married Lydia Gilbert Bull in Bridgewater,
Oneida county, New York, in 1802, and the fruits thereof were eleven children, seven of whom were living and removed with the family to Michigan in I835. William M. Parker also owned numerous tracts of land in
the state of Michigan in Oakland and Genesee counties, especially but
settled upon the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 6,
township of Royal Oak, and on the old road previously described, having
purchased the farm or land of Alexander Campbell. Of his children,
Asher B. Parker first settled upon the west half of the northeast quarter
of section 8 and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 7, township of Royal Oak. For four years, 1840 to I844,.he lived in the township of Genesee, county of Genesee. In I839 Asher B. Parker married
Harriet M. Castle, they having seven children, all of whom are living
at the present date. One son, Ralzemond A. Parker lives upon the old
homestead and is a practicing lawyer in Detroit.
William Parker was with Hooker's congregation settling Hartford,




'84


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Connecticut, removing thereto from Cambridge, Massachusetts, in I639.
He had three sons, the youngest, John, settled in New Haven, Connecticut, and also had among other children a son John (2d).
John. 2d was born in I648, married Hannah Bassett in I670 and was
among the early planters at Wallingford, Connecticut, giving the name
of Parker's farm to a locality there west of the village, which name it
still bears.
Among numerous children was one Joseph, the fifth child who married Sarah Curtis in 1705, and among eleven children was one Andrew
who married Susannah Blakesless.
The children of Andrew Parker were Ambros, 1738; Grace, I739,
and Patience; Zeruiah, I74I; Oliver, I743; Ezra, December 13, I745;
Susannah, 1747; Rachael, 1749; Sybil, I753; and Jason, I764. He
moved with the family to Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts,
where he died. Jason Parker founded stage lines early in the nineteenth
century and these lines ran to all parts of the state east, west, north and
south, and west as far as Niagara Falls.
JEREMIAH CLARKE
Jeremiah Clarke was born in Preston, Connecticut, in 1760 or 176I.
He lived with his father in Shaftsbury, Vermont, and in the Revolutionary war served under Capt. Bigelow Lawrence, entering service,March
2, 1778; discharged May 2, 1778; in service sixty days. His father, Jeremiah Clarke, Sr., was a member of the first convention of delegates
from towns in July, 1776; major in I777; was member of first Council
of Safety of Vermont, 1778; Judge of the first court, and member of
executive council for years (Vermont Hist. Soc., Vol. I pp. II, I5, 2I,
23, 25; Vermont State Papers, 257, 266, 277, 553, 555).
In his journeying to the westward, after the war, his first stop was
in Bath, New Jersey, where he built one of the first houses. Here he
did not tarry long, however, for we find him one of the early settlers of
Nelson, Madison county, New York. He lived north of Erieville and
built the first sawmill that was put up in the town, where now is the
outlet of the Erieville reservoir. Before I808 he moved to Onondaga
county and finally spent the last years of his life in Clarkston, Oakland
county, Michigan, where his sons had settled and died there June i,
1845, aged eighty-four years. He married Sarah Millington in I780.
She was born in I767; died July I7, 1845, aged seventy-eight years.
They had fourteen children and a goodly proportion of the inhabitants
of Clarkston claim descent from them.
Children: (I.) Julia, m. Elnathan Cobb; lived in Onondaga county,
N. Y.
(II.) Amasa, m. a Mr. Green; went to Illinois over seventy years
ago.
(III.)  Lydia, b. I781; d. September 14, I845, Clarkston, Mich.; m.
Nicholas Brown.
(IV.) Henry, left home when eighteen or twenty years of age and
never heard of afterward.
(V.) Amos.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


85


(VI.) Jeremiah, b. Sept. 19, I790, Shaftsbury, N. H.; d. August
29, 1847, Dewitt, N. Y.; m. Phebe Holdridge 1814, b. August 6, I79I;
d. August 9, I838.
(VII.) Lucy, m. William Johnson; lived in Nelson, N. Y.
(VIII.)  Amy, b. 1794; d. July 29, 1953, Clarkston, Mich.; m. Oliver
Poole.
(IX.)Susan, b. October 25, 1797; m. 182I Jeremiah Blair.
(X.) Hiram.
(XI.) Sarah, b. Feb. 15, I8o6; d. March 5, 1872, Clarkston, Mich.;
m. Jacob Walter.
(XII.) Nelson, b. June 8, 1808; d. April I7, 1876, Northville, Mich.
(XIII.) Sidney.
(XIV.) Ebenezer, b. August 6, 1812; d. February 7, I868, Michigan
Center, Jackson county, Michigan.
BENJAMIN GRACE
Benjamin Grace made application for a pension on April 30, i8i8,
at which time he was fifty-eight years of age and resided in Lyons, New
York. His pension was allowed for three years of actual service as a
private in the New Hampshire troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted
at Amherst, New Hampshire, I780, and served under Captain Livermore
and Colonel Scammel until I783. He came in 1828 to reside with his
children at Farmington, Oakland county, Michigan, and died on the
William Grace farm a mile north of Clarenceville, on November I5,
1851, aged ninety-one years and is buried in the Clarenceville cemetery.
He was blind for nearly thirty years during the latter part of his life.
Benjamin Grace is said to have entered service at the age of fifteen
years, at the battle of Lexington, and continued in active duty all
during the war, being at the surrender of Yorktown.
Children all born in Canaan, Somerset county, Maine:  (I.)  Benjamin, died in his youth.
(II.)  Mary (Polly), m.         Russell.
(III.) James, b. Apr. 27, 1789, d. Mar. 20, I866, Livonia, Wayne
Co., Mich.; m. May 22, I814, Hannah Patten, b. June 22, I792, d. Feb.
20, 1879, dau. of James Patten.
(IV.)  Hannah, b. June 13, 1791, d. Feb. 20, 1879, Livonia, Wayne
Co., Mich.; m. Solomon Lambert, b. June 15, 1792; d. Apr. 8, 1882.
(V.) William, left home and was never heard of afterward.
(VI.) Abigail, m. Williard Lambert.
(VII.) Amasa, b. Aug. I797; d. July 14, 1873, Farmington, Mich.;
m. in Maine, Jane Barton, a native of Ireland.
(VIII.)  Sally, b. 1802; d. Oct. 20, I86I, Farmington, Mich.; m.
Stephen Jennings, d. Sept. 5, 1850, aged 49 years.
(IX.) Amelia, m. John Grace, b. Feb. 13, 1805, Maine; d. Feb. 7,
1860, Fulton, Gratiot Co., Mich.; son of Joseph and Susan (Close) Grace,
Joseph, d. in town of Lyons, N. Y., when his son John was 12 years of
age.
(X.)  Harriet, b. March I7, 1807; m. George Barton, m. 2nd.
Ward.




86


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


(XI.) Darius, b. Oct. 8, 1809; d. Jan. 2, 1892, Conway, Livingston
Co., Mich.; m. Dec. io, 1837, Livonia, Mich., Ann Eliza Grant; b. Feb.
27, 1822 Great Barrington, Mass.; living (1912) dau. of Warren G.
Grant and Sophia Wilcox of Livonia.
CALEB BARKER MERRELL
Capt. Caleb Barker Merrell was a commissioned officer in the American army during the struggle for independence, participating in the
battles of Bennington, Bemis Heights, Saratoga, Stillwater and the surrender of Burgoyne, October 17, 1777. He was at one time taken prisoner, conveyed to Canada and was for some time confined by British
authority. This memorial of him is given in Lakin's History, Military
Lodge F. & A. M. No. 93, Manlius, N. Y. (p. 59), of which he was evidently a member. He was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and
died in Springfield, Oakland county, Michigan, July 2, 1842, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife was Sally Jackson, to whom
he was married June 29, 1788. She was born October 3, 1766 and died
July 22, I86-, daughter of Col. Giles and Anna Thomas Jackson.
Capt. Merrell came to Michigan with his son, John J. Merrell in 1833,
and settled in Springfield. He is buried in the cemetery at Clarkston.
Children: (i.) John Jackson Merrell, b. March 22, 1797, at Whitestone, N. Y.; d. Apr. 6, 1866; m. July 31, 1822, Maria Paddock, b. Jan.
4, 1804, Caznovia, N. Y.; died May 7, 1883.
(II.)  Charlotte, b. Jan. I5, I8o4; d. Apr. 4, 1873; m. John W. Pratt,
b. Apr. 17, 1802; d. Apr. 24, 1847, Springfield.
(III.) Charles.
(IV.) Helen, m. -      Lovett.
(V.) Anna, m. David Leonard.
LEVI GREEN
Levi Green was born in Coventry, R. I., June 6, 1758, and died in
West Bloomfield, Oakland county, Michigan, on the 2ISt of June, 1859.
At the time of making application for a pension, September 28, 1832, he
was a resident of Livonia, N. Y. He enlisted July i, 1776, for eight and
one half months under Captain Baldwin; 2nd enlistment July I, 1777,
one month, under Captain Newell; 3rd enlistment August, 1777, under
Captain Brown, Colonel Simonds regiment, Massachusetts troops. He
was engaged in the battle of Bennington. His grandson, Horace A.
Green, has in his possession the original pension papers and a powder
horn carved with his name which was carried through the war.
Levi Green's wife was Asenath Robinson. Their son, Zephaniah
Ripley Green, with whom the father lived, arrived in West Bloomfield in
July, 1832. He is buried in the North Farmington cemetery. Many of
his descendants are living in Oakland county.
Children: (I.) Aurelia, b. Nov. 5, 1785, Cheshire, Mass.; d. 1866,
buried in Palermo, N. Y.; m. Joseph Chapel; m. 2nd, Selim Dayton.
(II.) Eunice, m. David Cripen.
(III.) Waterman, killed by falling tree when 18 years old.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


87


(IV.) Sophia, d. about 1848; m. David Curtis.
(V.)  Fanny, b. Apr. 3, 1794; m. July 7, I812, Orange Chapin.
(VI.)  Horace, b. -; d. Jan. 20, I833, Springfield, Mich.;
m. Sept. 21, 1820, Livonia, N. Y., Diantha Powell.
(VII.)  Huldah, b. Sept. 24, 1799, Middleboro, N. Y.; d. Mar. 21,
1897; m. Godfrey Slocum.
(VIII.) Zephaniah Ripley, b. Aug. 6, I801; d. Feb. I, I879; m. Dec.
3, I826, Zerilla Gould.
(IX.) Emma, b. Apr. 24, I804; d. June 19, I889; m. June 7, I827,
Abner Beardsley.
(X.) Speedy, b. May 25, I808; d. Mar. 21, I890; m. Gerothman
McDonald, June 4, I827.
(XI.) Laura, b. Aug. II, I8II; d. 1850 or '5I; m. Sheldon Wilcox.
JOEL PHELPS
Enlisted June, 1775, and served till January 3, 1776, with rank of
sergeant in Capt. John McKinstry's company, Col. John Patterson's
Massachusetts regiment; also reenlisted February 2, I776, in same company and was taken prisoner in Canada. In 1777 served first in Capt.
Hall's company, Col. Henry Sherborne's regiment, Continental army, and
reenlisted June I6, 1777, in Capt. Stephen Hardin's company, Col.
Zebulon Butler's Connecticut regiment. He was wounded in this service
for which he was pensioned. Appointed quartermaster to accompany
Gen. Burgoyne's army to Virginia and served from April or May, 1779,
to May, 1780, as issuing commissary at Saratoga. Engaged in battles of
the Cedars, Trenton, Princeton, Bound Brook, Wyoming and many
skirmishes. Applied April 20, i818, for pension, which was allowed, residing at that time in Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, and being
sixty-two years old, being born July I6, I755. In 1821 soldier's wife
"Anner" was fifty-four years old. There were twelve children. In I836
he moved to Michigan and in September, 1837, was living in Oakland
county. He is buried in the cemetery at Rose Corners.
Children: (I.)  Gilbert, b. Dec. 26, I788.
(II.)  Minerva, b. Dec. I, 1790.
(III.) Othanile, b. Feb. Io, I793.
(IV.)  Martha, b. July 4, I795.
(V.)  Sarah, b. May 5, 1798.
(VI.) Joel, b. May 22, i8oo.
(VII.) Daniel, b. Aug. I6, I802.
(VIII.)  Mariah, b. Aug. I6, 1804.
(IX.)  Aaron, b. Oct. I8, I806.
(X.) Lewis, b. March II, I8O9; d. Feb. io, 1897.
(XI.) Henry, b. Jan. I8, 1813.
(XII.)  Stephen, b. I815.
ELIAS CADY
Elias Cady, son of Benajar Cady, was born in Providence, R. I.,
September 7, I756. During the first year of the war the boy took his




88


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


musket and went to Boston where he was enlisted as a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, and served till its close. He spent the winter at
Valley Forge with Washington, and one night he and the general went
on a reconnoitering expedition, returning at the break of day with sufficient information to make the American army better prepared to meet
the enemy when it came. At the end of the war he was married in a
church at Providence, Rhode Island, to Olive Baker. Six children were
born to them-Seth B., Rhoda, Mary, Sarah, Philinda and Elias. They
moved to Utica, N. Y., where she died, and in 1838 he came with his
son, Seth B., to Holly, Michigan, on March 31, 1853, he died at the home
of this same son at Genesee and was buried in Oak Hill cemetery, two
miles northwest of Holly, Michigan. He was a pensioner.
SAMUEL NILES
Samuel Niles was born in Rhode Island, and was a private under
General Green in the War of the Revolution and was wounded in an action in his native state. He came to Michigan in 1835 and took up his
residence with his son Johnson Niles, the first settler in the township of
Troy, and remained here until his death in July, 1838. Buried in Crook's
cemetery, Troy, Oakland county, Michigan. His wife, Smellage Sisson,
died in 1835; m. 2nd, Lucy Roberts.
SILAS SPRAGUE
Silas Sprague was another early settler and soldier who is buried in
the Crooks cemetery at Troy, this county. He was born February I8,
1762, in Connecticut, coming to Michigan in 1824, with his son Silas;
died March 8, 1841, in Troy, Michigan. His wife, Polly Leonard, was
born October I6, 1763; died October 5, 1813, in New York. Their children were: (I.) Silas, b. Oct. I6, 1785, Middlebury, Conn.; d. July 2,
I868, Troy, Mich.; m. Nov. 12, I807, Sarah Crofoot; m. 2nd, 1824,
Amanda Bostwick; m. 3rd, 1855, Eunice Fuller.
(II.) Polly, b. Mar. 9, 1790.
(III.) Charles, b. Dec. 13, I79I, Chenango Co., N. Y.; d. Nov. 30,
I871.
(IV.) Thomas, b. Apr. 6, I794, Chenango Co., N. Y.; d. Apr. I866.
(V.) Orrin, b. Aug. 20, 1796; d. June 8, I874, Troy.
(VI.) Barnabas, b. Mar. 20, 1799; d. Sept. 30, I865.
(VII.)  John, b. July 4, I80I; d. Sept. 29, I866, Troy, Mich.
(VIII.) Leonard, b. Aug. 29, 1804; Broome Co., N. Y.; d. July 24,
I88o, Pontiac, Mich.
"Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors" gives his service as follows:
Certificate dated May 31, 1780; signed by Truman Wheeler, muster
master of Berkshire county, stating that in the fore part of July, 1779,
he had mustered said Sprague and others to serve in the Continental
army for the term of nine months, to the credit of the town of Great
Barrington; also descriptive list of men raised in Berkshire county to
serve in the Continental army for the term of nine months to Capt. Goodrich's company, Col. Ashley's regiment; age seventeen years; stature five




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


89


feet, nine inches, complexion light; engaged for the town of Great Barrington; also served twelve days at Stillwater, 1781.
ESBON GREGORY
The Bureau of Pensions at Washington gives the following record:
Esbon Gregory enlisted June 15, 1777, and served till August I7, 1777, as
private in Capt. Amariah Babbitt's company, Col. Benjamin Simon's
regiment of Massachusetts troops; also re-enlisted August 17, 1777, and
served till October 17, 1777, under Capt. Herrick and Col. Seth Warner;
also, after October 17, I777, to May or June, 1778, as teamster under
Capt. Luther Loomis and Col. Warner; also from May or June, 1778,
for eight months in Capt. Peter Porter's company, General Stark's Life
Guard; also April, 1779, three months as quartermaster transporting
military stores for General Stark; also July I, 1779, served as sergeant
under Capt. Barnes in Col. Israel Capen's regiment; also June I, I780,
one year as sergeant under Captains Hickok, Spoor and Gross, and
Colonels Brown and Willett; also June I, 1781, through November of
that year. He engaged in the battle of Bennington in which he was
wounded; also battles of Stone Arabia and Johnstown. At the time of
his enlistment he was a resident of New Ashford or Lanesborough,
Berkshire county, N. Y. and at the time of his application for pension
May 4, I8I8, he resided in Manlius, New York. In 1833 he lived in
Hanover, that state. In 1837 he was living in Troy, Oakland county,
with his son, Jesse Gregory, where he remained until his death in I84-.
He is buried in the Plains cemetery, one and one quarter miles east of
Troy Corners, Oakland county. His wife was Salome Sherwood.
Children: (I.)  Solomon, m. Maria Hagerman.
(II.)  Abigail, m.      Johnson.
(III.) Salome, m. Absalom Kief.
(IV.)  Mary Ahn, m. Jan. 15, 1829, Sylvester Francis.
(V.)  Jesse, b. Sept. 26, 1796, -, N. Y.; d. July 22, 1849,
Troy, Mich.; m. Mar. 26, 1826, Laura Downer, b. Dec. 29, I799; d. July
7, 1874; dau. of Jackson and Tabitha (Hackett) Downer.
ZADOCK WELLMAN
Zadock Wellman and his sons, Joel and Aaron, settled in Troy as
early as I819. They came from Vermont and were active in the Baptist church and town affairs until about I847, when their names disappear. Zadock Wellman's name is found in the list of Revolutionary
soldiers who were pensioners in I840 when his age is given as seventynine and he resided with Joel Wellman in Troy. The wife of Joel was
Martha and Aaron Wellman's wife was Lucy. The Wellmans are buried
in the cemetery east of Troy Corners, Oakland county.
CALEB CARR
Caleb Carr, born October 13, 1762, died July i8, 1839, and is buried
in Novi cemetery. He is said to have been a Methodist exhorter, (p.
130, Vol. III "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors").




90


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Caleb Carr, Jr.: Receipt dated Warwick, February, 1777, given to
Capt. Squire Millard for wages for services for one day on an alarm
November 2, 1776; also, private in Capt. Millard's company, Col. John
Waterman's regiment, service between December 4, 1776, and January 9,
1777, thirty-five days; also first division Capt. Squire Millard's company,
Col. Wakeman's regiment, service from January 9, I777 to February 3,
1777, thirty-one days; also, receipt dated Warwick, I777, given to Capt.
Millard for wages from January 9 to February 8, 1777; also corporal
first division, Squire Millard's company, Col. Waterman's regiment, service from April 6, I777, to April 22, I777, fifteen days.
The land records show that the Carr family bought land in Kensington in the year 1836, at which time Caleb Carr, Jr., was a resident of
that place. A few years later the father and sons lived at Novi, Michigan, where Isaac Carr kept a tavern, which was burned in 1847. He
then moved to Redford, Michigan, and kept tavern there the rest of his
life.
Caleb Carr had children: Caleb, b. Vermont; d. in Williamston,
Mich.; Isaac, b. September 6, 1790, Vermont; d. December 1862, Redford, Mich.; Calvin, b. Vermont; d. Waterford, Mich.; Sarah, b. June
5, 800o; d. February 9, I837.
HOOPER BISHOP
Hooper Bishop, another soldier of the Revolution, buried in Novi
cemetery, Michigan, was born March 22, I762; died April 3, I86I. He
married February 12, I794, Betsey -; born March 22, 1758;
died January 12, 1825. He came to Michigan before I840 to live with
his son Levi who owned a farm east of Novi, which is now owned by Mr.
West. Mrs. Lozie Paddack remembers him well, as she often visited
his granddaughter and he would tell them stories of the war, of which
he had kept many relics, including his uniform and musket. He had
a wooden leg and was blind and the children looked up to him as a great
hero. His service is given in "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors,"
Vol. II, p. 78, as follows: Hooper Bishop, private Capt. John Carpenter
company; enlisted June 25, 1779; discharged September 25, I779; service with guards at Springfield enlistment three months.
Hooper Bishop, private Capt. Caleb Keep's company, Col. Israel
Chapen's regiment; enlisted October, I779; discharged November 21,
I779; service I month, 1 days; enlisted three months; company raised to
reinforce Continental army.
Hooper Bishop, South Brinefield descriptive list of men raised to
reinforce Continental army for the term of six months, agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780; Age, eighteen years; stature, five feet, five inches;
complexion dark; residence South Brinefield; arrived in Springfield July
II, 1780; marched to camp July II, 1780, under command of Captain
George Webb. Also list of men raised for the six months service and returned by Brig. Gen. Patterson as having passed muster, in a return dated
Camp Toloway, October 25, 1780; also pay roll for six-month men raised
by the town of South Brinefield for service in the Continental army dur



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


91


ing I780. Marched July, 1870; discharged December, 1780; service five
months; discharged at West Point.
Also Hooper Bishop, private Capt. Abel King's company, Col. Sear's
regiment; enlisted August 20, 1781; discharged November 26, I78I;
service three months at Saratoga.
Children: (I.) Prudence, b. September 3, I794.
(II.) Sally, b. February 26, 1797; d. February 4, 1858.
(III.) Levi, b. June 8, I799; d. October I8, I870, Novi, Oakland
county, Mich.
(IV.) William, b. November 21, I802.
DERRICK HULICK
Derrick Hulick was born May 5, 1759, Montgomery township, Somerset county, New Jersey. At the time of his enlistment he was still a
resident of that county. He served as a private from June i, I776, for
seven months in Capt. William Baird's company, Col. Quick's and Henry
VanDike's regiment; also under Capt. Rynear Staats and Col. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey. Reenlisted, 1777, for eight months in John
Baird's company, Col. Webster's regiment; again in April, 1778, for two
months under Capts. Joakim Gulick and John Bair in Col. VanDike's
regiment. Also January or February I779, for six months and I780
for one month in the same company. September 3, 1832, he applied for
and was allowed a pension and at the time lived in Oxford township,
Warren county, New Jersey. In I839 he resided with his son-in-law,
Dennis Snyder, in the township of Addison, Oakland county. He died
in 1843 and was the first person buried in the Lakeville cemetery. He
is said also to have served in the War of I812.
CALEB PRATT
Obituary from   Pontiac Jacksonian, June 13, 1843: "Departed
this life on the 24th ult. Caleb Pratt, Esq., aged eighty-three years and
seven months, at the residence of his son, Capt. John W. Pratt, Springfield, Oakland county, Michigan.
"Mr. Pratt was a soldier of the Revolution. He was a volunteer
under the brave Stark at Bennington, and there fought shoulder to
shoulder with his compatriots and contributed to the successful issue of
that eventful day.
"The deceased in the course of his long and active life was frequently
called by his fellow citizens to fill offices, both civil and military, and he
discharged the duties thereof with honor to himself and satisfaction to
the public."
SOLOMON JONES
Solomon Jones came to Michigan in the fall of 1843 and first stopped
in Springfield where his wife died. He lived five years afterward with
his son, Jesse, in Groveland, and then went back to New York where he
stayed some time and finally returned to Michigan and lived with Jesse
until June 1865, when he died at the extreme age of one hundred and




92


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


five years. He had served in the Revolutionary war, although but fifteen
years old when called upon to bear arms. (Page 176 Oakland County
History.)
Children: (I.) Daniel, came from Orwell, Rutland county, Vermont,
in 1837, to Michigan.
(II.) Timothy, came to Michigan 1836, settled in Springfield and
later went to Texas.
(III.) Jesse, b. in Essex county, N. Y., between Lake George and
Lake Champlain, came to Michigan in I838, located in Groveland, Oakland county, Michigan.
LYDIA BARNES POTTER
General Richardson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
learning of the services this loyal woman gave to her country, honored
her grave with the official marker of the society, placed with appropriate
services on the g9th of August, I9II, at the Baldwin cemetery, near
Rochester, Michigan. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Abigail H. McArthur,
makes the following affidavit:
"To all whom it may concern: My grandfather, Lemuel Potter, was
a Revolutionary soldier. He enlisted at Hattford, Connecticut, in 1777,
when the Continental army was organized. He had seen previous service in the militia companies. His officers were Col. Wyllys and Capt.
Robert Warner. He was appointed a corporal, and with a corporal's
guard was sent home to gather provisions and clothing for Washington's
starving soldiers at Valley Forge. While engaged in this work he met
Lydia Barnes, a young woman who was devoting her whole time and
strength to the service of her country by making clothing for the soldiers at the front. She spun and wove the wool and cut and made the
garments, learning the tailor's trade that she might the more expeditiously
supply the soldier's needs. She worked so unremittingly at her task,
standing continuously in a half bent position over her cutting table that
she was never able to stand upright.
"When the young soldier, Lemuel Potter, returned to the front he
had won the promise of Lydia Barnes to be his wife when the war was
over. But owing to a ruling of congress that a married man could draw a
year's rations they were married earlier in February 2, I779.
"Lemuel Potter was in the engagement known as the Storming of
Stony Point and by his bravery on that occasion won the praise of his
commander. On another occasion he was presented with a cane by his
major for meritorious conduct. Said cane is now in my possession. He
served till the end of the war and was honorably discharged. His military record was obtained from the Pension department at Washington,
D. C.
"Lemuel Potter died February 26, 1826, and is buried at Chili, N. Y.
After his death his widow moved to Paint Creek, Oakland county, and
became an inmate of the family of my parents, Needham and Marilla
Hemingway (her daughter), till the time of her death, ten years later.
She died in August, 1836, and is buried at Baldwin's cemetery, Paint
Creek, Oakland county. At the time she was a member of my mother's




HISTORY OF OAKLAND.COUNTY


93


family I was a young girl and testify of my own knowledge that the
above facts are true as I heard them related by my grandmother, Lydia
Potter, in my childhood.
"ABIGAIL H. McARTHUR."
"State of Michigan, County of Lapeer-On this g9th day of August,
I9II, personally appeared before me, a notary public in and for Lapeer
county, Michigan, Abigail H. McArthur who being duly sworn deposes
and says that the above is true to the best of her knowledge and belief.
"WM. E. MCCORMACK, Notary Public."
JAMES HARRINGTON AND JACOB PETTY
James Harrington's name appears as one of the earliest pioneers of
this county, coming to Pontiac in I820 or 21. He made the first purchase of land in the township of West Bloomfield on the I5th of May,
1823. He entered the entire section 36. He served in the Rhode Island
troops as corporal in the Revolution. He died in Oakland county I825,
aged sixty-two. His wife was Martha Gould and his daughter Mary
married Elias Gates.
Jacob Petty, of Independence, Oakland county, claimed to have
belonged to Washington's bodyguard. His remains were removed from
the farm where he died, to the cemetery at Sashabaw Plains, Oakland
county.
JOHN BLANCHARD AND ALTRAMONT DONALDSON
John Blanchard's name is given in the pensioneer's list of I840, his
residence is mentioned as White Lake, and his age as seventy-seven. The
county records show that a John Blanchard of Farmington in 1834 deeded
land to his daughter, Sophia Laqui, which in 1852 was sold by Sophia
and Abraham Lakey to Ira F. Gage. In 1835 John Blanchard deeded
eighty acres of land to his son David, whose wife was Sally. David
owned the west one-half N. E. quarter section 17 and deeded same to Benjamin Sage in 1839. John Blanchard's former residence was Meredith,
Delaware county, New York.
Altramont Donaldson, another soldier given in the pension list, was
aged seventy-seven and resided at Holly in 1840. No further information can be given concerning him.
JOSEPH VAN NETTER
Joseph Van Netter was the first Revolutionary veteran to file an
application for pension in the Oakland county court. On the date of
his sworn statement February 12, 1822, he was fifty-nine years old. He
enlisted for one year, in April, 1775, in Captain Wendell's company of
Colonel Wynkoop's regiment, in the line of the state (colony) of New
York, Continental establishment, served till November, and then reenlisted for the war, in the same company and regiment, the latter then
commanded by Colonel Van Schaick. He completed his term of service,
being engaged with the enemy at the battles of Monmouth and York



94


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


town, and was honorably discharged. He filed an inventory of all of his
worldly goods, which the court, Judge William Thompson presiding,
valued at the munificent sum of nine dollars.
BENJAMIN BULSON
Benjamin Bulson filed his declaration for a pension July 21, 1823,
at which date he was aged sixty-nine years. He enlisted in March, 1776,
in a company of infantry on Long Island, commanded by Captain Thomas
Mitchell and Lieutenant Cornell, in Colonel Van Courtlandt's regiment
of General Putuam's brigade of New York troops. He served till August, 1776, when he was captured by our British cousins at Brooklyn, and
sent to Halifax, having been wounded in the leg, from which wound he
was, at the date of his declaration, still suffering, though nearly fifty
years had elapsed since it was inflicted. He escaped from confinement
at Halifax by digging out of the prison, and after lying in the woods for
a long time, and almost starving to death, he arrived at Salem, Massachusetts, in September, 1779, and at once reenlisted as a hand on the
ship "Julius Brutus," Captain John Brooks, carrying eighteen guns, which
on its first cruise captured a British brig and to which Bulson was transferred as one of the prize crew. Soon after, the prize was retaken by
the British sloop-of-war "Hornet." The prize was taken to New York,
and Bulson confined in the old prison-ship "Jersey," in Waalabout
(Brooklyn). At the end of.two months he escaped from the prisonship by cutting off the rivets by which the iron bars which closed the
port-holes were fastened, and swimming ashore. He was, however, the
next day taken prisoner by Major Murray's Tories, called "The King's
American Dragoons," and was sentenced to receive nine hundred lashes
for escaping. He did receive four hundred and fifty on his bare back,
the last half-hundred being given after he had fainted from pain and
exhaustion. He was then taken to the hospital, where he remained just
long enough for the recovery of his strength, when he again escaped,
and arrived in Salem in 178I, early in that year. All of the time from his
enlistment to his final escape he had been without pay, with the exception of two months' wages he had received. While on the prison-ship he
changed his name on account of his Tory relatives on Long Island, who
had threatened to kill him if they should get a chance. He therefore lost
his individuality in the cognomen of Benjamin Smith, and had been
known by that name ever since. His wife and himself were all the family he had, the former being sixty-five years old, and his invoiced property was valued at seventy-two dollars and sixty-two and a half cents,
and included one wagon and the old soldier's walking-staff.
NATHAN LANDON
Nathan Landon was the last of these Revolutionary soldiers to file
a declaration in the Oakland courts for a pension, and he did so on the
I3th of November, 1828, at which time he was seventy-one years old.
He enlisted February I, 1776, in Captain Archibald Shaw's company,
Colonel William C. Maxwell's regiment of New Jersey troops, and served




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


95


in the same until November 14, 1776, when the regiment was dismissed
by General Gates, at Ticonderoga. Himself and his wife (seventy
years old) lived with a son, Stephen, and his family, and the old people had no property save their wearing apparel and bedding.
GENERAL RICHARDSON CHAPTER, D. A. R.
General Richardson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
was organized in October, I899, and received its charter from the National Society on February 17, I9oo, engrossed with the following names:
Mrs. Ada Louise Leggett Smith, regent; Mrs. Lillian Drake Avery, viceregent; Miss Mabel Thorpe, secretary; Mrs. Harriet Beach Lounsbury,
corresponding secretary; Mrs. Josephine Brown Sanford,treasurer; Mrs.
Marion Eliza Seymour Ten Eyck, registrar; and Miss Marcia Richardson, historian; Miss Mary Fitch Crofoot, Mrs. Grace G. Blakesley
Thather, Mrs. Eliza Van Campen Birge, Mrs. Ann Loomis Richards
Coleman, Miss Lucy Carpenter, Mrs. Kate Beach Gray, Mrs. Julia Talbot Smith, Mrs. Anne Robinson Vernon, and Mrs. Anne Ingoldsby
Crawford.
The first work undertaken by this active, patriotic society was to collect and send boxes of books and magazines to the soldiers in the Philippines. It next endeavored to arouse an interest in American history by
offering prizes to the Pontiac grammar and high schools for the best
written essays on subjects selected from the Revolutionary period.
These competitions proved very successful and were continued several
years.
The society has responded liberally to the call for funds to build
Memorial Continental Hall. It felt that in no better way could our forefathers be honored than by assisting in erecting this splendid edifice to
their memory.
The Daughters meet once a month and aside from the regular business, have a program devoted to the study of historical or educational
topics. The preservation of the early records of Oakland county is a
work which the historical committee has recently taken up and much
valuable genealogical material has already been collected. This is especially true of the families of the Revolutionary soldiers of the county,
as it is their desire to have a record of all the descendants of these veterans.
They have a fine old mahogany bookcase which was formerly owned
by Dr. Elliott, an early practitioner of Pontiac. It contains a set of Lineage Books published by the National Society and bound volumes of
the American Mlonthly, the official D. A. R. magazine, beside a number
of very old books and papers which have been donated to them. They
also have been presented with a rare old map of the Provinces as they
were in 1776, a spinning wheel and reel, and a silver buckle which was
worn by a Revolutionary soldier.
To the generosity of Mr. Henry M. Warren of the P. S. H. they
owe their famous collection of autographs of celebrities. For twentyfive years Mr. Warren collected these letters, cards and pictures of
famous people, and when he presented them to the Daughters, they




96


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


showed their appreciation of the gift by ordering a book made especially
for their mounting which is now considered one of their most valued
possessions. The registrar's book containing the lineage, biography and
portrait of each member, will be when completed, greatly appreciated;
the scrap book and historian's record are also prized by them more
highly as the passing years prove their importance.
In I905 General Richardson Chapter entertained the state conference and it was one of the most successful meetings of the kind ever
held. In this and in other social affairs, the chapter has won considerable prestige, but the work which they have most at heart and which has
won them the reputation of being the "Banner Chapter" of the state, is
their indefatigable labors in searching for and marking the graves of the
Revolutionary soldiers who have been buried in the county. Each man's
record of military service is found, date and place of birth, death and
marriage are noted, the name of his wife and a list of his children is
sought for, and often it takes years to complete a record. United States
government, county, cemetery, church and private records have to be
consulted, and even then the result is sometimes very meager.
THE REVOLUTIONARY GRAVES MARKED
When the burial place of a soldier has been located and his record
proven, the Daughters hold a memorial service at the grave, placing on
it the official.marker of the society and offerings of flowers. Nineteen
graves have thus far been located as follows:
i. Elijah Drake, marked June IO, I900, Royal Oak.
2. Ezra Parker, stone marked, Revolutionary soldier, Royal Oak.
3. Levi Green, marked June 14, I906, North Farmington.
4. Stephen Mack, marked July I, 1907, Pontiac.
5. Joseph Todd, marked July I, 1907, Pontiac.
6. Ithamar Smith, marked July i, 1907, Pontiac, with government
stone.
7. Joshua Chamberlin, marked July 29, I909, Pontiac.
8. William Nathan Terry, marked October I, 90o9, Pontiac.
9. James Bancker, marked October 28, 1907, Metamora.
IO. Moses Porter, marked October 28, 1907, Farmer's Creek.
II. Caleb Merrill, marked September 17, I908, Clarkston.
12. Jeremiah Clark, marked September 17, I908, Clarkston.
I3. George Horton, marked July 29, I909, Rochester.
14. Nathaniel Baldwin, marked July 29, I909, Rochester.
15. James Graham, marked June 2, I9II, Graham's cemetery, Avon.
I6. Benjamin Grace, marked August 3, I910, Clarenceville.
*I7. Lydia Potter, marked Aug. i9, I9II, Baldwin cemetery.
I8. Silas Sprague, marked July I9, I912, Crooks cemetery, Troy.
19. Samuel Niles, marked July I9, 1912, Crooks cemetery, Troy.
* Lydia Potter did not bear a musket, but she served her country by working
night and day to clothe the destitute soldiers at Valley Forge, and the Daughters
thus honor her memory.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


97


TRIBUTE TO GENERAL RICHARDSON
In June it is the custom of the Daughters to observe "Memorial Day,"
when their beautiful ritual service is read and the graves of their deceased members and the five Revolutionary soldiers buried in Oak Hill
cemetery receive their floral offerings. At the services held I907 Mrs.
Ada L. Smith gave the following beautiful tribute: "As we decorate today the graves of our Revolutionary heroes, as we cast a flower and a
tear upon the graves of the daughters of those heroes, we pause here at
the grave of General Richardson. He fought in the Seminole war; he
won honors in the Mexican war; he gave his life for his country in the
Civil war. He attained by his bravery and ability the highest rank among
Michigan's ninety thousand soldiers, that of major general. It is in
memory of this that we place this wreath upon his grave and thus we
pledge ourselves to teach our children and our grandchildren to love, to
revere and to keep green the memory of Michigan's 'Fighting Dick,'
Major General Israel B. Richardson."
MEMBERSHIP OF THE DAUGHTERS
The officers of the society are elected yearly, the office of regent being
limited to two terms. The following ladies have held this highest office
in the gift of the society for two years each: Mesdames Ada Leggett
Smith, Lillian Drake Avery, Josephine Brown Sanford, Ada McConnell
Wisner, Carrie Mack Newberry, and Maud Green Shattuck. The secretaries have been: Miss Mabel Thorpe, Mrs. Ada L. Smith, Misses Sarah
G. Davis and Ella L. Smith, and Mrs. Mary Pierson Todd. The office
of treasurer has been filled by Mrs. Josephine Brown Sanford, Kate
Crawford Van Buskirk, Hattie Means Stowell, Charlotte Monroe Osmun
and Mary Josephine Wiest Clark.
Registrars: Mesdames Marion Seymour Ten Eyck, Anne Ingoldsby
Crawford and Lillian Drake Avery, who has held the office since I905.
*  Miss Marcia Richardson is the only historian the chapter has had.
The present membership of General Richardson Chapter is: Regent,
Mrs. Kate Beach Gray; vice regent, Mrs. Anne Ingoldsby Crawford;
secretary, Mrs. Lottie Stanton Blackstone; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Chaffee
Church; registrar, Mrs. Lillian Drake Avery, and historian, Miss Marcia
Richardson; Mrs. Sophronia Means, Vinton, Iowa, real Daughter;
Avery, Blanche (Miss), Avery, Lucile (Miss), Beach, Julia Taft (Mrs.
Samuel E.), Bailey, Clara Voorheis (Mrs. Roy E.), Bradfield, Elizabeth
Palmer (Mrs. Thomas Parks), Baker, Myra A. (Miss), Barnes, Edith
(Miss), Barnes, Mae (Miss), Birge, Eliza Van Campen (Mrs. John
W.), Canfield, Sarah Bishop (Mrs.), Carroll, Mary Thatcher (Mrs.
Frank H.), Castell, Donna Sherman (Mrs. Daniel G.), Clark, Mary
Josephine (Mrs.), Coleman, Ann Loomis Richards (Mrs. Harry),
Crohn, Bertha Elizabeth Miller (Mrs. Solomon S.), Davis, Sarah Griswold (Mrs.), Eaton, Irma G. (Mrs.), Freeland, Anna Hadsell (Mrs.
Orrin B.), Galbraith, Mary R. Wisner (Mrs. Stuart E.), Goss, Myra
Voorheis (Mrs. Oscar B.), Goodison, Anne E. Barnes (Mrs. Samuel),
Vol. I-7




98


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Gross, Evangeline Grow   (Mrs. George F.), Harper, Belle Robinson
(Mrs. F. B.), Hinckley, Ada Green (Mrs. Milton L.), Hollister, Metta
Hosner (Mrs. J. F. C.), Howlett, Mary Rockwell (Mrs. Edward V.),
Jackson, Emma Warn (Mrs. Henry C.), Kuttler, Emma Belle (Mrs.
George E.), Lounsbury, Elizabeth S. (Miss), Mackin, Edith C. Cook
(Mrs. Jas. N.), Marsh, Alice (Miss), Merritt, Edith Kelley (Mrs. Herbert
B.), Morgans, Mary Cole (Mrs. William H.), Newberry, Carrie Mack
(Mrs. Arthur F.), Northrup, Grace (Miss), Osmun, Charlotte Monroe
(Mrs. Homer J.), Parker, Sarah Electa Drake (Mrs. Ralzamond A.),
Palmer, Louise Thayer (Mrs. C. A.), Palmer, Virena Marjorie (Miss),
Patterson, Ella Stanton (Mrs. John H.), Randall, Anna Leggett (Mrs.
Chas. C.), Rockwell, Alma (Miss), Rockwell, Maude King        (Mrs.
Kleber P.), Sanford, Josephine Brown (Mrs. William    C.), Shattuck,.
Maude Green (Mrs. Charles), Shattuck, Alice (Miss), Smith, Clara
Phelps (Mrs. Walter), Smith, Alice Hadsell (Mrs. Tracy S.), Smith,
Ella Louise (Miss), Stoddard, Emma Waite (Mrs. Addison), Stowell,
Hattie E. Means (Mrs. Elmer H.), Stanton, Harriet Stanton (Mrs.
Lovett), TenEyck, Carrie Willits (Mrs. Harry), Thompson, Margaret
S. (Miss), Tobias, Ella Bartlett (Mrs. Louis C.), Todd, Mary A. Pierson (Mrs. William   F.), Urch, Alice Hart (Mrs. Edward A.), Van
Campen, Addie Bartlett (Mrs. George), Van Buskirk, Kate Louise Crawford (Mrs. Charles), Walters, Frances Fleming (Mrs. Albert E.), Watson, Inez Waite (Mrs. Charles), Welch, Mary Gilbert (Mrs. A. R.),
Whetmath, Maude W. (Miss), Willcox, M. Eleanor (Mrs. Elliott R.),
Wilder, Gertrude L. Barnes (Mrs. Gardner), Wiest, E. E. (Mrs. Jacob),
Willits, Sarah Adell Monroe (Mrs. Frank), Wilson, Mille (Dr.), Wisner, Ada McConnell (Mrs. Henry C.), Wisner, Marguerite Park (Miss),
Woodruff, Helen Madeline Peck (Mrs. C. D.).




CHAPTER VII


PIONEER RECORDS
COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY FOUNDED-THE SUPERVISORS' PICNICS-BETTER PRESERVATION OF RECORDS-SOCIETY INCORPORATED-PIONEER
WOMEN-OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY-PIONEER RELICS IN THE COLIECTION OF THE SOCIETY
*As each year carries away the settlers of our county, it is important
and interesting to our students, statesmen and politicians that recollections of the early events that characterized the pioneers of Old Oakland
county be gathered and transmitted to our successors. After much anxiety and deep thought of how to arrest and retain the interest of the
younger people and of those who were coming from other states, it became impressed on the minds of a few public spirited citizens that a
society should be formed for the purpose of preserving the records that
related to the early settlements of the county. Therefore, on January 6,
I874, a call was issued for organizing an Oakland County Pioneer Society.
COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY FOUNDED
On January 2Ist, at a meeting held at the court house, a committee
was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws and report at a subsequent meeting to be held February 22d. At this meeting, the requirements
were approved and adopted, clearly explaining the aim and object of the
society. None of the officers were to receive any compensation; labors
performed during session and out of it were to be gratuitous. It was
decided to hold an annual meeting on February 22d and a semi-annual
meeting September Ioth, each year, at Pontiac.
A meeting of the pioneers was held on Friday, February 27th, with
President Henry H. Waldron in the chair. Rev. T. J. Joslin offered a
short prayer, the volunteer choir sung "America," and the Hon. T. J.
Drake then offered the following resolution which was unanimously
adopted: "The pioneers and early settlers of the county of Oakland
in convention assembled at the courthouse in Pontiac, on the
2Ist of January, I874, unanimously resolved to form themselves into a
society to be called the Pioneer Society of Oakland County.
"It is declared to be the intent and object of the society to gather up
* In the preparation of this chapter many obligations are acknowledged to Miss
Anne E. Jewell, niece of Ezra W. Jewell, president of the society.
99




100


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and preserve the facts and incidents of the early settlement and history
of the county; to collect and preserve the names of the early settlers, with
a brief biographical sketch, and such anecdotes, as will illustrate their
history and character; to obtain and preserve a correct geographical description of the lakes, rivers and water courses; agricultural and manufacturing facilities and advantages; the chorography of each township
and the peculiar advantages thereof connected with any profession, occupation, trade or employment-in fine, to collect and preserve things of
the past, present and future, appertaining to the county which will delight and instruct the present and future inhabitants, and enable some
gifted one hereafter to write of a perfect history of Oakland county, its
pioneers and early settlers."
The constitution drafted by the committee appointed by the convention mentioned was adopted. After providing for the usual officers,
provision was also made for a president of each township who should
be one of the vice presidents of the society.
In order to become a member of this society a person should be a
resident of the county previous to I840, but from time to time this has
been changed, until at present a man may become a member by paying
fifty cents and a woman twenty-five cents.
THE SUPERVISORS' "PICNICS"
For a time the meetings furnished the great day of the year, but with
the passing away of many of the pioneers the interest abated, and it was
decided to hold annual picnics under the supervision of a Pioneer and
Supervisors' Association.
These social gatherings were held in different places, where men met
to talk over their different modes of farming and to form new acquaintances, and the women to relate their early experiences of pioneer life;
for while the husband was busy with his axe and plow, the wife was
early and late at her spinning wheel and loom.
BETTER PRESERVATION OF RECORDS
As no place had been provided for keeping the records, it was found
after the death of the secretary in 1896 impossible to locate them. From
1874 to 1889 apparently all records were preserved, but from I889 to
1896 there is a total loss of records. In I896 Ezra W. Jewell was appointed secretary. At the annual meeting in 1897, hp offered the following recommendation: "I consider it my duty to suggest a remedy and
leave it with the society to take such action as you deem proper.
"First: As to the missing records-by going to the files of our county
papers, we can obtain all that has been published appertaining to our
society.
"Second: As fast as such records are completed, the same should be
deposited in some place of safety. I should suggest the vaults in one of
our county offices.
"Third: Some one responsible, a committee or the president of your
society, who shall each year overlook the work of your secretary and




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


101


report at each annual meeting; we would then be sure of preserving all
that is of interest and benefit to the society."
The society approved of this recommendation, and by vote elected a
treasurer and appointed a finance committee.
*A set of scrap-books, carefully indexed, containing everything of
historical interest such as biographies, obituaries, official election returns,
etc., has been arranged by Mr. Jewell.
In I909, Mr. Jewell was elected president of the society. He has a
new record book which he is anxious to complete that contains brief
sketches of many of the pioneers who settled in Oakland county.
SOCIETY INCORPORATED
On October 23, 1909, this society applied for articles of incorporation, which was granted and put on record at Lansing, November 8,
I909, and recorded in record of incorporation No. 93, page 408.
In January, I9Io, at a meeting of the supervisors they voted the society one hundred dollars and gave them the exclusive privilege of occupying the east side of the Men's Rest Room in the Court House for the
preservation of relics, etc., that would be of interest to the public. For
the collection of such articles much credit must be accorded to **Mrs.
Lillian Avery, who has been untiring in her efforts to collect and classify
them.
PIONEER WOMEN
In closing these remarks, it would be unjust not to make mention of
the pioneer women who have done so much to place the society in its
present promising condition. On the 22d of each February, the following
ladies —Mrs. Henry M. Jackson, Mrs. Homer Colvin, Mrs. B. Ellwood,
Mrs. William H. Dawson, Mrs. J. L. Sibley, Mrs. J. R. Taylor, Mrs.
Mary Clark, Mrs. George Hicks, Mrs. E. Kelly, Mrs. George Williams,
Mrs. Edwin Phelps, Miss Kate Leggett, Miss A. M. Jewell and many
others-have supervised a sumptuous banquet where all meet, eat, drink
and make merry.
But let us not forget that these land-marks and links that connect
the past with the present are dropping off, one by one. Let us not forget the strength and heroism that they showed in laying deep the foundations of the institution and privileges that we now enjoy.
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
The following are the officers of the Pioneer and Historical Society
who have served since' its organization:
1874-Thomas J. Drake, Pres.; James A. Weeks, Sec.
1875 —Clark Beardsley, Pres.; James A. Weeks, Sec.
I876-Henry Waldron, Pres.; James A. Weeks, Sec.
I877-Henry Waldron, Pres.; James A. Weeks, Sec.
I878-Henry Waldron, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
* The editors of this work are greatly indebted to this valuable collection for
much of the-pioneer material contained therein.
** A full description of these relics follows this sketch.




102


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


I879-Augustus C. Baldwin, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I88o-Augustus C. Baldwin, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I88I-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
1882-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I883-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I884-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I885-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
1886-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I887-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
i888-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
I889-Orrin Poppleton, Pres.; Edward W. Peck, Sec.
Records lost from 1889 to 1893; Mark Walters, Sec.
I894-G. M. Trowbridge, Pres.; Mark Walters, Sec.
I895-G. M. Trowbridge, Pres.; Mark Walters, Sec.
I896-G. M. Trowbridge, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
I897-G. M. Trowbridge, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
I898-G. M. Trowbridge, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
I899-Arza B. Donaldson, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
Igoo-Arza B. Donaldson, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
I90o-Edwin Phelps, Pres.; Ezra W. Jewell, Sec.
I902-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec
I903-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
I904-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
I905-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
9go6-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Hamer H. Colvin, Sec.
1907-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
9go8-Thomas L. Patterson, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
9go9-Ezra W. Jewell, Pres.; Homer H. Colvin, Sec.
IIo —Ezra W. Jewell, Pres; Joshua W. Bird, Sec.
I9Ii-Ezra W. Jewell, Pres.; Joshua W. Bird, Sec.
1912-Ezra W. Jewell, Pres.; Joshua W. Bird, Sec.
PIONEER RELICS IN THE COLLECTION OF THE SOCIETY
I. Ambrotype of Mrs. Catherine Benson, taken by her husband, John
H. Benson, one of the first photographers in Pontiac, coming here in
I856. Mrs. Benson was the first white girl born in Pontiac, Apr. I4,
1823. Loaned by Mrs. Lena Starke.
2. Hair jewelry worn by Mrs. Ira Clark Seeley in i850. Mrs. Seeley was Matilda Dewey and came to this county about I833. Presented
by her daughter, Mrs. H. F. Messenger, Feb. I, 1911.
3. Daguerreotype and note of a friend of Porter A. Hitchcock, dated
I853. Mr. Hitchcock's parents came to Oakland county previous to his
birth in I833. Presented by Mrs. P. A. Hitchcock.
4. Ode to Washington, composed by Augustus W. Leggett and sung
at the concert of the Pontiac Musical Association, Feb. 22, 1858. Mr.
Leggett and his wife Eliza Seaman Leggett came to Michigan in 1852.
Presented by Miss Kate Leggett.
5. Green glass spectacles over Ioo year sold (I909), worn by Seth




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


103


A. L. Warner, one of the pioneers of Farmington. Presented by Hon.
P. Dean Warner.
6. Night cap embroidered and worn in 1842 by Mrs. P. Dean
Warner, and given to the society by her.
7. Pocket Dictionary bought in 1837 by Hon. P. Dean Warner. Mr.
Warner came to Farmington with his parents in 1825, when three years
old.
8. Paper knife carried by same when a boy.
9. Infant's day cap embroidered in England and brought to Oakland county by Mrs. William Hanson in I854. It was last worn by her
son, Thomas Edward in 1857, by whom it was presented.
Io. Night cap worn by Mrs. Benj. Going, an early resident of
Pontiac.
ii. Cap basket carried by Mrs. Silas Johnson, whenever she went
visiting. Mrs. Johnson was formerly the wife of Darius Cowles, who
came to North Farmington in I833. Presented by Mrs. L. M. Cowles.
12. Sovereign balance brought from England by Joseph Coates, who
settled at Pine Lake, 1832. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
13. Butter knife brought from England by Mrs. Horace Swan and
was a wedding present to her grandmother in I730. Mr. Swan kept
tavern in Farmington before I85I, at which date he built the hotel now
there. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
14. Silhouette of Deacon Erastus Ingersoll, the first white settler in
the town of Novi, 1825. Made by his brother-in-law, Samuel Chadwick,
who came to Farmington, I839. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
I5. Bowl from Mrs. Harrison Philbrick's "mulberry set," which
graced a bountiful table for a lifetime. The father of Mr. Philbrick came
to Farmington in I826 and Mr. Teas, Mrs. Philbrick's father, a few
years later. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
I6. Plate belonging to the wedding outfit of Mrs. Fidelia Phelps;
who died Feb. 25, 1902, aged 95 years. Was a resident of Highland in
the 40's and 50's, afterward of Farmington. Presented by Mrs. Lillian
D. Avery.
I7. Ox shoe. Presented by Josiah Emery of Waterford.
I8. Pair of scissors, property of Mrs. Arthur Davis, Sr., when she
went to keeping house in 1836 at Sashabaw Plains. Presented by her
daughter-in-law, Mrs. James Davis.
19. Specimen of cross stitch embroidery designed for gentleman's
suspender, made by Mrs. Sarah Bishop Canfield in 1856.
20. Slate used by the grandfather of Benj. F. Elwood, for keeping
accounts as contractor on the Delaware and Lackawanna canal. Mr.
Benj. F. Elwood also carried it to school in the 40's. He was born in
Royal Oak in I837. Loaned by Mrs. Benj. F. Elwood.
21. Toothbrush holder that was part of a toilet set brought to
Troy, Mich., in 1833 by the Toms family. Presented by Mrs. Maria
Powell.
22. Bead bag, sixty or seventy years ago the property of Mrs. Harriet Plum (I9I0). Loaned by Mrs. Benj. F. Elwood.
23. Drawing tools used by the Hon. E. R. Willcox, when a schoolboy in Rochester in the 40's. Presented by Mrs. E. R. Willcox.




104


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


26. Albany Almanac of 1803. Was the property of Benjamin
Alexander Ellis of Victor, Ontario county, N. Y., and now belongs to
Mr. Norman Ellis of Clarkston. Loaned by Mrs. Norman James Ellis.
27. Blue dish said to be 200 years old. Loaned by Mrs. Norman
James Ellis.
28. Turnkeys used for pulling teeth in pioneer times. Originally
owned by Dr. William H. Jewell, who was a practicing physician in
Pontiac from 1845 to I853. Presented by Ezra Jewell.
29. Tailor's shears, owned by Dr. John Riker's great-great-grandfather, Samuel Riker, who brought them from Germany. Presented by
Ezra Jewell.
30. Snuffers, property of Mrs. Marcus Riker. Presented by Ezra
Jewell.
3I.  Fragments of ribbons brought from England by Mrs. William
Hanson. Presented by Mrs. Thomas E. Hanson.
32. Pieces of the dresses brought from England, 1854, by Mrs.
Hanson. Presented by Mrs. Thomas E. Hanson.
33. Reticule of Miss Mary Eleanor Duncan, afterward Mrs. James
Price. Used in the 40's at Rochester, Mich. Presented by Mrs. Lillian
D. Avery.
35. Bullet mould found by M. A. Leggett in the township of Waterford while digging a post hole. It had been buried since the land had
been first broken in the early thirties by Henry Birge.
36. Sand box, presented by Miss Kate Leggett.
37. Cup plate brought to Oakland county by Mrs. Peter Voorheis
when the family settled at Sashabaw Plains. She was great-great-grandmother of Mrs. Edwin Walter of Clintonville. Presented by Miss Kate
Leggett.
38. Miniature jug made in Rochester forty years ago and kept by
S. Bortle.
39. Candle moulds of John Davis, who settled in Springfield, 1836.
This set bought about I850. Presented by Daniel L. Davis.
40. Cheese basket used by Mrs. John Davis in the home manufacture of cheese. Presented by Harvey J. Davis.
4I. Candlestick brought to Michigan by the mother of Palmer Sherman of Farmington.
42. Coal pan used by the early settlers to carry fire. Presented by
Miss Kate Leggett.
43. Sleighbell. One of a string of bells brought from Germany by
the grandfather of Charles Tuttle an early resident.
45. Black lace veil worn by Mrs. Catherine Stringer during the
forties. Presented by her granddaughter, Mrs. Homer Terbush.
46. Bead collar worn by Mrs. D. B. Horton about I86o. Mr. Horton
came to Oakland county in I835. Presented by Mrs. Homer Terbush.
47. Party bag embroidered and carried by Mrs. Levi B. Taft about
I853. She came to Pontiac in 1839.
48. Waterfall net worn in I860 by Mrs. D. B. Horton of Davisburg. Presented by Mrs. Homer Terbush.
49. Constitution of Pontiac Young Hickory Club, No. I. Written
by A. W. Hovey and presented by Mrs. S. Baldwin.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


105


50. Brick from old schoolhouse, which stood on the corner of Auburn and Parke St. Presented by Ezra Jeweli.
5I. Picture of same, presented by Mrs. S. F. Beach.
52. Iron kettle, which was very old when brought to Farmington in
1824 by the family of George Collins. It played an important part in
pioneer times. The cooking of his wife, Mrs. Cynthia (Newton) Collins,
the first white woman to enter the settlement, was greatly appreciated
by the Powers party, which had preceded them a few weeks. Presented
by Constantine Collins.
53. Picture of Collins homestead, Farmington, one of the oldest
houses in the village.
54. Piece of linen, which was originally part of a straw bed tick.
The flax was raised, spun and woven by Mrs. Cynthia Collins.
55. Remnant of a pair of woolen blankets, spun and woven by Mrs.
Cynthia Collins, on which she received the first premium at the first
agricultural fair held in Oakland county. Presented by Mrs. Maria L.
Benson.
56. White woolen stockings. The yarn was spun and knitted by Mrs.
Isaiah Ward of Farmington in I850, for her sixteen year old daughter,
Maria L., afterward Mrs. Hiram Benson, by whom they were donated.
The Ward family 'came to Farmington in I831.
57. Medicine case made and used by Orrison Allen, one of the first
settlers of Pontiac, coming here with his family Jan. I9, I819, buried
Jan. 19, 1871, aged 87. Presented by Mrs. Lena Starke.
58. Compass brought from Connecticut to the territory of Michigan
I818, by Captain Hervey Parke and used by him in all his work surveying that part of Illinois where Chicago now stands, the northern part of
Ohio and eastern part of Michigan in the counties of Huron, Tuscola,
Sanilac and Lapeer. Presented by Hervey J. Parke, grandson.
59. Fire tongs, hand made by M. Augustus White, an early blacksmith of Farmington. Presented by M. B. Pierce.
60. Cannon ball.
6I. Great Horse shoe.
62. Sampler worked by the mother and grandmother of Mrs. Mary
Solis. It was brought to Michigan when her father Cornelius Van Riper
settled in Farmington, 1839. Presented by Mrs. Mary Solis.
63. Gold specimens found sixty feet under ground by John V. Seeley, when mining in Calaveras county, California, I850. Presented by
Mrs. J. V. Seeley.
64. Linen spun and woven by Lois Palmer Grow, a pioneer; hemstitched by her daughter, Ann Grow Bishop at the age of eighty-five
years, (1893). Presented by her granddaughter, Mrs. Levi B. Taft,
who is now the same age (1912).
65. Wedding parasol of blue and white brocaded silk, belonging
to Mrs. James G. Cannon of Southfield, carried in I855. Presented by
her daughters, Mrs. Woodruff and Miss Cannon, 1911.
66. Three infant caps worn by Ann Woodburn in 1838. She married James G. Cannon and was a resident of Southfield from childhood.
She died I9II. Presented by her daughters.




106


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


67. Pair of pewter plates two hundred years old which have been
kept in the Purdy family. Presented by Mrs. Herman Wyckoff.
68. Basket given MIrs. H. A. Wcykoff, when she was three years
of age (I840). She was the daughter of Thomas Pinkerton, one of the'
first settlers of the town of Novi, in I825.
69. Fancy box brought to Novi about I830 by Emma Smith who
became the second wife of Thomas Pinkerton. Presented by Mrs. Herman Wyckoff.
70. China cup and saucer used about 800o by the mother of Thomas
Pinkerton. Presented by Mrs. H. A. Wyckoff.
7I. Dark blue cup and saucer belonging to the first set of dishes
owned by Mrs. Job Francis (Maria Brown) about I830. Early resident of Novi. Loaned by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
72. Cross made from wood that was taken from the first house
built in White Lake township by Harley Olmstead in 1832. Presented
by Miss Kate Leggett.
73. Lantern-Last of the old kind used by the D. G. H. & M., carried by James Henderson. Presented by Mrs. James Bliss.
74. Shoemaker tools used in pioneer times by Orrison Aller, a "first
settler."
75. Teapot used by the grandmother of Mrs. John Whitesell by
whom it was presented.
76. Pitcher which came from the family of A. B. Cudworth who
resided in Rochester 1842, twelve years later in Pontiac. Presented by
Miss Agnes Cudworth.
77. Bonnet worn by Mary Eleanor Duncan of Rochester when a
child in 1847 and 1848. Another worn about 1854 or '55. Loaned by,Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
78. Shirred bonnet worn by Miss Marcia Richardson in the late
forties. Presented by Mrs. Joshua Bird.
79. Small leather trunk made in Scotland by Mr. Kelly who brought
it to this country in I765. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Eunice Van
Buskirk (deceased). Presented by Mrs. Charles Van Buskirk.
80. Pin cushion of pioneer days. Presented by Mrs. Charles Van
Buskirk.
8I. Silver cake basket presented to Professor and Mrs. J. A. Corbin by the members of the Oakland County Institute of I874. Presented
by Mrs. Richard Elliott.
82. Silver teaspoon was the property of Dr. M. LaMont Bagg's
mother. It was taken to Pennsylvania at the time of the oil strike and
passed through a disastrous fire. Dr. Bagg came to Pontiac before 1840.
The spoon is now over one hundred years old (I9I0). Presented by
Miss Clift Howard.
83. Silver table spoon, piece of the wedding silver of Charles and
Marcia Elliott who were married 1814 and were early settlers of Oakland county. Presented by Mrs. Richard Elliott.
84. Bellows.
85. Foot warmer brought from Wales late in the seventeenth century. Presented by Justus W. Toms.
86. Powder horn.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


107


87. Indian idol. Presented by Ezra Jewell, who came to Pontiac
in I845.
88. Wedding veil worn by an aunt of Mrs. Mary Shattuck in I837.
Loaned by Mrs. Mary Shattuck.
89. Pickle dish of a "flown blue" ware from the first dishes of Mrs.
Thomas Gerls. She was married December 31, 1846 in Troy. Presented
by Mrs. Thomas Gerls.
90. Liquor glass, a relic of stage coach days, from the Sixteen-Mile
House kept by Milton Botsford at Clarenceville. Presented by Frank
Botsford.
91. Bible-1793. This book has been more than a hundred years in
the family of Philip Phelps by whom it was presented.
92. Indian relic found on the farm of Palmer Sherman, Farmington.
93. Collection of relics of the Tuscarora Indians. Loaned by Victor
Bacon.
94. Wild cat money, presented by D. B. Horton.
95. Cap ribbon brought from   England 1857 by Mrs. Charlotte
Pound. Presented by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Maria Pound.
96. Dish and platter used many years in the Horton family of Davisburg. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
97. Blue glass candlestick, a wedding gift to a pioneer bride. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
98. Old English beer mug. Presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
99. Willow ware bowl brought from England by John and Grace
German in 1837 when they settled in this country. Presented by their
youngest daughter, Grace, now Mrs. Williamson.
Ioo. Indian arrow heads presented by Mrs. Lillian D. Avery.
ioi. Pair of buckskin gloves brought from Utah in 1864 by Thomas
J. Drake, when Associate Judge of that territory. They were embroidered by one of Brigham Young's wives and were presented to Mrs. Clara
P. Stewart who gave them to the society.
I02. Knife and fork basket which has been used in the Grace family
since 1783. It was brought from the state of Maine to New York and
from there to Farmington, Mich., in I828 by Benjamin Grace who was a
Revolutionary soldier. Presented by his granddaughter, Mrs. Emily
Comstock.
o13. Potato masher which has the same history as the above.
104. Daguerreotype of Silas Sprague who came to Troy, Michigan,
in 1822. Presented by Miss Rhobie Niles.
io5. Daguerreotype of Mrs. Emily Sprague Donaldson and her
daughter Lucy Maria, on other side of case water color miniature of Mrs.
Delia Sprague DePuy. Both ladies were daughters of Silas Sprague.
Presented by Miss Rhobie Niles.
io6. Ambrotype ot Mrs. Lucy Sprague Rhodes, daughter of Elias
Sprague. Presented by Miss Rhobie Niles.
107. Daguerreotype of Charles Hastings, an early resident of Troy,
Michigan.
io8. Daguerreotype of Ira S. Parke; also a resident of Troy and




108


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


both young men, friends of the Spragues. The above pictures were taken
in Pontiac in I849. Presented by Miss Rhobie Niles.
o09. Spoon dug up on the site of the home of Clark M. Harris, the
first shoemaker of Troy.
IIo. Spoon used in the family of Henry Russell, a native of Troy.
Presented by Miss Rhobie Niles.
III. Certificate of membership in I. O. O. F. of Egbert F. Albright,
bearing date of 1847, and presented by him in July, I9I0.
II2. Pioneer broom of hickory splints, presented by Palmer Sherman.
II3. Iron toast rack owned by Benjamin Fuller, Sr., in Vermont,
later of Southfield, Oakland county. Given by Mrs. Sarah Walters Fuller, Birmingham.
II4. Gridiron bought second hand by Benjamin Fuller, Sr., in Oneida
county, N. Y., I8Io. Given by Mrs. Sarah Walters Fuller, Birmingham.
II5. Portraits of Hon. Augustus and Mrs. Baldwin. Presented by
Mrs. E. A. Christian.
I 6. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Bowman. Mrs. Bowman was
the daughter of Orrison Allen.
117. Portrait of A. W. Hovey. Presented by Mrs. S. Baldwin.
II8. Portrait of Mr. Dean, partner of Mr. Hovey in the drug and
grocery business.
II9.  Photograph of'the original pioneers taken by W. H. Brummitt,
September o0, 1874.
120. Spencer carbine, property of C. E. Sherman, Company C,
Tenth Michigan Cavalry, Civil war.
121. Knights Templar sword found on Lookout Mountain.
122. Sword used by Capt. J. O. Foote, Mexican war, New York regiment.
I23. Cane made in Kansas from cactus.
I24. Case of sixty birds of Oakland county, captured and set up by
George W. Bowlby. Many of the species are now extinct.
125. Collection of rare old books and papers, caps, collars, shellcomb
and ancient housewives, loaned by Mrs. Mary J. Clark.
126. Confederate bond for one thousand dollars.
127. Confederate money, presented by A. W. Johns.
128. Confederate money, presented by Joseph Nusbaumer.
I29. Wartime relics of envelopes, buttons and tickets.
I30. Tin cup bought of United States government August 22, 1861,
by George Alexander, on the day of his enlistment in Company G, First
Michigan Cavalry, carried and used by him all through the war and in
1865 in an expedition across the plains. It went through sixty-four engagements. Presented by George Alexander.
I3I. Book brandy bottle was given TheoSorus W. Lookwood of
Company K of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, when sick in camp by a lady,
near Atlanta. It was full of fine peach brandy. The bottle was brought
home in the fall of I865 at the end of the rebellion. Presented by Mrs.
T. W. Lockwood, Vermillion, North Dakota, September, I909.
132. Minie ball, presented by George N. Smith.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      109
I33. Pitcher over one hundred years old belonging to the grandmother
of Mrs. Mary Giddings, by whom it is loaned.
I34. Razor used by Benjamin Graham, son of James Graham, a
Revolutionary soldier, and the first white man to make a permanent settlement in Oakland county, March 17, I817. Loaned by Benjamin Graham
of Avon.
The society has had gifts of valuable old books and papers from Ezra
Jewell, Mrs. H. M. Look, Mrs. Clara P. Stewart, Harry Ten Eyck, Mrs.
Mart Beeckman, Mrs. Sarah Waters Fuller, Mrs. A. J. Dewey, Egbert F.
Albright and others. It also owns a full set of the Michigan State
Pioneer and Historical Collections.




CHAPTER VIII


DEVELOPMENT OF JUDICIARY
TERRITORIAL SUPREME COURT-OLD DISTRICT COURT-COUNTY COURTS'
-  CHANGE IN SUPREME COURT-CIRCUIT COURTS AND JUDGES —THE
"ONE-HORSE" COURT-UNDER THE 1850 CONSTITUTION —A        SUMMARY —UNDER THE PRESENTY CONSTITUTION.
By Aaron Perry
As a matter of historic investigation it is of interest to trace the origin
of the various courts of justice which have extended their jurisdiction
over the southern peninsula of Michigan. Reference has already been
made to the Quebec act of 1774 which provided that the civil law of
Paris and the criminal law of England should prevail in that region as
well as the country farther to the north and northwest. So although it
may satisfy historic curiosity to know that William Dummer Powell,
afterward chief justice of Upper Canada, was the first to preside over
the courts which sat at Detroit until I796, when Jay's treaty went into
operation, it is well understood that Northern Michigan was virtually an
unpeopled region and was little affected by the supreme court and courts
of common pleas and quarter sessions which convened in that city, the
seat of justice from I778 of the Canadian "district of Hesse."
TERRITORIAL SUPREME COURT
By the ordinance of 1787 the Northwest territory was provided with
a governor, secretary and three judges, who composed the supreme court
which held sway over Michigan. The judges, with the governor, constituted a legislature empowered to compile laws selected from the statutes of the original states, but not to enact original laws. The new territory acquired by the Jay treaty, which included all of Michigan and
Wisconsin containing any settlements, was attached to the Northwest
territory as the county of Wayne, and it was during the year when that
treaty became operative (I796) that the authorities made the first appropriation ($85) for a court in Detroit after Michigan came under
control of the United States. One session of the supreme court was
held in that city annually and John C. Symmes, the presiding judge
who lived in Cincinnati, never missed a session until the Northwest
territory was dismembered by the setting off of Ohio in 1800.
110




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


111


The territory of Michigan was set off from Indiana in 1805, a separate
government modeled after that of the Northwest territory being created
on June 3oth of that year. Under the provisions of its constitutions
the supreme court consisted of a chief and two associate justices appointed by the president of the United States. The judge holding the
earliest commission was placed at the head of the court. The term of
office depended solely upon "good behavior." No radical change was
made in the provisions governing the organization and jurisdiction of
the supreme court until 1824, Augustus B. Woodward having served
as chief justice during the entire period and James Wetherell as one
of his associates.
At first the supreme court had original jurisdiction in all cases involving
the title to land, capital criminal cases, and divorce and alimony suits,
and afterwards in all cases to which the United States was a party, as
well as in all cases of ejectment. During the existence of the district
courts, from 1805 to I8IO, jurisdiction in civil matters involving sums
to exceed $500 was divided and after the organization of county courts
in 1815 the supreme court had jurisdiction over ejectment and civil
actions when more than $I,ooo was in controversy. It also determined
all legal questions arising in circuit courts on motion for new trial, in
arrest of judgments or cases reversed, and issued writs of error to
circuit and county courts.
OLD DISTRICT COURT
Soon after the organization of the territorial government, on July
25, I805, an act was adopted establishing three district courts to be
held by the judges of the supreme court, Oakland county being included in the Detroit and Huron judicial district. Demands exceeding
$20 were to be adjudicated by that court. In 1807 two associate judges,
residents of the district, were added to the members of the court, but
proved really of small assistance in the settlement of controversies.
These courts were abolished in I8IO and for the succeeding five years
there was no intermediate judicial body between the supreme and justice
courts.
COUNTY COURTS
In 18I5 county courts were established, the members consisting of
one chief and two associates appointed by the governor. As stated by
the "Michigan Manual:"    "They had exclusive jurisdiction over all
claims exceeding a justice's jurisdiction and not exceeding $I,ooo, but
no jurisdiction in ejectment. Until I818 final appeal lay to the county
court from justices' courts. Chancery jurisdiction was then given them
and provision made for the appointments of masters in chancery. When
the act to establish county courts was passed, Wayne county was the
only one organized and the district of Michilimackinac was excepted
from the provisions of the act. After the.establishment of circuit courts
(1824) the county courts began to decline."
By act of the governor and judges, July 27, I818, a court of probate
was established in each county. A "Court of General Quarter Sessions




112


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


of the Peace" had already been provided for by acts of November 25,
1817, composed of the justices of the county courts and the justices of
the peace of each county. They were required to hold four stated
sessions per year, their duties being similar to those of the board of
supervisors as now constituted. Judicial officers (other than the federal
judges) including justices of the peace, were appointed by the governor.
CHANGE IN SUPREME COURT
In 1824 a radical change was made in the organization and functions
of the supreme court, its three members being required to hold an
annual term in each of the counties of Wayne, Monroe, Oakland, Macomb
and St. Clair and special sessions in Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford, whenever deemed advisable "in their sound discretion." Circuit
courts were established in name during the following year, but were
still held by the judges of the supreme court.
CIRCUIT COURTS AND JUDGES
In 1833 the county courts in the territory east of Lake Michigan,
except in Wayne, were abolished and their places supplied by the "circuit court of the Territory of Michigan," comprising one judge for the
circuit and two associates for each county, whose respective terms were
four and three years. The courts already existing were called "superior
circuit courts" and were empowered to issue writs of error to the lower
circuit courts. William A. Fletcher was judge of the circuit court of
the territory from its organization until the coming of statehood.
The first state constitution framed by the convention in 1835, became operative when the enabling act for the admission of the state
was approved by popular vote June 15, 1836. By act approved March
26th of that year, the state had been divided into three circuits, each
of which was presided over by a judge of the supreme court, each to
hold court in the several counties of his circuit, and all to sit together
for the decision of appeals. These courts were given the same powers
as the territorial circuit'courts, except in chancery matters. Under the
state constitution equity matters were vested in a court of chancery
until that body was abolished in 1846.
The circuit judges, under the first constitution, were appointed by
the governor and confirmed by the senate for a term of seven years.
The circuit assigned to Chief Justice Fletcher comprised the counties
of Monroe, Lenawee, Hillside, Jackson, Washtenaw, Oakland and Saginaw. As under the territorial system, two associates were chosen for
each county. They were known as "side judges," were not necessarily
lawyers, and, as they were generally considered more ornamental than
useful-perhaps a part of the political "graft" of those days-were dispensed with in 1846.
THE "ONE-HORSE" COURT
In that year a county court was established by statute, comprising
a judge and associate, elected for a term of four years. The second




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


113


judge was to act only in cases where the first was a "party in interest
or in cases of absence or disability." The court was to sit in term on
the first Monday of each month, and during such part of the month as
might be requisite for transacting the business before it. This court
was the fruit of a reform agitation largely centering in Washtenaw
county, which demanded cheaper and more speedy means of securing
(or trying to secure) justice for the average citizen or poor litigant
than was afforded by the circuit courts. It was not a popular institution with the lawyers, who dubbed it the "one-horse court." It went
out of existence with the adoption of the constitution in I850. The
circuit judges, sitting together, constituted the supreme court of the
state until the system was changed as hereafter noted.
UNDER THE 1850 CONSTITUTION
"Section I of article 6 of that constitution provides: 'The judicial
power is vested in one supreme court, in circuit courts, in probate courts,
and in justics of the peace' with authority on the part of the legislature to establish municipal courts in cities. It was provided that after six
years the legislature might provide for what was popularly termed an
independent supreme court, 'to consist of one chief justice and three
associate judges' to be elected by the people. This power was acted
upon by the legislature of 1857, and judges were elected at the spring
election in that year, the court being organized January I, 1858. The
term of the judges was eight years, and they were so classified that their
terms expired successively every second year. It is provided in the
constitution that the court, when established, should not be changed for
eight years. To what extent changes might be made after eight years
may be a matter of construction. In 1867 the legislature so far departed
from the letter of the constitution as to provide that the judges should
be elected as justices or judges of the supreme court, without designating
any person as chief justice, and that the senior judge in service should
be chief justice. An even number of judges were found to work great
inconvenience, because on some questions of importance there was an
equal division, and hence no decision of the higher court, and thereby
the decision of the lower court was rendered final. In I885 a bill was
introduced in the state senate by Senator Hubbell, of Houghton county,
providing for an additional judge. An examination of the convention
debates of 1850, made at his request, showed quite clearly that the
intention was to have a bench of four judges only. Whether this was
his reason for not pressing his bill is not known, but no action was had
upon it at that session. At the next session a bill was passed for a
fifth judge with a ten-year term."
By an act approved April 8, I85I, the circuit courts were rearranged
and the Sixth judicial circuit created, composed of the counties of St.
Clair, Macomb, Oakland and Sanilac. By an act approved March I8,
I869, the Sixth circuit was again rearranged and made to consist of
the counties of Oakland and Lapeer, and the Sixteenth judicial circuit
was created, composed of Macomb, St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron counties.
Vol. 1 —,




114


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


A SUMMARY
To recapitulate: Under the first state constitution, the supreme
court consisted of a chief justice and two associates, appointed by the
governor, who also had jurisdiction over three circuits, and their term
of service was seven years; the constitution of 1850 provided that for
the term of six years the five circuit judges of the state should constitute the supreme court, their office being made elective; in 1857 the
members of the supreme court were made by legislative enactment to
consist of one chief and three associates, elected by the people for a
term  of eight years; the legislature of 1887 increased the number of
justices to five and lengthened the term to ten years, and in I903 the
court was made to consist of eight justices with term reduced to eight
years.
Under the first state constitution Michigan was divided into three
circuits, over which the supreme court judge presided; the constitution
of I850 made the circuit judge elective and the term of office six years.
In 1879 the state was divided into thirty-five circuits; in I899 the
thirty-sixth was created; in io9I the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth
and in I907 the thirty-ninth and last. The sixth circuit still comprises
Oakland and Lapeer counties and is presided over by George W. Smith
of Pontiac.
UNDER THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION
The constitution now in force, which was accepted by the people
November 3, I908, vests the judicial power of the state in "one supreme
court, circuit courts, probate courts, justices of the peace and such
other courts of criminal and civil jurisdiction inferior to the supreme
court, as the legislature may establish by general law, by a two-thirds
vote of the members elected to each house."  The supreme court consists of a chief justice and seven associates, two members of that body
being elected biennially. Four terms of court are held annually, its
jurisdiction being generally understood.
By the constitution of o909 the courts of the thirty-nine circuits into
which the state is divided are also required to be held four times each
year in every county organized for judicial purposes.  Circuit courts
have "original jurisdiction in all matters civil and criminal not excepted
in this constitution (Io99) and not prohibited by law, and appellate jurisdiction from all inferior courts and tribunals and a supervisory control
of same. They shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, quo warranto, and certiorari and to hear and determine the same; and to issue such other writs as may be necessary to
carry into effect their orders, judgments and decrees and give them
general control over inferior courts and tribunals within their respective
jurisdictions and all such other cases and matters as the supreme court
shall by rule prescribe."
Under the constitution of I909 the probate courts of the state "have
original jurisdiction in all cases of juvenile delinquents and dependents,"
besides the powers usually prescribed for and exercised by them. The
judges are elected for a four-year term, provision being made for "more




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      115
than one judge of probate in counties with more than one hundred thousand inhabitants." Such additional judges are to be chosen at alternate
biennial elections.
Justices of the peace were appointed by the governor during the
territorial times, but all the state constitutions have made them elective
officials, with terms of four years. Not to exceed four justices of the
peace are elected in each organized township, the legislature providing
for city justices.




116


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
11 IFAG. SIMILE OF THE FIRST LEGAL WRIT ISSUED IN OAKLAND COUNTY.


i


i
r




OAKLAND CCUNTY's FIRST LEGAL WRIT (FAC-SIMILE)




CHAPTER IX


THE BENCH OF OAKLAND COUNTY
COUNTY COURTS AND JUDGES-PROBATE COURTS AND JUDGES-CIRCUIT
COURTS AND JUDGES-THE COURT OF CHANCERY-CIRCUIT COURT
COMMISSIONERS.
The foregoing information regarding the establishment and development of the several judicial systems and the various courts applicable
to southern Michigan has been introductory to the historical narrative
which is to picture progress along the same lines in Oakland county.
COUNTY COURTS AND JUDGES
On March 28, I820, Governor Cass proclaimed the county of Oakland entitled to the rights of civil and judicial organization and established its seat of justice at the town of Pontiac, and two days later the
terms of the county court were ordered to commence on the second
Monday of February and the third Monday of July of each year. The
first court was accordingly held at the county seat named July 17, 1820,
with the following present: Hon. William Thompson, chief justice;.
their honors, Daniel Bronson and Amasa Bagley, associates; William
Morris, esquire, sheriff, who returned the venire for the grand jury,
which being called, appeared as follows: Elijah Willits, Ziba Swan,
John Hamilton, Elisha Hunter, William Thurber, Ezra Baldwin, Asa
Castle, Elijah S. Fish, Alpheus Williams, Oliver Williams, Alex. Galloway, Henry O. Bronson, Nathan I. Fowler, Josiah Goddard, James
Graham, Enoch Hotchkiss and Calvin Hotchkiss, who were sworn to
discharge their duties according to law. Spencer Coleman, Esq., of
Detroit, was, on his own application, admitted to the bar of the court
to practice his profession as an attorney, and on his application, Daniel
LeRoy, formerly an attorney of New York, was also admitted. (Mr.
LeRoy located in Pontiac, being the first resident attorney in the county
of Oakland.)
William Thurber applied for a license to keep a tavern in Bloomfield for one year and Elijah Willits also asked for. the same franchise
in the same township. Both petitions were granted on the principals
entering into recognizance in the sum of $50 each-the former with
John Hamilton and Willits as his security and the latter with William
Morris and William Thurber as security-to keep a respectable house.
117




118


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


The grand jury came into court after dinner, and were discharged for
lack of something to do in the line of their peculiar duty.
The first case on the record appears to be one of Daniel P. Clark
vs. Stephen Phelps, Ira Shelby, Alexander Galloway and Ezra Shepardson, in an action of assumpsit, bail being given by the plaintiff, as
required. The defendants appearing, the bail was discharged on motion
of LeRoy, attorney for defendants, who also moved to dispense with
that aid entirely, the writ having been improperly issued, he alleged,
the attorneys for the plaintiff not having been admitted to the bar. But
Mr. LeRoy withdrew his motion and George Throop and Joshua S.
Terry were entered as special bail for Galloway, conditioned that Galloway should satisfy the condemnation of the court if he was condemned,
or surrender his body to the sheriff in lieu thereof, and in default of
Galloway to perform  his undertakings, his securities would pay the
condemnation for him. Subsequently the special bail surrendered their
principal and he was taken in charge by the sheriff. LeRoy entered his
appearance as attorney for Galloway and moved the court that plaintiff
file his declaration on or before the next rule day of court, or that
judgment by default should be taken by the defendant, and the court
granted the reasonable rule. Solomon Sibley, afterwards judge of the
circuit court, was admitted to the bar, anid the court adjourned for the
day.
On the second day the court announced the rule days of the court
to be the first Mondays of May and October. The petit jury was called,
and there being no prospect of any of their peers being desirous of a
hearing and adjudication of disputes at their hands, they were discharged. The court ordered the private seal of the clerk to be used
for the public seal of the court until a suitable one was procured. The
defendant, Galloway, came into court on this day and was admitted to
bail, Samuel Beaman and Joshua S. Terry being his security for his
appearance at the next term of the court, and to secure the payment of
the condemnation of the court, if one was given against him, and a
dedimus potestatem provided for to take testimony in the state of New
York, if wanted, and the court adjourned for the term.
Thus was inaugurated the first court which had jurisdiction in Oakland county. During the territorial period the following chief justices
presided over the county court: Dr. William Thompson, 1820-27;
Smith Weeks, I828; Daniel LeRoy, 1829-32; Daniel Bronson and Amasa
Bagley were their associates from 1820 to 1832. Under the reorganization of the county court in 1846, the presiding judge from that year
until it went out of existence, January I, 1852, was Charles M. Eldredge.
PROBATE COURTS AND JUDGES
On the 27th of July, I8i8, the governor and judges passed an act
creating a probate court in each organized county, which was held by
a judge appointed by the governor. A register of wills was also appointed by the same authority, who acted as register of deeds until
I835. The probate courts had full cognizance of mortuary matters and
the supreme court had appellate jurisdiction over them. The powers




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


119


and jurisdictions of the probate court are now substantially the same
as when first established, and as its first session in Oakland county was
held more than ninety years ago, it has the largest- continuous history
of any judicial tribunal in this section of the state.
The first session of the probate court in and for Oakland county
was held at the house of Col. David Stanard, in the township of Bloomfield, in said county on the I5th day of June, 1822, Judge William
Thompson presiding. On the application of Maj. Joseph Todd, Mrs.
Elizabeth Harding was cited to appear on the 27th instant next ensuing,
and file her petition before the court for administration on the estate
of Eliphalet Harding, deceased, and the court adjourned to that time
and the same place. On the 29th of June Mrs. Harding appeared, and,
together with John Todd, was appointed administratrix of the estate
of her late husband. Messrs. David Stanard, Calvin Gibbs, and Charles
Howard were appointed appraisers. Before the inventory and appraisement were returned the widow married, and Judge Thompson evidently
considered her wedding equivalent to her funeral, for he designated
ever afterwards Mr. Todd as the surviving administrator. The Harding estate proving insolvent, the late widow received $I62.84 only, of
the goods and chattels of the estate.
The first inventory filed in the court was that of the estate of J. S.
Davis, deceased, September 7, 1822, the same footing up $498.50 on
personal property and $390 on real estate. The widow received $300
of the personal property and the balance was sold by the appraisers.
Sidney Dole and David Perrin were commissioners to audit the claims
against the estate. The third session of the court was held at the house
of Olmstead Chamberlain, in the village of Pontiac, the next session
at Colonel Stanard's and the fifth at Maj. Joseph Todd's, in Bloomfield.
All of these sessions had been special ones, held for emergency called
for the exercise of the authority of the court. But at the fifth session
regular sessions were ordered to be held on the first Saturday of each
month, in Pontiac, at the office of Daniel LeRoy, Esq.
The first order of distribution of an estate was entered April 5,
1823, in the estate of John Prindle, deceased, upon which administration was granted December I6, 1822. The first letters of guardianship
were granted August 22, 1823, to Nathaniel Millard, guardian of
Maria, Aaron W. and George B. Webster, children of Aaron Webster,
deceased.
On December 15, 1823, regular sessions were ordered to be held at
Bloomfield, at the office of the register, on the first Saturday of each
month.
The first lunatic examined and restrained was Imri Fish. Elijah
H. Fish was appointed guardian of his estate May 7, 1825. The first
will probated in the court was that of Alpheus Williams, deceased,
which was proven September 6, 1826, and executed on the i9th of
April preceeding.
The judges of probate from the organization of the county to 1836,
all of whom were appointed by the governor, were as follows: Dr.
William Thompson, 1821-24; Nathaniel Millard, 1825-6; Smith Weeks,
1827; G. O. Whittemore, I827-28; W. F. Mosely, 1828; Ogden Clarke,




120


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


August, 1828 to August, 1832; Stephen Reeves, August, 1832 to I837;
and he was then elected for a term of four years and reelected for another term of the same duration, ending December 31, 1844. He was
succeeded as follows:  M. La Mont Bagg, 1845-48; M. E. Crofoot,
1849-56; Oscar F. North, 1857-61; Harry C. Andrews, April, I861-63;
Z. B. Knight, 1863-68; Alfred Crawford, 1869-72; Junius Ten Eyck,
1872; Joseph C. Powell, I873-76; James A. Jacokes, I877-80; Joseph
C. Powell, I881-84; Thomas L. Patterson, I885-I900; Joseph S. Stockwell, 1901 to January I, I909; Kleber P. Rockwell, 1909 (present incumbent).
CIRCUIT COURTS AND JUDGES
The circuit courts of the territory were created by the legislative council in August, 1824, and which reenacted the same in April, 1825, the act
taking effect in the following September. As stated, these courts were
held in each of the organized counties of the territory by the justices of
the supreme court.
The first term of the court for Oakland county began June I9, 1826,
with the following present: Hon. John Hunt, judge; William Morris,
sheriff; William F. Mosley, prosecuting attorney; Sidney Dole, clerk;
Calvin C. Parks, Walter Sprague and Joshua S. Terry attended the court
as constables, and Ziba Swan, Jr., and Schuyler Hodges as deputy sheriffs. William Burbank was foreman of the grand jury. The grand jury
found four indictments for murder-two against Imri Fish and two
against a Chippewa Indian called Sa-Kosse-Ka. The indictments against
Fish were for the murder of two women, Polly and Cynthia Ann Utter.
The jury brought him in not guilty on one charge, and the other indictment was nolle prossed by the prosecuting attorney. The prisoner was
discharged from the indictments, but held under charge of insanity, which
was proven on trial. He was kept in the county jail for a time and
finally died. In the trial of the Indian, Sa-Kosse-Ka, for the murder
of Sha-bo-ga-shek, Whitemore Knaggs was sworn as interpreter, and
A. M. Robertson and 0. D. Richardson were assigned as the Indian's
counsel. The jury returned the prisoner not guilty; and the second indictment against him for the murder of Ka-ka-on-quet was also thrown out
of court. Mosley was allowed fifty dollars for his work on the term.
At the June term, 1827, Hon. James Wetherell presided, and one
William Dunlap declared his intention to become a citizen of the United
States, which constituted the entire business of the term. Judge Henry
Chipman presided in March, 1828, one day only being held. In October, I828, Judges Woodbridge and Sibley presided. The first conviction
for horse-thieving was had at the March term in 1829, Platt Winchell
being indicted and tried at that time, and sentenced to six months' confinement in the county jail and a fine of two hundred dollars and costs,
and to stand committed until fine and costs were paid. The March
term was opened by Hervey Parke, sheriff. The October term, I832,
held by Judges Sibley and Ross Wilkins, was the last term of that court.
On the I5th day of April, 1833, "the circuit court of the territory




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


121


of Michigan" was created, the organized counties of the territory constituting one circuit, and the presiding judge to be styled the circuit
judge, to be appointed by the governor, and who must be a person
learned in the law, and should hold his position for four years. Two
associate judges were also to be appointed in each county, to hold their
offices three years. Any two of the judges could form a quorum for
the transaction of the ordinary business of the court, but no flagrant
crime could be tried in the absence of the circuit judge, unless the person charged therewith consented to a trial. These courts possessed chancery and common law jurisdiction, original in all civil cases where justices had not jurisdiction, and had cognizance of all offenses not similarly cognizable by justices, and appellate powers over justices. The
circuit courts existing at the time of the passage of the act were in the
act denominated "the superior circuit courts of the territory of Michigan," but the business on their dockets was transferred to the new
tribunal.
The first term of this court was begun June 23, 1833, in Pontiac,
Hon. William A. Fletcher, circuit judge, presiding, with Amasa Bagley as associate judge. Judge Fletcher's commission, issued by Governor
Porter, was read, and spread on the record. At the July term, 1834,
Daniel LeRoy and Bagley appeared as associate judges. The June term,
1836, was the last term of the circuit court of the territory of Michigan,
held in Oakland county, though in November the last representatives of
the old regime-John Goodrich, deputy clerk; Orison Allen, sheriff;
and Oliver Torrey, the crier-met, and the sheriff returned the venire
for the grand and petit juries, the most of whom appeared; but no
judge came, and the court was adjourned by the clerk until the next
morning, November 2d, when the same august person came into the
court room at nine o'clock A. M., with the balance of the jury; but the
day wore on, no judge appeared and at five o'clock of the second day the
court stood adjourned sine die.
The first term of the circuit court of the county of Oakland in the
state of Michigan, was held in May, 1837, beginning on the first Tuesday of the month; Hon. George Morell, one of the associate judges of
the supreme court, presiding, with Samuel Satterlee and David Paddock, associates. G. A. C. Luce was the first attorney admitted to the
bar in the state court, May 2, I837. This style of the court continued
until October, 1839, when a court was held, styled the circuit court of
the fourth circuit within and for the county of Oakland, at which Hon.
Charles W. Whipple, one of the associate judges of the supreme court,
and presiding judge of the fourth circuit, presided, with Associate
Judges Satterlee and Paddock. In the March term, 1840, the placita,
designedly or otherwise, changed to the circuit court of the county of
Oakland. In 1847, at the September term, Judge Whipple held 'the
term alone, the associate judges falling out by law, on the reestablishment of the county court. In April, 1848, another change was made in
the courts, the supreme court being recognized and made to consist of
one chief and four associate justices, and the state was divided into five




122


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


judicial circuits, each one of the supreme court and justices to hold at
least two terms in each county in the circuit assigned to him, and in
the execution of that duty to be styled circuit judge.
The first chancery case brought in the county was commenced in the
circuit court, October 2, 1830, John Biddle of Detroit, complainant,
and Henry Reynolds of New York, defendant, the action being a bill
for the foreclosure of a mortgage. The bill was drawn by G. O. Whittemore, solicitor for complainant, and describes the mortgaged premises
as "being situate, lying and being in the county of Oakland, in the territory
of Michigan and known and described as the west part of fractional
section ii, township 2 north, range 9 east, of lands directed to be sold
at Detroit, by the act of congress entitled 'an act providing for the sale
of the lands in the United States in the territory northwest of the Ohio
and above the mouth of the Kentucky river.'" After laying before
their honors, the court, the complaint of his client, expressed in piteous
terms, the solicitor concludes the same by a most humble prayer that
their honors would grant their orator "the most gracious writ of subpoena, in the name of the United States of America, etc."
The first divorce suit was brought in this court July 12, 1834, being
the bill of complaint of John Runyan, against his wife, Eunice Runyan, who he alleged had deserted him and also had been guilty of adultery. John obtained a decree of divorce from Eunice in February,
1835, which released him and his property from any claim she might
make by virtue of her former wifehood rights; but the decree did not
specifically state that either party might marry again. The complainant was fifty-eight years old and the defendant fifty-five.
At the October term, 1837, of the circuit court, fifteen libel suits
were brought on charge of corruption growing out of the election for
member of congress, in September of that year. There were two days
used in polling the votes at that time and General Crary, the Democratic
candidate, came out some thirty odd votes behind his competitor in the
race in Pontiac township, much to the chagrin of his friends. Some
of them charged certain of the Whigs with tampering with the ballot
box, and issued a hand bill to that effect, which called forth the suits
above named. Four of the suits were compromised by taking a judgment of fifty dollars, which were affirmed by the supreme court; seven
were dismissed; one was tried and a verdict of three hundred and thirtythree dollars was found for the plaintiff and affirmed by the supreme
court; the others were transferred to Genesee county for trial.
The regular circuit judges commenced to held court in 1848, previous to that year various associate judges presiding over it, as follows:
Hon. James Hunt, 1826; Hon. James Witherell, 1827; Hon. Henry
Chipman, 1828; William Woodbridge, Solomon Sibley, Henry Chipman and Ross Wilkins from I828 to I833, when the circuit court of
the territory was created.. From June, 1833, to I837, Judge William A.
Fletcher, an associate judge of the supreme court, as chief justice, and
Daniel LeRoy and Amasa Bagley as associates, held the court. The
judges of the first circuit court from June, 1826, to June, 1833, were all




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


123


members of the supreme bench of the territory. In 1837 and thence to
1839 the courts were held by Hon. George Morell, one of the associates
of the supreme court, and Samuel Satterlee and David Paddack, associate judges of Oakland county. From 1839 to 1848, Charles W. Whipple, an associate of the supreme bench, was the presiding judge of the
circuit court of Oakland, Daniel Paddack, G. O. Whittemore, Jeremiah
Clark and Ziba Swan being the associates. In I848 Judge Whipple was
made chief justice of the supreme court.
Since 1848 the following judges have presided: Sanford M. Green,
1848 to January I, I852; Joseph T. Copeland, 1852 to January I, 1858;
Sanford M. Green, I858 to January I, 1870; Joseph S. Dewey, 1870 to
September I, 1873; Levi B. Taft, September, 1873, to January I, 1876;
Augustus C. Baldwin, 1876 to April I4, I880; Silas B. Gaskill, April,
I880, to January I, 1882; William B. Stickney, 1882 to January I, I888;
Joseph B. Moore, I888 to January I, 1896; George W. Smith, 1896 to
date.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS
The following were appointed prosecuting attorneys by the governor between I820 and I853, to-wit:
Daniel LeRoy, Gideon O. Whittemore, W. F. Mosely, Thomas J.
Drake, Origen D. Richardson, John T. Raynor, George Wisner, James
B. Hunt, James McCabe, A. H. Hanscom and Hester L. Stevens.
Elected by the people as follows: Augustus C. Baldwin, January i,
I851 to January I, 1855; Charles Draper, I855 to I86I; Junius Ten
Eyck, I86I to January I, I863; Michael E. Crofoot, 1863 to January I,
1867; Oscar F. Wisner, I867 to January I, I869; Michael E. Crofoot,
I869 to January I, I87I; Henry M. Look, I87I to January I, 1873;
Charles Draper, 1873 to January i, 1875; James K. Patterson, 1875
to January I, I879; Aaron Perry, I879 to January I, I88I; Samuel W.
Smith, I88I to January i, 1885; Arthur R. Tripp, I885 to January i,
1889; George W. Smith, 1889 to January I, 1895; Frederick Wieland,
1895 to January i, 1899; Kleber P. Rockwell, 1899 to January I, I905;
Frank L. Covert, I9O5 to I9II; Carl H. Pelton, I9II (present incumbent).
THE COURT OF CHANCERY
The court of chancery provided for by the constitution of 1836 was
created in 1837, and the sessions of the court held up to 1840 in Detroit. The powers of this court were coextensive with those of the
chancery courts of England, unless otherwise specially prohibited in the
consitution or by legislation. The presiding judge was called a chancellor, and was appointed by the governor for the whole state, and
registers were appointed for each circuit. The first circuit included
Oakland county, but in I840 two new circuits were formed, the fourth
circuit comprising the counties of Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Saginaw,
Shiawassee and Clinton, the headquarters of the circuit being Pontiac. In
1839 the chancellor's court was given cognizance of the banks, and in




124


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


I84I the power was extended to partition and sale of lands concurrent
with the circuit court. The supreme court possessed appellate powers
over this court. The first term of the court of chancery was held in
Pontiac in September, 1840, Hon. Elon Farnsworth, chancellor, being
present, and Frederic A. Williams, register.  The first case on the
docket of this court was that of W. H. H. Sheldon, complainant, vs.
Henry Bishop, Jane Bishop, Charles Postal and James Minot. The
first two defendants were residents of Michigan, and the others were
non-residents, and the complainant was ordered to publish notice of the
pendency of the suit in the state paper at Detroit. On the 20th of May,
1840, the chancellor ordered a private seal to be used until a public one
was made for the circuit. J. R. Bowman was appointed assistant register and Alfred Treadway was appointed taxing-master. The first decree
of foreclosure to be enteredin the court was on the 5th of May, 1841,
in the case of Joseph B. Varnum, Dudley B. Fuller and John A. Graham, complainants, vs. Omstead Chamberlain, Mary C. Chamberlain
and Moses Wanzer, defendants. The amount of the decree was $2,411.77,
the premises ordered to be sold being lot 66 of Pontiac.
In the spring of 1842 the official head of the court was changed,
when Randolph Manning came into office. He held that position until
I846 when Hon. Elon Farnsworth again came into power, and so continued
until the court was abolished in 1847. Alfred Treadway was appointed
register of the circuit in 1842 and he held that position throughout the
existence of the court. The business of the court was transacted and
closed up by the associate justices of the supreme court, who held chancery terms of the circuit court. The injunction masters succeeded the
associate judges of the circuit court in 1847, and they in turn were succeeded by circuit court commissioners in 1852.
CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS
Circuit court commissioners were provided for in the constitution
of I85o to take the place and possess the powers of the masters of chancery prohibited by that instrument, and the first one was elected in
I85I. Previous to this date, masters in chancery had been named by
the governor, and among those who filled the office at different times
previous to 185I were Morgan L. Drake, 1847, and Calvin C. Parks,
1848. The firsf circuit court commissioner to be elected was William
W. Phelps, who held the office two years (a single term), 1852-53. He
was succeeded by Junius Ten Eyck, 1854-57; Edward P. Harris, 1858-61;
James A. Jacokes and Joseph R. Bowman, 1862-65; Mark S. Brewer
and Byron L. Ransford, I866-69; James K. Patterson and James A.
Jacokes, 1870-71; Joseph E. Sawyer and Thomas Curtis, 1872-73; James
A. Jacokes and Edward J. Bissell, 1874-75; Edward J. Bissell and George
W. Smith, 1876-77; Edward J. Bissell and Arthur R. Tripp, I878-79;
Arthur R. Tripp and James W. Bateman, I880-8I; James W. Bateman




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                       125
and Cass E. Harrington, 1882-83; Cass E. Harrington and Chauncey
F. Newkirk, I884-85; James H. Lynch and Peter B. Bromley, I886-9I;
George E. Beardslee and Michael F. Lillis, 1892-93; Frank L. Covert
and George Hogle, 1894-99; Charles J. Ostrander and Judson A. Fredenburgh, I900-03; Charles S. Matthews and Fred M. Bond, I904-o5;
Charles S. Matthews and John M. Feir, I906-07; Charles S. Matthews
and Elmer E. Blakeslee, I908-I0; Elmer E. Blakeslee and E. B. Howarth, Jr., I9II-I2.




CHAPTER X


THE BAR OF OAKLAND COUNTY
DANIEL LEROY-WILLIAM     F. MOSLEY-THOMAS J. DRAKE-ORIGEN
D. RICHARDSON-GIDEON 0. WH1TTEMORE-ROBERT P. ELDREDGESETH A. L. WARNER-WILLIAM     DRAPER-RANDOLPH MANNING
CHARLES DRAPER-RUFUS HOSMER-GEORGE W. WISNER-ALFRED
H. HANSCOM-GOVERNOR MOSES WISNER-AUGUSTUS CARPENTER
BALDWIN-JOHN S. GOODRICH-LEVI B. TAFT-HESTER L. STEVENSMICHAEL E. CROFOOT-HENRY M. LOOK-MARK S. BREWER-LIVING
MEMBERS OF THE BAR-JUDGE THOMAS L. PATTERSON-JOSEPH EDWARD SAWYER-GEORGE W. SMITH-ROBERT J. LOUNSBURY-AARON
PERRY-DANIEL L. D'AVIS-KLEBER P. ROCKWELL-ARTHUR         R.
TRIPP-ELMER R. WEBSTER-JAMES H. LYNCH-JOHN H. PATTERSON
-F. L. COVERT HENRY M. ZIMMERMAN      ANDREW L. MOORE-H.
H. COLVIN-PETER B. BROMLEY.
The early-time lawyers of Oakland county gave a standing to its
bar which ran Detroit a close second. Many attorneys of the old capital
city practiced in its courts-Sibley, Woodbridge, Fletcher, Larned, Goodwin, O'Keefe, Coleman-but even after members of the profession commenced to settle at Pontiac, as a place with a substantial future, the
high standing of the bar was maintained. This is true up to the present day-true both as to professional ability, moral character and manly
ideals.
The following from the "History of Oakland County," published in
1877, with minor changes in the text to conform to changed conditions,
gives a good general idea of the pioneer members of the bar who made
reputations both for professional strength and high standing as citizens.
DANIEL LEROY
The first resident lawyer in the county was Daniel LeRoy, who was
admitted to practice in the county court, the first court held in the county,
and on the first day of the first term thereof to-wit, July 17, I820. Mr.
LeRoy was from Binghampton, New York, and was a regularly admitted and practicing attorney in that state previous to his coming to
Michigan. He was the prosecuting attorney of the county for some
years, and chief justice of the county court from April, 1829, to the
abolishment of the same in I833. He was also the first attorney-gen126




THOMAS L. PATTERSON




I




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


127


eral of the state, being appointed to that office by Governor Mason, in
I836. Judge LeRoy was a lawyer of ability, and ranked high in the
bar of the state. He retired from practice late in life and died at Fenton,
Genesee county.
WILLIAM F. MOSLEY
The next resident lawyer in the county appears by the record to have
been William  F. Mosley, who was admitted to practice before the
county court at the February term, 1825; and was appointed by the
court prosecuting attorney for the term. At the June term, 1826, the
first term of that court held in the county, Mr. Mosley was admitted
to practice before that court, and in 1828 was judge of probate. He
removed from the county into Shiawassee county, where he died in
1860, while prosecuting attorney. He was from Connecticut.
THOMAS J. DRAKE
At the same February term of the county court, 1825, Thomas J.
Drake was allowed to act as attorney for such parties as had given him
powers of attorney for that purpose. Mr. Drake first came to Pontiac
in 1822, when there were scarcely half a -dozen houses in the township.
He was a leading and prominent advocate for nearly two generations.
Hon. A. C. Baldwin, judge of the sixth circuit, says of him: "He was
connected as counsel with most of the leading cases in northern Michigan during a long term of years, and was always in his element when
advocating the cause of the people." He was a member of the third
legislative council in 1828, and, with S. V. R. Trowbridge, represented
the whole northern portion of the territory. Mr. Drake was the accredited author of the liberal exemption laws of Michigan, introducing
them into the legislative council at a time when they were so unpopular
not a single member, save himself, dared to vote for them. From I828
1845 he was prominent in political matters, being a Whig in party affiliation and policy. He was elected in 1834 to the state senate to represent a district which extended from the base-line of the state to the
head of Lake Superior, embracing two-thirds of the area of the state.
He was president of that body. In 1840 he was one of the Whig
presidential electors for Michigan at her first participation in the choice
of a president and vice president of the republic. In 1828 he was register of probate for the county, and in 1827 prosecuting attorney, being
also the first prosecuting attorney, elected in the county, and held the
position from I850 to 1852. In 1864 President Lincoln appointed Mr.
Drake chief justice of the United States courts in Utah, which position
he held for several years, discharging the duties thereof with signal
ability and fidelity, and thereby provoking the bitter hostility of Brigham
Young and his cohorts. "The Mormons hated him as cordially as he hated
their customs and practice." Judge Drake's associate justice in Utah said:
"When once the judge made up his mind that he was right, no power under
heaven could swerve him from the path of duty." He died in Pontiac,
April 20, I875. Judge Drake, in 1842 or thereabouts, conducted the
publication of a Whig newspaper in Flint, which in the winter of 1843-44




128


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was removed to Pontiac and there established as the Gazette. He also
built the Genesee House in Flint, and resided there for some years, doing much for the prosperity of the village.
ORIGEN D. RICHARDSON
The next attorney admitted to the bar in the Oakland courts who
attained a "local habitation and a name" in the county was Origen D.
Richardson, who, for nearly thirty years, was a leading and prominent
member of the bar, and noted as well throughout the state. He was admitted at the July term, I826, of the circuit court, having been a regular
practicing attorney in Vermont, from whence he came to Michigan in
I826. He began and completed his study of the law, preparatory to his
admission to practice, with his brother-in-law, Israel P. Richardson, in
Vermont. He was prosecuting attdrney of the county in 1832, and was
elected lieutenant-governor of Michigan in the fall of 1841, and again in
1843, serving the state in that position during the years of I841-45. In
the fall of 1854, Governor Richardson removed to Omaha, Nebraskaa territory then-and, as a member of the first and second sessions of
the legislature of the new state, "acted a prominent and useful part in
framing some of the laws now on its statute books." He was one of the
commissioners to codify the laws of the state. He died at Omaha, November 29, I876, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, of apoplexy;
and was followed by his almost equally aged wife and companion but a
brief period afterward, and with her was laid to rest in the same grave
in Prospect Hill cemetery and on the same day.
GIDEON O. WHITTEMORE
Another prominent attorney and citizen of Oakland county, who was
admitted to the practice of the law before the courts of the county at
the same time as Governor Richardson, viz., February term, I826, was
Gideon O. Whittemore, Esquire, who located at Pontiac and was afterwards judge of probate, master in chancery and prosecuting attorney.
He was also a prominent justice of the peace. He removed to Tawas,
in this state, where he died some years ago. Mr. Whittemore was one
of the first regents of the University in I837.
ROBERT P. ELDREDGE
The next attorney who located in the county was Robert P. Eldredge,
who was admitted in the county court November, 1828. He read law
with Governor Richardson, and removed early to Mount Clemens, where
he was long in practice. He came from the state of New York to Michigan, and he prided himself on his Indian blood, claiming to be a lineal
descendant of Pocohontas. His son, who became his legal partner, was
at one time judge of probate of Macomb county. Mr. Eldredge was
prosecuting attorney of the court at the term of which he was admitted
to the bar, and was secretary of state under Governor Barry from 1841
to I846.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


129


SETH A. L. WARNER
Seth A. L. Warner was the next attorney to receive a license to
practice his profession, being admitted to the bar of the county in March,
1830, and in the circuit court in April following. He located at Farmington, and came from Seneca county, New York, where he previously
followed the practice of law. P. Dean Warner, his son, became one of
the most prominent public men in the state, and his career is fully expanded in the biography of ex-Governor Warner.
WILLIAM DRAPER
Henry S. Cole was admitted in October, I833. At the same time,
William Draper, the father of Hon. Charles Draper, who succeeded to
his practice, was admitted to the Oakland bar, he having been a regularly-admitted and practicing attorney previously in Massachusetts. Mr.
Draper was a good laywer, well read, and had an extensive practice.
In I838 he had more than one hundred suits on the dockets of the
courts. He was the president of the first Ann Arbor convention to act
upon the congressional terms imposed upon Michigan's admission into
the union. He was located at Pontiac, where he was buried, his death
occurring while on a pleasure trip to Mackinac, in July, 1858. Mr.
Draper was a very sedate and dignified gentleman, and some of his ways
were a little inclined to eccentricity. Several anecdotes are told by his
old confreres, which are too good to be lost, and we reproduce two or
three of the best. He was a born sportsman, and when the duties of his
profession would allow enjoyed most thoroughly the piscatorial pleas- /
ures afforded by the well-stocked lakes of Oakland. In order to facilitate such enjoyment he constructed a boat, and fitted it on the running
gear of a light wagon, with which he would, on days too dark and dull
for office work and "just dark enough for good fishing," drive to some
of the many beautiful sheets of water that spread their fair expanse
in the openings of Oakland, and, unshipping his wagon body, would
launch the same upon the waves, and proceed to his piscatorial delights
with the same zest that he pursued larger fish in the meshes of the law.
He kept his boat under the shed of the Congregational church, and in an
adjoining stall the village hearse was also kept.
One day Mr. Draper concluded to try his usual sport and sent his
Milesian man of all work down to the shed for his turn-out. But Patrick,
by some mistake, hitched the old gray to the funeral car instead of the
Waltonian vehicle and backed it up in front of the lawyer's residence.
The sportsman soon made his appearance equipped with rod and lines,
and stepping precisely down the walk, his eyes rested on the blackplumed carriage at the gate, whereupon he stopped suddenly, and with
his peculiar gesture of his forefinger and a sort of snort, said, with grim
humor, "Patrick, take it back! I'm not ready to ride in that carriage
vet!"
RANDOLPH MANNING
Among the prominent names of the Oakland bar Randolph Manning's also shines conspicuously. He was admitted about 1828-30, and
Vol. 1-9




130


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was previously a practicing attorney in New Jersey. He was an able,
though not a brilliant lawyer, conscientious and sound, and a most excellent solicitor in chancery. He held the position of chancellor of the
state by appointment of Governor Barry, from 1842 to 1846, and was
one of the judges of the supreme court of the state when his death,
which was very sudden, occurred. He was secretary of state from
I838 to I840, by appointment of Governor Woodbridge.
CHARLES DRAPER
Charles Draper, long the Nestor of the bar of Oakland county, was
admitted to the practice of his profession November 27, 1838. He and
Rufus Hosmer, both of whom read law with William Draper, were admitted at the same time. Mr. Draper was the first clerk of the courts
under the state constitution and held the position for two years, to 1838.
He was also prosecuting attorney and served the county in the state
senate. He was in partnership many years with his father, William
Draper, had an extensive and valuable library, and ranked high in his
profession in the state.
RUFUS HOSMER
Mr. Hosmer was a native of Massachusetts, where he was thoroughly
educated. He was a cousin of Mr. Charles Draper, and formed a partnership with the Wisners soon after his admission to the bar, and subsequently went to Detroit to assume charge of the Detroit Advertiser.
He was also state printer at Lansing for a time and was appointed
consul to the Netherlands, but died before going to his post of duty. He
was a brilliant genius, most companionable, and always ready for a
joke. The following good story is told at his expense: He was a very
indifferent scribe, and when the trial of his first case came on in the
circuit court, at the very term of his admission to the bar, Thomas J.
Drake, the opposing counsel, moved the court to quash the declaration
in the case, because it was drawn in a foreign language. The court,
being struck with the point, asked to see the paper, and on examination
granted the motion, giving the young lawyer twenty-four hours to file
a new declaration.
Mr. Hosmer was always full of fun, and, though a nephew of Mr.
William Draper, called him, as did many others, "Father Draper"; and
he used to relate with great gusto the following anecdote: One day
Hosmer and Mr. Draper were called to Farmington to attend a lawsuit,
and, in going to the same, Rufus drove. On coming to the top of a hill
of some considerable height, the old gray mare Mr. Draper drove for
many years struck a brisk trot, and the somewhat careless driver did
not strive to check her speed down the declivity; but on arriving at the
bottom a bridge which traversed a small creek was found to be unplanked. However, it was too late to stop, and the old mare cleared it
somehow, the wheels by the strangest fortuity squarely striking the
sleepers and passing in safety. Not a word was spoken until they arrived at the village when the condition of the bridge was commented




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


131


upon calmly. After the trial was over the lawyers set out on their return, Mr. Draper taking the reins into his own hands. They stopped a
few minutes at Birmingham, and just as they were seated in the buggy,
Mr. Draper's hands, with a rein in each, planted on either knee and
ready for a start, a Spanish jack, confined in the yard alongside the
hotel, by which they were standing, put his head over the high board
fence that separated him from the rest of the world, and lifted up his
voice as only that animal can. Old "Gray" shot from her standing like
an arrow and tore down the pike on a swinging gallop, Mr. Draper sitting bold upright, his fists firmly pressed on his knees and Rufus clinging
for dear life to the buggy-seat. Down the long smooth pike sped the
gallant gray, not a word being spoken by the lawyers whom she carried. Past farmhouses the clattering vehicle dashed; dogs barked, children hurrahed, men stared and wondered what had got into Father
Draper. Dashing into Saginaw street with unchecked lope, the old
mare made straight for her wonted stable, nor stopped nor stumbled until she bumped her nose against the gate she had left a few hours before.
She gave a long breath and looked back, not at her drivers, but at her
followers; and Mr. Draper in solemn tones broke the silence that had
been maintained throughout the entire seven miles' drive. Said he:
"Rufus, what an awful noise that was!"
GEORGE W. WISNER
George W. Wisner came from New York City to Pontiac in July,
1835. He was formerly editor and had a half proprietary interest in
the New York Sun, which he disposed of in September of that year and
removed his family to Pontiac, where he at once commenced the study
of the law under William Draper, who was admitted in January, 1839,
to the practice of his profession. He and Alfred Treadway were in
partnership for a time and succeeding that partnership was one with his
brother Moses and Rufus Hosmer, which was a strong and successful
one. In 1837 he was a member of the first legislature of the state and
was prosecuting attorney for some years. Politically he was a Whig,
with anti-slavery leanings. In the fall of 1847, he purchased with Norman Rawson and H. H. Duncklee, the Detroit Advertiser, and managed the editorial columns so effectively that he was given the credit
of largely influencing the Whig triumph in that city in the spring of
I848. He died in September, I849, young in years but ripe in experience.
ALFRED H. HANSCOM
Alfred H. Hanscom, said to be the most eloquent advocate who
ever lifted up his voice in defense of innocence and the maintenance
of right at the Oakland bar, was admitted to the same in 1838. He was
a native of Rochester, New York, whence he came early to Macomb
county, and thence removed to Troy, in Oakland county. He was educated in the eastern schools, and in 1842 was speaker of the house of
representatives of the legislature of Michigan. He was the district
attorney of the county of Oakland for some years, and removed to On



132


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


tonagon in 1850 or thereabouts. He died on his return from a visit to
Pontiac about half a century ago, on shipboard, en route from Marquette to his home.
GOVERNOR MOSES WISNER
Hon. Moses Wisner was one of the lawyers whose powers and abilities reflected great credit on the Oakland bar. His father was a farmer
residing near Auburn, New York, and Moses and his brother, George
W., even in childhood, while toiling and drudging on the farm, evidently
were bent on some other development in life's work, for they shirked
the labor whenever they might and turned their attention to the cultivation of their minds. George, as he has previously been shown, went to
New York and entered journalism for a time previous to his removal to
Michigan, and Moses, after an interval, came to the forests of Lapeer
county, and began life in what was to him an unpromising line, that of
agriculture. After some months of incessant toil he one day stuck his
axe into a tree and said to himself: "There! If I can't make a living
at a more congenial employment I will starve." And immediately he
turned his steps toward Pontiac, where his brother George had already
gained something of a standing in the practice of law, and entered his
office as a student, being admitted to the bar in I84I. He returned to
Lapeer county, where he acted as prosecuting attorney for two or more
years and then returned to Pontiac and entered into copartnership with
his brother and Rufus Hosmer. On the departure of George to Detroit,
Moses continued the practice alone. In the noted case of the Tully boys,
tried for the murder of their father, Mr. Wisner was associated with
Judge Crofoot and Hon. Thomas J. Drake in the defense, and made a
most searching analysis of the testimony.
In the celebrated burglary case, wherein Guy M. Trowbridge's house
was burglarized, Governor Wisner aided the prosecution, and made a
very fine argument in closing the case, also making an effective illustration in the course of it by discharging a pistol which was claimed to
be unloaded. He was careful to point it where no damage could accrue
to persons, but it damaged with telling effect the defense and its theories. In 1858 Mr. Wisner was elected governor of Michigan, and served
the state two years, I859 and I86o, although he did not turn his attention to politics until after the presidential election of 1852. He was an
effective stump speaker, as well as a powerful advocate before a jury.
In the campaign of 1856 he addressed a Fremont gathering, and the
opening sentence of his speech will give the key-note to what followed.
It was delivered in the deep chest-tones of the speaker, and thrilled the
audience with its earnestness and power. He said: "Two hundred and
forty years ago was heard the first clank of chains on a slave on American soil!" At the close of his gubernatorial term Governor Wisner returned to Pontiac and resumed his profession, remaining so engaged
until the summer of I862, when he entered the field of war at the head
of the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry as its colonel, that regiment
being raised largely by his own efforts. He was taken ill with fever and




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


133


died at Lexington, Kentucky, January 5, 1863. He lies in the Pontiac
cemetery, and a massive monument attests his valor and patriotism.
HION. AUGUSTUS CARPENTER BALDWIN
Hon. Augustus Carpenter Baldwin, Nestor of the Oakland county
lar, who was one of the most distinguished figures in the public life of
Pontiac for a period of threescore years, died at his residence in that
city on January 21, I903. He had frequently been called to fill positions
high in the public trust, serving on the bench, in the Michigan state
legislature and in the halls of congress, and in his professional work
reached a rare height. In public and private life alike, the same rugged
honesty and sincerity of purpose characterized his every act, giving him
a place in public esteem which time cannot alter.
Judge Baldwin was born in Salina, now Syracuse, Onondaga county,
New York, December 24, I817, and was the sixth lineal descendant
from Henry Baldwin, who migrated to Woburn, Massachusetts, from
Hertfordshire, or more probably, Devonshire, England, about I630. The
latter subsequently located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which town
he represented in the general court. He was a subscriber to the "Town
Order," drawn at Charlestown for the regulation of the projected settlement. He married Phoebe Richardson, whose parents were ancestors
of Governor O. D. Richardson of Michigan.
Jonathan Baldwin, father of Judge Baldwin, was a native of Canterbury, Connecticut, and was engaged in the mercantile business until
his death in 1822. He married Mary Carpenter, a daughter of Joseph
Carpenter of Lancaster, New York. Upon his death the family were
left in straitened circumstances, and at an early age Augustus C. Baldwin was thrown upon his own resources. He was but five years old at
the death of his father, and during the six years that followed he lived
at the home of an uncle. He then located at Lancaster, New York, in
which vicinity he remained until I834, when he went to Buffalo, New
York, and there entered the office of the Buffalo Bulletin as an apprentice. He continued with this paper until it passed under the management of James Faxon & Company, and was changed to the Buffalo
Daily Star, the first daily paper to be published in western New York.
He was variously employed during the following four years, teaching
school a part of the time, but always continuing his preparation for his
betterment by careful study. During the fall and summer of 1837 he
attended the academy of Plainfield, and in November of the same year
he cane to Oakland county. He alternately engaged in teaching and
study and in 1839 began his preparation for the legal profession under
the direction of John P. Richardson of Pontiac. A branch of the state
university of Michigan was then located in this city, and he took advantage of the opportunity of advancing and perfecting his knowledge
of the branches of education embraced in its course. He subsequently
entered the office of Hon. O. D. Richardson, with whom he continued
until he was admitted to the bar on May 14, 1842, and then entered upon
the practice of law at Milford, Oakland county. He continued there
until March, 1849, then removed to Pontiac where he would have greater




134


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


opportunities and a larger field for the exercise of the superior talents
with which he was endowed. He early attained a position of prominence in his profession, and in much of the important litigation during
the following half century he was retained either by the prosecution or
the defense. As a criminal lawyer he was without peer and was identified with many of the leading criminal trials in Oakland and adjoining
counties.
Judge Baldwin was always an enthusiastic Democrat and one of the
hardest workers for that party's success in Michigan. His first public
office was that of school inspector of Bloomfield township in I840, and
three years later he was elected to the state legislature.  He was reelected to the legislature in I845 and took a prominent part in the sessions of 1844 and I846. He served as a brigadier general of the fifth
brigade of Michigan militia from I846 to 1862, in which year the existing militia system was abolished. He was prosecuting attorney of
Oakland county during 1853 and I854. In I862 he was elected a member of the thirty-eighth congress from what was then the fifth congressional district of Michigan, defeating the Republican candidate, R.
E. Trowbridge, and served on the committees on agriculture and expenditures in the interior department.  In the issue concerning the
thirteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States, he voted
in support of the amendment, that is, for its submission to the states for
their approval. He was renominated for congress in 1864 and was
again opposed by Mr. Trowbridge. The state had in the meantime enacted a statute authorizing Michigan soldiers in the army to vote in the
field. Judge Baldwin received a clear majority of the home votes, and
notwithstanding the fact that the supreme court of Michigan declared
the statute above mentioned to be void, the house of representatives,
upon contest being made, gave the seat to Mr. Trowbridge.
Mr. Baldwin was elected mayor of Pontiac in 1874 and for eighteen
consecutive years was a member of the school board of the city, during
which time many important changes were made in the school system and
the high school erected largely through his influence. He was also active
in having Pontiac chosen as the location of the eastern Michigan asylum,
and for eighteen years he was a member of the board of trustees of that
institution. In 1875 he was elected judge of the sixth judicial district
of Michigan for a term of six years, and served four years of that time
with characteristic impartiality and a high sense of justice, retaining the
respect and gaining the commendation of the entire bar. The salary at
the time was so utterly inadequate, and the state refusing to make the
necessary consitutional amendment, he resigned the office with two years
of the term unexpired, to resume a remunerative practice. Every phase
of jurisprudence and legal procedure came up in his extensive practice,
and not infrequently he had his share in the establishment of precedents
in the laws of Michigan. There are few reports of the supreme court of
Michigan between I850 and I900 which do not record important cases
with which he was identified.
The Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake also owes much
to him for its remarkable success, as he was one of its trustees and for
years its president. He was for several years president of the Oakland




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


135


County Agricultural Society and of the Oakland County Pioneer Society. For fifty years he was a frequent member and officer of state and
local political conventions. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Conventions at Charleston and Baltimore in I86o, delegate-atlarge to the National Peace Convention at Philadelphia in I866, and at
different times a member of the national and state central committees.
In October, 1842, Judge A. C. Baldwin married Isabella Churchill,
who died in I894. He later married Flora E. Belding, a daughter of
the late Hon. Friend Belding of Bloomfield. Fraternally he was a Master Mason, being a member of Pontiac lodge No. 2I, A. F. & A. M.,
and Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar, of which he was
past eminent commander. Judge Baldwin had a comfortable home on
Clark street in Pontiac, where he was surrounded by the comforts and
luxuries of a refined taste. His magnificent library represented years of
accumulation, comprising a large number of volumes, treating upon
almost every subject which human versatility might suggest. However,
a large portion of his library was placed a few years ago at the disposal of the Orchard Lake Military Academy. His home also contained a gallery of fine paintings, rare and in good taste.
The following extracts are taken from the biography of Judge Baldwin prepared for the County Pioneer Society by Elmer E. Hymers, the
Pontiac attorney in I901, about two years before the death of the venerable and beloved jurist and member of the bar:
"A resume of the lives of those early lawyers who composed the
bar of Oakland county in the pioneer days would indeed be incomplete
if it did not contain some recital of the career of one of the most active
members of that early association, and the only living representative
of the legal profession in the county of Oakland, whose history dates
prior to I840. The respect which Judge Baldwin commands from all
individuals, the reputation which he enjoys in the judicial, legislative
and social circles of this state, his legal acumen, the physical and intellectual vigor which have for years made him prominent in politics, and
a commanding and potent factor in the development of the educational
and social life of the state, make it eminently fitting that some attempt
be made to preserve a record of his achievements in these particulars
for the benefit of posterity and this society.... His legal practice
during the years of his active engagement in his profession embraced
every phase of procedure known to the profession in this state. The
various dockets and calendars of Oakland, Lapeer and neighboring
county circuits attest the numerous and important cases in which he
has been employed. From the fifth report of the Michigan supreme
court, to the last compiled volume of the reports of the decisions of that
body, the practitioner searching for judicial precedent will find in almost every volume some case with which Mr. Baldwin has been identified. For a period of over sixteen years, extending from February, 1884,
Judge Baldwin acted as counsel for the Pontiac, Oxford & Northern
Railway Company, his connection with which terminated September
3oth of the present year (191o). Lack of space forbids an extended
notice of the numerous important cases in which he has been employed
during more than half a century of active practice; suffice it to say that




136


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


during that time he has been employed either on behalf of the people in
prosecuting, or in behalf of the defense in a multitude of famous criminal cases, while many of his most famous civil victories are leading
cases and recorded landmarks for the guidance of the profession in
this state.
"As in the legal field, so in the political arena Judge Baldwin has
since his first appearance in politics been a recognized leader of the adherents of his party. He has always been a persistent and powerful
advocate of the principles of that party which demands the recognition
and development of the individual, which is founded in opposition to
the idea of centralization; it was impossible for him to be other than a
Democrat. Democratic instinct was all powerful in him; he personifies
the doctrine of 'individuality,' being a living exponent of what is meant
and may be accomplished by the fullest development of the individual
life. Although a Democrat, he supported the thirteenth amendment to
the constitution of the United States. For the past sixty years and
over no political contest, national or pertaining to this state, has failed to
see him actively engaged in earnest advocacy of the principles of his
political faith. Years of fierce contest over political questions on the hustings and within the walls of the state legislature and of congress, gave him
a familiarity with such issues and such a knowledge of the political growth
and history of the leading public men and political parties, that he has
long been recognized as an authority on all questions relating to the
political history of this country, and now, almost a decade and a half
after he has reached the limit of the threescore and ten years assigned
to the lot of men, it is a marvelous tribute to the mental vigor and retentive memory of this leader of men and molder of forces that he is still
able to discuss in remarkable detail all the circumstances attendant on his
stormy political career. Men and measures, parties and politics of the
past are reviewed by him today as though the circumstances which called
them forth were but of yesterday. It is only recently that he has laid off
the political harness, his last public appearance on a political platform
being during the national campaign of I9oo when, on the evening of
October 28, g9oo,'he addressed a crowded meeting of the electors of this
county at the village of Birmingham on the issues of that campaign.
His last public appearance, however, was on February 22, 1901, when he
addressed the Oakland County Pioneer Society at the courthouse in the
city of Pontiac.
"It is less than a year (written in I9OI) since Judge Baldwin gave
up the active practice of his profession. He still, however, visits his
office frequently but does not pretend to attend to more than the details
of his own private business. In this age of strife and wealth-seeking
it is refreshing to record the career of one whose ambition was not
solely engrossed with amassing a fortune. Judge Baldwin is, however,
able to spend his declining years in comfort at his home on Clark street,
Pontiac, where the visitor will find ample evidence of those comforts
and refining influences which permit him to apply his leisure in reading
and research.
"In his home surrounded by a magnificent library, which it has been
his life work to accumulate he may nearly always be found buried in




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


137


his retreat among his books and other treasures. His library is an excellent one,.comprising many volumes, treating on almost every subject
which human versatility may suggest. A large portion of his library,
however, was a few years ago placed at the disposal of the Orchard
Lake Military Academy, of which institution he is still president and
has ever been a liberal patron. His home also contains a gallery of fine
paintings collected through years of carefully cultivated artistic taste.
"Of Judge Baldwin's personal characteristics it may be said that
though he has long since passed the meridian of life, yet he still stands
before us a central figure; with a mind still active he keeps in touch
with the events of the day, and his intelligent discussion of current
topics shows that he still keenly sympathizes with the pulsing life of
the community. If asked what is the most prominent element of his
nature we would say unhesitatingly, rugged strength, vigor of intellect,
unyielding determination. A strong mind in a strong body has demonstrated once more that these are necessary elements to achievement. In
judicial conventions, in political and educational gatherings, in legislative halls of the state and nation, the voice of Judge Baldwin has
many times been listened to throughout his long and arduous public
services, and it is in the recorded actions of such educational, political,
legislative, or judicial assembles that we must look for the most lasting
record of his efforts expended in behalf of the common weal. His
life has embraced practically the whole of the nineteenth century, and
now in his declining years he witnesses the twentieth century well
launched and wishes God speed to his fellows in the path of achievement
in all things that go to the betterment of mankind."
JOHN S. GOODRICH
John S. Goodrich was from the state of New York and was admitted to the bar of Oakland county in November, 1840. He was elected
a judge of the supreme court after he removed from Oakland to Genesee county in April, I85I, and (lied before qualifying as such judge. He
was unmarried, rather ungainly in personal appearance, painfully awkward in manner, but possessed of the most wonderful powers of memory,
and a library in himself. It is said that he read Hume's history of England through in forty-eight hours, and from that single and rapid perusal could give every important event and its date, recorded therein.
He died in I85I at Goodrichville, in Genesee county, a village to which
his family gave its name and where representatives of the family made
their home for many years.
LEVI B. TAFT
Judge Levi B. Taft was a native of Bellingham, Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, where he was born on August 6, I82I. He came to
Michigan in 1834 and read law with Hon. Jacob M. Howard and Messrs.
Barstow & Lockwood. He was graduated from Dartmouth college in
1843, and was admitted to the bar in 1845 in the supreme court and also
in the United States courts. He practiced his profession sixteen years




138


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


in Chicago, and from that city'came to Pontiac, where he continued his
practice until 1873, when he was elected judge of the sixth judicial
circuit, and presided over the courts of that district until December 31,
1875, when he retired from the bench and resumed his practice in Pontiac, which he continued until his death, April 29, 1895.
HESTER L. STEVENS
In 1845 General Hester L. Stevens, an eminent attorney of Rochester, New York, located in Pontiac, and began the practice of his profession. He was prosecuting attorney in 1847-48, and with Judge
Baldwin formed a partnership in I849 and I850. In 185I he was elected
to congress from the district in which he resided and took up his residence in Washington after his congressional term expired, where he
practiced extensively before the court of claims. He was an able lawyer and a man of high social position.
JUDGE MICHAEL E. CROFOOT
Judge Michael E. Crofoot, one of the leading members of the Oakland bar, and whose powers as an attorney reflected great honor upon
the profession of the law, was admitted to practice in Rochester, New
York, previous to I846, and in the Oakland county courts in February,
1848. His first great case was the trial of the Bismuth murder case,
so called, wherein he gained great celebrity in the defense of the accused, and procured the acquittal of his client. He pursued his legal
studies with General H. L. Stevens. Judge Crofoot wasjudge of probate for eight years, and for several years before he relinquished active
practice and maintained an office in Detroit, whither he went daily when
not engaged in the courts elsewhere, conducting an extensive practice
both in Oakland and in that city. Judge Crofoot's power was greatest
in getting and marshaling his proofs and in the examination of witnesses,
but he was also eloquent and effective with a jury. He was always
ready for his arguments and uniformly effective in his manner of presenting them, his success, as a probate judge and at the bar having been
marked and his high standing as a citizen universally conceded. Judge
Crofoot died May 11, 1884. He was always a public spirited and useful
citizen. He was a member of the Pontiac school board for many years
and one of the principal school buildings of that city now bears his
name. Judge Crofoot left two sons who have followed his profession
and are prominent and successful lawyers. One, Louis, is located at
Aberdeen, South Dakota, and the other, Lodovic, is at Omaha, Nebraska.
HENRY M. LOOK
Henry M. Look, a prominent attorney of the county and noted
throughout the state for his eloquence, was a native of Michigan and
of what was once Oakland county, but is now Lapeer county, his birth
occurring on October 27, 1837, in Hadley. He began the study of the
law in the office of his brother in Kentucky, and completed his studies




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


139


with Messrs. Baldwin & Draper, and also attended a course of lectures
in the law department of the University of Michigan, in I859. He was
admitted to practice in the United States courts in July, I867. Previous
to that event, however, he followed the practice of his profession and
that of teaching in the south for a time. He was a member of the
legislature of Michigan in I865-66, prosecuting attorney for Oakland
county in 1871-72, city attorney for Pontiac for several years and a
member of the board of education of the city from I864-67, inclusive.
Mr. Look had a wide reputation also as a writer. He was a partner
of Judge Baldwin for a time.
MARK S. BREWER
Hon. Mark S. Brewer of Pontiac, was admitted to the bar of Oakland county on March Io, 1864. He was born in the township of Addison, that county, on the 22d day of October, 1837, and until he was
twenty years of age remained at home, assisting in the labors of the
farm, and attending the district school during the winter season at a
log schoolhouse, situated on his father's farm. The country was new,
his parents were not liberally endowed with this world's goods, and it
was with difficulty that the lad got suitable clothing in which to attend
school. His mother often took her own shoes from her feet and gave
them to her boy to wear to school, when the weather became too severe
for him to go without shoes. In 1857 his health became somewhat impaired from overwork and he was compelled to leave the farm and seek
other employment. In the winter of I858 he commenced teaching in
a district school and followed that vocation for the three succeeding
winters, during the remainder of the seasons of 1859 and I86o attending the school at Romeo and Oxford Academy. In the spring of I86I
he entered the law office of Hon. W. L. Weber, of East Saginaw, where
he pursued the study of the law until the fall of that year. By that
time the slender means he had saved from the preceding winter became
exhausted and he again taught school the succeeding winter. In the
spring of 1862 he resumed his studies in the office of Governor Wisner
in Pontiac, to which place he came on foot with a scanty wardrobe, and
but $6o in money, the latter representing his savings from his winter's
salary. His stock in trade was "pluck." He pursued his legal studies
during the spring, summer and fall of I862, taught school again in the
following winter, and in the spring of I863 recommenced his legal
studies, this time with Hon. M. E. Crofoot, Governor Wisner having in
the meantime given his life to his country. Upon his admission to the
bar he formed a partnership with Judge Crofoot which was continued
until January I, 1876, when it was mutually dissolved and Mr. Brewer
continued in practice alone. He was circuit court commissioner for
Oakland county from  1867 to 1871, two full terms; city attorney for
Pontiac from I866-67, inclusive. In 1872 he was elected state senator
from Oakland county and served as such during the years of I873 and
I874. In I876 he was nominated by the Republican party of the sixth
congressional district of Michigan as their candidate for representative
in congress, and was elected to that and the succeeding congress (45th




140           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
and 46th, from 1877 to I880, inclusive), representing the same district
also in the 50th and 5Ist congress from 1887 to 1890. He has also
filled the office of United States consul at Berlin, Germany.  Mr.
Brewer had always been an ardent politician, acting with the Republican party from the time he attained his majority, and after the campaign
of I864 had been prominent in the canvass of each succeeding election.
He was a member of the Republican state central committee and chairman of the committee for Oakland county from I870 until -. Mr.
Brewer was a popular and effective stump speaker, as well as when
before a jury, and was highly esteemed, not only by his particular
political friends, but by his acquaintances of opposite faith generally,
all of whom bore willing testimony to his worth as a citizen and a man.
His death occurred March I8, 90oI.
LIVING MEMBERS OF THE BAR
At the present writing (August, I9i2), there are fifty living members
of the Oakland county bar in good standing, the oldest of whom (in
point of admission to practice) being ex-Judge Thomas L. Patterson,
of Holly.
The list follows: Thomas L. Patterson, Holly, 1863; Joseph E.
Sawyer, Pontiac, 1869; George W. Smith, Pontiac, I874; Robert J.
Lounsbury, Pontiac, 1875; Aaron Perry, Pontiac, I876; Arthur R. Tripp,
Pontiac, I876; Samuel W. Smith, Pontiac, 1878; Daniel L. Davis, Pontiac, 1879; Homer H. Colvin, Pontiac, 1879; Elmer R. Webster, Pontiac, I880; George 0. Kinsman, Oxford, I882; Elmer E. Blakeslee,
Pontiac, I883; Peter B. Bromley, Pontiac, I884; James H. Lynch, Pontiac, I886; John H. Patterson, Pontiac, 1887; Frank L. Covert, Pontiac,
I89o; Fred Wieland, Orion, 1890; John B. Mathews, Pontiac, 1890;
Daniel R. Currey, Rochester, I890; George Hogle, Pontiac, I892; Frank
E. Jenkins, Oxford, I894; Kleber P. Rockwell, Pontiac, 1895; Andrew
L. Moore, Pontiac, 1895; Henry M. Zimmerman, Pontiac, 1895; John
A. Neal, Orion, I895; Samuel J. Patterson, Pontiac, 1898; George W.
Caswell, Birmingham, I898; Elmer E. Hymers, Pontiac, 1899; Judson
A. Fredenburgh, Pontiac, J899; J. Arthur Tillson, Pontiac, 1899; John
E. Brondige, Pontiac, I900; William F. North, Pontiac, 900oo; Ross
Stockwell, Pontiac, I901; Carl H. Pelton, Pontiac, 1902; Clinton McGee, Pontiac, 1903; D. F. Noble, Milford,  -; Sylvester Pheney,
Holly, 1903; Charles Matthews, Pontiac, 1903; Earl A. Lovejoy, Milford, I905; Clement E. Miner, Holly, 1905; Frank L. Doty, Pontiac,
1907; Charles P. Webster, Pontiac, 1908; Clare J. LeRoy, Royal Oak,; Harry H. Snowdon, Pontiac, 1909; George A. Dondero, Royal
Oak, I9IO; E. B. Howarth, Jr., Rochester, 1910; Glenn C. Gillespie,
Pontiac, I9IO; C. C. Tillson, Pontiac, I9IO; Relph F. Keeling, Pontiac,
1910.
THOMAS L. PATTERSON
Thomas L. Patterson, a prominent citizen of Oakland county, an
esteemed resident of Holly since he was ten years of age, and a worthy
representative of an old pioneer family, was born at Clarkston, Monroe




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


141


county, New York, in 1836. He is a son of James and Eliza (Patten)
Patterson, both of whom were born in the Peach Bottom valley of the
Susquehanna river, York county, of Revolutionary parentage, and the
father of this sketch was a veteran of the War of 1812. He moved
from York county, Pennsylvania, to Canandaigua, New York, early in
life, later locating in Monroe county, New York. In I839 he became
one of the great number of New Yorkers who moved to Michigan, and
he made a home in Holly township, Oakland county, to which he brought
his family in 1845. Nine children were born to them, five sons and
four daughters, all of whom are now deceased except the subject of
this sketch.
Judge Patterson was about ten years old when he came with his
father and other members of the family to Holly, and he immediately
began attendance at the district school of the town. He recalls today
his first teacher there,-one David A. Eliot, the school being known as
the Patterson district school. lie attended Clarkson Academy and the
Collegiate Institute at Bridgeport, New York, a full term, the school
being now in the state normal class. Soon after his graduation he
returned from New York to Michigan, and then continued the study of
law. In 1863 he was admitted to the bar at Pontiac, and has the distinction of being the oldest member of the Oakland county bar. In
addition to his law practice, Judge Patterson served for seventeen years
as supervisor from Holly township, and for nine years was chairman
of the board of supervisors. In I884 he was elected judge of the probate court, which position he filled with honor and credit for a period
of sixteen years. In I866 the law firm of Patterson & Patterson came
into life, and was composed of Judge Patterson and his nephew, James
K. Patterson, the latter serving as prosecuting attorney of Oakland
county from I874 to I879. The name of the firm is still retained, however, and the offices of the firm are maintained at Pontiac, John H.
Patterson, his son, and Samuel J. Patterson, his grand-nephew, are now
the active members of the firm. It was during Judge Patterson's term
as supervisor of Holly township that so large a contingent was sent to
swell the Union ranks, that township as such having the record for
furnishing the largest number of any township in the county.
In I856 Judge Patterson married Eunice A. Hadley, a member of
one of the oldest families in the county. She was born in Rose township, Oakland county, in I840, and died at Holly on August 5, I902.
She was the daughter of John and Eunice Hadley. Four children were
born of this union, three sons and a daughter: John H., Stuard D., and
William F., who resides on the home farm adjacent to Holly village.
Marion E. died in October, I896, in her twentieth year.
In I904, on June 30th, Mr. Patterson again united in marriage to
Miss Alice I. Allen, daughter of Ira and Emily Eliot Allen of Holly,
both her father and mother being among the very first actual settlers
in Holly township. Mrs. Patterson's father was a son of Jonathan T.
Allen, long a resident of Holly, having located several sub-divisions of
land on section 35 in Holly in I835. On one sub-division of eighty
acres, the father of Mrs. Patterson lived continuously since 1835, until




142


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


the decease of Mr. Allen, and in which home Mrs. Patterson was born
and reared.
In his fraternal relations, Judge Patterson is a Mason of high degree, being a member of the Commandery, Knights Templar. His
church relations are represented by his attendance at the Methodist
Episcopal church. He is one of the most loyal and public-spirited citizens of Holly, and has ever been identified with affairs of local improvement, and throughout his career his activities have been of an order that
have wielded a strong influence for good in the community.
HON. JOSEPH EDWARD SAWYER
Hon. Joseph Edward Sawyer, a member of the legal profession, is
the most prominent real-estate dealer of Oakland county and is keenly
alive to the value of enterprises calculated to further the development
of the city of Pontiac. He was born in Piermont, Grafton county, New
Hampshire, January I, 1847, and is the seventh child and only son of
Hon. Joseph and Mary (Dole) Sawyer. He is a lineal descendant of
Thomas Sawyer, a native Englishman, born there in about I8I6, who
died at Lancaster, Massachusetts. His ancestors for generations past
have lived to attain advanced ages, notable among them being Rev.
John Sawyer, of Bangor, Maine, who reached the age of one hundred
and three years and five days; at the time of his death, on October 14,
1858, he was reputed to be the oldest minister in the United States.
The father of the subject, who was Hon. Joseph Sawyer, was born
in Grafton county, New Hampshire, and for years was identified with
the agricultural operations of that district. He was a man of considerable prominence, and served a number of terms as the representative of
his district in the state legislature, as well as filling other public offices
with honor and ability. He was in the seventy-third year of his life
when he passed away on July 4, 1858. His wife was Mary (Dole)
Plastridge, a daughter of Captain Moses Dole, who soon after his marriage to Lucy Poor, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, moved to Canaan,
New Hampshire, locating there in I802. There he bought the tavern
and farm of one Dudley Gilman, and hung out a sign bearing the painted
inscription "Mr. Dole's Inn, 1802," which sign swung there for more
than a quarter century. He was a member of the "New Hampshire
Rangers" during the Revolutionary war, and during his lifetime was
elected to various offices of trust, the duties of all of which he discharged with characteristic fidelity. He was a courteous gentleman and
Mrs. Dole was distinguished by her innate refinement and intelligence.
She died in October, 1826, and Captain Dole lived for two years thereafter, his death occurring in 1828. He was buried with Masonic honors
by Mount Moriah lodge. They had two children,-Joseph, who died in
1817, at the age of sixteen years, and Mary, born October 28, I803.
Mary Dole was married to Dr. Charles Plastridge, who died October
16, 1824, at the age of twenty-nine years. In I829 she married Hon.
Joseph Sawyer. She was a member of the Congregational church from
I816 until her death, and was a popular and much beloved woman,
ever possessing a host of friends and warm admirers.  She died on




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


143


February I, 1885, in her eighty-second year, at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. C. F. Kimball, at Pontiac, Michigan. All her children were present
at her bedside when she passed away, namely: Mrs. C. F. Kimball,
Mrs. John Calloway, Mrs. Evan Hughes, Miss Lizzie Sawyer, Mrs.
James Newby and Joseph E. Sawyer.
In the public schools of Piermont and the academy at Bradford,
Vermont, Joseph E. Sawyer received his early education. When he
was sixteen years of age he went to Michigan City, Indiana, and then
to Cambridge City. He studied in private schools and in the academy
at Dublin, Indiana, then entering the literary department of the University of Michigan. He was a member of the class of I869, but left
the university before graduation. He went from his studies to Boscobel, Wisconsin, where he entered the law offices of Hon. George Hazelton. In I867 he formed a co-partnership with Benjamin Shearer under
the firm name of Shearer and Sawyer, for the practice of law, being
then twenty years of age. They continued in practice for a year, when
Mr. Sawyer removed to Pontiac and entered the law office of Hon. M.
E. Crofoot. He was admitted to the Oakland county bar on September
29, I869, and thereafter continued in active practice. He was elected
circuit court commissioner for Oakland county in 1872 and in I875
was appointed United States commissioner for the eastern district of
Michigan. In 1878 he became associated with J. D. and F. D. Standish
of Detroit, under the name of Sawyer, Standish & Company, with office
in Detroit, proprietors of the Tappan, McKilop & Company Commercial
Agency, Mr. Sawyer being manager of the legal department. In I89I
he with others united in organizing the Pontiac Land & Improvement
Company of which he was secretary and general manager, Hon. J. D.
Norton being president. This corporation is entitled to much credit
for the prosperity which the city of Pontiac has enjoyed since its organization. Mr. Sawyer lent himself to the work with such energy
that he was compelled to practically abandon his other interests, and
since the organization of the Pontiac Land & Improvement Company,
he has platted and sold ten additions to the city, the latest being the
Ferry addition, to handle which he organized the Pontiac Investment &
Promotive Company, of which he was secretary and manager. Mr.
Sawyer was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Eastern
Michigan Asylum by Governor Alger in I885, to fill a vacancy caused
by the death of Hon. W. M. McConnell, was reappointed by Governor
Luce and again by Governor Rich, serving fourteen years consecutively,
during which time he was present at every meeting of the joint board
of trustees of Michigan, every monthly and special meeting of his own
board save one, every meeting of the executive committee and all meetings of other committees of which he was a member. He is a Republican in politics and was a delegate to the national Republican convention in 1884, which nominated James G. Blaine, and has been chairman
of the Republican county committee. He is a man of great energy and
ambition, making a success of every venture with which he is connected.
On October 17, I877, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Miss
Lizzie V. Satterlee, born in Bloomfield township, Oakland county, on
July 31, I856, a daughter of George H. and Jane (Flower) Satterlee.




144


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


She was three years of age when she came with her parents to Central
Mine, Keweenaw county, Michigan, in which place she remained until
the death of her father in 1875, when, with her mother and sisters she
came to Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have five children, as follows:
Lizzie Belle, born August 8, 1878, the wife of A. R. Stockwell of Pontiac; Mary Lucile, born April 12, 1880; Kate Eleanor, born November
18, I884; Joseph Satterlee, July 25, 189o and Thomas Dole, January
27, 1901.
The Sawyer family is one which has long been prominent in Masonry.
Col. Edward Sawyer, uncle of the subject, joined the fraternity at the
age of twenty-one years and was the second oldest Mason in the United
States when he died on February 2, 1885, aged ninety-seven years.
Joseph E. Sawyer was initiated May 27, 1870, in Pontiac lodge No. 21,
A. F. & A. M., of which he afterwards was master. He was exalted
in Oakland Chapter, R. A. M., January 29, I875, of which he became
high priest. On June 28, 1875, he became a member of Pontiac council
No. 3, R. & S. M., of which he was elected thrice illustrious master; on
March 7, I876, was knighted in Pontiac Commandery No. 2, Knights
Templar; on March 6, I877, he was elected prelate; in I880 he was
elected captain-general and eminent commander in I885. He is also
past chancellor of Pontiac lodge No. 19, Knights of Pythias, and has
served as district deputy grand chancellor and chairman of the committee
on foreign correspondence.  The foreign correspondence reports of
Michigan for I890 and I89I, written by Mr. Sawyer, received much
favorable notice from the reviewers of other grand domains, of which
the following from the able pen of Hon. M. L. Stevens, who had written the report for Maine for many years and was universally acknowledged to be the ablest writer of such reviews in the United States, is a
fair sample. In reviewing the Journal of Michigan for I89I, he says:
"The Correspondence Report (Ioo pp.) is without exception the very
best, from any jurisdiction, which we have ever read. Brother Sawyer
has reached, almost at a bound, a degree of excellence as a reporter
which we have striven vainly for almost a score of years to attain. As
furnishing an accurate and thoroughly interesting bird's-eye-view of
what is going on throughout the order, he has no peer. The nearest
approach to his excellence was made by the lamented Dayton of Connecticut, in I884."
In the military branch of the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Sawyer has
held the rank of colonel since 1892 and served upon the staff of the
major general in the biennial encampments at Kansas City, Cleveland,
Washington, Indianapolis and Detroit.  He is a venerable sheik of
Mecca Temple No. 56, D. O. K. K. and has filled that position since
the institution of the temple on May 5, I896, with the exception of one
year, when that office was held by Rev. Edward Collins of Detroit.
Mr. Sawyer is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and
was for many years a vestryman of Zion church of Pontiac. He was a
lay reader under Bishop Harris and held services at various places in
Oakland county, and at Clintonville established a flourishing mission
in 1887.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


145


HON. GEORGE W. SMITH
Hon. George W. Smith, judge of the sixth judicial district since
I896, and one of the more prominent citizens of Pontiac, was born at
Warsaw, New York, on March 27, 1850, and is now in the prime of life.
When he was five years of age Judge Smith accompanied his parents from their eastern home in Michigan, and he was reared in Commerce, Oakland county. He is the son of Orson H. and Jeannette
(Armstrong) Smith. Finishing the public schools, Judge Smith carried
on his law studies in the University of Michigan, and was admitted to
the bar in I874, beginning the practice of law in Pontiac on May I,
1876. In 1877 and 1878 he served as circuit court commissioner of Oakland county, and in I879 and I880 he was city attorney of Pontiac. In
November, I888, he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney
of Oakland county and served six years in that position, discharging
the duties of the office with all fidelity and fixity of purpose, displaying
a splendid ability meanwhile. On January I, I896, Judge Smith entered
upon his first term as judge of the Sixth judicial circuit, and in the
years that have passed with him as the incumbent of the office, he has
made a splendid record upon the bench. He is recognized as a learned.
fearless and impartial jurist, and no hint of suspicion has ever been cast
upon his integrity.
ROBERT J. LOUNSBURY
Robert J. Lounsbury, mayor and a well known attorney of Pontiac
and the representative of large real estate interests here and in the east,
was born in Putnam county, New York, where his father, a prominent
farmer of that district, died in I88I.
Mr. Lounsbury was prepared for college at Andover, Massachusetts,
and was a student at Dartmouth, afterwards graduating from the
Columbia Law School of New York City in 1875. Immediately thereafter he came to Pontiac in the interests of certain eastern capitalists
who were operating in Michigan, Illinois and adjoining states, and he
has had their interests in charge since that time. During the first few
years he was able to devote a considerable time to general practice on
his own responsibility, but for the most part the demands on his time
by his eastern clients has precluded the possibility of making progress
as a private practitioner. In recent years he acted as receiver for the
P. 0. & N. Railway, and he made a record for efficiency that was commended by both factions of the defunct road.
In I9II Mr. Lounsbury was elected mayor of Pontiac under the
commission form of government, which provides for three commissioners
only, of which the mayor is one, and he has made a distinct success of
his administration as chief executive of the city, his term being marked
by a straightforward business administration of the affairs of the city.
He is a thoroughgoing Pontiacker, has the best interests of the city at
heart at all times, and is held in high esteem throughout the city and
county.
Vol. 1-1 0




146


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


In I880 Mr. Lounsbury married a daughter of Col. S. E. Beach, well
known in Oakland county. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Lounsbury,-a son and a daughter, the latter still surviving.
AARON PERRY
Aaron Perry, B.S., LL.B., whose portrait is shown on the opposite
page, is one of the best known and most successful lawyers of Oakland
county, Michigan, where he has spent nearly his entire life. He was
frequently called upon to fill positions of public trust at an earlier day,
but has devoted his later years to the practice of his profession and
study. He is the senior member of the firm of Perry & Lynch, with
offices in Pontiac, where he has resided many years.
Mr. Perry was born on a farm in Oakland county, Michigan,
November ii, 1848, and is the youngest of a family of eight children
born to Abram and Sophia (Andrews) Perry. His father was born
in Warren county, New Jersey, and died when our subject was fifteen
years of age. He had come to Oakland county in I836 and lived here
until his death at the age of fifty-four years.  The mother, Sophia
(Andrews) Perry, was born in Genesee county, New York, and she
died when Aaron Perry was but two years old.
From his father's estate Aaron Perry received $700, which, with
a sum borrowed, paid his way through school. He received a preparatory education in the Clarkston Union School of Oakland county, then
entered the University of Michigan and was graduated therefrom with
the class of 1870. He was a member of the Literary Adelphi and was
one of the speakers at the second sophomore exhibition. In the fall of
1870 he entered into politics and lacked one vote of securing the Democratic nomination for the office of state representative. He taught during the following school year at the Ortonville Academy, and during
the school year of 1871-2 was superintendent of the Ovid Union School
in Clinton county. In the famous Greeley campaign of 1872 he was
elected a member of the state legislature, and with five others formed
the minority in that body. At the close of the session in the spring of
1873 he went to Muskegon, Michigan, and took charge of the United
States Harbor improvements under his former classmate, C. M. Wells.
In the fall of the year he entered the law department of the University
of Michigan, and in March, 1874, attended a special session of the legislature called for the purpose of considering and submitting a new state
constitution to the people for their approval at the next election. The
session continued about forty days, during which time he roomed with
Col. C. B. Grant, the speaker of the lower house and afterward one
of the supreme court justices of the state. It is a matter of some pride
to Mr. Perry that because of his recognized ability for rushing business through, he was called upon to preside during that session more
than was any other member, excepting two, and that during his term
of office he was able to do some good work in the interests of the university. During the next summer he was for a time in the service of
the United States government as a harbor inspector on the west coast
of Michigan, and traveled some in Illinois, Wisconsin and the Northern








I




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


149


Peninsula. In the fall of 1874 he was a candidate for county clerk
and with a total of ten thousand votes cast he was defeated by eleven
votes. That defeat he now counts as one of the fortunate events of his
career, as he subsequently reentered the law department of the university, from which he was graduated the following spring. He next
spent two summers at Sand Beach, assisting Mr. Gilbert, of the class
of I870, University of Michigan, in charge of the work of constructing
the United States harbor refuge at that place, spending the intervening
winter in careful study of the law in the office of Judge A. C. Baldwin
of Pontiac. In the fall of I876 he entered actively into the Tilden
campaign and stumped the county in the interests of Democracy. After
the election he became a partner of Judge Taft of Pontiac, with whom
he continued for two years. In the spring of 1878 he was appointed
city attorney and has filled that office at various times with the utmost
efficiency during a period in the aggregate of eight years. In the year
1878 he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, in which office
he served for two years. Since that time he has been but twice a candidate for public office. He was a candidate for circuit judge and for
membership in the state constitutional convention, and, although he ran
ahead of his ticket in his own county for both these offices, he met with
defeat. In 1912 Mr. Perry was a delegate to the Democratic national
convention at Baltimore, Maryland. Since I876 he has practiced law
continuously in Pontiac and ranks among the foremost in the county,
having participated in much important litigation, and is president of
the Bar Association of Oakland county. Both his taste and aptitude
fit him better for the trials of issues of law than of fact, and for that
reason he has successfully argued a large number of cases before the
Michigan supreme court. He has accumulated a large law library and
an extensive collection of miscellaneous books. He has traveled very
extensively through the United States and in the summer of I9o8 spent
three months in Europe with his wife.. Although a member of a fishing club, he has not caught a fish nor
fired a gun, with the exception of one season, in thirty years, and has
no taste for sports of any kind, preferring to travel or hunt fossils
from a rock ledge. He has made a specialty of geology and microscopy
and has spent many hours of recreation in gathering fossils and examining microscopical specimens. He has a large cabinet of fossils and
geological specimens of different kinds and has a fine collection of
books on the subject of geology. He is a member of the National
Geographic Society.
On Christmas day, 1873, Mr. Perry was united in marriage with
Sallie Hoffman, who had been one of his assistants in the Ovid Union
School.  They have one son,-Stuart H. Perry, who was graduated
from the literary department of the University of Michigan in I894
with the degree of A.B., and from the law department two years later.
He then entered into partnership with his father under the firm name
of A. & S. H. Perry. For a year prior to August I, I9OI, the firm
maintained a branch office in the city of Detroit, under the personal
charge of the junior partner. At that time, August I, I9OI, Stuart H.
Perry retired from the firm to become the editor of the Oakland County




150


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Post and the Pontiac Daily Press. His first experience in an editorial
way was gained while managing editor of the Inlander while at the
university. He is now the editor and proprietor of the Adrian (Mich.)
Daily Telegram and lives at that city. He has traveled extensively in
the United States, Mexico and Europe, is a member of the American
Microscopical Society, and has contributed various articles to the publications of that society. Although his tastes are literary, he also shares
his father's inclination for geology.  Stuart H. Perry was united in
marriage with Maude Caldwell, a daughter of Dr. William C. Caldwell,
of Fremont, Ohio, whom he first met as a student at the university.
They have two children. While connected with the Detroit bar he
wrote a law book entitled "The Legal Adviser and' Business Guide,"
which was published in January, 1902.
There were many prominent and distinguished men in the class of
1870 in the University of Michigan, of which Mr. Perry was a member, among them being Rufus Day, justice of the United States supreme
court; William L. Penfield, solicitor of the state department of the
United States; Walter B. Stevens, secretary of the St. Louis Exposition; Alfred Noble, one of the most able engineers the world has known,
who served on the recent canal commission; Bernard Moses, who was
appointed to the Philippine commission by President McKinley in 190o;
Lucius B. Swift, the noted civil service reformer of Indiana; and Count
Michael Meyerdorf, a well known civil engineer, who at one time occupied a government position in Washington, and is now deceased.
Fraternally Mr. Perry is a member of the Pontiac lodge A. F. &
A. M., and the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a member of the
Protestant Episcopal church, which he also attends.
DANIEL L. DAVIS
Daniel L. Davis, a prominent member of the Oakland county bar and
a resident of Pontiac since 1877, was born in Davisburgh, Michigan,
on April 27, I846. He is a son of John C. and Sarah (Griswold) Davis.
His paternal grandfather, Cornelius Davis, was born in Shokan, Ulster
county, New York, in 1792, and died in Davisburgh, Michigan, in 1852.
He was a farmer by occupation and passed his life in that pursuit. He
was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church, and was
regarded as one of the representative and worthy citizens of his time.
He married Agnes Winfield, also a native of New York, and they
became the parents of ten children, of which goodly number, John C.,
the father of Daniel L. of this review, was one. John C. Davis was
born at Shokan, New York, on May I, 1821, and lived there until he
was eight years of age, coming to Michigan with his parents in I835.
They located in Davisburgh, as mentioned previously, and there John
C. Davis gave his life to farming, milling and merchandising. He was
a man of splendid character and was accorded the respect and esteem
of all who knew him. He was fairly successful in his business ventures,
and after a lifetime of activity in Davisburgh retired and went to Pontiac, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring
there some five years ago. He was a Democrat of conviction, and gave




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY1


151


military service as a captain of volunteers under Governor Mason. I-e
was postmaster of his home town for a few years, and in other ways
gave useful service to his community. He married Sarah Griswold,
who was born in Covington, New York on March 8, 1822, and came to
Michigan in 1837, the marriage occurring in October, 1840. She died
in Pontiac six years ago. She was a daughter of Hiram Griswold, a
farmer, well known in Davisburgh during his lifetime. Nine children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. John C. Davis, as follows: Mrs. Mary
Monroe; George W.; Harry J.; John; J. C.; Hiram G.; Joseph; Martha
and Daniel L.
Daniel L. Davis was educated in the district schools up to his eighteenth year, followed by four terms at Trenton high school. He devoted
himself to farming until he was twenty years old, then taught school
for three consecutive terms, afterwards being variously engaged as
produce dealer, dealer in agricultural implements, grain and general
merchandise, until he was thirty years of age. That period of his life
marked his determination to engage in a profession, and he was enabled to carry out his wishes in that respect by being elected to the
office of clerk of Oakland county in I876, which office he held for two
terms, and in the meantime he improved his time by studying law in
such time as he was not engaged with the duties of his office. At the
close of his second term as county clerk Mir. Davis was admitted to the
bar upon examination, since which time he has been engaged in active
practice in Oakland county. It is a matter of record that in the years
of his business experience, he has received some of the largest verdicts
ever returned in the county. He has also enjoyed commensurate fees.
M'r. Davis is an independent Democrat and has been a member of
the Democratic state central committee. For a number of years he
was president and a director of the Oakland County Agricultural Society,
and during that time had in charge the details connected with the
Supervisors' picnic, an annual event of some importance in the history
of the county. Since I880 Mr. Davis has been associated in a partnership with Peter B. Bromley, under the firm name of Davis & Bromley.
On April I8, I873, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Isabel I.
Wilson, who was born at Springfield, Michigan, in July, 1843. They
have two children,-Sarah G. Davis, born October 7, I877, and Manley
D. Davis, born March 29, 1879, who makes his home in Detroit, where
he is engaged in the practice of law.
KLEBER P. ROCKWELL
Kleber P. Rockwell, prominent among the legal fraternity of Oakland county, was born on November 8, I868, in the township of Bloomfield, Oakland county, and is a son of the late Edward J. Rockwell of
West Bloomfield, his ancestors being among the earliest settlers of Oakland county and descendants of William Rockwell, who settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in I630.
Mr. Rockwell was reared to young manhood on a farm. He received
his education in the public schools and began teaching school at the age
of twenty, later supplementing his education with a three years' course




152


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


at the Fenton Normal School. He began the study of law with George
W. Smith in 1893, subsequently entering the office of Taft & Smith,
in I894, and has been an office associate with Congressman S. W. Smith
from then until the present time.
After passing a very creditable examination, he was admitted to the
bar on January 8, 1895, since which time he has enjoyed an extensive
practice. He was admitted to practice in the United States courts on
March 22, I899.
Politically, Mr. Rockwell is a Republican and in I898 was nominated
by that party for the office of prosecuting attorney and elected by a
majority of over I,Ioo; he was unanimously renominated to succeed
himself in 900o and I902 and was elected each time by a majority of
nearly I,6oo, running several hundred votes ahead of his ticket each
time.
In the discharge of the duties of his office and in the prosecution of
criminals he was especially successful. During his incumbency he was
identified with many important criminal trials and has secured convictions of some of the most noted criminals of Michigan, prominent among
whom was Henry Wiseman, convicted of murder in the first degree for
the murder of Mrs. Ellen Huss.
Mr. Rockwell was married September Io, I896, to Maude A. King,
daughter of the late George W. King, of Clarkston, and to them were
born three children: Alice, Helen and Edward J.
In I902 he formed a partnership with Henry M. Zimmerman, under
the firm name of Rockwell & Zimmerman, which firm has since enjoyed
an extensive law practice. In the fall of I908 he was elected judge of
probate of Oakland county for the term of four years and is a candidate for reelection at the fall election of 1912.
ARTHUR R. TRIPP
Hon. Arthur R. Tripp is one of the leading lawyers of Pontiac, with
whose interests he has been closely identified practically since the beginning of his legal career. He is the son of Harris N. Tripp, who was
the first postmaster of Hunter's Creek, Lapeer county, Michigan, and
a brother of Andrew J. Tripp, who has also been prominent in public
affairs in Oakland county for some years and is now its sheriff.
Mr. Tripp was educated in the University of Michigan. His public
career was commenced early in his professional life and he has served
in many important capacities with the passing years. He has twice been
prosecuting attorney for his county; has been circuit court commissioner,
probate clerk, member of the Pontiac school board and of the state
legislature, and in every office his service has characterized him as an
able man and a useful and valuable citizen.
ELMER R. WEBSTER
Elmer R. Webster is known in Pontiac as one of the founders of
the present public school system, and as a man who has probably done
more than any other one person to establish that system, which is one




I




~ 5 L-LI C
^j3't>CC  (^' ^^^(^-^ ---(^-ca'-a000^f
^/^




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


153


of the most admirable and efficient in the state today. Mr. Webster is
a graduate of the Literary and Law departments of the University of
Michigan. He was county superintendent of schools for a number of
years, has been a member of the board of supervisors and a member
of the board of public works of Pontiac, while for many years he was one
of the trustees of the schools of the city. At the present time, he is
secretary of the school board. Outside of his professional practice,
his interests have been mainly along educational lines, although his
services in other respects have been invaluable to the city.
JOHN H. PATTERSON
John H. Patterson, of the firm of Patterson & Patterson, one of the
most prominent law firms in Oakland county, Michigan, has been a
resident of Pontiac since first entering upon his professional career, and
of Oakland county all his life. Born at Holly, Oakland county, Michigan, in I865, he is the son of Hon. Thomas L. Patterson, a prominent
attorney and for many years judge of the probate court of Oakland
county. The firm name, Patterson & Patterson, has long been a familiar
one in Oakland county, and is almost a name with which to conjure in
the districts where best known, so capable and efficient have its members proved themselves as exponents of the law. When first organized,
the firm was composed of Judge Thomas L. Patterson, the father of
the subject, and James K. Patterson. Upon the decease of the latter,
his son, Samuel J., became the partner of John H. Patterson, thus continuing the firm name under a new personnel. Of the parentage of
Mr. Patterson, the brief mention made above is sufficient, as the life of
Judge Patterson is one of such importance and interest in the history
of Oakland county that specific place is given to a detailed setting forth,
of at least a portion of that life in this work.
John H. Patterson, after finishing the schools of Holly, took a high
school course in the public schools of Ann Arbor, preparatory to his
entering the University of Michigan at that place. He entered the
literary department of the University in 1883, continuing therein for
two years, at the same time attending the lectures in the law department. In 1885 he came to Pontiac and served as clerk of the probate
court, of which his father was then judge. He continued the study of
law under the able preceptorship of his father and of Thomas J. Davis,
the latter then an attorney of Pontiac, but in later years of Duluth,
Minnesota.  In I887, upon examination before the circuit court at
Pontiac, he was admitted to the bar, and was subsequently admitted to
practice. before the United States courts. In I901 he formed a partnership with his cousin, Samuel J. Patterson with whom he has since been
associated.
By reason of his early connection with the probate court, Mr. Patterson had gained a valuable experience in its practice, and since that
time has had much to do in the handling and ultimate settlement of
estates and in general probate practice. His clientele numbers among
it some of the most substantial business firms and individuals in the
county, and he has won an enviable reputation among the profession




154


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


in Oakland county. Mr. Patterson is general counsel for the Pontiac.
Oxford and Northern Railroad Company, to which position he succeeded Judge A. C. Baldwin, deceased, in 1901, and he is a director and
also attorney for the First Commercial Bank, one of the strongest financial institutions in the county, as well as being identified in similar
capacities with many another leading business house in Pontiac and
Oakland county.
In I889 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Miss Ella Stanton, the daughter of L. W. Stanton, at one time sheriff of the county
and for a quarter of a century a prominent citizen of Pontiac. He died
in I899. Mrs. Patterson was born in Oxford, Oakland county. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson: Donald S., Clarence
K. and Marion, all living in Pontiac at this time. Mr. Patterson is a
Democrat of strength and conviction and has always given his efforts
in the interests of that party.  He is identified fraternally with the
Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
the Masonic lodge.
JAMES H. LYNCH
James H. Lynch, member of the firm of Perry & Lynch, one of the
leading law firms of Oakland county, was born March 12, 1859, in Goshen,
Orange county, New York; where his parents, Thomas and Mary
(Markey) Lynch, natives of Ireland, had settled when they arrived in
the United States in about I855. When he was eight years of age his
parents moved to Commerce, Oakland county, where the father engaged
in farming and where the parents passed the remainder of their lives,
and there James H. Lynch attended the district schools of Commerce
township. Ile worked on the farm between school seasons, and for a
time taught in the country schools of his district. Later he attended the
high school at Pontiac, from which he was graduated in 1884, after
which he began the study of law in the offices of Aaron Perry and
Arthur R. Tripp. So well did he utilize the time devoted to his studies
and so apt were his preceptors in the law, that in September, I886, the
young man was admitted to the bar, and on January I, 1887, he entered
upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has ever been
prosperous and prominent. In November of the sme year in which he
was admitted to the bar Mr. Lynch was elected circuit court commissioner on the Democratic ticket and reelected in I888 and 1890, and was
appointed to the office of city attorney for the years 1898 and 1899.
Mr. Lynch is an orator of high reputation and ability, and officiated
as presiding officer of the ceremonies attending the laying of the cornerstone of the new Oakland county courthouse, on August 30, 1894. His
address as president of the day was a masterly effort, and a brief portion is culled from his speech and here offered as a fair sample of his
style and sentiment, lack of space forbidding the using of the entire
speech: "Some people who reason lightly and without a full consideration of the subject, express surprise at and speculate as to why it is
that the lawyer will defend men whom the world at large and the community in general have branded as guilty. But the principle of the law




HISTORY OF OFAKLAND COUNTY


155


still remains, and I trust will ever remain, that, in the eyes of the law,
no man is presumed guilty until he has been convicted by a jury of his
peers; and so long as that principle stands, just so long will the honest,
conscientious attorney be serving the higher, truer and nobler administrations of the law by insisting that however culpable a man may be
imagihed to be, it is better that he should go unpunished than that the
sacred principle of the law, the presumption of innocence be broken in
upon, violated and trampled under foot in order to appease popular
prejudice, fanatical frenzy, or mob violence.
"It is of as great importance that existing laws be impartially and
fully administered as it is that we have good laws. If because of prejudice, passion or still baser motive, the settled rule of the law is disregarded on some particular occasion, it is cause for regret on the part
of all good citizens.
"The difference between a government with constitutional limitations and an autocracy is not so much in the character of their laws as
in their administration-not so much in the severity of the law as in
the certainty of its enforcement.
"If a settled principle of the law can be set aside in my favor because of some peculiar circumstance which appeals to sympathy or
passion, then all our boasted security is as naught; life is not secure;
reputation is not safe and property rights are but the toys of a day."
Mr. Lynch is the eldest of the five children of his parents. Thomas,
the second born, is now a resident of New Mexico; William died when
about twenty-one years old; John J. is a resident of Pontiac, and Edward
is a farmer in Oakland county. The mother died when she was in the
seventy-fourth year of her life, while the father still makes his home in
Pontiac, and is now in his seventy-eighth year. They have been lifelong members of the Roman Catholic church.
On June 12, i888, Mr. Lynch married Miss Bridget Crotty, of White
Lake, Oakland county.  She is a daughter of James and Catherine
(Gorman) Crotty, both natives of Liponay, Ireland, who came to America in I834, locating in White Lake, Oakland county.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lynch, one of the number dying in infancy. The others are: Catherine F., a stenographer
in the office of her father; Mary Ursula, at home; Agnes A., Marcia R.
and Margaret M. B., also in the parental home; Patrick Sarsfield and
Emmet D. are twins.
Mr. Lynch is a Democrat, and since arriving at his legal majority
has been actively and prominently identified with the labors of the party
in Oakland county. He is a stanch Roman Catholic, deeply and practically concerned in the progress of St. Vincent de Paul's church, and
one of the most prominent members of the Knights of Columbus to be
found in Oakland county, of which he is district deputy for the order.
Mr. Lynch is now serving as a member of the school board.
ANDREW L. MOORE
Andrew L. Moore ranks prominently among the prosperous members of the legal profession in Oakland county. He has passed his




156


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


entire life in this county and since the beginning of his law practice has
made his home in Pontiac, where he has with the passing years built up.
a lucrative and extensive clientele. He is a particularly able trial lawyer and his oratorical ability has won him many laurels.
Born in West Bloomfield, on October 28, I870, Mr. Moore is the
son of Hiram E. Moore, a prominent farmer and stockman of that
township. In I895 Mr. Moore was admitted to the bar and early formed
a partnership with Judge Augustus C. Baldwin and James A. Jacokes,
which association endured until the death of Judge Baldwin.
Mr. Moore was chosen to represent Oakland and Macomb counties
in the convention which revised the state constitution and which, among
other things, provided for home rule. Because of the active part he
bore in that convention, he was chosen a member of the convention
which wrote Pontiac's commission charter and was unanimously elected
chairman of that body. It was largely through his influence that the
initiative, referendum and recall provisions and the "corrupt practice"
sections were given places in that document.
Mr. Moore is an influential member of the First Methodist church
of Pontiac and is a teacher of the Young Men's Bible Class of that
Sunday-school.
PETER B. BROMLEY
Peter B. Bromley is a member of the firm of Davis & Bromley of
Pontiac, organized in I893. He was born in Oakland township, Oakland county, in 1863, and is the son of Andrew J. and Sarah P. (Brewster) Bromley.
Andrew J. Bromley was also a native of Oakland township, born
there in I840 and passing away at the early age of twenty-five years.
He was a son of Rosewell Bromley, a Vermonter, born in Rutland county,
in I803, who died in Oakland county in I89o, after having passed his
life here from the age of twenty-two years. He married Sybil Pinckney, and they were the parents of a goodly family. He was one of the
prominent men of this section, serving the county in many public offices during his lifetime.
Peter B. Bromley is one of the two children born to his parents,
Andrew J. and Sarah Bromley; his one brother is a farmer in St. Clair
county, Michigan. After the death of his father his mother married
Tunis Rolison and the family moved from the old home to Pontiac
when Mr. Bromley was a lad of ten years. He attended the Pontiac high
school and after graduating in the teacher's course began teaching, and
with his work carried on a course of law reading in I88I. In August,
1884, he was admitted to the bar, and in the years that have elapsed he
has won a high degree of prominence in his profession. He served six
years as court commissioner of Oakland county-two terms as city clerk
of Pontiac and was elected to the office of city attorney by the city
council for a term of three years and is now filling that office. Until
1893 he continued in independent practice, but since that time he has
been associated with D. L. Dlavis, the well known attorney of Oakland
county.
Mr. Bromley married Miss Sarah Ditmas, of Brooklyn, New York.




-HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


157


and they have two sons, Bruce D. and Ditmas A., both in school in
Pontiac.
Mr. Bromley is a Democrat, but not a politician in any sense. He is
a Mason with affiliations with the Commandery and the Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Maccabees.
F. L. COVERT
Frank L. Covert, one of the successful lawyers of Pontiac, has been
prosecuting attorney for three terms and is now a candidate for election to the state senate. He has been a resident of Oakland county all
his life, being a native of Waterford township. He was graduated from
Pontiac high school in his youth and studied law in the offices of Taft
& Smith in this city, being admitted to the bar in I89o. He has seen a
deal of public service since he began the practice of his profession in
Pontiac. He served as committee clerk in-the state house of representatives for two years; was elected circuit court commissioner of the county
and held the office for six years, and has been county poor commissioner
four terms, in addition to his three terms of service as prosecuting attorney, already mentioned. He has always conducted a private practice,
which has occupied such of his time as he has been able to spare from
his public duties, and is known for one of the representative members
of his profession in the city of Pontiac.




CHAPTER XI


BACKWARD GLANCES AT BENCH AND BAR
JUDGE CROFOOT'S RECOLLECTIONS-BENCH AND BAR PRIOR TO I840 (BY
JUDGE  BALDWIN) —CHIEF    JUSTICE  MOORE'S  PICTURES-AARON
PERRY'S CONTRIBUTIONS.
At the risk even of repetition, the editor presents for this chapter a
number of papers sketching various personages and phases of both the
bench and bar of Oakland county. By blending such mental pictures
one may obtain a rich and lifelike view of the field, while the harvest
of developed judicial systems and finished lawyers was yet in the ear.
JUDGE CROFOOT'S RECOLLECTIONS
Following are extracts from the sketch of Judge M. E. Crofoot,
delivered at the dedication of the "old second courthouse" in 1858:
"That old and dilapidated temple now tottering on its foundation,
with its crumbling walls tumbling about it, its covering fluttering like
the tattered garments of the old man represented as the personification
of poverty, was reared (we are told), upon its present locality in 1823,
where it has stood 'wasting its sweetness on the desert air' for the last
thirty-five years.
"But ancient as it appears, it was not the first building to welcome
the expounder and legal adjudicator of the law for Oakland county.
The ground where a portion of the Ogle House now stands, became
(firstly) the seat of justice.
"There, in July, I820, those clothed with judicial honors-Chief Justice Thompson, Bagley and Bronson, associate justices-assembled in
an old log building, where the free breath of heaven wafted without
interruption of those useless modern appendages-a door, floor or chimney, and where too, assembled the grand jurors of the county, at this,
the first session of a court of record in our county.
"One man was licensed as an attorney and two were licensed to keep
tavern, thus keeping up the proper equilibrium of power which is so
essential for all new countries. The officers of the court were: Daniel
LeRoy, prosecuting attorney; William  Morris, sheriff; Sidney Dole,
clerk.
"Whereupon, the grand jury were discharged, and all business before the court (that above stated) having been transacted, and the law
properly expounded and interpreted, the court adjourned.
158




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


159


"If any one desires to preserve a lasting memento of this first court
of Oakland county, we are told that they can secure a chip from the logs
of that same old building, where they presently lie in the rear of that old
red house so long occupied by our townsman, Mr. Hendrickson.
"In July, I821, the first indictment was found against our old townsman, O. A., for keeping a tavern without license, and a fine of one dollar and costs was imposed upon the defendant, which the truthful
historian informs us was all spent at the bar, save the costs of one of
the judges, who had some conscientious scruples against ever letting a
good thing go.
"In I825 Elder Elkanah Comstock, was by the court authorized to
celebrate the rites of matrimony, and in I826, the Rev. W. Ruggles
was licensed to do likewise; whereupon we have no doubt that innumerable blessings resulted from the rights so conferred.
"In 1824 the first court was held in the old courthouse and by I830
the importance of the judiciary, or the convenience of suitors, had the
effect to induce the board of supervisors to order the court room to be
lathed and plastered. Judges Thompson, Bronson, Bagley, Weeks, LeRoy, Hunt, Moseley, Witherell, Chipman, Woodbridge, Sibley, Morrell,
Fletcher, Whipple, Eldredge, Green and Copeland, have there adorned
the bench, and all taken their appropriate part in dispensing justice to
the citizens of the county from that old building, which we leave with
no feelings of regret, except the severance of the ties that a quarter of a
century's practice therein has necessarily formed.
"Some of the most eminent men of the state who were never residents of the county, have, in the earlier days of our courts, there been
formally admitted to the bar, among whose names we find those of
William Woodbridge, William A. Fletcher, Solomon Sibley and Henry
Chipman-while the names of many no less prominent who have resided among us have there received their licenses and while eminent
names have adorned the legal profession all over the state, we claim
that the bar of Oakland county, according to its numbers, is second to
none in the state in legal attainments.
"From our own bar have gone forth editors, judges and members of
congress, and most of the offices of honor and trust in our state have
been at one time or other filled with some of our number.
"But though the labor, toil and close attention which the profession
of law requires, has taxed us many times severely, and has furnished its
vexations and annoyances, it has not failed to bring with it those pleasant incidents of which the profession is so fruitful. Some of these
being entirely original, we claim them all our own, and a few may not
be inappropriate in a review of these past events.
"Some twenty years ago when justice was making its way into the
county, a well known member of our bar had occasion to be called before a justice of the peace to attend to the cause and the interests of his
client in one of the towns of the county; and not precisely understanding the nature of his client's defense until the jury was empaneled and
the trial commenced, he was unfortunately placed in a quandary by
learning for the first time that the testimony of the defense must come
from the justice, and how to get at it was the all-important question.




160


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


He suggested the difficulty to a personage, commonly called a pettifogger, who had been engaged with him in the cause. 'Why,' replied
his associate, 'there is no difficulty at all about that. It is always a
common thing in such cases to let the foreman of the jury swear the
justice (or the judge). I've seen it done lots of times in the high
courts.' Of course our friend thought that as this seemed the only
remedy left him, he would let his associate try on the project, while he
would say, 'Oh yes, of course that's the law.'
"The pettifogger arose, and, with all the assurance of the conviction
of assuming a right position, made his proposition to the court to have
the justice sworn by the foreman of the jury and proceed to take his
testimony in the cause. An eminent lawyer from Detroit who had been
engaged for the opposite party seemed surprised at so novel a proposition and objected, of course, but as our friend asserted, 'Oh yes, of
course that's the law,' the foreman of the jury took it for granted he
knew, and immediately said, 'Mr. Justice, stand up, raise your right
hand and be sworn.' The justice almost unconsciously did as directed,
was sworn, testified and the jury rendered their verdict for the defendant, and the client of our friend and the cause of justice triumphed
on a new principle of law.
"Upon another occasion where some questions arose upon a new
statute that had not yet received a judicial construction, it happened (not
an unusual thing I believe) that the lawyers upon the opposite side
of the case did not agree. After elaborately discussing the subject,
the same was submitted to the court, each supposing that his own construction had been made as clear as the noon-day sun. The judge settled back in his chair, straightened himself up and assuming all the dignity of his position, was about to announce the judgment of the court
upon the question.
"Each lawyer stood all agog to hear his own position vindicated.
Judge then of their surprise, when it was gravely announced by the
court that 'the question seemed new and was involved in a good deal of
uncertainty as to a proper construction,' and that as the court was desirous of rendering a correct opinion, 'the opinion of the court is that
the court don't know what that is.'
"Whether this grave decision was ever reversed or not, we are not
informed, but we are assured that both lawyers felt quite gratified to
know that he had gained a triumph over his opponent.
"Again, and not many years since, one of the oldest members of our
bar had occasion to look after his client's interests before a justice of
the peace in one of the northern townships. He there met as an opponent our old acquaintance T-, who at that time was quite an efficient practitioner before those courts for the trial of small causes, and
withal had provided himself with some law for such occasions, and generally went armed with Cowen's treatise, a panacea for all such cases.
"Some questions of law arose and the lawyers differed, but to convince the justice of the correctness of his position our friend T-  said
he would read some law; he did not want the court to take his word for
it. Thereupon he read from Cowen's treatise some text based upon a
case decided in New York under a particular statute.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


161


"Our friend of the bar got up and said it was true that such was
the adjudication in New York, but that the case was decided under a
statute of that state which of course could have no application here.
Thereupon T- said he was prepared for all such arguments. These
Pontiac lawyers are always coming out into the country and palming off
their opinion upon justices as law but he was prepared for all such practices this time, for he had brought the law with him. He thereupon
turned to his favorite law book and read 'that the general acts of congress are binding upon all the states of the Union;' and then, with an
air of triumph, he turned to the fly leaf of the book and read 'entered
according to act of congress,' saying 'Now, Mr. Justice, I'd like to know
if that ain't law in Michigan!' Of course our friend of the bar was
finished and had to beat a hasty retreat leaving friend T- victor of
the field.
"Incidents of this kind, all our own, could be collected to fill a
volume, but time will not permit their further capitulation here."
BENCH AND BAR PRIOR TO 1840
The following paper was contributed by the late Judge Augustus C.
Baldwin to volume XXXI of the.Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, and it was one of the most complete as well as one of the last
contributions which he made to local history prior to his death in I903.
"The time has arrived," he said, "when it is all important that the
history of the various individuals belonging to the different professions,
residents of this state at an early day, have a brief recital of their acts
prepared and filed with this society as matter for future reference. A
sketch of the early clergymen and the members of the medical profession,
however brief it might be, would be invaluable, as well as afford very
interesting reading matter; and I trust that some persons connected with
those professions will assume the task and thus preserve the names of
their brethren in the archives of this society. With this view of a person's duty, for the purpose of preserving the names of the pioneer
lawyers of Oakland county, I have assumed the task of presenting those
practicing therein prior to 1840. Time will not permit entering very
fully into detail of their various histories, but the brief sketch that I
present, will, at least, preserve their names in their professional capacity.
"Oakland county's history is not of very ancient origin. Though
Detroit was settled in 1701, and the southeastern bounds of Oakland
county were only ten miles distant from the city hall of Detroit, yet we
have no record of a white man's entrance into Oakland county for the
purpose of settlement in the township of what is now Avon. A settlement was made at Pontiac by the Pontiac Company in I818, and in the
autumn of the same year settlements were made at Royal Oak, Birmingham, Troy and Waterford.
"On the I2th of January, I818, Governor Cass issued a proclamation
organizing certain territory into the county of Oakland, and fixing the
seat of justice of the county at Pontiac.
"It is impossible to state at this time what the population was; no
accessible records of the census of I820 can now be found in the county;




162


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


that there were numerous families scattered about Oakland county in
I8I9 is clearly inferable from what is known of the settlers' families
existing at that time. From the first settlements in I817 there was a
constant influx of immigrants into the county, and the inference is irresistible that at the perfection of the county's organization the population
must have been several hundred.
"October 24, 1815, the governor and judges passed an act creating
county courts in the various counties of the territory, consisting of one
chief justice and two associate justices; all to be appointed by the governor.
"June 13, I8I8, chancery jurisdiction was extended to county courts,
March 30, I820, the terms of the court were fixed for Oakland county
for the second Monday of February and the third Monday of July, and
on the I7th day of July, 1820, the first court of record-the Oakland
county court-was duly opened and legal proceedings were thereafter
supposed to be properly conducted. Hon. Wm. Thompson was chief
justice and Amasa Bagley and Daniel Bronson, associate justices. William Morris was sheriff, and Sidney Dole was the clerk.
"At the time when General Cass, the territorial governor, was making selections to fill the various judicial offices, he was confronted with
the fact that there was not an attorney resident in the county. Necessity
compelled him to go outside of the legal profession, and subsequent
events showed that his selections were judiciously made.
"The appointee for chief justice was a practicing physician residing near Pontiac, Dr. Wm. Thompson; he was born January 15, 1786, in
Lenox, Massachusetts. He attended the district school and the academy; at fourteen he was fitted for college. In I8Io he took his degree
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the city of New York;
and about I8I5 he emigrated to the territory of Michigan and first began the practice of his profession at Mount Clemens, and subsequently
removed to Pontiac. After his appointment as chief justice he practiced his profession while performing his official duties. Of course his
legal duties did not encroach very greatly upon his time, and he held the
office of chief justice for some eight years, giving excellent satisfaction.
After his retirement from the judgeship he continued his medical practices for some time, and then retired to a farm near Pontiac, where he
died honored and respected July Io, 1867.
"Amasa Bagley, one of the associate justices, was born near Boston, in Massachusetts, and left his home for Michigan in the winter of
I8I8.,He afterwards settled at Bloomfield Center, and he resided there
about ten years, when he removed to Pontiac, where he continued to reside until his death. He was appointed associate judge upon the organization of the county court, assuming his duties in July, 1820, and remaining in that office until the admission of Michigan as a state. Judge
Bagley was a farmer and practical business man, and in no sense a lawyer, yet he satisfactorily performed his judicial duties.
"On Monday, July 17, 1820, the county court of Oakland county
was duly opened by proclamation of the sheriff. After impaneling of
the grand jury Spencer Coleman, an attorney of Detroit, on his own motion was admitted to practice.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


163


"On his application Daniel Le Roy satisfied the court that he was licensed to practice in the supreme court of New York and was admitted'
as an attorney of this court. Mr. Le Roy for many succeeding years
occupied a prominent position in the history of Oakland county, as well
as in the state of Michigan. He was born in Poughkeepsie, New York,
on the 17th day of May, 1775. After due preparation and study he was
admitted to practice in the supreme court in April, 800o. He was afterward admitted to the court of common pleas of Tioga county, and in
I80o established himself in Binghampton and commenced practice. He
also took an active part in political, educational and military matters.
In 1817, when the influx of travel from the east was tending westward, he followed with his family to Detroit, and there commenced
laboring in his profession. His record shows that he had business relations with Macomb county, filling there the office of judge of probate.
"Prior to I820 the Pontiac Company had erected a mill at Pontiac,
and the county seat having been established at that place and Mr. LeRoy
having made Pontiac his home, he was the first resident lawyer admitted
to the court.
"It cannot be supposed that business could be very extensive or lucrative; but the county was rapidly filling up; new settlers were continually
arriving, and to a discriminating mind it must have been evident that
Oakland county would soon furnish adequate support for an industrious
lawyer.
"Mr. Le Roy was appointed the first prosecuting attorney for the
county. He was also justice of the peace, and in 1822 postmaster. In
1831 he was appointed United States attorney for the territory of Michigan.
"Mr LeRoy was chief justice of the county court of Oakland county,
and held the office for two years, and in 1833 one of the judges of the
county for the term of three years.
"In November, 1835, Governor Mason, acting governor, appointed
him one of the commissioners to settle the boundary dispute between
Michigan and Ohio. He was a member as early as I830 and 1831 of
the territorial council. Upon the organization of the territory as a state,
Mr. LeRoy was appointed in July, 1836, the first attorney general of the
new state.
"The foregoing brief synopsis shows that Judge LeRoy took a very
active and prominent part in our history. The important offices that he
held is most convincing evidence of his popularity and ability. About 1850
he left Pontiac and removed to Fenton, where some of his children resided, and where he died at a ripe old age February 1, 1858.
"For several years after the organization of the county Mr. Le Roy
was the sole resident lawyer. The court was attended, however, by many
Detroit lawyers; among them George A. O'Keefe, John Hunt, Benjamin
F. H. Witherell, Charles Lamed, William A. Fletcher, Henry Chipman,
William Woodbridge and others; all men who subsequently became prominent not only in their profession but in the state's early history.
"William F. Moseley was admitted as a practitioner on the I4th of
February, 1825. He was the next person admitted after Mr. Le Roy,
as the records of the court show, who resided in the county of Oakland.
Vol. I-   1




164


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Where he previously resided, or where he was educated, I have been
unable to learn. The records show that he was a prominent practitioner
while a resident of the county. An anecdote that I heard related of him
about sixty years ago I think will bear repetition. He was defending
some boys for some trivial offense before a justice in a neighboring town.
In the course of his argument before the justice he said: 'May it please
your honor, these boys being arrested for a criminal offense, it is necessary for the prosecution to prove the offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt; for it is a principle of law that every man is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty.' 'Stop, sir,' said the justice, who was an
Old School Presbyterian, 'you are mistaken, Mr. Moseley, the rule is,
mankind is naturally depraved.' Mr. Moseley resided in Oakland county
about twelve years, when he removed to Genesee or Shiawassee county,
Mr. Moseley was a representative of Oakland county in the legislative
council in I826.
"The succeeding attorneys who settled in Oakland county were
Thomas J. Drake and Origen D. Richardson. They came into the county
as early as 1825 or 1826, the precise date at this time being very difficult
to determine.
"Mr. Drake was born April I8, I797, in Scipio, Cayuga county, New
York, and was educated in the schools of that vicinity. From the records I should judge he came to Oakland county in 1824, and at that time
was not admitted to practice law here, but in March following he entered
a plea in a case for the defendant by previously filing letters of attorney,
authorizing him to appear. From this time on Mr. Drake took a very
active part in legal and civic affairs in Oakland county until near the time
of his death.
"Prior to the admission of Michigan to statehood he was a member of
the territorial council; was register of probate; captain and lieutenant
colonel of the militia, and one of the commissioners to locate the county
seat of Saginaw county. After the admission of the state, Mr. Drake
was elected to the senate, and was made president pro tem of that body.
He was elected prosecuting attorney for Oakland county, holding that
office two years. About 1837 Mr. Drake removed from Pontiac to Flint,
where he resided a few years, when he returned to his prior home, and
there continued to live until his death. He was appointed by President
Lincoln as one of the associate justices of Utah, which office he continued
to hold for many years. He had an intense prejudice against Mormonism, and his nature would not permit him to conceal his views; consequently his judicial life was not as pleasant as it would have been if he
had possessed a more yielding nature. His health became somewhat impaired and he resigned his judgeship two months prior to the expiration
of the term. He was an unyielding lawyer, indefatigably zealous in the
interest of his clients. He possessed strong personal traits, and during
his earlier days had many devoted friends and followers. Mr. Drake
died in Pontiac on the 20th of April, 1875.
"Gideon 0. Whittemore was in active practice in Oakland county in
I836, and continued in practice for about fifteen years. The record
shows that on the I3th of February, I826, he was appointed prosecuting
attorney for the term. He served one term as secretary of state, and was




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


165


a member of the Board of Regents and the Board of Education of the
state. Soon after this he removed from Pontiac to Tawas, Iosco county,
where he died.
"There has been some discrepancy as to the time when Origen D.
Richardson took up his residence in the county of Oakland. The court
records first show his active participation in legal proceedings on the 20th
day of July, I826. Mr. Richardson was born in Woodstock, Vermont,
July 20, I795. He studied his profession there; and while a student in
the office of his cousin, Israel B. Richardson, his patriotism induced him
to join the army. He was present and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. He continued in practice in Vermont until 1826, then he removed
to Pontiac. He was a patient, painstaking practitioner, and took a deep
interest in the affairs of his adopted state. For twenty years after Mr.
Richardson settled in Pontiac, his counsel was widely sought, and his
legal opinion had almost the effect of statutory law. He was cautious in
giving his advice. In his intercourse with his fellow citizens he was not
effusive, but was conservative, careful and courteous. He seldom had an
altercation with his associate attorneys, and was ever ready to lend a
helping hand in case of emergency. The result was that there was a
kindly feeling toward him, which added greatly to his popularity. Mr.
Richardson was a member of the first convention of assent relating to
the admission of Michigan into the Union, held at Ann Arbor in September, I836. He was also a member of the first legislature, which convened at Detroit, November, 1835, and was also a member of the Sixth
legislature, which convented at Detroit, January 4, I841.
"In the fall of I841, the time that John S. Barry was first elected
governor, Mr. Richardson was on the ticket with him for lieutenant
governor, and was elected to the office. He was reelected in I843. At
the termination of his office he returned to Pontiac and resumed the
duties of his profession until the fall of the year 1854, when he went to
Omaha, Nebraska. Soon after his arrival there he was elected to the
upper house of the first legislature, and was subsequently reelected for
the ensuing term. He was appointed one of the commissioners to revise
and codify the laws. Though nominally residing in Nebraska and holding official positions there, his family remained in Pontiac, and continued there until 1874, when they removed with Mr. Richardson to
Omaha. Mr. Richardson, after his final removal to Omaha, survived
only two years, dying November 30, I876. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson
had lived together nearly fifty years in the most happy relations, and
at his demise she was so stricken with grief that she survived him but
three days, and they were buried at the same time.
"Robert P. Eldredge was admitted to the bar in Oakland county,
November, 1828. He read law with Governor Richardson, and soon
after his admission to the bar he removed to Mt. Clemens, where he
located and resided until the time of his death.
"Seth A. L. Warner, one of the old and prominent attorneys at Oakland county, was born in Saybrook, Connecticut. After pursuing the
preliminary studies in the common schools of the country, he perfected
his education at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He afterwards located in
Tompkins county (now Schuyler), New York. He came to Michigan




166


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


in 1825 and settled in what was over two years later organized into
the township of Farmington, and in March, 1830, he was admitted to
practice his profession of law in the courts of Oakland county. His
location in Farmington at that time was not remarkably favorable for
a very extensive practice, yet, being a well educated and well read lawyer, he secured his share of business. Mr. Warner, after more than
twenty years' residence in the county, and being over sixty years of
age, died in Farmington on the 5th of March, I846, honored and respected.
"Isaac Stetson, a lawyer who had practiced in Indiana and other
states, was admitted in 1830. Nothing more is known of him here.
"In October, 1832, John Goodrich was admitted, and he died in September, I838.
"In October, 1833, Henry S. Cole was admitted, but nothing further
appears relative to him.
"Randolph Manning was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, May I9,
I804. He studied the profession of law in the city of New York, and
in 1832 he.came to Michigan and commenced the practice of his chosen
profession in Pontiac.  He was careful and studious, persistent and
energetic, and his ability at once gave him a standing of the first rank
among the attorneys of Michigan. He was prominent in all the undertakings for the improvement and advancement of his selected residence,
and for over thirty years after coming to Michigan he filled some of
the most important judicial positions. We first ascertain that in 1835,
when the question of the admission of Michigan into the Union was
being agitated, he was elected one of the delegates to the convention
at Ann Arbor to form the constitution and was placed upon the judiciary
committee.  Among his associates were such men as Ross Wilkins,
William Woodbridge, Isaac E. Crary and Robert McClelland, historic
characters. Mr. Manning was elected a senator from the county of
Oakland and the territory attached, embracing the upper peninsula,
holding the office for only one session. February, 1838, he was appointed
secretary of state, an office he held for two years. The judiciary system under the constitution of 1835 embraced a court of chancery. Mr.
Manning was appointed chancellor in 1842, an office which he resigned
in I846.
"Walker's Chancery Reports contain Chancellor Manning's opinions
while holding his office, and they are a fitting memorial of his capacity,
industry and conscientiousness; and although nearly sixty years have
elapsed since these opinions were given, they are still cited with great
approbation. As chancellor he was ex-officio a member of the Board
of Regents. Mr. Manning was a reporter of the decisions of the supreme
court, commencing with the January term of 1847, and ending with
October, 1850. He was also a member of the State Board of Education
in I849. When the present supreme court was organized in 1857, Mr.
Manning was elected one of the judges, taking his seat January i, I858,
and when the respective judges drew for their term, Mr. Manning's
was for four years. He was reelected in I86I for a second term of
eight years. For several years before his death he was a sufferer from
heart disease, but his condition was not considered precarious. On the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


167


3Ist of August, I864, he spent most of the afternoon with one of his
associates, the venerable Judge Christiancy. Judge Manning was in
his usual health, and after returning home spent the evening with his
family. About nine o'clock in the evening his elder daughter left the
room knowing nothing of any danger, and returning immediately, found
her father unconscious; he survived but a few moments, passing away
without previous warning and without pain. Thus passed away an
able and upright judge. On April 3, I889, an oil portrait of Judge
Manning was presented to the supreme court by his children. Judge
Campbell in accepting the portrait in behalf of the court said: 'Such
men when they die do not lose their influence, and I believe the time
never can come when the name of Chancellor Manning or Judge Manning, will be separated from the legal reforms of the state or from the
rules of justice that he did so much to establish. He was worthy of
veneration and his name and memory will always be cherished. We
accept the portrait with great pleasure, and it will be preserved on the
walls of the court room."
"At the October term, I833, at Pontiac, William Draper was admitted
to practice. He was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, February 12,
I780, and was educated at Harvard University. He studied law and
practiced his profession near Boston. Some of his early acquaintances
had removed to Pontiac, Michigan. Meeting them afterwards he decided to make a visit and came to Pontiac in the spring of 1833. Pleased
with the country and with the location of Pontiac, he decided to remain
and practice his profession here. Mr. Draper was a thoroughly equipped
lawyer, and at once entered into an extensive practice. At the time
he came to Michigan the question of the admission of Michigan as a
state was being agitated, which continued for several years. A convention
was held to adopt a constitution, and one was formed.
"Congress was in favor of releasing a portion of the southern boundary of Michigan to Ohio, and giving to Michigan the upper peninsula
in lieu of such territory. Among others Mr. Draper took an active
part against surrendering any territory to Ohio. When the convention
was called to meet at Ann Arbor to oppose the scheme, Mr. Draper was
elected one of the delegates from Oakland county, and he was selected
as the presiding officer of the convention. After Mr. Draper came to
Michigan he had a large practice for about twenty years. Part of this
time he was in partnership with his son Charles and his nephew, Rufus
Hosmer. About I850 his health began to fail and continued to fail
until I858, when, hoping for improvement, in July of that year he took
a trip to Mackinac, where he soon after died. He was a quaint, peculiar
man. He had his own notion of legal ethics, was a strict disciplinarian,
and could hardly tolerate some of the simple pleasantries of a country
bar, but his brother attorneys all respected him, and 'Father Draper,' as
he was called by almost all of his brethren, did not have an enemy among
them. During his later years he surrendered his practice and spent his
time with his fishing rod among the numerous lakes surrounding Pontiac.
"Morgan L. Drake was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, New York,
October I8, 18I3. He was educated in the common schools of that vicinity; lived in Perry, New York, studied law, and came to Michigan.


bt




168


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


He was admitted to the bar in Oakland county in July, I835. He devoted
himself to his professional duties until I836, when he was elected register
of deeds for the county of Oakland, which office he held for two years.
In his profession he made equity and equity practice a specialty, and in
equity cases he was more at home than in any other branch of his profession. As a speaker he was extremely prolix. While MIr. Drake devoted much of his time to his professional duties he was also engaged in
many other matters tending to develop and improve the country. He was
one of the active promoters of the Flint & Pere Marquette railroad. While
he was giving his chief attention in his practice to equity, he was fairly
well read in the various branches of the law. On one occasion while engaged in a suit pertaining to a mill dam ownership, about two o'clock in
the afternoon an important witness for Mr. Drake's client was called.
The fact was first made known that the witness had gone to Detroit.
Then there were no telephones, telegraphs or railroads, nothing but the
dirt road to travel. The witness had not been subpoenaed, but had promised to attend; forgetting his promise he had left without notifying the
party engaging him. Mr. Drake appealed to the court to have the case
continued until the fqllowing morning, stating his position. The court,
Judge Whipple presiding, informed him that it was his duty to have
properly subpoenaed the witness, and denied the application. Mr. Drake,
not disheartened, then made a motion for continuance. On rising he
said: 'Your honor, this being an important matter, contrary to my usual
custom, I shall have to discuss it at considerable length.'  The court,
knowing Mr. Drake's prolixity, was bewildered. He saw in his mind's
eye an afternoon's task before him, and he turned to the crier and said:
'Mr. Crier, adjourn the court until tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.'
Drake's object was accomplished. He died in Pontiac in I865.
"Rufus Hosmer was of Massachusetts origin, and was educated at
Harvard University. He came to Michigan soon after his uncle, William
Draper, and was admitted to practice in Oakland county. He was more
addicted to fun than to the dry technicalities of the law.  Soon
after his admission he practiced with his uncle, William Draper, and
after Charles Draper was admitted the three practiced together. Subsequently he entered into partnership with George W. and Moses Wisner.
He continued with them until George W. Wisner went to Detroit to take
charge of the Detroit Advertiser, and after his death Mr. Hosmer succeeded him in the charge of that paper. He afterwards removed to
Lansing; was state printer for a time, and was connected with the Lansing Republican. He was a ready wit, a fine genius, a companionable and
popular man. He was appointed consul to the Netherlands, but death
took him before he departed for that post of duty.
"Phillip A. Mcomber was admitted to practice as an attorney in the
state of New York, and coming to Michigan was admitted to practice
here in 1825. He afterwards removed to one of the counties west of
Oakland.
"John T. Raynor came to the state and was admitted to the practice
of law in I835. He located near Franklin. He was a prosecuting attorney in I835; was elected county clerk for the county in I8-, and held
that office for four years. After this Mr. Raynor had an official position




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


169


in Washington for a short time; on his return from Washington, he removed to Lansing, where he died. He was a pleasant, agreeable man;
one who was most careful about saying anything to wound the feelings
of another. He was a good lawyer, but his extreme amiability and timidity were not conducive to his general success in his profession.
"Edward Pratt Harris was born in Ashburnham, Massachusetts,
November 17, 1802. After passing from the common schools, he was
prepared for college at Phillips Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire,
and at Atkinson (N. H.) Academy, and finally graduated at Dartmouth
College in I826. For a time he was principal of an academy at Bradford, Vermont, and after his admission to the bar he practiced for a short
time at White River Junction, that state. The business of the legal profession in staid New England did not satisfy the ambitious young man.
He gathered his worldly possessions and wended his way westward, coming to Michigan in I836 and settling in Rochester, Oakland county,
commencing there the practice of his profession. He was postmaster during Fillmore's administration, circuit court commissioner from I859 to
I862, and a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1867. He was devoted to his profession, and had a reasonably fair practice in the locality
where he resided. He attended most strictly to the interests of his clients
and omitted nothing that would have a tendency to protect them. Of
course this location was not such as to give him a large or varied assortment of cases, but such as he had were attended satisfactorily to his
clients. After his location at Rochester in I836 he continued his residence in that place until his death, which occurred in March, I868.
"Alfred Treadway came to Michigan about 1835 or 1836, and soon
after was admitted to the bar.
"After the organization of the state, one session of the supreme court
and one session of the court of chancery were held annually in Pontiac.
"Soon after Mr. Treadway's admission he was appointed clerk of
the supreme court and register in the court of chancery, which offices he
held until the change in the judicial system. He was also an injunction
master for the county. At the session of the legislature in 1844 an act was
passed empowering the judges of the supreme court to appoint a suitable
person to revise the laws of the state. Sanford M. Green was appointed
by the judges for that purpose, and he selected Mr. Treadway as his
chief clerk and from that time until the session of the legislature in 1846
Mr. Green and his assistants were continuously employed in their laborious duties, and Mr. Treadway copied and wrote during the time the entire
Green Code of I846. Mr. Treadway was afterwards a document clerk in
the United States senate, and subsequently was an employe in one of the
departments in Washington. He did not return to Pontiac to reside, but
removed to Rhode Island, near Providence, where he afterward died.
He was an ardent Mason, and took a lively interest in the resuscitation of
the Masonic lodge in Pontiac.
"George A. C. Luce was admitted to practice law in Oakland county
May 2, I837. He was a well educated man, thoroughly versed in his profession. After his admission he settled in Troy. Mr. Luce was in feeble
health and died at the place of his residence.
"John P. Richardson was born in Woodstock, Vermont, August 23,




170


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


I792. He was graduated at Dartmouth College in I816, and read law
with Israel P. Richardson and Judge Aldis, of St. Albans, and afterward
with Heman Alton, of Milton, Vermont. After his admission to the
bar he practiced law for some years in Burlington, that state. In 1837
he removed to Pontiac, where he was admitted to practice on the 9th of
November of that year. He continued to practice in Pontiac until 1845,
when he was appointed in the land office of Sault Ste. Marie, in which
office he continued until I848. He also acted as prosecuting attorney
during the time he was in Chippewa county. While a resident of Oakland county, he was master in chancery. He removed from Pontiac to
Leavenworth, Kansas, where he resided until his death, September 8,
i866. He was a kind, a genial man, but was rather singular in some of
his opinions. He was a sincere friend of the laboring classes of the community, planning and scheming to elevate their condition. As a lawyer Mr. Richardson was well prepared for his professional duties, but
he was not a ready speaker. He was extremely cynical in his remarks
before a court or jury. In his intercourse with his fellow men he was
just and upright in all his dealings.
"Charles Draper was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, in November, I8II. After pursuing the requisite studies necessary to enter
college, he entered Cambridge University and graduated therefrom in
June, 1833, taking a degree of bachelor of arts. In November of that
year he came to Michigan to meet his father, William Draper, who had
about six months previously removed to Pontiac. Mr. Charles Draper
taught school about one year in the old academy in Pontiac; at the same
time he was reading law under the direction of his father. He was elected
county clerk in I836 on what was called the state's rights ticket, and held
the office for two years. After pursuing the necessary studies he was
admitted to the bar of Oakland county November 27, 1838. After Mr.
Draper's admission to practice law he remained in his father's office and
practiced with him for many years. He was fortunate in having a large
office experience, his father being a lawyer of long standing in Massachusetts. Mr. Draper was well versed in the preparation of legal papers,
and after his commencement of practice in Oakland county the knowledge he had thus acquired became extremely useful to him. I think it
can truly be said of him that there were few attorneys in Michigan that
excelled him in celerity of drafting or in the correctness of his legal
papers. He was elected for several terms as prosecuting attorney of
Oakland county, and always most satisfactorily performed the duties of
the office. In I868 Mr. Draper was elected to the senate of the state of
Michigan, and held the office for one term. He was an intense partisan
and had no sympathy for, or patience with, any principles adverse to
what he himself believed. During the Civil war, and for twenty years
after, any person disagreeing with Mr. Diraper's political views was a
'copperhead,' but notwithstanding the intensity of his zeal upon political
subjects he was a man of the most genial disposition, and in twenty minutes all excitement would be over and the political feelings of the past forgotten. He was a true and devoted friend, and I can most cheerfully
say, after over thirty years association with him in legal business, that a
kindlier, more helpful or more upright individual could not be found.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


171


Excitable and intense as he was in his convictions, there was nothing
revengeful in his disposition, and if any person had any ill feelings on
account of a remark that Mr. Draper made he was always ready to make
the fullest acknowledgements. In the prime of his life Mr. Draper was
a most excellent lawyer, and had an extensive practice. In I884 he was
stricken with apoplexy, and was compelled to retire from business. He
partially recovered, but on April 23, 900o, he died at Midland, being at
the time one of the oldest lawyers in the state. Through all his eccentricities and the intensity of his political feelings, I do not believe that he
had a personal enemy.
"George W. Wisner was born near Auburn, New York, in I812.
Prior to I835 he had been prominently connected with, and owned a
half interest in the New York Sun. He disposed of his interest, and in
September of that year removed to Pontiac. Shortly after his arrival
he commenced the study of law with William Draper. While in Pontiac
he took an active interest in politics, and in 1837 he was elected to the
legislature. After this he was admitted to the practice of law in I839,
and soon after formed a partnership with Alfred Treadway. Succeeding
the partnership with Mr. Treadway a new one was formed with Moses
Wisner and Rufus Hosmer, which continued until he removed to Detroit.
In the fall of 1847, Mr. Wisner, in connection with others, purchased the
Detroit Daily Advertiser, which he creditably managed until his death.
He was an intense Whig, and never let an opportunity pass without giving
his opponents a castigation. He was a fluent speaker, and indulged freely
in sarcasm. In 1842 he was a candidate for congress in the Oakland
county district extending to Mackinac, thence through the upper peninsula; after a severe and bitter contest Mr. Wisner was defeated. In the
practice of his profession Mr. Wisner was very happy and pertinent in
his remarks. On account of his tact he would carry the jury with him.
On one occasion he was trying a man for setting fire to his own barn.
Hon. Jacob M. Howard, then considered one of the ablest attorneys in
Michigan, was the defendant's attorney. Mr. Howard attempted to show
that the fire was the result of spontaneous combustion, and made an eloquent appeal to the jury to sustain his theory. The case was one that
caused much excitement. Mr. Wisner, in prosecuting the case, entered
into it with all his professional zeal and in replying to Mr. Howard's
theory of spontaneous combustion (the evidence showed that there were
tracks around the stack where the fire originated, which was situated
close to the barn) Mr. Wisner said: "Gentlemen of the jury, did you ever
hear of a case where Providence came down to earth on a dark stormy
night, put on a pair of old boots, sneaked around a straw stack and applied
a match to the stack for the purpose of getting the insurance on the
barn and its contents?" Suffice to say the j.ury had not heard of such an
occurrence, and when they retired to the jury room they promptly found
the defendant guilty.
"Mr. Wisner died in Detroit, in September, 1849, and was buried in
Pontiac. He was the father of Oscar F. Wisner and Henry C. Wisner,
two prominent lawyers, the first in Saginaw, the latter in Detroit, and
both now deceased.
"Alfred H. Hanscom was born in Rochester, New York, and at an




172


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


early period of his life came with his family to Macomb county, Michigan. He was educated in New York prior to his removal. From Macomb county he moved to Troy, in Oakland county, and was admitted to
the bar in Pontiac in 1838. Few persons have been more gifted as
speakers than was Mr. Hanscom, and it was said of him that he was one
of the most eloquent advocates in the country. He was appointed prosecuting attorney for Oakland county in 1850, and held the office for
two years. He was elected a member of the Michigan house of representatives for I842, and was re-elected for the session of 1845, of which
house he was elected speaker. While Mr. Hanscom was in practice in
Pontiac, on account of his forensic ability and tact he was employed in all
the most important criminal cases. He afterwards removed to Ontonagon; while there he made a visit to Pontiac and died on board the vessel
as he was returning to his northern home. Mr. Hanscom was a member
of the convention of I850, which convention formed the present constitution of Michigan.
"Samuel G. Watson was admitted to the practice of law before he
took up his residence in Pontiac. He was prosecuting attorney for a
time. While in Pontiac he formed a partnership with James B. Hunt.
He was an educated and prominent lawyer. He afterward removed to
Detroit, entered into practice there, and subsequently died.
"Henry C. Knight was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania.
After his admission to the bar he came to Pontiac and entered into partnership with Origen D. Richardson. He was a well educated man and
well equipped in his profession. While in Pontiac he gave his whole attention to legal business, and he was a valuable accession to Mr. Richardson's office. Subsequently he removed to Detroit, where he continued his practice of law until his death.
"James B. Hunt's father was a citizen of Westchester county, New
York, and went to Demarara, South America to reside. During his residence there he was married, and James B. Hunt, his second child, was
born in that place. When he was four years old his father returned with
him to New York. Mr. Hunt attended the academy at Fairfield, Herkimer county, where he completed his classical studies and there he entered
the office of Michael Hoffman to prepare himself for the practice of law.
He was admitted as an attorney of the supreme court of New York,
February 22, 1824, and as counselor in I837. He was prosecuting attorney for the county of Herkimer for two terms. In I835 he was inspector general with the rank of colonel in the New York militia. In
the summer of 1835, on account of a lung difficulty, Mr. Hunt was ordered by his physician to go west, settle on a farm and work out of
doors. He came to Michigan in that year and settled on the bank of
Elizabeth lake, near Pontiac, Oakland county. In March, I837, Mr. Hunt
was appointed one of the commissioners of internal improvement by Governor Mason. As such commissioner he had charge of the construction
of the Michigan Central railroad from Detroit to Ann Arbor; the construction of that portion of the Clinton and Kalamazoo canal from Mt.
Clemens to Rochester, and other works of internal improvement. After
he was admitted to practice law in Oakland county he opened an office in
Pontiac, and continued practice in that place until he was elected to con



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


173


gress in 1842. He remained in congress for four years, and in January,
1848, he was appointed registrar of the land office at Sault Ste. Marie,
which office he held until June, I849. After that he returned to Pontiac,
holding the office of circuit court commissioner of Oakland county until
he removed to Washington, D. C., where he died in August, I857.
"Ransom R. Belding was born in Fabius, New York. He came to
Michigan and taught district school for some time. His education was
acquired principally from the common schools of Michigan and New
York. In I836 he entered the office of O. D. Richardson, of Pontiac, as
a student of law. After studying the required period of three years he
was admitted to practice in 1839. He was a diligent student, and became
well versed in his profession. For some time he was clerk of the circuit
court. In the fall of I840 he was elected registrar of deeds for the
county of Oakland, which office he held for four years. For a time, in
1841 and 1842, Mr. Belding edited the Pontiac Jacksonian, a democratic
newspaper, published in Pontiac. He took a great interest in the cause
of education and contributed many articles relative to the improvement of
our schools. He had little or no taste for the practice of law, and devoted
the most of his time to more congenial matters, notably politics. He died
in 1846, in Birmingham, Oakland county.
"iMVoses Wisner, in his day one of the most noted and promising lawyers of Oakland county, was born in Springport, Cayuga county, New
York, June 3, 1815. His education was acquired in the common schools
of the country, such as they were in his boyhood days. He was brought
up a farmer. In I837 he left his native place, and migrated to Michigan.
He soon purchased a piece of land in Lapeer county, and commenced
clearing it for a home. The task was uncongenial, and he decided to
abandon it and try his fortune in a different location. He came to Pontiac and entered his brother's office as a student of law. After his admission to the bar Mr. Wisner first removed to the village of Lapeer, and
was appointed prosecuting attorney by Governor Woolbridge.    He
remained in Lapeer but a short time and then returned to Pontiac, entered
the firm of Wisner and Hosmer, and engaged in the active practice of the
law. He devoted himself assiduously to his profession. It was only a
short time before he was recognized as one of the rising lawyers of the
country. His partner, Hosmer, was naturally indolent; his brother George
was deeply immersed in politics, and the real, hard labor of the office
devolved upon Moses. The firm possessed, for that time, a fine library
of books and to these Mr. Wisner gave much attention, preparing himself
as much as his circumstances would admit for the trial of his cases. In
his intercourse with his fellow lawyers he was fair and courteous, never
treating them with coarse invective but as professional equals. He had
great taste for farming and gardening, was an ardent lover of flowers,
and during the latter years of his life he had a great profusion of them
around his residence. On his homestead he planted a small forest of pine
trees, which still remain after many long years, a monument of his arboreal tastes. Mr. Wisner during his professional career in Pontiac very
regularly attended the terms of court in Genesee and Lapeer counties,
and there was very rarely an important case in either of those counties in
which he was not engaged. As an attorney he was popular and had a




174


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


large clientage. He gave great care to the preparation of his cases for
trial, and if his life had been spared, and he had continued in his profession, very few would have excelled him as a trial lawyer. After Mr.
Wisner came to Michigan he connected himself with the Whig party;
and upon the formation of the Republican party he joined that, and was
quite ultra in his views relative to the questions advocated by his associates. In 1858 he was nominated for governor by the republican party,
and was elected. He assumed the duties of his office, and performed them
conscientiously and honorably, and, as was supposed, to the full satisfaction of the people.
"John McKinney was elected state treasurer on the ticket with Mr.
Wisner. At the time of his election there was not a doubt or suspicion
of McKinney's honesty and integrity; every one had the greatest respect
for him. The treasurer of Michigan has the control of the state's
moneys, and the governor could not at that time remove him unless he
was impeached; nor can the governor himself handle, touch, or control,
of his volition, one cent of that money. During McKinney's administration rumors arose that matters were not all correct in his office. His
friends could not believe that there was any dishonesty in his actions, and
they attempted to combat the charges that were hinted against him. Mr.
Wisner was among his friends, and believed him to be honest, and he
said: 'McKinney is as honest a man as ever lived.? Time passed and
McKinney proved to be a defaulter. The time for the nominating of
I860 approached. The Democratic papers all over the state were rife in
their charges relative to McKinney's defalcation; the Republicans could
not in any way justify him. They saw and heard the statement Governor
Wisner had made, that 'McKinney was as honest a man as ever lived,'
and they were compelled to drop Governor Wisner. He had made as
excellent an administration as any one of his party that preceded or succeeded him; but he was the victim of circumstances over which he had
no control; he had to suffer for the acts of another. If there were blame,
it must lie with the people who nominated and elected John McKinney;
but no blame can be attached to them for they believed him at the time,
just as Governor Wisner had said. After his retirement from the office,
Mr. Wisner resumed the practice of his profession in Pontiac and continued until the summer of 1862. Then he conceived the necessity of
raising troops for the Civil war. The regiment was raised in the counties
of Oakland, Lapeer and Macomb, and he was commissioned its colonel,
September 8, I862. The regiment was assembled at Pontiac, on the old
fair ground in that city. It was composed of as fine a body of men as
could be found in the respective counties, and Mr. Wisner was untiring
in his efforts to educate them in their military duties and make soldiers
of them. At the time he lived about half a mile from the camp, and the
soldiers lived in their tents. Mr. Wisner to allay all feeling left home
and took up his lodging in his tent with the soldiers. His regiment, the
22d, was sent to Kentucky near Lexington, where Mr. Wisner was taken
sick and died January 5, I863.
"The first circuit court held in Oakland county was begun on the I9th
day of June, 1826, almost six years after the first opening of the Oakland
county court. Hon. John Hunt, of Detroit, was the first presiding cir



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


176


cuit judge; and that court lasted about four days. The next term of the
court was the March term, 1828, and the Hon. Judge Chipman, of Detroit, circuit judge presided; that court lasted one day. The third term
held began on Monday the 6th day of October, 1828; Hon. William Woolbridge, and Hon. Soloman Sibley, both of Detroit, circuit judges, jointly
held that term of court which lasted two days. From that time, through
Michigan's territorial existence, until I839, the circuit court was held
from time to time by circuit judges residing outside of Oakland county.
The first legislature that convened after Michigan became a state passed
an act dividing it into four judicial circuits, Oakland county being included in the fourth. The office of circuit judge was not filled until I839;
and there was considerable effort made among the various aspirants to
obtain the position. The friends of Origen D. Richardson made much
effort to have him obtain the office, but they were not successful. After
quite a warm contest Governor Mason decided to appoint Hon. Charles
W. Whipple, of Detroit. The friends of Mr. Richardson had urged that
the nominee should be taken from the judicial district, and this feeling
was quite general among the profession; but they yielded gracefully, and
acorded Judge Whipple a kind reception. When he came here there had
been a long vacation for the'want of a judge, resulting in a large docket;
and Judge Whipple held his first term of court in this circuit, in the fall
of I839. The circuit extended northerly to Mackinac county, and westerly to and including Ionia county.
"I have thus briefly sketched a fragmentary history of all the attorneys practicing in Oakland county, prior to I840. Nearly all of them
were more or less intimately associated with its early history; many of
them with that of the state, having not only a local reputation, but a state
reputation.
"Almost from the first organization of the territorial council, Oakland
county was represented in that legislative body. In the various conventions relative to constitutions, Oakland county held important positions,
and had its share of influence. It is well, therefore, that the names of
the attorneys of Oakland county in its infantile days should be preserved.
This particularly also applies to the counties older than Oakland, Wayne,
Monroe and Macomb. They have had their influential men, whose names
will soon pass into oblivion unless some person, or persons, assumes the
labor to preserve, even in the slightest degree, their memory.
"To write such a history is no easy task. A lawyer moves into a
town or city, and practices his profession there for several years; he is
an able and influential man; he dies; and how long do you suppose it
takes for his name to be utterly forgotten? No person thinks of inquiring into his family history, or his birthplace, or his early education;
and for any one to assume the duty a half a century later, with little data
to aid him, and with few individuals living to whom he can apply for
information is, I can assure you, no easy undertaking.
"I cannot close these remarks without adverting to a few attorneys
who came into Oakland county, between I840 and I845.
"Sanford M. Green was admitted to the bar, and practiced in
Rochester, New York. He came to Michigan, and first located in
Owosso. He was elected to the state senate in I842, and after the first




176


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


session he removed to Pontiac, and entered into partnership with Governor Richardson. In 1844 an act was passed authorizing the revision of
the statutes of Michigan, by a person to be appointed by the judges of
the supreme court. Mr. Green, then a member of the senate, was selected
by them to perform the duty. From the time of the adjournment of the
legislature in 1844 Mr. Green labored assiduously in the performance of
his task, re-writing the entire body of the laws of Michigan, and had his
revision ready for submission to the legislature of I846. In 1845 he was
again elected to the senate. His revision was duly reported to the legislature and after a thorough examination by the proper committees, and the
house, it was passed by both houses, with only a few changes or amendments, and became the law of this state, known as Green's Revision, to
take effect January I, I847. Since that time there has been no revision
of the laws of Michigan; and that fact of itself, is the highest commendation that could be given to Mr. Green's labors.  Soon after this Mr.
Green was elected circuit judge of the Oakland district and held the office
in the Oakland, Genesee and Bay county districts until very recent years.
His long judicial life, exceeding that of any other person, I believe, in
the state, has caused Judge Green to be more generally known than any
member of the bar. Some years ago Judge Green prepared a practice for
the circuit courts of this state, which has been in use for many years. As
a legal worker he has been excelled by but few persons, and in his ripe
old age, and after a long life of practical usefulness he passed away
August 12, I90o, aged 94 years.
"Hester L. Stevens was a practicing lawyer in Rochester, New York,
for many years. In 1845 he changed his residence and located in Pontiac, opening an office there and commenced the practice of his profession. Mr. Stevens was a man of great erudition both in law and general
literature. He was a thorough practitioner, and an eloquent man. Upon
his coming to Pontiac he at once obtained an excellent practice. His
suavity and courteous manners made him many warm friends. In I852
Mr. Stevens was elected to congress from the Oakland district. While
he was in congress there was a Washington birthday celebration held at
Mt. Vernon, and Mr. Stevens was selected as the orator for the occasion.
At the end of his congressional term, Mr. Stevens decided to continue
his legal practice in Washington, where he remained until his death in
I864.
"Another person who has held a most prominent part in the legal profession in Pontiac was Michael E. Crofoot. He was born March 14,
1822, in Montgomery county, New York. He was educated in the common schools, and at Temple Hill Academy, at Geneseo, New York. He
began his study of law with Gen. H. L. Stevens, in Rochester, New York,
in the spring of I843, and after Gen. Stevens moved to Pontiac in the
spring of 1845, he advised Mr. Crofoot to come to Pontiac which he did
in'the fall of 1845, and was admitted to the practice of law in the winter
of 1846. In 1848 he was elected probate judge, and reelected in 1852,
holding the office for eight years. In 1862 he was elected prosecuting
attorney, and was re-elected in 1864, holding that office for four years.
He took an active part in all educational matters; and in the building up,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


177


and improvement of the Oakland County Agricultural Society. He was
active in having the Eastern Michigan Asylum for the Insane established
at Pontiac, and was a member of the board of trustees for several years.
As a trial lawyer, Mr. Crofoot was unexcelled. His practice was not
only in the county of Oakland, but in the adjoining counties of Lapeer
and Genesee. In his professional matters he was thorough, probing every
question to the bottom. He was frank and generous, and in his personal
friendships and attachments was warm and sincere. During the last years
of his life he suffered most excruciatingly from rheumatic troubles which
prostrated him, and rendered him incapable of transacting business. He
finally succumbed to the disease, departing this life on the IIth day of
May, 1884, mourned and lamented by hosts of loving and appreciative
friends.
"I have in the foregoing remarks attempted to give the names of all
the attorneys resident in Oakland county prior to I840, and a brief
synopsis of their professional career. In a paper of this nature more
lengthy statement could not be expected. Some of them are entitled to
a much fuller account than I have given, but it would require much more
research than would be possible to embody in this paper. I have not indulged in a fulsome eulogy of any of them, but have given a plain recital
of such facts as were necessary to place them fairly before their successors.
"It is not claimed that they were men of superhuman powers, or of
extraordinary mental faculties, but they were plain, sensible persons, devoted to their professions; men of intelligence, and some of them of
more than ordinary ability. They came into a land sparsely populated,
knowing that it had a destiny for great improvement; and they were
willing to suffer all the privations of pioneer life, believing that there was
a bright prospect in the future; hoping that that future would bear fruit
which would fully compensate them for their privations and trials. They
anticipated success, and many of them lived to see a full fruition of all
their desires.
"It was my fortune to come into this state, and the county of Oakland,
on the 12th day of November, I837, where I have since resided. In the
fall of 1839 I was connected with the county clerk's office, and on Judge
Whipple's holding his first term in the fall of that year, I was clerk-of
the court. Prior to that time I had an acquaintance with most of the
lawyers in Pontiac, and at the first session of the court all the lawyers
in the county were present. From that time onward I became more intimate with them, and after an acquaintance of a quarter of a century,
I believe they were as able, as learned, and as sober a body of men as the
most of the counties can present. They were an honor to the county and
their profession, and I am thankful that I have been permitted to present
their names to this society, and have them enrolled upon its records, where
they will remain so long as the society exists. Their deeds are part of
the history of the state, and when some future historian attempts to
write a detailed history of Michigan, the acts of some of these men must
therein have a permanent abiding place."




178


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


CHIEF JUSTICE MOORE'S PICTURES
Chief Justice Joseph B. Moore, a native of Commerce, where he was
born November 3, 1845, was educated at Hillsdale College and in the law
department of the State University, afterward became a leading lawyer
of Lapeer (whither he moved in 1868), prosecuting attorney of the
county and a prominent member of the state senate in 1879. He served
as judge of the sixth judicial circuit for eight years and was elected
justice of the state supreme court on the Republican ticket in the spring
of I895. On June 8, 1904, he delivered an address before the joint meeting of the Michigan State Judges Association and the Michigan State
Bar Association, and, as his narrative progresses, it is evident how well
qualified he is to speak of the early-time judges and lawyers who have
given fame and dignity to the bench and bar of Oakland county.
"In reply to a query put by me to a prominent member of the Ingham
county bar," says Judge Moore, "I was informed that in the trial of cases
in justice's court the interest of the parties litigant are now attended to
by men who have been regularly admitted to practice of the law. When
my recollection of the trial of lawsuits first began the practice was very
different. I then lived in southwestern Oakland county. The county was
comparatively new. There was a disposition upon the part of the individual to assert his rights and to resent any interference therewith.
Brawls and personal encounters were much more frequent than they are
now and trials growing out of these occurrences, as well as civil cases before justices of the peace, were very frequent and attracted wide attention. The interest of the respective parties were usually attended to by
bright, clever men who were not, however, regularly trained in the law
and who had not been admitted to practice and were frequently called
pettifoggers. I remember one of these men with feelings of gratitude
and respect. He was by occupation a harness-maker who lived in the
village of Walled Lake. He had a serious lung trouble and was advised
by his physicians to relinquish his trade and get out into the air and sunlight, if he hoped to live. He was a bright, quick-witted man, with an excellent vocabulary, a musical voice and a clever way of putting things.
He got together a few law books and devoted himself to them with
assiduity. He bought himself a gun and a dog, tried what lawsuits he
could get before the local magistrates in three or four townships and
spent what time he could in the open air. He was afterward elected
county clerk, was regularly admitted to the Oakland county bar and died
after I became presiding judge of that circuit. He was a kind man, and
while I was yet a boy at work in my father's saw-mill he suggested to me
to become a lawyer and placed at my disposal his little library of law
books. While working twelve hours a day, I read the two volumes of
Blackstone loaned me by James D. Bateman, for that was his name.
There was great rivalry in the trial of cases before justices of the peace
between Mr. Bateman living at Walled Lake, Mark Arnold living at
Farmington and Elias Woodman living in Novi. Mr. Woodman was a
man of considerable property who has served in the legislature of the
state and was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of 1850. His son Hamilton had an excellent record as a soldier in




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


179


the War of the Rebellion, with the rank of captain. Mr. Woodman took
a great deal of pride in referring to that fact and the fact that he was a
soldier in the Mexican war; that his father was a soldier in the War of
1812 and that his grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Bateman thought Mr. Woodman made an undue use of these facts
in his arguments to juries and slightingly referred to the harness-maker,
Mr. Bateman, who presumed to know something about the honorable
profession of the law.
"After reading Blackstone as stated, and attending Hillsdale College
a few terms, and teaching school three winters, I became deputy county
clerk of Lapeer county and, as such, attended the sessions of court, making up the court journals, reading law as I could and familiarizing myself with the pleadings which were filed and the court entries which were
made. After a year or six months, as it then was in the law department
of Michigan, I applied for admission to practice in the court over which
Hon. Joseph Turner presided. Hon. William T. Mitchell of Port Huron,
then in attendance upon court in Lapeer, was chairman of the committee
who conducted the examinations and, much to my gratification, in October, I869, I was admitted to practice. When I contrast my preparation,
or lack of preparation rather, for the practice of law, with the very rigid
and searching examination to which the applicants are subjected by the
State Board of Law Examiners, and the three years' course of nine
months each now required by the law schools before a student can secure his diploma, I am reminded that an evolution has been going on in
the law quite as marked as that in other callings.
"At the time I applied for admission to the bar, Robert J. Taylor, a
graduate of the literary department of the University of Michigan, was
also admitted to practice. He was afterward elected prosecuting attorney
and state senator, each of which offices he held for two terms, the duties
of which he discharged with marked ability. He was a man of some
means and preferred the peaceful avocation of growing fruits and the
work of an apiarist to the contentions of the court-room, and for some
years has not been in the active practice of his profession.
"The practicing lawyers at that time in Lapeer county were Mr.
Andrus, Egbert W. Cook; Hon. William Hemingway, who had been a
member of the Michigan legislature; Hon. Silas B. Gaskill, who was
later circuit judge; Hon. William W. Stickney, who succeeded Judge
Gaskill upon the circuit bench; Phineas White, Hon. Jonathan R. White
Harrison Geer, who was the junior member of the firm of Gaskill &
Geer and whom you all know as the very successful and able trial lawyer
now living in Detroit; Calvin Thomas; Stephen Thomas, the father of
Calvin, now an honored professor in Columbia University; and John M.
Wattles, who later established the bank still doing business as John M.
Wattles & Company. These men have all gone into the life beyond, except Mr. Geer and Judge Stickney. Most of them were men of ability
and character and did much to so shape events in that country as to
make it one of the most intelligent and law-abiding in the state.
"It is a singular and to me a gratifying circumstance that the chairman of the examining committee before whom Senator Taylor and myself appeared, the genial and learned Judge Mitchell of Port Huron,
Vol. I-12




180


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


though now upward of eighty years of age, is yet in the active practice
of his profession, and within the present year argued a case before the
court, over which I have the honor to preside, with a degree of learning
and energy which would have done credit to a much younger man. It
is also a source of pleasure to know that the presiding judge, Josiah
Turner, is still living and within a comparatively short time read a very
interesting paper before the annual meeting of the State Association of
Judges.
"The judges who have presided over the circuit court for the county
of Lapeer within my recollection are Josiah Turner, James S. Dewey,
Levi B. Taft, Augustus C. Baldwin, Silas B. Gaskill, William W. Stickney, Joseph B. Moore and George W. Smith. The list for the Oakland
county circuit is the same as the above except that the name of Sanford
M. Green should be substituted for Josiah Turner. All these gentlemen
are dead except Josiah Turner, William W. Stickney, Joseph B. Moore
and George W. Smith.
"On Friday, May 20, 1904, the last session of the court was held in
the Oakland county court house, previous to tearing it down to make way
for a one hundred thousand dollar building which should be more in
keeping with the growth and prosperity of that great county. As I had
been presiding judge of that circuit for eight years, I was honored with
an invitation to be present. The local paper reproduced the address
which had been made by Hon. Michael E. Crofoot at the dedication of the
building in March, 1858. In that address it was stated that while nearly
all the county was yet a wilderness such was the regard of the people for
law and order they deemed it necessary to provide a building in which the
law might be administered, and as early as 1820 Chief Justice Thompson
and associate Justices Bagley and Bronson met in a court house built of
logs and where, because of the poverty of the people, those modern appendages, doors, floors and windows, were entirely lacking.
"Judge Crofoot made a most masterly address, tracing the origin of
our system of laws and insisting upon it that, in the adoption of the
common law of Great Britain and in the organization of the government
into three distinct departments, the executive, legislative and judicial,
the fathers had formed a government which he described, namely pure
democracy, where sovereign power was lodged in the aggregate assembly
of all the free members of the community to be exercised in person;
second, aristocracies, where it is lodged in an assembly of delegates, and
lastly in monarchies. where it is lodged in the hands of one whose will is
law, with power to decree, design and execute. Judge Crofoot insisted
then, what is equally true now, that no profession demands higher integrity, honor and uprightness than the legal profession; that no position in
society requires.higher moral and more thorough education, and no calling
in life more honorable dealing. He insisted that the men of eminence in
the legal profession are men of integrity who are not disposed to stir up
law suits for trivial and imaginary wrongs, but men who are inclined to
dissuade from unnecessary litigation and to take only meritorious causes.
"As I listened to the able and scholarly address of Hon. Aaron Perry,
prior to adjourning court for the last time in the old court room, a flood
of recollection came to me. My mind ran back forty-seven years to the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


181


first time I ever saw the old building. In company with my father and
mother who lived in the village of Commerce I, a mere boy, visited the
then village, now the city of Pontiac. The workmen were employed in
what seemed to me the hazardous occupation of putting in position the
iron figures of four large American eagles with outspread wings, which
were placed upon a tower arising from the center of the roof of the
building.
"It was stated by Mr. Perry that the active members of the Oakland
county bar at the time of the dedication of the building were Thomas J.
Drake; William Draper, Morgan L. Drake, Moses Wisner, Randolph
Manning, Augustus C. Baldwin, Charles Draper, A. B. Cudworth, Loren
L. Treat, Michael E. Crofoot, Jacob Van Valkenburg and Junius Ten
Eyck. It was my good fortune to know all of them except William
Draper and Randolph Manning, the last of whom was a justice of the
supreme court. For all these men the door on noiseless hinges has swung
wide and ushered them into what we call eternal life.
"Among the greatest lawyers I have ever known were Moses Wisner,
Augustus C. Baldwin and Michael E. Crofoot. Had the last named lived
in the metropolis of the state, he could have divided the honor which was
held for so many years by the able and learned George Van Ness Lothrop
of being recognized as standing at the head of the legal profession of
Michigan. Augustus C. Baldwin was a member of the legislature, a member of congress and circuit judge, and lived until a little more than a
year ago. Moses Wisner, as you all know, was governor of the state and
died while colonel of the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry. His handwriting was of such a character as to be almost indecipherable. Judge
A. H. Wilkinson of Detroit, an Oakland county boy who was admitted to
practice in Pontiac, related an occurence which happened in the old court
room. Thomas J. Drake who usually wore a silk hat, was a spare, thin
man, very careful of his personal appearance. Morgan L. Drake cared
little for dress, and one day when Thomas J. Drake came into the court
room to present a motion to the judge and placed his silk hat bottomside up on the table near Morgan L., he picked up an ink-stand and emptied its contents into the head covering. After completing his argument,
Thomas J. Drake took up his hat and with a dignified air started to leave
the room. Just before getting to the door he put his hat upon his head
with the result you might expect and, while the ink was running over
his face, he turned to the presiding judge and said 'I desire to solemnly
protest against the effort of Moses Wisner to write his name in my hat.'
"Upon the occasion of bidding farewell to the old court room it was
recalled by Judge Jacokes that in the old room Horace Greeley had delivered an address, and the citizens had from that rostrum heard the
political issues of the day discussed by such eminent men as Schuyler S.
Colfax, Thomas M. Hendricks, John C. Breckenridge and Cassius M.
Clay.
"It was also recalled that when fighting Dick Richardson, a favorite
not only of Oakland county-but of the commonwealth of Michigan, laid
down his life that the nation might be saved, his body lay in state for
three days in the old court room and was visited by thousands of people
who had respected and loved him. It was also recalled that when the




182


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


war was brought near to its close by the surrender of the Confederate
forces under Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox,
upon the evening of the day of the receipt of the news a light was placed
behind each of the small panes of glass, and the building was brilliantly
illuminated and congratulatory speeches were made to the many men
and women present, some of whom had given their best beloved to their
country, and all of whom rejoiced that the end of the war was in sight.
It was stated by Judge Smith, the present presiding judge, that the last
court business done in the building was to sign a decree of divorce, and it
was estimated by the learned judge that twelve hundred couple had in
that room received decrees that legally separated them; while a procession
of two thousand, made up of boys, men and a few women, criminal, had
stood at the bar of the court and received sentence, while many thousands of civil cases had been decided. A striking commentary upon the
part occupied by the courts in the life of a community.
"I cannot do better in closing this discursive paper than to quote from
Mr. Perry's address: 'The sources of justice must be guarded and kept
from pollution and the courts must be respected, dignified, honored and
obeyed. When, if ever, our courts shall become corrupt, disrespected,
dishonored and disobeyed, anarchy will have arrived and ruin will follow. It is a mere truism to say that the peaceful settlement of disputes is
necessary to the perpetuity of any government.
"'But important as it is that courts should be furnished and preserved
for the peaceful settlement of disputes, that is not the only important
function they perform. The imporance of the educational functions of
the courts of justice in connection with our jury system cannot be overestimated or excessively magnified. This court and this court-house have
constituted, for forty-six years, the greatest educational institution in
the county of Oakland. During that time nearly five thousand jurymen
and many spectators from all parts of the country have sat and listened
day after day to the exposition of the law; the necessity of obeying it, and
the inevitable penalties that must follow its breach. Not only that-they
have listened day after day to the testimony of experts and other witnesses as to how things ought to be done. They have learned the wrong
way and the right way. But still more important than all-those jurymen themselves have sat as judges between man and man and have
learned to listen patiently to both sides, and not to decide or act until they
have learned all the evidence on the question. They have been given
judicial minds. That is the great safeguard to this community and this
republic. Men so educated do not act hastily. They do not act first and
then think afterwards. They have learned to marshal facts, weigh arguments, reason logically, forstall consequences and to respect and obey the
law. Mob violence can not flourish in such a community. Maintain the
purity of the judiciary, the present jury system, and the present efficiency
of the public schools, and the republic is safe.'"
AARON PERRY'S CONTRIBUTION
On the ninth day of March, 1858, on the first day of a new term of
court, the second court house was dedicated. A grand jury had on the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


183


previous day made its report, and the trial of the celebrated Tulley casewas about to commence. The court, however, paused long enough to
dedicate what was then regarded as their magnificent new court house.
The principal address on that occasion was made by that skilled examiner
and eloquent advocate, Michael E. Crofoot, then at or near the zenith of
his fame. Extracts from the speech delivered at that time have already
been given.
Perhaps I cannot do better than to quote from my address delivered
as a farewell to the court house of I858, the words being spoken in 1904:
"When we now contemplate this old building with its cracked walls and
ceilings, its cramped and crowded offices and its dearth of modern conveniences, we can hardly realize the genuine pride and satisfaction with
which the bar of this county then regarded this newly completed building. As we now look about us and are reminded of its numerous inconveniences and its general unfitness and inadequacy and observe its long,
crooked stove pipes and ancient, dilapidated and uncouth condition, we
realize the fitness of the appellation given it by Captain Howard, when he
recently dubbed it the 'Lime Kiln Club.' This court room certainly does
have a striking resemblance to the hall in which M. Quad's famous Lime
Kiln Club held its nocturnal meetings.
"Such thoughts, however, for those of us who have practiced here
for over a quarter of a century, are quickly followed by memories that
are akin to the pathetic. We are startled and rendered contemplative,
when we recall that not a single lawyer who practiced at this bar when
this building was first dedicated is now alive. Many months have passed
since the last of them, our genial friend, Judge Ten Eyck, finally shut
up his law books, closed his accounts and peacefully bid us an everlasting farewell.
"There are memories and memories, and thoughts and thoughtssome of them 'that lie too deep for tears'-that linger around this old
court room. We shall leave it with feelings that are akin to those that
tinge with sadness the joy the head of a family feels when he leaves the
old house for the new-the old house in which, in his more impressionable years, he has shared with his good wife, in the companionship of
his family, so many joys and so many sorrows.
"Old and out of date as this court house now is, it is a palace when
compared with its predecessors.
"The first settlement within the county of Oakland was made by
James Graham in the present township of Avon in March, I817. The
next settlements were made at this city, in the fall of I818 under the
auspices of the Pontiac company, of which Stephen Mack was then the
manager.
"John Jones, a pioneer of Bloomfield, is claimed to have cleared the
primeval forest from the site of the present court house. He is recorded
as having done it at the moderate wages of fifty cents per day.
"The predecessor of this court held its first term of court in this city
in an old log building which stood near the present Rose House. in the
year I820. Judge Crofoot said in his speech dedicating this building that
that court house was without door, floor or chimney.
"Soon thereafter, in 1823 or 1824, a new court house and jail com



184


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


bined were built on the lot where the present jail now stands. The first
story was constructed of squared logs or timbers, surmounted with a
framed second story. The lower story was used as a jail and the upper
story as a court room. The prison cells were made of six inch oak planks
sawed by Almon Mack in his saw-mill at Rochester. The sheriff's home
also adjoined the court room in the upper story of that building, and
those upper rooms were not finally completed until about 1830, when the
board of supervisors finally caused the court room to be graced with a
modern 'up-to-date' finish of lath and plaster.
"But even that palatial court house did not satisfy the progressive
people of this county long. As early as 1835 the building was indicted
by the grand jury, and the struggle for a new court house began. Efforts
were made by the board of supervisors that year to get the legislative
council of the territory to authorize a loan for that purpose. The authority for such loan was secured but the board of supervisors finally refused
to negotiate the loan. The matter was before that board again in I837.
The board voted to submit the matter to a vote of the people in the fall
of 1838, but nothing finally resulted from that effort. In April, 1844,
the electors of the county voted down a proposition to raise $8,000 for
a new court house. The matter was frequently before the board of
supervisors after that. In the spring of 1852 a proposition to raise the
necessary funds for a new court house was again voted down by the electors of the county. In the spring of 1854 a similar proposition was again
rejected by the people. But finally in'the spring of I856 the people by
a vote of 2,277 to 744 authorized the building of the present court house
During the year of I856 the contract for the erection of this building
was let to D. J. Pratt for $I2,594.
"In 1848 Solomon Close entered into a contract to erect a building
for county officers for the sum of $937.50 and it was probably erected
during that year. That was a long one story wooden building situated in
front of where this building stands, with a roof sloping to the front, surmounted with a balustrade fifty-nine feet long on which were painted in
large letters the words, 'Oakland County Offices.' That building was
used for county offices until the present court house was completed.
"In 1847-8 Solon B. Comstock built a new jail building for the county,
for the sum of $5,539.5I. That structure was replaced by the present
very creditable jail building, only a few years ago. In 1874 the fireproof vaults now in this court house, were constructed at an expense of
about five thousand dollars.
"The old court house was badly cared for. At the time this one was
built the benches and tables were badly worn and had been carved in a
disrespectful way by pioneer jack knives. The boys of the first generation in this county seem to have had much more license in the use of their
'Whittles,' as Burns calls them, than have the children of the present day.
Judge Crofoot speaks in his dedication address of the old court house
as then 'tottering on its foundation' and as having 'both graced and disgraced our county.'
"On March 9, 1858, after the dedication ceremonies, a jury was impanelled for the trial of the three Tulley boys on the charge of having
murdered their father; and the next eight days were devoted to the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


185


trial of that famous case. Thomas J. Drake, Michael E. Crofoot and
Moses Wisner appeared for the defendants. Charles Draper, then prosecuting attorney, appeared for the people, and Sanford M. Green presided as judge. All were learned in the law and skilled in its practice.
"At that time the following attorneys constituted the members of the
Oakland county bar in active practice: Thomas J. Drake, William Draper,
Morgan L. Drake, Moses Wisner, Randolph Manning, Augustus C. Baldwin, Charles Draper, A. B. Cudworth, Loren L. Treat, Michael E. Crofoot, Jacob Van Valkinburg and Junius Ten Eyck. Not one of them is
now living.
"The judges who have presided over this court in this building are
the following: Sanford M. Green, Joseph F. Copeland, James S. Dewey,
Levi B. Taft, Augustus C. Baldwin, Silas B. Gaskill, William W. Stickney, Joseph B. Moore and George W. Smith.
"All have been able judges and an honor to tie bench. Three of
them, Hon. W. W. Stickney, Hon. Joseph B. Moore and Hon. George W.
Smith still survive. And we are grateful to Providence for having spared
their lives and preserved their health. And we appreciate the compliment
of their having honored us with their presence on this occasion and
joined us in bidding farewell to this old building, filled with recollections
and associations dear to them as well as to ourselves.
"The tower, or cupola of this building, call it what you may, was formerly ornamented with the iron figures of four large American eagles
with spreading wings. And more or less of the spread eagle style has
manifested itself in the building ever since.
"During the last forty-six years this room has on many occasions resounded to the melodious cadences and fiery appeals of eloquent advocates, as well as to some speeches that have been dull and commonplaceto speeches that have fired the jurors with indignation or suffused their
eyes with tears, and to some that have lulled their wearied minds to involuntary slumber.
"Once an old lawyer was giving advice to his son who was just entering upon the practice of the father's profession. 'My son,' said the counselor, 'if you have a case where the law is clearly on your side, but justice seems to be clearly against you, urge upon the jury the vast importance
of sustaining the law. If, on the other hand, you are in doubt about the
law, but your client's case is founded on justice, insist on the necessity
of doing justice, though the heavens fall.' 'But,' answered the son, 'how
shall I manage a case where both law and justice are dead against me?'
'In that case,' replied the old man, 'talk round it!'
"I fear there has been some talking round the subject in this court
room. This room has heard many Irish bulls, much keen satire, sparkling
wit, quick retorts and ready repartee. But I am pleased that I can affirm
that exhibitions of uncontrolled temper, heartless abuse, pettyfogging
tactics and sharp practices have been extremely rare.
"Business in this court has vastly increased since 1848, both in the
number and in the importance of the cases adjudicated. I also believe
that there has been a corresponding increase in the gravity and responsibility felt by the attorneys practicing here.
"In 1848 the cases in this court rarely involved more than a few hun



186


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


dred dollars, while now they frequently involve many thousands. Then
there was but one railroad in the county. Estates were small and great
enterprises, carried on by corporations or large aggregations of capital,
were unknown, will contests and deed contests were rare, or involved
only small amounts, and accident or negligence cases, which now form
a large proportion of our litigation were almost unknown.
"To successfully practice law now requires much more general
knowledge and a much wider examination of authorities than in those
earlier days. Human affairs have become much more intricate and complicated. The increase in the number and size of incorporated cities and
villages, the multiplication of machinery, the multifarious applications of
steam and electricity, the increase in wealth and production, and the
energy and strenuousness of the present age-all have rendered the practice of law much more onerous and much more difficult. New points
and new questions are arising more rapidly than they are being settled.
Our supreme court dockets, as well as our circuit court dockets, are
crowded and the multiplication of the decisions of the courts of last
resort is almost appalling.
"When I began the practice of law in 1876 the 33d Michigan report
was just out, while now we have I30 of them on our shelves and many
more of them in the form of temporary pamphlet publications.
"The pace at which we must now do business is set by the stenographer, the typewriter, the telephone and the telegraph. It is little wonder that the courts now seek quickly to reach the merits of controversies,
and do not listen patiently to technical objections, or permit attorneys, as
in former years, to wrangle over the fine points and abstruse subtleties of
common law pleadings.
"So much strenuousness, however, is extremely wearisome and wearing, and we sometimes feel as though we were being carried for\ ard by
a whirlwind; and, as the hart panteth after the waterbrooks we sometimes long for the old days of indolence and leisure-when the lawyer
was permitted to whittle the court room tables, when the court would
adjourn business to go fishing, and when, after the regular day's work in
court, all hands-court, lawyers, and jurymen-would adjourn to the village tavern, to play cards or sit with their feet on the table and smoke
clay or corncob pipes and talk politics and spin yarns until bedtime.
"Like quill pens, windlass pumps, oxcarts and corduroy roads, this
courthouse has 'seen its day.' It has served its purpose, but now must go.
We do not like to see it torn down, but it is in the way, and like other
slow and antiquated things, it must not obstruct the road of modern proggress.
"Like public libraries, school houses and churches, temples of justice
should be among the finest buildings in any community. The sources of
justice must be guarded and kept from pollution and the courts must be
respected, dignified, honored and obeyed. When, if ever, our courts shall
become corrupt, disrespected, dishonored and disobeyed, anarchy will
have arrived and ruin will follow. It is a mere truism to say that the
peaceful settlement of disputes is necessary to the perpetuity of any government.
"But important as it is that courts should be furnished and preserved




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


187


for the peaceful settlement of disputes, that is not the only important
function they perform. The imporance of the educational function of
courts of justice, in connection with our jury system, cannot be overestimated or excessively magnified. This court and this courthouse have
constituted, for forty-six years, the greatest educational institution in the
county of Oakland. During that time nearly five thousand jurymen and
many more spectators from all parts of this county have sat and listened
day after day to the exposition of the law, the necessity of obeying it,
and the inevitable penalties that must follow its breach. Not only that,
but they have listened day after day to the testimony of experts and other
witnesses as to how things ought to be done, and how they ought not
to be done. They have learned the wrong way and the right way. But
still more important than all that-those jurymen, themselves, have sat
as judges between man and man, and have learned to listen patiently to
both sides, and not to decide or act until they have heard all the evidence
on the question. They have been given judicial minds. That is the great
safeguard to this community and to this republic. Men so educated do not
act hastily. They do not act first and then think afterwards. They have
learned to marshal facts, weigh arguments, reason logically, foretell consequences and to respect and obey the courts and the law. Mob violence
cannot flourish in such a community. Maintain the purity of your judiciary, your present jury system and the present efficiency of your public
schools and the republic is safe.
"Let us then not hesitate to bid farewell to this good old building, because we must; and let every vestige of it be removed, in order to make
room for a still nobler and better one. But let us do it respectfully and
reverently, feeling, as brick by brick shall be removed, that it has nobly
fulfilled its purpose and that to tear down and destroy it, surrounded as
it is with so many precious memories and associations, even for the purpose of making room for a better one, is a grave matter and one not
lightly to be regarded."




CHAPTER XII


CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTY
FIRST OFFICIAL ACT-COUNTY SEAT FIXED-ORIGINAL Two TOWNSHIPS-PRESENT   BOUNDARIES   ESTABLISHED-OAKLAND     COUNTY
UNDER THE TERRITORY-TERRITORIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-LEGISLATION AFFECTING TOWN AND COUNTY-TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT
ESTABLISHED-FIRST SUPERVISORS' MEETING-SOME EARLY ASSESSMENTS-CIRCLE OF TOWNSHIPS COMPLETED-ROSTER OF COUNTY
OFFICIALS-ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES-POPULATION       FOR NINETY
YEARS-INCORPORATED CITIES AND VILLAGES-THE COUNTY COURT
HOUSES-COST OF COUNTY BUILDING-PRESENT COURT HOUSE-THE
OAKLAND COUNTY HOME —COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR.
Although Lewis Cass, governor of the territory of Michigan, proclaimed the boundaries of the new county of Oakland on the I2th of
January, I819, that section of southern Michigan cannot be said to have
attained a real civil and political existence until its organization into
townships and the inauguration of its board of supervisors, in 1827. The
judiciary came into being before the civil machinery, and for that reason
its development precedes the latter in the narrative which traces the
historic growth of Oakland county. Up to that year the Indian treaties,
territorial official acts and judicial proceedings are really applicable to
unorganized communities so far as the control of civil authorities is concerned, and are chiefly of interest from the standpoint of the historian
and the scholar. Hon. T. J. Drake has so well condensed these preliminary matters that we have mainly relied upon him for the statements which
follow.
On the 2d day of December, 1795, General Anthony Wayne, on behalf
of the United States, formed a treaty with the sachems, warriors and
chiefs of the Wyandotte, Delaware, Shawanee, Ottawa, Chippeway, Pottawatamie, Miami, Eel-River, Weas, Kickapoo, Prinkashaw and
Kaskaskia tribes of Indians. By that treaty, generally known as the
"treaty of Greenville," the United States had conceded to them the post
at Detroit, and a strip of land included between the river Rosine (now
known as the Raisin) on the south and lake St. Clair on the north, and a
line, the general course of which was to be six miles from the west end
of Lake Erie and the Detroit river.
On the I7th of- November, I807, Gen. William Hull, then governor of
the territory of Michigan, on the part of the United States held a treaty
188




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


189


at Detroit with the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Ottawa, Chippeway, Wyandotte and Pottawatamie nations of Indians, at which treaty
there was ceded to the United States all the land included in the following boundaries, beginning at the mouth of the Miami River of the Lakes
(now known as the Maumee River), thence up the middle thereof to
the mouth of the Great Au Glaize river, thence due north until it intersects a parallel of latitude, to be drawn from the outlet of Lake Huron,
which forms the St. Clair river, thence running northeast the course that
may be found, will lead in a direct line to White Rock, in Lake Huron,
thence due east until it intersects the boundary line between the United
States and Upper Canada, thence southerly following said line down said
lake, through River St. Clair, Lake St. Clair and the River Detroit, to a
point due east of the mouth of the aforesaid Miami river, thence west to
the place of beginning.
It is presumed by this treaty that the land now included in the county
of Oakland was ceded to the United States.
FIRST OFFICIAL ACT
The first official act relating to the county of Oakland, of which any
record can be found, is an executive proclamation by Hon. Lewis Cass,
then governor of the territory of Michigan, bears date the I2th day of
January, I819, and reads as follows:
"Whereas, a petition has been presented to me signed by a number of
the citizens of the said Territory, requesting that the boundaries of a
new county and the seat of Justice thereof may be established by an Act
of the Executive, which shall not take effect until the arrival of a period
when its population require such measure.
"Now, therefore, believing that a compliance with the request will
have a tendency to increase the population of such parts of the territory
as may be included within these boundaries, and prevent those difficulties
which sometimes arise from the establishment of counties where the
settlements are formed, and conflicting opinions and interests are to be
reconciled.
"I do, by virtue of these presents, and in conformity with the provision of the Ordinance of Congress, of July I3th, 1787, lay out that part
of the said territory included within the said boundaries, viz: beginning
at the southeast corner of township one, north range eleven east north of
the Base Line, thence north to the southeast corner of township six in
said range, thence west to the Indian boundary line, thence south to the
Base Line, thence east to the beginning, into a new county to be called
the county of Oakland. And I hereby appoint John L. Leib, Chas.
Larned, Phillip La Cuer, John Whipple and Thomas Rowland, Esquires,
Commissioners, for the purpose of examining the said County and of
reporting to me the most eligible site for the seat of Justice, of said
county: To take effect from and after the 3Ist of December, 1822."
On the 5th day of November, I818, the "Pontiac Company" was organized for the purpose of purchasing lands upon the Huron river (then
so called) of St. Clair, and laying out thereon a town.
The company consisted of William Woodbridge, Stephen Mack,




190


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Solomon Sibley, John L. Whiting, Austin E. Wing, David C. McKinstry,
Benjamin Stead, Henry I. Hunt, Abraham Edwards, Alex. Macomb,
Archibald Darraugh, and A. G. Whitney of Detroit, and William Thompson, Daniel LeRoy and James Fulton, of Macomb.
COUNTY SEAT FIXED
On the I2th of February, 18I9, a letter was addressed to the commissioners appointed to examine the county and report the most eligible place
for the seat of justice, making overtures on the part of the company, to
give to the county certain lots of land and some money, if the seat of
justice should be established at Pontiac.
On the 15th of December, I819, a road was laid out and established
from the city of Detroit to the village of Pontiac.
On the 28th day of March, I820, the governor, Lewis Cass, by proclamation limited and determined the proclamation of the I2th of January, I819, and declared the inhabitants of the county of Oakland, entitled to all the privileges to which the inhabitants of other counties were
entitled; and by the same proclamation, the seat of justice was established at Pontiac.
ORIGINAL TWO TOWNSHIPS
On the 28th of June, I820, the governor by proclamation, divided the
county of Oakland into two townships called Oakland and Bloomfield.
On the 17th of July, I820, a county court assembled at Pontiac.
William Thompson, Esq., had been appointed chief justice, and Daniel
Bronson and Amasa Bagley, associate justices. William Morris had been
appointed sheriff of the county, and Sidney Dole clerk. On that day, a
grand jury was organized, consisting of Elijah Willett, Ziba Swan, John
Hamilton, Elisha Hunter, William Thurber, Ezra Baldwin, Asa Castle,
Elijah S. Fish, Alpheus Williams, Oliver Williams, Alex. Galloway, H. O.
Bronson, Nathan I. Fowler, Josiah Goddard, James Graham, Enoch
Hotchkiss, and Calvin Hotchkiss. Spencer Coleman and Daniel LeRoy
were admitted to practice, as attorneys.
Of the men who participated in the proceedings of that day, but few
remain.
At an early day, commissioners were appointed by the governor.
Ziba Swan, Enoch Hotchkiss and Jonathan Perrin were appointed and
remained in that office until the 31st day of December, 1825, at which
time the term of office of the justice of the county court, judge of probate, county clerk, county registers, treasurers, sheriffs, justices of the
peace and clerk of the supreme court were made to expire by an act of
the legislative council approved March 30, 1825.
PRESENT BOUNDARIES ESTABLISHED
On the 20th day of September, 1822, a proclamation was issued by
the governor, altering and defining the boundaries of counties and establishing new ones. By that proclamation the boundaries of Oakland
were established as they are now.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


191


William Thompson was appointed judge of probate; and the first
probate court was held at the house of David Stannard, in Bloomfield,
on the I5th day of June, 1822. Application was made for letters of administration upon the estate of Eliphalet Harding.
OAKLAND COUNTY UNDER THE TERRITORY
During the time we were under a territorial government the office of
judge of probate was successively held by William Thompson, Nathaniel
Millard, Smith Weeks, Gideon O. Whittemore, William F. Moseley,
Ogden Clark and Stephen Reeves. Sidney Dole was the first county
clerk, first register of probate and clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and one of the first justices of the peace. The first case
which was brought before him as a justice of the peace, and it is presumed to be the first brought before any justice of the peace in the
county, was that of Thomas Knapp against Ezra Baldwin. The summons was issued on the I5th of June, and the judgment rendered on the
2Ist day of August, I820.
Mr. Dole was a cautious man: He usually carried the papers of each
case in his hat from the commencement to the termination, and after
hearing the evidence, seldom rendered judgment until he had consulted
the authorities in Detroit. Few men enjoyed a higher degree of public
favor than did he. In connection with Mr. Moseley, Mr. Dole represented
the county of Oakland in the second legislative council. He died at his
residence in this village on Sunday morning the 2oth of July, 1828.
"In the beginning of our territorial existence and up to the 7th of
June, 1824," says Judge Drake, "whatever of legislation we had, was by
the governor and judge, or by the governor in the form of a proclamation. By the acts-of congress, the governor and judges had power to
adopt such laws or parts of laws from the states of the Union as they
might deem applicable to the territory. But they had no power to originate any law, and at this day it is difficult to find any warrant for many
things which the governor and judges did, in the way of law-making;
and the executive proclamations organizing counties, and again altering
their boundaries and establishing seats of justice, though they tended to
the public good, were wholly without authority.
TERRITORIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
"On the 7th of June, 1824, a legislative council convened at Detroit,
consisting of nine members. The mode by which they were selected,
may not be known to you all. An act of congress authorized an election to be held in the territory for members of the council. The people
voted for whom they pleased, and the result at the various polls was certified to the secretary of the territory: A board of canvassers then'ascertained the number of votes given for each person. The names of eighteen
persons having the highest number of votes were certified to the president, and from that list he selected nine persons and nominated them to
the senate. After their confirmation they were commissioner members
of the legislative council, and held their office for two years. The sessions of the council were limited to sixty days in each year."




192           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
Before the election of members of the second council arrived, the
law of congress was amended, the territory was divided into districts,
the number was increased from eighteen to twenty-six, and the president
nominated thirteen persons.
Again, before the election of members of the third council, the law
of congress was amended. The people in the several districts elected the
number of members apportioned to the district, and the result certified
by the district canvassers, entitled the member to his seat. Therefore the
president was relieved from the burthen of selecting and commissioning
the members, and the election given directly to the people, which mode
continued until the establishment of the state government.
In the first council, two of its members, Col. Stephen Mack and the
Hon. Roger Sprague, were citizens of the county of Oakland. At the
election of the members of the second council, the county formed a district and Sidney Dole and William F. Moseley, were selected by the
president, they having received the greatest number of votes, to represent this county.
LEGISLATION AFFECTING TOWNSHIP AND COUNTY
On the 2ist of April, 1825, an act was passed by the legislative council,
authorizing the election of county commissioner, county treasurer, constable and coroner. At the first election under this act, William Thompson was elected treasurer; Stephen Reeves, William Burbank and Arthur
Power were elected county commissioners.
In that year an assessment was made by William Morris, sheriff and
S. V. R. Trowbridge, from which it appears there were at that time 78,900
acres of land taxable within the jurisdiction of the county, more than
2,500 acres lay out of the limits of the county. In the villages of Auburn
and Pontiac there were 46 lots taxed to individuals. To the Pontiac Company there were taxed I86 lots valued at $II,ooo. There were in the
county 282 houses, 47 barns, 2,621 acres of improved lands. Major Oliver
Williams, Col. Stephen Mack and John Sheldon, had each sixty acres;
no other person exceeded fifty.
On the 3oth of March, 1827, an act was passed, authorizing the election of supervisors and other town officers.
On the I2th of April, 1827, an act was passed establishing the towns
of Oakland, Troy, Bloomfield, Farmington and Pontiac.
TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED
On the last Monday in May, 1827, elections were held in the several
townships, and town officers elected. Then a new era was inaugurated
-township governments were established: the board of county commissioners was abolished, and that of supervisors was established, and from
that time the finances of the county came under the immediate control of
officers selected and chosen from the several towns.
As stated, on the 3oth of March, 1827, an act of the territorial council provided for the election in each township of a supervisor and other
township officers; and on the same day another act of the council was




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


193


approved providing for the meeting of the supervisors of the several
townships at the county seat annually, on the third Mondays of January,
April, July and October, and at such other times as they should find convenient, but not exceeding eight days in any one year. They were empowered to appoint their own clerk, and on the I2th of April following
they formally abolished the board of county commissioners and vested
the power thereof in the board of supervisors.
FIRST SUPERVISORS' MEETING
The first meeting of the board of supervisors of Oakland county was
held at the old log court house, at Pontiac, which had been erected in
1824, on the third Monday and Tuesday in July, 1827. The following
were present: Roger Sprague, Oakland township; S. V. R. Trowbridge,
Troy; Lemuel Castle, Bloomfield; Amos Mead, Farmington, and Jacob
N. Voorheis, Pontiac. Mr. Sprague was chosen chairman and Joseph
Morrison, clerk.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND SUPERVISORS
Under the territorial law three commissioners were appointed by the
governor to transact the necessary county business, which law continued
in force until 1825, when the office became elective and was thus until
1827, when, as stated, it was abolished by the board of township supervisors established in its place. In 1839 the board of supervisors for the
county was abolished, the supervisors continued as township officers, and a
board of county commissioners again established, which was in force until
1842, when it was again displaced by a board of supervisors.
SOME EARLY ASSESSMENTS
At the October meeting, held on the I5th of the month, a per diem of
one dollar was fixed as the full compensation for the services of all township officers not otherwise provided for. The amount raised for county
purposes was $I,940.69, the total assessment therefore being $388,138,
by townships as follows: Pontiac, $I23,328; Bloomfield, $72,254; Troy,
$68,680; Oakland, $77,466; Farmington, $47,40o. The taxes were all collected with the exception of $211.89 on non-resident lands and $6 delinquent personal tax-a pretty good record, and one which would hardly
be made (that is, taxes collected in proportion to the assessments) in
these days.
The assessments and taxes (the latter divided into county and town)
for 1828 were as follows:
Town                            Assessment     Tax
Pontiac.......$................$Io6,377  $  447.24
Bloomfield.......... 59,368                  299.84
Troy............................  63,190    223.04
Oakland.........................  66,074    293.07
Farmington...... 44,000                      168.53
Total........................$339,009   $1,431.72




194


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


The property assessed in 1828 consisted of horses and cattle of one
year old and upward, wagons, carts, clocks and watches, all assessed at
their actual value. Notes, bonds, money and stock in trade were all assessed similarly and indebtedness was deducted therefrom.
At the March session, 1830, the following, called by the officials "a
moderate cash valuation," was fixed by the board as the rates of assessment for that year: Stallions kept for stock purposes, $I50; other horses
(first, second and third rate), $75, $40 and $20 respectively; oxen for the
same rates, $50, $40 and $30 per yoke; cows, same grades, $I6, $I2 and
$8; hogs, over one year old, $1.50; sheep not valued.
In March, 1831, the job of completing the courthouse was let to John
W. Hunter and G. O. Whittemore; and at the same meeting in 1833 the
balance was paid to the contractors and the work accepted.
At the October session of 1831, Southfield township was first represented on the board, Henry S. Babcock being the supervisor. At the
March meeting, 1832, Gardner D. Williams, supervisor of Sagana township (Saginaw county) appeared, and at the October session of 1833
the following newly organized townships were represented by their first
supervisors: Royal Oak, Major Curtis; Novi, Samuel Hungerford;
Grand Blanc (Genesee county), Norman Davison.
The townships of 1833 showed up thus financially: Novi was assessed
at $85,94I, and yielded $526.22 in taxes; Royal Oak, $28,966 and
$I91.55 respectively, and Grand Blanc, $22,906 and $229.06.
Four new townships were represented in October, I834-Commerce,
by Harvey Dodge; West Bloomfield, by Terrel Benjamin; Lyon, by William Dutcher; and Mia (Lapeer county), by Oliver Bristol. At this
meeting, also, the bounty of five dollars for wolf scalps was repealed, and
one of three dollars, in conjunction with the state bounty of ten dollars,
offered. During the preceding seven years (since 1827) about three
hundred and seventy wolves had been killed in Oakland county.
The three Oakland county townships were assessed and taxed as follows: West Bloomfield, $40,971 and $226.44; Lyon, $34,364 and $247.I I;
Commerce, $16,436 and $90.49.
The six new townships of 1835 yielded the following, as to assessment of property and taxes: Avon, $89,209 and $516.87; Waterford,
$36,058 and $184.53; Highland, $23,238 and $149.99; Milford, $22,034
and $I57.37; Orion, $21,530 and $125.91; Groveland, $10,089 and $63.05.
In October, 1835, the new township of Waterford sent Isaac I. Voorheis as a member of the board of supervisors (he had represented Pontiac on the preceding board);,Milford, Abel Peck; Highland, R. Tenny;
Avon, William Price; Groveland, Nathan Herrick; and Orion, Jesse
Decker. In the following year only one township was created-White
Lake, with Alexander Galloway as supervisor.
The six new towns which were created in 1836 bore the following
proportion of assessment and taxes: Addison, $59,063 and $354.55; Brandon, $43,666 and $230.68; Oxford, $62,509 and $354.55; Independence,
$73,1I8 and $379.I6; Rose, $63,727 and $385.51; Springfield, $73,437
and $432.27.
In 1837 Addison township elected Lyman Boughton as its first supervisor; Brandon, G. P. Thurston; Independence, J. Clark, and Rose town



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


195


ship, J., A. Wandle. Oxford and Springfield paid taxes that year, but
were not represented at the October meeting of the board of supervisors.
CIRCLE OF TOWNSHIPS COMPLETED
At the October meeting of 1838, Holly came into and completed the
circle of townships, with J. T. Allen as her first supervisor. Her property was assessed at $66,634; taxes, $406.56. But the legislature of the
state did not seem to take kindly to the system of township and county
government and in the year named changed it from a board of supervisors to a body of county commissioners. On the 7th of January, 1839,
Isaac I. Voorheis, George Brownell and William M. Axford were sworn
in as the first three commissioners, with Mr. Voorheis as chairman. At
this meeting they elected the first county superintendents of the poorWilliam Price, Harvey Seeley and Friend Belding-and abolished the
distinction between county and township poor.
The dates of the organization of the various townships of the county
are given in the state census report of 1874 as follows:


Addison...................I837
Avon.....................  835
Bloomfield................I 827
Brandon..................  837
Commerce................. 834
Farmington............... I827
Groveland.................  835
Highland..................  835
H olly.....................  838
Independence............. 836
Lyon.....................  834
M ilford...................  834
N ovi......................  832


Oakland...................  827
Orion....................835
Oxford................... 1837
Pontiac................... 827
Rose.....................837
Royal  Oak................ 832
Southfield.................  830
Springfield................  836
Troy......................  827
W aterford................ 834
West Bloomfield........... 833
White Lake...............836


*ROSTER OF COUNTY OFFICIALS
From this time on, the civil government of Oakland county developed
along the usual lines, and is largely a matter of dry records which are
open to every citizen. The roster of county officials is given, as follows:
County clerks-Sidney Dole, 1820 to January I, 1827; Elias Comstock,
1827 to January I, 1837; Horatio N. Howard, 1835 to January I, 1837;
Charles Draper, 1837 to January I, 1839; Pierce Patrick, 1839 to January I, 1843; Joseph R. Bowman, 1843 to January I, 1849; John T.
Raynor, 1849 to January I, 1853; Alfred Treadway, 1853 to January I,
1855; Edward W. Peck, 1855 to January I, 1859; Charles V. Babcock,
1859 to January I, 1861; Zepheniah B. Knight, I86I to January I, I863;
Phillip M. Parker, 1863 to January I, i865; James D. Bateman, i865 to
January I, 1867; John Fitzpatrick, 1873 to January I, 1875; Theodorus
W. Lockwood, 1875 to January I, 1877; Daniel L. Davis, 1877 to January I, i88i; Mark Walter, I88I to January I, 1883; Charles M. Fay,
* For prosecuting attorneys see Chapter IX.
Vol. I-1 3




196


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


1883 to January I, 1887; Charles P. Grow, 1887 to January I, 1891;
Frederick Wieland, 1891 to January i, 1895; Frederick Harris, 1895 to
January I, 1899; George A. Brown, 1899 to January 24, I9Io (resigned);
Floyd B. Backcock, I9I0 to date.
Registers of deeds-Sidney Dole, 1820 to January I, 1827; Thomas J.
Drake, I827 to January I, 1831; Walter Sprague, 1831 to january I,
1835; Francis Darrow, I835 to January I, I837; Morgan L. Drake, 1837
to January i, I839; Ransom R. Belding, 1830 to January I, 1843; Thomas
J. Hunt, 1843 to January i, 1847; E. H. Budington, 1847 to January I,
1851; Theron A. Flower, I851 to January I, 1853; Robert W. Davis,
I853 to January I, I857; Joel P. Toms, I857 to January I, I859; Charles
A. Howard, I859 to January I, I86I; Daniel A. Button, I86I to January
i, I869; Robert W. Davis, I869 to January I, I871; Thaddeus A. Smith,
1875 to January I, I877; James H. Harger, I877 to January I, I88I;
Ludovic R. Cole, I88I to January I, I885; Daniel Morrison, I885 to January I, I889; Melvin D. Sly, I889 to January I, I89I; Gleason F. Perry,
1891 to January I, 1895; William T. Mathews, I895 to January I, 1899;
Albert G. Griggs, I899 to January I, 1903; George F. Brondige, 1903 to
January I, 1906; Charles H. Glaspie, 90o6 to January I, I909; Harry S.
Gardner, 1909 to date.
County treasurers-William  Thompson, 1825 to January I, I829;
Samuel Saterlee, I829 to January I, 1835; James A. Weeks, 1835 to January I, 1837; John P. LeRoy, 1837 to January I, 1839; Horace C. Thurber, 1839 to January I, 1843; Bernard C. Whittemore, 1843 to January I,
1845; William C. Henderson, I845 to January I, 1849; Jacob Hendrickson, 1849 to January I, 185I; Samuel E. Beach, I851 to January I, 1857;
Harry C. Andrews, 1857 to January I, I86I; Erasmus E. Sherwood, I86I
to January I, 1863; Robert Yerkes, 1863 to January i, i865; Charles C.
Waldo, I865 to January i, I867; Lysander Woodward, 1867 to January
i, 187I; Hiram Voorheis, 187I to January i, 1873; Albert B. Simpson,
1873 to January i, I877; Alanson Partridge, 1877 to January i, i881;
Erasmus E. Sherwood, i88I to January I, 1885; John Allen Bigelow,
I885 to January i, I889; George Killam, I889 to January I, 1893; James
S. Gray, 1893 to January I, 1895; H. Frank Stone, 1895 to January I,
1899; James L. Hogle, 1899 to January I, 1903; Judson L. Sibley, 90o3
to January i, 1907; John Power, 1907 to January I, 910o; George B.
Richardson, I910 to date.
Sheriffs-William Morris, I820 to January i, 1828; Schuyler Hodges,
1828 to January I, 1829; Hervey Parke,.829 to January i, 1832; Orisen
Allen, 1832 to January i, I837; Caleb Buckman, 1837 to January i, 1841;
Warren Hunt, 184I to January I, 1845; Edward Martin, I845 to January
I, I849; Moses G. Spear, I849 to January I, 1853; Arthur Davis, 1853
to January i, 1857; Clark Beardsley, 1857 to January i, I86I; Austin N.
Kimmis, I86I to January i, I865; Samuel E. Beach, 1865 to January I,
1869; William Satterlee, 1869 to January i, 1871; Edwin S. Harger, 1871
to January i, 1873; Ahizah J. Wixom, 1873 to January I, 1875; Edwin
S. Harger, I875 to January i, I877; Lovett W. Stanton, 1877 to January
i, I88I; Hiram L. Lewis, i88I to January i, 1885; Christopher S. Voorheis, i885 to January i, 1887; Salmon S. Matthews, 1887 to January i,
1889; Martin W. Bloomburg, I889 to January I, 1893; Hiram Killum,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


197


1893 to January I, I895; John K. Judd, 1895 to January I, 1899; Richard
D. Belt, 1899 to January I, 1901; William A. Brewster, 1901 to January I, 1905; George Greer, 1905 to January I, I909; Chauncey A. Harris, I909 to January I, I9II; Arthur J. Tripp, present incumbent (I912.)
Coroners-This office was filled by appointment until October, 1825,
when it became elective. The records show the following incumbents: S.
V. R. Trowbridge and Joseph Morrison, 1829; S. V. R. Trowbridge, 1832;
Pierre Patrick, 1835; Leonard Weed and Orange Foote, I836; William
Terry and Nathan Herrick, 1838; Nathaniel A. Baldwin and Benjamin
Marcer, I840; Daniel V. Bissell and John Vincent, 1842; Jonathan T.
Allen, 1844; Jonathan T. Allen and Jacob Loop, I846; Bela Coggeshall
and William R. Marsh, 1848; Elias S. Woodman and Bela Coggeshall,
I850; Archibald Waterbury and Everett Wendell, 1852; Ziba Swan and
Harrison Smith, I854; Charles V. Babcock and Benjamin V. Redfield,
I856; Francis B. Owen and Hosea B. Richardson, 1858; Hosea B. Richardson and Zuriel Curtis, I86o; Stephen Reeves and Corydon E. Fay,
1862; Orrin E. Bell and Abram Miller, I864; Archibald H. Green and
Orange Culver, I866; Curtis Babcock and John Campbell, i868; David A.
Wright and Carlo Glazier, 1870; Ira Goodrich and John Highfield, 1872;
George P. Hungerford and George E. Proper, 1874; George P. Hungerford and David A. Wright, 1876; John Lacy and Alexander I. Culver,
1878; George D. Cowdin and John Highfield, I880; George Niles and
Carnot N. Northrop, 1882; Andrew J. Culver and Allen P. Wright, 1884;
Andrew J. Culver and George Niles, 1886; Andrew J. Culver and Joseph
W. Seeley, I888; John Lessiter and Nathan J. Smith, I890; Elbert J.
Kelly and John Lessiter, 1892; Chauncey Brace and Charles D. Howard,
1894; Chauncey Brace and Elbert J. Kellogg, i896; Chauncey Brace and
Mason N. Leonard, 1898; Chauncey Brace and Clark J. Sutherland, I9oo;
Ora C. Farmer and John W. Fox, 1902; Ora C. Farmer and Chauncey
Brace, I9o8, present incumbents (I912).
County surveyors-Previous to the organization of the county, the territorial surveyors had run it into townships. Colonel Wampler, Hervey
Parke and Horatio Ball had been the most prominent who worked in Oakland county, and their labors have already been noted. Mr. Ball surveyed
the road from Detroit to Pontiac and marked the "royal oak" with the
letter "H." The bulk of Captain Parke's work was accomplished in I82I9, as is evident from his interesting personal narrative, published elsewhere.
John Mullet was the first district surveyor and appointed Captain
Parke his deputy in 1822. The surveying was in charge of district surveyors until I833, when a county surveyor was elected. Calvin C. Parks
held the office in 1833-4, and Captain Parke was elected in the following
year; then came John Southard, in I837-8; Captain Parke again in I839 -40, and Mr. Southard in 1841-2. Since 1842 the county surveyors regularly elected have been as follows: Hiram Barritt, 1843; Algernon Merriweather, 1845 and 1847; Sloane Cooley, 1849; John Southard, 1851;
Carlos Harmon, 1853; Henry Nicholson, I855; Hervey Parke, I857;
Reuben Russell, 1859; Hervey Parke, I86I; Sloane Cooley, 1863; Elias
C. Martin, I865; Reuben Russell, 1867; Horatio Merryweather, 1869;
Julian Bishop, 1875 and 1877; Hiram Terry, 1878; Quincy A. Thomas,




198           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
i880; Joseph Rennier, 1882; Sloane Cooley, i886; Reuben Russell, i888;
Samuel J. Serrell, I890 and I892; Reuben Russell, 1894 to I902; Franklin A. Slater, I902, present incumbent (I9I2).
ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES
In 1876 the total assessment and taxes for the twenty-five townships
of Oakland county and Pontiac city presented the following exhibit:
Townships                    Assessment     *Taxes


Addison.....................$
Avon.......................
Bloomfield.........
Brandon.....................
Commerce...................
Farmington..................
Groveland...................
Highland...................
Holly........................
Independence................
Lyon........................
Milford..................
N ovi........................
Oakland...................
O rion......................
Oxford...........
Pontiac township............
Pontiac  city..................
Rose......................
Royal Oak...................
Southfield....................
Springfield...................
Troy........................
W aterford...................
West Bloomfield..............
W hite  Lake.................


241,440
542,470
534,920
222,200
321,480
534, 00oo
204,9Io
272,010
330,195
368,000
410,110
420,408
438,225
366,I95
278,110
330,750
368,845
891,315
225,890
285,680
375,370
260,340
5I0,730
375,900
323,880
222,180


$ 3,359-52
8,735.I6
8,35I.7I
4,464.38
4,944.99
9,069.9o
3,484.49
3,926.83
8,428.15
6.097.23
5,792.59
8,539-35
6,9I7.20
5,I95.27
4,336.99
5,539.66
4,645.72
34,472.06
3,374.39
5,384.74
5,7I2.65
4,081.05
6,882.03
6,534.69
5,I53-05
3,793.90
$I77,2I7.70


Total.................      $9,655,733


Following are the figures for October, i880, showing the real and
personal property of Oakland county by townships and the city of Pontiac, as equalized by the committee appointed for that purpose by the
board of supervisors:


Townships                 Real Estate
Addison.....................$   484,620
Avon.......................  I,058,650
Bloomfield................    I,083,950
Brandon....................   467,750
* State, county, town and school.


Personal
$II0,445
296,o80
194,040
92,600


Total
$ 595,o60
I,354,730
1,277,990
560,350




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY19


199


Townships                    Real Estate      Personal        Total
Commerce...........$                634,610o      142,130     $   776,740
Farmington..1.......,048,550      188,750       1,237,300
Groveland...........                 447,980       47,020         495,000
Highland...........                 620,860       53,1I70        674,030
Holly.............                   664,450      i67,590         832,040
Independence.........               750,560      134,940         885,500
Lyon.............                    843,060      i67,430      I1,0I0,490
Milford............                  884,830      192,10I       1,076,840
Novi..9...........                   16,155      I34,945       1,051,100
Oakland...........                  75I,580      142,290         893,870
Orion............                  562,580        88,480        651i,06o
Oxford............                   741,413      1 52,617        894,030
Pontiac............                  745,040     I110,070         855, 11I0
First ward (Pontiac)......           278,855      120,515         399,370
Second ward (Pontiac).....           298,435       77,1I05        375,540
Third ward (Pontiac).....           434,090      153,760         587,850
Fourth ward (Pontiac).....           564,680      265,170,        829,850
Rose.............                   476,280        79,460         555,740
Royal,Oak..........                637,060       54,450         69i,5 10
Southfield...........                775,090      164,390         939,480
Springfield.574....3..0..82,6                                    656,77J
Troy.1...........,039,930     134,580       1,174,5IQ
Waterford...........                 755,100      T30,320         885,420
West Bloomfield........             681,260      127,210         808,470
White Lake..........                 493,660       96,820     *590,480
Totals.......... $19,71i6, i88              $3,900,042    $23,61i6,230
As thus equalized the total taxes levied in the countyT amounted to
$68,88.5,of which the state tax was $33,534.63 and the county $3,
3 53.191.
Within the next decade, as shown f rom. the same source for i89o,
the real estate of the county had reached a valuation of $19,o62,o90 and
the personal property wvas assessed at $3,937,910. In 1891 the taxes
were apportioned as follows: State tax, $37,821.19; county tax, $4I,000.
In igoo the real estate, as equalized, amounted to $22,084,805 and
the personal property, as assessed at $6,695,778; total, $28,740,583. The
committee on ways and means apportioned the taxes thus: State, $78,961.56; county, $35,000.
For purposes of comparison with the figures of i88o, the value of the
real estate, as equalized, and of personal property, as assessed, is given
for the year 191 T


Townships
Addison..............$
Avon...............
Bloomfieldl............
Brandon..............
Commerce.............
Farmington............


Real
Estate
637,500
1,~822,950
2,400,1i80
711,205
66i,8oo
1,405,800


Personal
Property
$ 108,755
450,150
669,750
241,715
15o,8oo
459,450


Total
$ 746,255
2,273, 100
3,06)9,950
952,920
812,6oo
1,865,250




200


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Townships                    Real Estate
Groveland.......................$  515,090
Highland.........................  748,640
Holly.................. 1,166,325
Independence....................   774,200
Lyon............................  987,870
M ilford.........................  943,290
Novi.............................  951,650
Oakland..........................  757,635
Orion............................  I,ooI,300
Oxford..........................  1,193,750
Pontiac township..................  834,060
Pontiac  City..................... 7,392,000
Rose............................  629,330
Royal Oak........................,850,395
Southfield.........................,044,525
Springfield........................  588,250
Troy............................ 1,222,270
Waterford........................  850,960
West Bloomfield.................. 1,06,975
White  Lake.......................  546,130


Personal   Total
$  84,175 $  599,265
175,375    924,015
306,125  1,472,450
238,100   I,1O2,300
255,600  I,243,470
170,120  1,113,410
136,750  1,088,400
149,450    907,085
210,235  1,211,535
360,930  1,554,680
88,I70    922,230
4,703,000  12,095,000
87,570    716,90o
331,790  2,182,185
168,650  1,213,175
130,400    718,650
246,450  1,468,720
162,310  1,013,270
551,68o  1,613,655
94,200    640,330


Totals......................$32,699,080 $10,731,700 $43,430,780
As assessed on the equalized valuation the taxes. were apportioned
for 1911 as follows: State tax, $128,294.08; county tax, $85,670.
POPULATION FOR NINETY YEARS
The population of Oakland county since its organization, according
to the decadal enumerations of the United States census bureau, has been
as follows:
1820....................  330  1870....................40,867
1830....................  4,910  88o....................41,537
1840....................23,646  i89o....................41,235
1850....................31,270  1900....................44,792
186o....................38,261  191I....................49,576
For purposes of more detailed comparison the 'following table comprising the last three enumerations of the national census, is herewith
presented.


1910
Oakland  county............................49,576
Addison township, including Leonard village...... 1,043
Leonard village............................  313
Avon township, including Rochester village........ 2,657
Rochester village...........................  1,516
Bloomfield township, including Birmingham village. 2,833
Birmingham village......................... I,607
Brandon'township, including Ortonville village.... 1,129
Ortonville  village...........................  377


190o   I890
44,792 41,245
I,II6  1,139
335   276
2,584  I,946
1,535   900
2,296 2,044
1,170   899
1,179  1,260




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                     201
I910  I900   1890
Commerce township....................     986  1,124  I,I13
Farmington township, including Farmington village. 1,788  I,753  1,639
Farmington  village.........................  564  530  320
Groveland  township...........................  772  828  917
Highland  township............................  I,40  1,142  1,393
Holly township, including Holly village......... 2,278 2,266 2,I20
Holly  village..............................  1,537  1,419  1,266
Independence township, including Clarkston village. 1,144  1,191  1,297
Clarkston  village...........................  345  360  387
Lyon township, including South Lyon village...... 1,427  1,569  i,660
South  Lyon  village..........................  615  657  707
Milford township, including Milford village...... 1,660  1,866  1,962
M ilford  village................................  973  I,I08  I,138
Novi township................................  1,226  1,245  1,306
Oakland township......................  702  870   896
Orion township, including Orion village.......... 1,393  1,507  1,297
Orion  village...............................  717  756  522
Oxford township, including Oxford village....... 1,934  1,990  2,080
Oxford  village.............................  1,191  1,172  1,128
Pontiac city........................ 14,532 9,769 6,200
W ard...................................  1,858
W ard   2...................................  3,264
W ard   3...................................  2,971
W ard  4...................................  4,45
Ward 5...................................,987
Ward 5.~1,987
Pontiac  township.............................  953  i,oI6  947
Rose  township................................  842  862  958
Royal Oak township, including Royal Oak village.. 2,801  2,012  1,844
Royal Oak  village...........................  1,071  468...
Southfield  township...........................  1,288  1,378  1,444
Springfield  township...........................  821  906  1,064
Troy  township................................  1,507  1,527  1,470
W aterford  township...........................  1,065  I,079   I,I63
West Bloomfield township..................... 1,113  999,229
White Lake township.......................... 642    718   857
The relative rank among the counties of the state has been: 1840,
second, being only exceeded by Wayne, with Washtenaw a close third;
1850, still second (gaining faster than Washtenaw and being left rapidly
behind by Wayne); I860, yet second, but being hard pressed by Lenawee county, and having only about half the population of Wayne; I870,
fourth, having been overtaken by Kent and Lenawee counties and running neck and neck with Saginaw; I880, sixth, being exceeded by Wayne,
Kent, Saginaw, Lenawee and St. Clair, in the order named, and having
about one-fourth the population of Wayne; 1890, eleventh, its ten predecessors being Wayne, Kent, Saginaw, Bay, St. Clair, Lenawee, Jackson, Calhoun, Washtenaw and Berrien (by only 40); I900, twelfth,
with some changes in the relative position of Calhoun (seventh), Berrien, Jackson and Washtenaw and the displacement of Bay as fourth
by Houghton county; I9IO, thirteenth, the order of the counties being




202


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Wayne, Kent, Saginaw, Houghton, Bay, Genesee, Kalamazoo, Calhoun,
Berrien, Jackson, Huron, St. Clair and Oakland.
INCORPORATED MUNICIPALITIES
From the last "Michigan Manual" is condensed the following relating to the incorporation of the cities and villages of the county:
Pontiac-Incorporated as a village by the state legislature, 1837;
amended, 1838, I842, 1843, 1845, I850. Incorporated as a city by
legislature, 1861; act relating to, 1861; charter amended 1865, I869,
1871, I877, I88I, 1885, I889, I905, 1907.
Birmingham-Incorporated as a village by Board of Supervisors in
I864; limits extended by legislative act, 1883; reincorporated by act of
legislature, 1885.
Clarkston-Incorporated as a village by Board of Supervisors in
I884; reincorporated by legislative act, I889.
Farmington-Incorporated as a village by state law in 1867; charter
amended in I869, I875; reincorporated in 1887; amended, limits extended, I89I.
Holly-Incorporated as a village by state law, I865; charter revised,
1873; amended, I893.
Leonard-Incorporated as a village by Board of Supervisors in 1889;
reincorporated by act of the legislature, I893.
Milford-Incorporated as a village by state law in I869; charter
amended in I87I; reincorporated, i88i.
Orion-Incorporated as a village by state law in I859; charter repealed by legislature in 1863; reincorporated by state law, 1869; amended
by legislative act, 1879, 1889; reincorporated by act of legislature, 1891.
Ortonville-Incorporated as a village by Board of Supervisors in
I902; by legislative act, I903.
Oxford-Incorporated as a village by Board of Supervisors in I876;
reincorporated by legislative act, I89I.
Royal Oak-Incorporated as a village by legislative act in 1891.
South Lyon-Incorporated as a village by state law in 1873; and by
legislative act in I885; reincorporated by legislative act in 189I.
THE COUNTY COURTHOUSES
The $Ioo,ooo courthouse, which is the home of the government and
judiciary of Oakland county, is a gem of taste and an ideal of convenience and comfort among the public buildings of southern Michigan.
Its cornerstone was laid by the grand lodge of Masons of the state of
Michigan, August 30, 1904, and the civic ceremonies included addresses
by James H. Lynch, president of the day, Daniel L. Davis and others,
and music by the Pontiac band. The new court room was dedicated
November I, I905, the address of welcome being by George W. Smith,
circuit judge, and the dedicatory address by Andrew L. Moore. John
H. Patterson spoke on "Our Beloved Country," and Chief Justice Joseph
B. Moore indulged in a series of interesting "Reminiscences."
The public exercises on November 2d embraced a military parade




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


203


0
C-)
0
C)
0
0
C,




204


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and exercises at the Howland Opera House. Aaron Perry presided over
the latter and delivered an interesting and finished address of welcome.
Mrs. Sybil B. Cleary accepted the rest rooms in the basement of the
courthouse in behalf of the ladies of Pontiac and Thomas E. Barkworth delivered the dedicatory address.
The address of welcome to the members of the bar delivered by
Judge Smith was so alive with facts and manly sentiment that the chief
portion of it-that is, the part which deals more especially with the
history of the courthouses which had been the scenes of so much which
was dear and important to the profession and the people-is here reproduced: "The first term of court in this city was held in an old log
building which stood near the site of the present Hotel Woodward, in
the year 1820. Judge Crofoot, in describing this building, spoke of it
as without door, floor or chimney. In 1824 a courthouse and jail combined was built on the lot where the present jail stands. The first story
constituted the jail and was constructed of squared logs. The cells for
prisoners were made of six-inch plank sawed at the village of Rochester.
The second story was a framed structure and contained a court room
with a sheriff's residence adjoining it. No room for offices existed in
this building.
"In 1848, there was erected upon the front portion of the present
site, a long one-story building with a roof sloping towards the front,
with a balustrade on which was painted in large letters the words,
'Oakland County Offices.' In 1858 the courthouse of 1824 and this
long, one-story building were abandoned for the courthouse, we of the
present generation know as the immediate predecessor of the present
building. The cost of that building was $12,000, and of the fire-proof
vaults placed therein in 1875, $5,ooo. Its was dedicated on March I8,
1858, with considerable ceremony and with an eloquent address by
Judge Crofoot. Its court room was the home of the circuit court for
the county of Oakland until May 20, 1904. On that date the old court
room was formally abandoned. Hon. William W. Stickney, of Lapeer,
and Justice Joseph B. Moore, of Lansing, ex-judges of this court, were
present. Also the members of the Oakland county bar, and a large
number of representative citizens. A scholarly and most appropriate
address, one that ranks well up with that of Judge Crofoot, was delivered by the Hon. Aaron Perry, president of the bar, and the next
day the beloved portraits that had so long been a part of the room were
taken down from its walls.
"In speaking of this room, Mr. Perry said: 'During the last fortysix years this room has on many occasions resounded to the melodious
cadences and fiery appeals of eloquent advocates, as well as to some
speeches that have been dull and commonplace-to speeches that have
fired the jurors with indignation, or suffused their eyes with tearsand to some that have lulled their wearied minds to involuntary slumber.'
"It was never well arranged for a court room and it had no architectural beauty. But what the old room lacked in beauty, it made up
in size. Besides being the home of the court, it was used in the early
years for singing schools, lectures, school exhibitions and school elections, and political meetings and farmers' meetings of all kinds. All




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


205


county political conventions were held in it, and there were many times
when it was packed to the limit as rival candidates struggled for places
upon the county ticket. It is almost literally true that forty-six years
of the history of this county was made in that old court room. With
it are associated memories of some of the most notable trials, civil and
criminal, in the history of the state. With it are associated memories of
some of the most diligent and forceful lawyers and judges of the state.
I omit their names because others today are likely to refer to them by
name.


COURTHOUSE OF 1857-8


"Merely as a matter of future history, it should be stated that from
May 20, 1904, to the present time, the county officers, with their files,
books and records, have been quartered in the Davis block (so-called)
and the sessions of this court were held in the basement of the Congregational church. During that time, many have attended church who
had sadly neglected that duty. It is to be hoped that the religious surroundings and appropriate mottoes of that basement Sunday school
room have not been entirely lost upon the jurors or upon the members
of the legal profession. I am quite sure that they failed to sufficiently
influence some of the witnesses.




206


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


"To the older members of this bar, the old court room brings back
many splendid and precious memories. Its surroundings and the work
done there almost became a part of their daily lives. Its splendid history moved them to zeal and activity. The portraits on its walls of the
eminent judges and lawyers seemed to inspire as to imitate them not
only in professional skill, but in professional courtesy and professional
honor. And after all,-what is professional skill to the lawyer, if he
has not also professional courtesy and professional honesty?  Professional skill alone is merely the power to earn money from the profession of law, and it leaves its possessor without honor, without conscience,
without the respect of the community in which he lives, and without
the love and confidence of his brethren of the profession.
"And now after forty-six years in the old room and seventeen
months of boarding out, we are about to begin life in this new home.
The old room is but a memory. The new is a reality. We are not here
merely to cherish a memory, but to engage in the activities of the present
and to prepare for those of the future. My pleasing duty is to welcome you to the new room-to rejoice with you because of the new
home."
The following history of the movement which resulted in the erection of the beautiful courthouse which has been the home of county
affairs since 1904 is thus given by the official publication issued by the
board of supervisors under the title "Memorial of the New Oakland
County Building:" "It has taken more than three and a half years to
evolve the idea and to complete the construction of Oakland county's
magnificent temple of justice and place of business for the people. Prior
to the spring of I902, for a long period there were resolutions introduced
before the board of supervisors to submit the proposition to the voters
of the county.
"Finally in January, 1902, the supervisors passed a resolution to
bring the matter officially before the people at the April election. That
spring the proposition for a new building for the county executives was
defeated. However, during the January meeting of the supervisors the
following year a banquet was held at the Hodges House, after which
there was much discussion by members of the county's lawmakers, the
city aldermen and various prominent taxpayers of the county at large.
"At that time the sentiment against the inadequate quarters provided
for the officials was strong and seemed to be pretty well crystalized in
favor of a new building. Again the matter was brought before the
voters in the April election in I904 and was carried by a large majority.
So much publicity had been given the proposition by the newspapers
throughout the county showing the great need for a better building,
that the people resolved to support it and it was carried by a good
majority.
"Result of second vote:
For   Against Total
Addison.........................  89    131    220
Avon.........................  244   289    533
Bloomfield.......................  92  II9    3  I




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


207


For
Brandon.....................     112
Commerce....................  92
Farmington..................... 203
Groveland.......................  32
Holly...........................203
Highland........................  86
Rose............................  62
Royal Oak.......................  I42
Oxford..........................  Io
Orion..........................   69
Oakland.........................  22
Milford.........................  7I
Novi............................  88
Springfield.......................  62
Southfield.......................  98
W aterford.......................  I93
West Bloomfield................ 123
White Lake...................  66
Pontiac township.................  6
Troy............................  89
Lyon............................ 127
Independence................      94
Pontiac-ist Ward...............272
2d  W ard............... 448
3d  W ard............... 429
4th  W ard............... 454
5th  W ard............... 270
Total....................... 4,757


Against
174
I58
I59
I39
327
i86
I46
96
315
148
122
373
I49
II7
57
73
86
9I
27
52
162
IOI
21
25
48
62
34
3,987


Total
286
250
362
I7I
530
272
208
238
424
317
144
444
237
179
I55
266
209
I57
I43
I4I
289
I95
293
473
477
5I6
304
8,744


"Shortly after the election the board of supervisors made no delay in
taking up the question of the site of the new courthouse, and ordered its
counsel to file a bill quieting the title in the county of the old property, on
which the old and new courthouses were erected. From all townships
came persons who had numerous ideas as to where the building should be
located, and from all parts opinions differed. Some were in favor of selling the old site and constructing the new building on many other properties, such as the Pound homestead on east Huron street, the Hinman
property on West Pike street, the Cortrite lots on West Pike street, or
the Earl lands on North Saginaw street. Many other sites were offered
and about a year's time was consumed by the supervisors in discussion
and endeavoring to reach a conclusion as to which was the most desirable location. This discussion continued for some time and finally culminated when the board ordered the bill filed in chancery dismissed and
later voted to build on the old site.
"After the question of the location was decided the supervisors proceeded to advertise for plans. Several of the greatest architects in the
United States submitted their ideas and after a careful study those of
Joseph E. Mills, of Detroit, were voted as the best. The plans fur



208


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


nished by Mr. Mills to the board called for a building costing $94,000,
not including the architect's fee of $5,000.
"After the plans had been agreed upon the county officers proceeded
to take temporary quarters in the Davis block, where they moved in
June, I904, and remained until the present time.
"A building committee was appointed, consisting of Frank J. Vowles,
chairman of the board and acting as chairman of the building committee; Frank Thurstin, Oakland; Henry Lavery, Royal Oak; LeRoy
N. Brown, Independence; Charles A. Fisher, Pontiac; John Power,
Farmington, and Ezra Gardner, Oxford. After the death of L. N.
Brown, E. L. Davis acted in, his place.
"The building committee met twice each month and awarded the
contract to build to John G. Schmidt, of Toledo."
COUNTY JAIL
COST OF COUNTY BUILDING
Appropriation.........0.................... $I0,O.00O
Accumulated interest and premium on bonds....  3,I42.99
Total..............................................$103,142.99
Schmidt's original contract....................$ 91,450.00
Schmidt's total for extras.....................  1,574.57
T otal..............................................$  93-024.57
Deductions from contract...............................  264.25
Total of Schmidt's contract, extras and reductions.......$ 92,760.32
Steel file cases, book racks and tables..........$  3,200.00
Electric  fixtures.............................  1,8oo.oo




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


209


Opera chairs for court room..................  747.50
Furniture..................................  2,991.01
Decorating interior of building................  3,000.00
Thermostat heat regulating system.............  535.00
Carpets, rugs and rubber matting..............  2,800.00
Cuspidors..................................    I23.75
Clocks.....................................     50.00
Hardware extra.............................    115.50
Architect's  services..........................  5,200.00
Total cost of building as erected and furnished........$113,323.18
Cost  above  appropriation............................ $  IO,80.I9
Items included in the above statement not usually included are as
follows:
Furniture..................................$  2,991.OI
Decorating interior of building................  3,000.00
Thermostat heat system....................    535.00
Carpets, rugs and matting....................  2,800.00
Cuspidors..................................    123.75
Clocks.....................................     50.00
Architect's services.........................  5,200.00
Total not usually included in giving cost of building.....$ I4,679.76
Deducting this amount from total cost as above given, building would cost........................................$ 98,623.42
PRESENT COURTHOUSE
This "beautiful temple of justice," as the board of supervisors rightly
called it, as received from the hands of Superintendent Rufus Swinehart, who represented John G. Schmidt, the contractor, of Toledo, on
the 2d of November, I905, is built of gray Cleveland sandstone and
fronts nearly ninety feet on West Huron street. Its imposing tower
of brick bears a statute of Justice of heroic size, about one hundred
and twelve feet above the level of the street. The two entrances and
doorways are flanked by two massive stone columns twenty-six feet in
height. Red entered largely into the color scheme, with tiled corridors
and marble wainscoting. Rest rooms for both men and women are in
the basement, which also contains offices for the commissioner of schools
and superintendents of the poor and a large audience room used chiefly
for school examinations. On the first floor are the other county offices
and the accommodations for the probate judge and on the second floor,
the circuit court room, which is beautifully decorated; office of the
prosecuting attorney, the supervisors' room and the judges private room.
Two features are especially noticeable on the first, or main floor.
Opposite the Saginaw street entrance and occupying much of the wall
space is a large and impressive painting of the great chief Pontiac, and
at the foot of the stairs as the visitor passes into the courthouse from
West Huron street, is a large marble tablet which presents a record




210


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


of historic value. Upon its face is inscribed the names of the building
committee holding office during the period of its erection, as follows:
Frank J. Vowles, chairman; John Power, Charles A. Fisher, Ezra
Gardner, Frank Thurston, LeRoy N. Brown, Henry N. Lowery and
E. Laverne Davis.
Also the following appear:
Frank J. Vowles, chairman, I903-4; Alfred B. Kinney, I905; Joseph
E. Mills, architect, Detroit; W. H. Dewey, local superintendent, Pontiac;
John G. Schmidt, contractor, Toledo.
The above are those officially connected with the erection of the
Oakland county courthouse, but there are few public buildings in southern Michigan in which the people as a whole have taken more interest
and with which the public are better satisfied, both from the viewpoints of beauty and utility, than this structure devoted to justice.
THE OAKLAND COUNTY HOME
Oakland county was one of the state leaders in the humane movement to abolish the name "almshouse" or "poorhouse" in connection
with the public institution which provides a refuge for the aged and
the sick, whose means are insufficient to give them shelter in private
institutions, or whose circumstances have perhaps bereft them of friends
or protecting relatives. At the annual convention of Michigan superintendents of the poor held in December, I903, it was unanimously recommended that the name County Home be substituted for the obnoxious
"Poorhouse," and Oakland county was among the first to adopt this
suggestion along the line of modern humanitarianism.
The first action taken by the authorities of Oakland county looking
towards the acquisition of a "county home" was that of the board of
supervisors of I834 at the October sessions, at which time a committee
of three were appointed to inquire into the expediency of procuring
such an institution for the county. Messrs. Yerkes, Steel and Gregory
were the committee, and they reported adversely to the project; but at
the same session another committee, consisting of Babcock, Castle,
Dutcher,-Gregory and Stephens, made inquiry as to the expediency of
acquiring a location for a county farm and reported in favor of purchasing eighty acres, which report was accepted and $700 appropriated.
The report of the committee was subsequently reconsidered and rejected, and another committee appointed to examine a location, consisting of Messrs. Castle, Curtis, Babcock, Dodge, Price and Voorheis;
and at the March sessions, I835, Messrs. Castle, Curtis and Voorheis
were elected a committee to take charge of the funds already raised
therefor, and to purchase and fit up a farm for county poor purposes
at an expense not exceeding $800, to be paid in four annual installments. This committee purchased the east half of the northeast quarter
of section 2, in Waterford, of Thaddeus Alvord, for $I,o50; and in
March, I836, there was an allowance of $788 made for the stock,
farming utensils and superintendent's salary.
The total expenses on account of such relief in I835 amounted to




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


211


$1,59I.31. On May 2, 1835, the committee advertised the building as
ready for occupancy.
In 1839 the county commissioners abolished the distinction of county
and township poor, assuming them all as a county charge. Theretofore,
only those persons who had acquired no legal residence in the county
had been helped directly by the supervisors as a county body corporate,
the townships providing for actual residents. At the first meeting of
the commissioners in January, I839, they also elected the first county
superintendents of the poor, viz.: William Price, Harvey Seeley and
Friend Belding, whose terms of office were fixed at three years. The
expense of the poorfarm system the first year was $2,083.68. This
farm bought in 1835 was occupied by the county until I857, when it
was turned in for a payment on a new farm purchased of one Mead,
in Waterford, of three hundred and seventeen acres, the old farm being
taken at $40 per acre, and the balance of the purchase-money on the
new purchase, $9,466.40, secured by mortgage. The land was situated
in Waterford, and was known as the northeast quarter and west half,
southeast quarter and southwest quarter, section 27, except ten acres
reserved therefrom.  There were good buildings on the farm.  In
January, I858, the board resolved to dispose of the Mead farm and buy
another containing about one hundred acres, and a committee reported
in favor of disposing of a portion of the Mead farm and erecting buildings on the balance. Mead offered to take back the land on the north
side of the road at $35 per acre, which proposition was not accepted by
the board of supervisors, but about the year I86o the farm reverted to
the original owner, Mead, by default in the payments on the mortgage,
and the first farm and the expense involved in remodeling the buildings
on the second farm was lost by the county. William W. Martin, of
Bloomfield, was then engaged by contract to support and care for the
county poor for some years, and received nine shillings per head weekly
for the same. At the October meeting, I863, the committee on the
poorhouse, F. W. Fifield, E. B. Comstock and Noah Tyler, reported as
follows: "In regard to the system now practiced of farming out the
paupers, it is extremely objectionable, repugnant to humanity, and in
opposition to the true interests of the county. The paupers under this
system are not cared for, or as comfortably situated as the dictates of
humanity or the requirements of justice demand, notwithstanding the
keeper is doing the best he can for them. The buildings in which they
are kept are inadequate to the wants and absolute necessities of the
inmates, and are uncouth, unshapely, and, worse, uncomfortable and
unwholesome, and the committee recommends the purchase of eighty
acres of land and the erection of suitable buildings at once."
In I864, in accordance with the recommendation, the board authorized the county superintendents to purchase a farm, and they accordingly bought, April I, I864, one hundred and twenty acres, being the
one-half of the northwest quarter, section 35, and the southeast quarter
of southwest quarter, section 26, township 3 north, range 9 east, of
Joel Benedict, for $4,833. This farm was subsequently sold to T. F.
Harrington, and on June 23, I866, one hundred acres purchased of
Mortimer F. Osman, being the east part of the northeast quarter, secVol. I-14




212


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


tion 24, in Waterford, for $6,ooo. On the 6th of April, I869, thirty
acres or more were purchased from Ira K. Terry, being the southwest
part of the northwest quarter, section I9, township 3 north, range io
east, for $2,500, the total cost of the land being $8,500, and the farm
containing about one hundred and thirty-seven acres. In January, I866,
the superintendents of the poor were authorized to receive proposals for
buildings on the county farm, the cost of which should not exceed $I5,ooo. The buildings were erected in 1866-67. The value of the property
was estimated by the county superintendents in their report to the secretary of state as follows: Farm and buildings, $29,295; live-stock on
the farm, $I,330; farming implements, $488; all other property, $900;
total valuation, $32,013.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR
The county superintendents of the poor have been as follows:
1839-42, William Price, Harvey Seeley and Friend Belding; 1842-44,
Samuel White, Ziba Swan, Jr. and Ira Donelson; 1845, Salmon J. Mathews, Orison Allen and Ira Donelson; 1846, George Patten, Ziba Swan,
Jr. and George Dow; 1847, C. H. Woodhull, Ira Marlin and George
Patten; I848, Isaac L. Voorheis, George Patten and Francis Darrow;
I849, Francis Darrow, G. Robertson and Friend Belding; I850 to 1853,
inclusive, James A. Weeks, I. I. Voorheis and William Yerkes; 1854,
I. I. Voorheis, Stephen Reeves and D. M. Judd; I855, Stephen Reeves,
F. Belding and Phil S. Frisbee; I856, H. W. Hovey, Henry Mead and
F. Belding; 1857, Almeron Whitehead, J. H. Button and F. Bradley;
1858, Almeron Whitehead, J. H. Button and Stephen Reeves; 1859-60,
no superintendents elected; I86I, J. H. Button, Robert M. Davis and
William Cone; 1862, James Newberry, J. H. Button and Andrew Bradford. In I863, three superintendents were elected, one for one year,
one for two years and one for three years. Andrew Bradford was elected
for the long term, James Newberry for two years and J. H. Button for
one year. J. H. Button was elected in 1864 for three years and again
in 1867 for three years, but resigned in I869. Bradford resigned in
1865 and Francis Baker was elected to fill the vacancy. James Newberry was reelected at the end of his first term of two years for a term
of three years. To continue the roster: Horace Thurber, 1866-69;
Caleb Terry, 1868-71; John W. Leonard, I869-71, to fill vacancy of
J. H. Button; William M. McConnell, 1871, 1874 and 1877; J. W.
Leonard, 1872, 1875 and 1878. Augustus W. Hovey was first elected
in 1870 and served for about thirty years. J. S. Stockwell holds the
second record in length of service, as he was in office from I886 to
1901. E. C. Beardslee, one of the three incumbents, was elected in
1902 and commenced his first term of service January I, 1903; his
present term expires January I, I9I5. Frank Harris served from I901
until his resignation, June 15, 1908, and was succeeded by William A.
Brewster, whose term will expire January I, I9I3. The third superintendent is E. D. Spooner, who commenced his first term January I,
I905; his present term expires January I, I914.
The farm and grounds of the county home compromise one hundred




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      213
acres (the old Osmun property) in Waterford township, and thirtyseven acres in the township of Pontiac. Although it has been improved,
modernized, and virtually rebuilt (mostly in 1902) the original residence building was erected in I868. Both interior and exterior, including the surrounding grounds, are neat and cheerful. In I870 the
building (forty by forty feet) now used as a horse barn, was erected,
but all the large outbuildings have gone up within the past decade.
These include the following: A house for the keeping of tools and
agricultural implements (thirty by forty feet) and an ice house (twenty
by twenty-two feet) in I902; the hog house and corn barn (forty by
forty) in I904; the large barn (thirty-six by seventy-six) for other
live stock and grain, in 1905; the hen house (twenty by thirty) in 1907
and the pumping plant, for fire protection, in I909. It is the evident
desire of the present superintendents of the poor, who are well supported by the board of supervisors, to not only safeguard all those committed to their care, but to make their lives comfortable and pleasant.
From seventy to one hundred are thus cared for, of whom two-thirds
are men. The total value of the county home property is estimated at
$35,000.




CHAPTER XIII


OAKLAND COUNTY IN STATE POLITICS
QUESTION  OF LAND TITLES-GOVERNOR CASS BRINGS STABILITYCHAMPIONS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS-THE STATE CONSTITUTIONSOAKLAND COUNTY'S PART IN CONSTITUTION MAKING-DOCTOR RAYNALE, DELEGATE TO 1835 CONVENTION-SENECA NEWBERRY, DELEGATE TO 1835 AND 1850 CONVENTIONS-STATE OFFICIALS, ELECTED
AND APPOINTED-TERRITORIAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES-SPEAKERS AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE —MICHIGAN LEGISLATORS FROM OAKLAND  COUNTY-STATE SENATORS-STATE REPRESENTATIVES-DISTURBANCES OF WAR ISSUES.
By Fred M. Warner
On January II, 1805, congress passed an act for the organization of
Michigan territory, and on March Ist, President Jefferson appointed
General William Hull its governor and Indian agent. The governor
and other territorial officers arrived at Detroit on the I2th of June,
that year, only to find that the capital (which had been but a two-acre
town of little houses surrounded by a palisade of strong pickets)- had
been destroyed by fire. When they took the oath of office on the second
Tuesday in July, some of the houses had been erected on the old site.
Despite this unfavorable outlook for the territorial government "a
judicial system was established and the territorial militia was disciplined
and brought into the field. The attention of congress was also called
to the land claims made by the settlers, founded on occupancy, or grants
under the French and English governments. On October Io, I805, a
report was made of the affairs of the territory and forwarded to congress, and in May, I806, the first code of laws was adopted and published for the territory, called the Woodward code, after Augustus B.
Woodward, one of the judges. The code was signed by General Hull,
Judge Woodward and Frederick Bates, judges, by which a civil government for the territory covered by the present state of Michigan was
at length established and military rule, whether by French, British or
American commandants, forever abolished in times of peace.
As stated, prior to the organization of the territory, what is now
Michigan had been included in Wayne county of the northwest territory, which boasted a crude "court of common pleas," with headquarters
at Detroit. This court was continued when the territory of Michigan
was created in 1805.
214




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


215


QUESTION OF LAND TITLES
It was not until I806 that congress began in earnest to consider the
status of land titles in Michigan. In that year Judge Woodward made
a report to the secretary of the treasury which was laid before congress in which he stated that the total amount of land in cultivation did
not exceed 150,000 acres, or a little more than six townships. He described the farms as from two to four acres front on the river, the
houses about twenty-five rods apart, and the people "honest beyond comparison, generous, hospitable and polished." He reported in all 422
farms, with dates of settlement running from 1763 to 1801. Nearly all
were held on French claims, bordered on rivers, with from two to five
acres frontage and forty acres depth (a French acre was about fourfifths of an American acre). As appeared from the report made by the
register of the land office at Detroit in December, 1806, only six of
these farms embracing less than 4,000 acres had valid titles.
GOVERNOR CASS BRINGS STABILITY
The appointment of Lewis Cass as civil governor of Michigan in
1813 was the commencement of a stable order of things in the matter
of land titles, as of all else, and marked the starting point of the substantial development of southern Michigan. Under him the government acquired by various treaties all lands south of Grand river to the
headwaters of Thunder Bay river, as well as such as were required to
make the post of Fort Mackinac safe against Indian attacks, thus safeguarding the interests of traders and settlers in northern Michigan.
Great Britain possessed Michigan from the time of Hull's surrender
in August, 1812, until Perry's naval victory of September, 1813, and
the Americans reentered Detroit on the 29th of that month. Lewis
Cass was appointed civil governor of Michigan October 9, I813, but Fort
Mackinac was not evacuated by the British forces until the spring of
I815.
The survey of public lands was begun in 1815 and two years later
had progressed sufficiently to permit the authorities to begin the sale.
With the settlement of the interior, which practically began in I8I8,
came substantial growth and prosperity to the southern part of the
Lower Peninsula. In the following year (January I9) Governor Cass
proclaimed the civil and political creation of Oakland county. That
year (I819) therefore marked its entrance to territorial and state politics and the real chronological commencement of this chapter.
The state constitution under which Michigan was admitted into the
Union by congressional act approved January 26, 1837, provided for
the appointment by the governor (with the advice and consent of the
senate) of the secretary of state, auditor general and attorney general.
The joint legislature approved the gubernatorial appointment of the
superintendent of public instruction. All state officers above mentioned
served for two years, the governor and lieutenant governor being elected.
Judges of the state supreme court were appointed by the governor, with
the advice and consent of the senate, for a term of seven years.




216


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Various provisions of the constitution provided for the improvements of roads, canals and navigable waters in the interior of the state,
as well as for the establishment of banks of issue, and wild speculation
and inflated and unsecured issues of paper money, so frequent in southern Michigan and the more settled sections of the northwest, brought on
the financial panic and the confusion of all permanent projects which
marked the period from 1837 to I847. Unfortunately, this was also
the period when the state was born and learning to walk alone. As the
finances of this wild era, with the inflated schemes of internal improvement, were thoroughly mixed with legislative measures and state politics, the progress of the young commonwealth was very slow and unsteady during its first decade of life, and Oakland county did her full
share in maintaining the disturbing combination. Some of her ablest
men represented her in both houses of the legislature during that period,
but they were also ambitious to see their section of the state advance,
as it did, notwithstanding the failure of half a dozen of its banks, under
both the "wild-cat" and "safety fund" dispensations.
CHAMPIONS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Fully ten years before the coming of the "wild-cat" schemes the big
men of Oakland county saw the necessity of getting it in close touch
with the more developed sections centering in Detroit, and even when
Michigan was a territory they became active and prominent in state politics, by championing such measures as the improvement of the Clinton
river and the construction of the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad. The
Clinton River Navigation Company of 1827 was, in fact, the first corporation created for that purpose in the territory, while the incorporation
of the Dletroit & Pontiac Railroad in I830 was one of the pioneers of
its kind in Michigan, although the latter was not completed to Birmingham until I839 and was not on solid ground until nearly ten years later,
and at the time of the collapse of the internal improvement schemes, the
Clinton river had been "improved" by state money only as far as Rochester, these enterprises were pushed with such vigor and ability in the
territorial legislative council by such good men as Stephen Mack, Roger
Sprague, William F. Moseley, Thomas J. Drake, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, Daniel LeRoy, Charles C. Haskell and Samuel Satterlee, that
Oakland county was fully and favorably advertised in the legislative
halls. At the later period mentioned (1837-47), under state patronage of public improvements, our good friends, Drake, Trowbridge and
LeRoy, were reenforced in the senate by Elijah F. Cook, John Benton,
Daniel B. Wakefield, Isaac Wixson, Sanford M. Green and others.
THE STATE CONSTITUTIONS
To trace further the gradual development of the civil system of the
state which seems necessary in order to obtain a clear idea of Oakland's
participation in the politics of the commonwealth-the second constitution of I850 was that providing for popular election of all heads of
state departments and judges of the supreme court.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


217


In April, I906, the people voted in favor of another revision of the
state's fundamental law. The delegates comprising the constitutional
convention assembled at Lansing in October, I907, and completed the
revision in March of the following year, its work being approved by
vote of the people in November, I9o8. What is known as the constitution of I909 is therefore now the basic law of the commonwealth of
Michigan.
By that instrument, of course, the offices of governor, lieutenant
governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, commissioner of the state
land office, auditor general, superintendent of public instruction and
attorney general were made elective, and the functions of government
were classified as executive, judicial and legislative. The judiciary was
divided into supreme, circuit and probate and justices' courts, the incumbents of which were chosen by popular vote. Provision was made
for the organization and incorporation of counties, townships, villages
and cities and for the purpose of education. The superintendent of
public instruction came into being, the State University with its board
of regents, the State Board of Agriculture with its Agricultural College, the College of Mines, the State Normal College and normal schools,
with the continuation of a system of primary schools.
Section ii provided: "That proceeds from the sale of all lands that
have been or hereafter may be granted by the United States to the
state for educational purposes and the proceeds of all lands or other
property given by individuals or appropriated by the state for like purposes shall be and remain a perpetual fund, the interest and income of
which together with the rents of all such lands as may remain unsold,
shall be inviolably appropriated and annually applied to the specific objects of the original gift, grant or appropriation."
Section 12. "All lands, the titles to which shall fail from a defect
of heirs, shall escheat to the state, and the interest on the clear proceeds from the sales thereof shall be appropriated exclusively to the
support of the primary schools."
Section I4. "The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment of at least one library in each township and city, and all fines assessed and collected in the several counties, cities and townships for
any breach of the penal laws shall be exclusively applied to the support of such libraries."
Section 15. "Institutions for the benefit of those inhabitants who
are deaf, dumb, blind, feeble-minded or insane shall always be fostered and supported."
Under the head of "Corporations" the constitution provided that
such bodies might be formed under general laws, but not created, "nor
shall any rights, privileges or franchises be conferred upon them by
special act of legislature."
No corporation was to be granted a franchise for a longer period
than thirty years, "except for municipal, insurance, canal or cemetery
purposes, or corporations organized without any capital stock for religious, benevolent, social or fraternal purposes; but the legislature may
provide by general laws, applicable to any corporations, for one or more
extensions of the term of such corporations." The different sections




218


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


of the article on "Corporations" announced the individual liability of
stockholders; pronounced against discrimination in transportation
charges and against railroad consolidation or monopoly, and laid down
the principle that no "general law providing for the incorporation of
trust companies or corporations for banking purposes, or regulating
the business thereof, shall be adopted, amended or repealed, except by
a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the legislature. Such laws shall not authorize the issue of bank notes or paper
credit to circulate as money."
OAKLAND COUNTY'S PART IN CONSTITUTION MAKING
It looks well on paper to state that Oakland county men have taken
a prominent part in the formation and revision of the state constitutions, but for the purpose of proving it in detail, a list of the delegates
which she has sent to these august bodies, with special mention of some
of the leaders, is herewith presented.
The constitution of 1835 convened at Detroit May I th and adjourned June 24th, Oakland county being represented by the following
delegates: Isaac I. Voorheis, Randolph Manning, Seneca Newberry,
Joshua B. Taylor, Elijah F. Cook, Ebenezer Raynale, John Ellenwood,
Jeremiah Riggs, Benjamin B. Morris, William Patrick, Jonathan Chase,
Samuel White, Thomas Curtis and Norman Davison.
In attendance at the first convention of assent, which was held at
Ann Arbor from September 26 to September 30, I836, were Origen D.
Richardson, William Draper, S. A. L. Warner, Samuel Satterlee, Edward W. Peck and John L. Brownell.
At the second convention of assent, which convened at Ann Arbor
December 14 and adjourned Dlecember 15, I836, there were present as
delegates from Oakland county: Gideon 0. Whittemore, Hiram Barritt,
Joseph Coates, Charles Grant, Parley W. C. Gates, John S. Livermore,
Henry S. Babcock, William K. Crooks, Samuel White, James B. Hunt,
David Chase and Benjamin B. Morris.
Oakland county delegates to the convention which convened at Lansing June 3, and adjourned August 15, I850: James Webster, Alfred
H. Hanscom, Seneca Newberry, Jacob Vanvalkenburgh, Ebenezer Raynale, Gideon O. Whittemore, William Axford, Zebina M. Mowry and
Elias S. Woodman.
Delegates from Oakland county to the convention of 1867, held at
Lansing from May 15 to August 22, 1867: P. Dean Warner. Edward
P. Harris, Willard M. McConnell and Jacob Vanvalkenburgh.
Lysander Woodward represented the county on the constitutional
commission of I873, which convened at Lansing, August 27 and adjourned October I6, I873.
The last constitutional convention which assembled at Lansing, October 22, 1907, and adjourned March 3, I9o8, sent as delegates from
Oakland county (in the twelfth senatorial district) Kleber P. Rockwell and Andrew L. Moore, both of Pontiac.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


219


DOCTOR RAYNALE, DELEGATE TO 1835 CONVENTION
In 1835 Dr. Ebenezer Raynale of Bloomfield was elected a member of the convention (as will be noted in the lists published) to form
the state constitution, and in the fall of the same year was elected to
the state senate for the term of two years, through which he served ably
and faithfully. At the first meeting of the legislature, a part of its
business was the election of a United States senator, concerning which
there was a warm contest, though not between different parties. as there
was really but one party, the Democratic, represented in that first legislature. Doctor Raynale sustained the candidates who proved successful. During his senatorial term a great amount of work was done.
among which was the establishment of the common school system, of
the state university, the lunatic asylum and the state prison, the framing of a new code of laws adapted to the wants of the people and the
commencement of a system of internal improvements.
At the expiration of his term in the senate, Doctor Raynale settled
on a farm in Bloomfield, where he remained for two years, and then
settled in Birmingham, resuming the practice of his profession in 1839.
In 1850 he was elected a member of the convention to form a new constitution, and he served faithfully with that body also.
Doctor Raynale, only son of Ebenezer and Mary Raynale, was born
in Hartland, Windsor county, Vermont, on October 2I, I804. His
father, who died in September of that year, had done a little farming
and had added to this the professions of teacher and land surveyor.
Three years after her husband's death, Mrs. Raynale removed with her
two children, Harriet and Ebenezer, to Brooklyn, Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania, where a year later she married Jonathan Sabin, and soon
after they removed to the township of Ovid, now Lodi, Seneca county,
New York. Here they remained but a short time and removed to Reading, Steuben county, New York, where they resided until I819, when
they made another move, this time to Cambria, Niagara county, New
York. Here young Raynale lived with his stepfather until he reached
the age of nineteen years, when he went to Brooklyn, Pennsylvania,
his former home, and there for four years devoted himself unremittingly to his preparation for the duties of a professional life, which he
had decided upon entering.
At the expiration of this time, with certificates of three years' medical study in his pocket, he returned to Cambria and gave another year
to hard study in the office of Dr. Darius Shaw, after which he was admitted to the practice of medicine and surgery, under the laws of New
York, which at that time were very rigid in this particular.
In the first part of May, 1828, having decided to emigrate to,Michigan, Doctor Raynale took passage on the steamboat "Henry Clay" at
Buffalo, for Detroit, where he arrived on the 5th of May, and after
a short stay in the city, proceeded to the place which is now the village
of Franklin, in Southfield township, and there he established and commenced business in the line of his profession on the I2th of May. He
was then the only physician in Southfield, and his nearest professional
brethren on the east and west were Dr. Ezra S. Parke, at Piety Hill,




220


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and Dr. Eziekiel Webb at Farmington. The country was but sparsely
settled, and physicians were called from a long distance. Doctor Raynale, in the performance of his professional duties, was obliged to traverse and retraverse the townships of West Bloomfield, Farmington,
Southfield and Bloomfield, always on horseback, and it was not long
before he began to enjoy that professional popularity and esteem which
has followed him through all the years of his career.
During the winter of 1828-29 he procured the establishment of the
postoffice of Franklin, and was himself appointed postmaster, a position which he held for seven years.
In October, I830, he married Miss Eliza Cassidy, of Springville,
Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. They had four children: Mrs. E.
R. King, of Pontiac; S. B. Raynale, of Corunna, Michigan; Mrs. G.
A. Patterson, of Detroit; and Dr. C. M. Raynale, of Birmingham.
SENECA NEWBERRY, DELEGATE TO I835 AND 1850 CONVENTIONS
Seneca Newberry was born December 23, 1802, in Windsor, Connecticut. In 1827 he removed to Detroit and there secured employment
with his cousin, Oliver Newberry, where he remained for about two
years, then removing to Rochester and engaged in mercantile pursuits.
He accumulated a large fortune and was able to retire from business in
I847. He was a man of prominence and reliability and was elected a
member of the first and second state conventions which were called in
1835 and I850 for the purpose of forming a state constitution. He
was a stanch Democrat and served two terms in the state senate as the
representative of Oakland county.
The Newberry family originated in Devonshire, England, and it
has been said that John Newberry of this family discovered the art of
weaving. The family is very old and has always been one of respectability and prominence with regard to public affairs. The parents of
Seneca Newberry were Dyer and Ruth (Birge) Newberry, natives of
Connecticut, the former of whom, a sea captain and a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, was one of the guards placed over Governor Franklyn when he was taken from Connecticut to New Jersey.,Mr. Newberry died in Rochester on May 13, 1877.
LYSANDER WOODWARD, DELEGATE TO 1873 CONVENTION
Lysander Woodward was a New Yorker who located at Rochester
soon after attaining his majority, becoming a well-to-do farmer and a
leader in state politics. As a Republican, he held numerous important
offices in the gift of the people. The office of justice of the peace has
been creditably filled by him, and he was several times elected supervisor of the township in which he lived. In I860 he was elected to the
representative branch of the legislature from the first district of Oakland county, and served one regular term and two extra sessions. From
I866 to I870 he occupied the office of county treasurer, and for three
years he was president of the Oakland County Agricultural Society.
As noted, he represented Oakland county as a member of the constitutional commission of I873.
Mr. Woodward was among the first to conceive and advocate the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


221


building of the Detroit and Bay City railway, and spent much time and
money in its construction. In 1871 he was chosen the first president
of the company, and held that office for two years, his entire record being
one that will bear the closest scrutiny.
STATE OFFICIALS, ELECTED AND APPOINTED
Following is a list of residents of Oakland county who have been
honored by election or appointment to state offices: Moses Wisner, govvernor, 1859-1861; Fred M. Warner (three terms), 1905-I9II; Thomas
J. Drake, acting lieutenant governor, 1841-1842; Origen'D. Richardson,
lieutenant governor, I842-I846; Gideon O. Whittemore, secretary of
state, I846-I848; Fred M. Warner, secretary of state, 1901-I904; Daniel Le Roy, attorney general, I836-1837; Gideon O. Whittemore, state
board of education, 1852-I856; Charles H. Palmer, university regent,
1852-1857; Henry M. Zimmerman, commissioner of banking, 1907-1911;
George W. Dickinson, state railroad commissioner, 1907-1913.
TERRITORIAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
In the various legislative councils for the territory of Michigan from
1824 to 1836, Oakland county was represented as follows:
First (first session, June 7 to August 5, 1824; second session, January 17 to April 2I, I825)-Stephen Mack and Roger Sprague.
Second (first session, November 2 to December 30, 1826; second
session, January I to April 13, I827)-Sidney Dole and William F.
Moseley.*
Third (first session, May 5 to July 3, I828; second session, September 7 to November 5, I829)-Thomas J. Drake and Stephen V. R.
Trowbridge.
Fourth (first session, May II to July 31, I830; second session, January 4 to March 4, I831)-Daniel LeRoy and Thomas J. Drake.
Fifth (first session, May I to June 29, 1832; second session, January i to April 23, I833)-Charles C. Hascall and Roger Sprague.
Sixth (first session, January 7 to March 7, 1834; extra session, September I to September 8, 1834; adjourned session, November II to December 31, 1834; second regular session, January 12 to March 28, 1835;
special session, August 17 to August 25, 1835)-Charles C. Hascall and
Samuel Satterlee.
SPEAKERS AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE
Representatives of the lower house of the legislature from Oakland
county who have been chosen speakers of that body were Alfred H.
Hanscom (1845); Byron G. Stout (I857) and P. Dean Warner (I867).
Speakers pro tem: William A. Pratt (1845) and Augustus C. Baldwin (1846).
Augustus W. Hovey, of Pontiac, served as clerk of the house of
representatives of the state legislature for the sessions of 1844, 1846,
1847, I848 and I849.
*Took his seat November 6, I826.




222


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


MICHIGAN LEGISLATORS FROM OAKLAND COUNTY
The following members of the Michigan legislature served from
I835 to 191o inclusive, the subdivisions indicating name, postoffice address, number of district and session of service. In the list relating to
representatives, when only Oakland county is mentioned it is to be understood that in the year designated it formed a district alone:
STATE SENATORS


Willard B. Arms; White Lake; 5th (1885) and 6th (1857,
*Samuel Axford; Oxford; 6th; 1851.
Charles V. Babcock; Southfield; 5th (1863, '64) and 20th
Alfred J. Boss; Pontiac; 4th; I855.
Charles B. Boughner; Pontiac; I4th; I891, '92.
Mark S. Brewer; Pontiac; 20th; 1873, '74.
Thornton F. Broadhead; Pontiac; 6th; 1850.
Charles I. Deyo; Oxford; I4th; 1887.
Charles Draper; Pontiac; 5th; I867.
Franklin B. Galbraith; Pontiac; I4th; I889.
Sanford M. Green; Pontiac; 6th; 1844, '6, '7.
James M. Hoyt; Walled Lake; 6th; 1859.
*Thomas D. Lane; South Lyon; 7th; i86i, '62.
John P. LeRoy; Pontiac; 3d (1840, '41) and 6th (1851).
** Randolph Manning; Pontiac; 5th; I837.
James McCabe; Pontiac; 6th; 1848, '49.
Seneca Newberry; Rochester; 4th; I853.
John M. Norton; Rochester; I5th; I883.
John G. Owen; Clarkston; 6th; I86I, '62.
* Layman B. Price; Lakeville; 5th; 1871, '72.
Ebenezer Raynale; Franklin; 5th; 1835-6, '7.
* Thaddeus D. Seeley; Pontiac; 12th; 1905, '07.
Samuel W. Smith; Pontiac; i5th; 1885.
* Byron G. Stout; Pontiac; 5th; I86i, '62.
Loren L. Treat; Oxford; 5th; I865.
Rowland E. Trowbridge; Birmingham; 5th; 1857, '8, '9.
Stephen V. R. Trowbridge; Birmingham; 3d (1839, '40, 'I)
(1842).
Fred M. Warner; Farmington; i2th; 1895; '7, '8.
* P. Dean Warner; Farmington; 5th; 1869, '70.
* I. Roy Waterbury; Highland Station; I2th; 1903.
*Elliott R. Wilcox; Pontiac; i8th; I877.
'Isaac Wixom; Farmington; 6th; 1842, '43.
* David A. Wright; Taylorville; 5th; 1853.
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
Isaac Adams, Troy, Oakland county, 1838.
Abran Allen, Commerce, Oakland county, 4th, 1865.
* Also representative (see list).
**To fill vacancy caused by resignation of Charles C. Hascall.


'58).
(i875).


and 6th




HISTORY O OF OAKLAND COUNTY


223


John L. Andrews, Milford, 3d, I87I, '72.
Joseph Arnold, Lakeville, Oakland county, 1842.
Seymour Arnold, Lakeville, Oakland county, I845.
Andrew V. Austin, Milford, 2d, 1903, '05.
Samuel Axford, Jr., Oxford, Oakland county, 1842.
William Axford, Clarkston, Oakland county, 1850.
Henry S. Babcock, Southfield, Oakland county, I842.
Levi Bacon, Jr., Pontiac 2d, I857, '58.
Francis Baker, Groveland, Oakland county, 1848.
Augustus C. Baldwin, Milford, Oakland county, I844, '46.
Charles Baldwin, Rochester and Pontiac, Oakland county (1846)
and 3d (I879, '8, '2).
Ezra P. Baldwin, Birmingham, Oakland county, I848.
Hiram Barritt, Walled Lake, Oakland county, I846.
James Bayley, Big Beaver, ist, I865.
Uriah Beebe, Orion, Ist, I859.
Friend Belding, Birmingham, Oakland county, 1849.
George Blakeslee, Birmingham, 5th, I86I, '62.
Eli H. Bristol, Commerce, 4th, 1853.
Benjamin Brown, Walled Lake, 4th, I859.
George Brownell, East Farmington, Oakland county, I835-36.
Henry S. Buel, Franklin, 5th, 1859.
Ahasuerus W. Buell, Holly, 3d, 1863.
William Burbank, Rochester, Oakland county, I837.
Delebar Burroughs, Fentonville, Oakland county, I850.
John H. Button, Farmington, Oakland county, I840.
Allen Campbell, Groveland, Oakland county, I875.
Charles K. Carpenter, Orion, 2d, 1859.
William E. Carpenter, Pontiac, 2d, 1883, '91, '2.
Samuel Chamberlin, Pontiac, 2d, I855.
Jonathan Chase, Royal Oak, Oakland county, 1839.
Edwin G. Clark, Clarkston, Ist, I877.
Elijah B. Clark, New Canandaigua, Oakland county, I847.
Jeremiah Clark, Clarkston, Oakland county, 1839, '4I.
Bela Cogshall, Holly, 2d, 1869, '70.
Lewis M. Covert, Waterford Center, Oakland county, I85r.
George D. Cowdin, Oxford, 2d, I907.
William W. Crippen, Milford, 2d, 1893.
Thomas Curtis, Kensington, Oakland county, 1841.
John Davis, Birmingham, Oakland county, 1844, '46.
Robert W. Davis, Oxford, Oakland county, 1849.
Oliver P. Davison, Highland, Oakland county, I847.
Jesse Decker, Orion, Oakland county, 1838, '39.
Solomon W. Denton, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1848.
* Peter Dow, Pontiac, 2d, I875.
Peter Dox, Birmingham, Oakland county, I850.
John Ellenwood, Pine Lake, Oakland county, I835-36.
Francis W. Fifield, Pontiac, 2d, 1863, '64.


* Also senator (see list).




224


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Henry K. Foote, Walled Lake and Milford, Oakland county, (1837,
'40) and 4th (1861, '62).
Philip S. Frisbee, Davisburg, 3d, 1859.
Almon B. Frost, Oakland, Ist, 1871, '2.
William Gage, Holly, Oakland county, 1843.
John Galloway, Waterford Center, Oakland county, I845.
Samuel N. Gantt, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1838.
James S. Gray, Troy, Ist, I883.
David A. Green, Pontiac, ISt, 1909.
John Hadley, Jr., Holly, 3d, i86I, '62.
D. Judson Hammond, Pontiac, ist, I897, '98, '99, '00.
Alfred H. Hanscom, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1842, '45.
Seeley Harger, West Bloomfield, Oakland county, 1849.
Haran Haskins, Pine Lake, Oakland county, I837.
William H. Haze, Farmington, 5th, I857, '8, '63, '4.
Cass E. Herrington, Pontiac, ISt, I887.
Hiram Higley, Rochester, Oakland county, 1835, '36.
David Hobart, Holly, 2d, I889.
Joseph H. Holman, Rochester, Ist, I885.
Sardis F. Hubbell, Milford, Oakland county, I85I.
Augustus S. Johnson, Springfield, Oakland county, I845.
Daniel F. Johnson, Groveland, Oakland county, I840.
Alonzo S. Knapp, South Lyon, 2d, I873, '74.
Elbridge G. Knowleton, Groveland, Oakland county, I844.
Daniel S. Lee, Novi, Oakland county, I843.
William E. Littell, Orion, Ist, I879, '8I, '2.
John S. Livermore, Rochester, Oakland county, 1839, '42.
Major F. Lockwood, Milford, Oakland county, 1849.
Henry M. Look, Pontiac, 2d, I865.
Thomas N. Loomis, Oxford, Oakland county, 1847.
Almon Mack, Rochester, Oakland county, I848.
Peter D. Makley, Oxford, Oakland county, I847.
Robert W. Malcolm, Commerce, 2d, 1885.
William R. Marsh, White Lake, 3d, I853.
Harry N. McCracken, Farmington, Ist, 1905, '07.
Thomas McGraw, Pontiac, Oakland county, I847.
Henry Miller, Rochester, Ist, I853, '63, '4.
Zebina M. Mowry, Milford, Oakland county, I848.
*Johnson Niles, Troy, Oakland county, I835-36.
John D. Norton, Pontiac, 3d, I875, '77.
Nathan C. Parkhurst, Pontiac, Oakland county (1849) and 2d (I853).
James Patterson, Fenton, Oakland county, I85I.
Aaron Perry, Oakland, Ist, I873, '74.
Nathan S. Philbrick, Farmington, Oakland county, I841.
Orrin Poppleton, Birmingham, 5th, 1853.
William Poppleton, Birmingham, Oakland county, I843.
Nathan Power, Farmington, 5th, I855.
Pliny Power, Oxford, Oakland county, I844.
William A. Pratt, Franklin, Oakland county, 1843, '4, '5.
*Also senator (see list).




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


225


Jacob Price, Brandon, Oakland county, I850.
Asa Reynolds, Rose, 3d, 1855.
Origen D. Richardson, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1835-6, '4I.
Squire W. Rowe, Highland, 3d, 1865.
Harvey Seeley, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1843.
Jesse Seeley, White Lake, Oakland county, I847.
Morgan L. Smith, Milford, 4th, I855.
Erastus Spaulding, Pontiac, 4th, 1867.
Rollin Sprague, Rochester, Oakland county, 1840.
Horace Stevens, Waterford, Oakland county, 1845.
*Byron G. Stout, Troy, ist, I855, '7.
Jefferson K. Tindall, Davisburg, 2d, 1887.
Arthur R. Tripp, Pontiac, Ist, 1891, '2, '3.
Hiram Voorheis, New Canandaigua, Oakland county, 1851.
Isaac I. Voorheis, Pontiac, Oakland county, 1835-6, '48.
Peter Voorheis, Pontiac, Ist, I895.
Sebring Voorheis, White Lake, 4th, 1863, '64.
George Vowles, New Hudson, 3d, I869, '70.
* Daniel B. Wakefield, Springfield, Oakland county, I838.
* P. Dean Warner, Farmington, Oakland county (1851), 5th (1865)
and 3d (I867).
* I. Roy Waterbury, Highland Station, 2d, 899'oo, 'oI.
Alanson J. Webster, Pontiac, 2d, 1871, '72.
James Webster, Groveland, Oakland county, I846.
Marshall M. Welles, Kensington, Oakland county, I85o.
John A. Wendell, Rose, Oakland county, 1842.
Darwin O. White, Southfield, 4th, 1869, '70, 'I, '2.
* Elliott R. Wilcox, Rochester, ist, I869, '70.
George Willoughby, Clyde, 2d, I909.
Jeremiah C. Wilson, Rochester, Ist, I867.
George W. Wisner, Pontiac, Oakland county, I837.
* Isaac Wixom, Farmington, Oakland county, I838, '39.
* David A. Wright, Austin, Oakland county, 1849.
Horatio Wright, Austin, 2d, I867.
Herman A. Wyckoff, White Lake, 2d, i88r, '82.
George Yerkes, Novi, 2d, 1879.
William Yerkes, West Farmington and Northville, Oakland county
(1837) and 4th (1857, '58).
Elisha Zimmerman, Pontiac, 3d, 1873, '4.
DISTURBANCES OF WAR ISSUES
The various wars which have agitated the state since Oakland county
was organized have caused political disturbances to a more or less degree. The Civil war was the only event of that kind, however, which
became a real issue. In the cases of the "Toledo war" over the Michigan-Ohio boundary dispute, the home sentiment was unanimous in maintaining the contentions of the home state. The same statement applies


* Also senator (see list).




226           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
to the Mexican war, but it is well known that in Oakland county, as in
all the northern states, there was a small but persistent element which
fought the prosecution of the war a very few of its members going to
an extent which bordered on disloyalty to the national government.




CHAPTER XIX


THE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
BASIS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM-CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AND BRANCHES
FIRST ACADEMIES IN OAKLAND COUNTY-HEADS OF THE COUNTY
SYSTEM-REMAINS A PERPETUAL FUND —DUTIES OF THE TEACHER
OF TODAY - STANDINGS REQUIRED - DISTRICT    LIBRARIES - HIGH
SCHOOL SCHOLARS-DISTRICT SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY-PRESENT
STATUS OF SCHOOLS.
The county system of public schools is, of course, an integer of the
greater system which originates in the state constitution and laws. For
that reason, if for no other, a brief review of the legislation through
which the splendid Michigan system has been developed is herewith
given.
BASIS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
The ordinance of 1787 for the government of the northwest territory contained the oft-quoted provision that "schools and the means of
education shall forever be encouraged," and the congressional act of
I804 reserved from the sale of public lands section I6 in each township "for the support of schools." These acts were confirmed when
Michigan became a territory in I805; but the first regular school law
of the territory was not enacted until 1827, the year when the township form of government was fully established in Oakland county, as
has been already described in chapter XII. By the provisions of that
act the citizens of any township having fifty householders were obliged
to provide themselves with a schoolmaster of good morals, to teach the
children to read and write; and a township containing two hundred
householders was obliged to have a schoolmaster who could teach Latin,
French and English. Neglect to comply with these provisions made the
people of the township liable to a fine of from fifty to one hundred and
fifty dollars.
In 1833 the law was passed which created the office of superintendent of public schools, and provided for three commissioners and ten
inspectors to take charge of the school lands, which had by the congressional act of 1828 been under the control of the governor and territorial council. As it often happened that school section 16 was under
water, or otherwise almost valueless, when Michigan was admitted into
the Union in January, 1837, provision was made for securing land which
Vol. I-1 5
227




228


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


might be of some real advantage to the school fund-the ordinance by
which it became a state declaring that "section No. I6 in every township
of the public lands (and where such section has been sold or otherwise
disposed of, other lands equivalent thereto, and as contiguous as may
be) shall be granted to the state for the use of schools." This provision also greatly simplified the work of managing the school lands
and the accruing fund. One great advantage of this plan has been that
all sections of the state shared equally and at once in the benefits of this
general fund. The loss in consequence of poor sections was shared by
the whole state.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AND BRANCHES
The act of congress of I804 for the disposal of the public lands of
the northwest territory reserved three townships for the use of seminaries of learning, and one of these townships was for that part of the
territory now constituting the state of Michigan. In 1817 three sections
were granted to the College of Detroit. The proceeds of this last grant
were afterward added to the university fund, which was established by
legislative act in 1837. This not only provided for the founding of the
State University, but for the establishment of several branches, one
of which was at Pontiac. This branch was opened on the I5th of September, I837, under the principalship of Professor George P. Williams.
The magnificent plan of Judge Woodward for a grand central university, with branches at various localities throughout the state, was
tested and found wanting. Its principal drawback was that which incumbered most of his plans; they were too large for the times and the
available funds.  The last appropriation for the maintenance of the
branches was made by the legislature of I846.
FIRST ACADEMIES IN OAKLAND COUNTY
Two academies were incorporated in Oakland county in territorial
times-the first at Auburn village, under an act approved March 2,
I83I, with Benjamin Phelps, S. V. R. Trowbridge, Elizur Goodrich,
Ezra S. Park, Reuben Woodford, Seth Beach and George Hornell as
trustees.
The Pontiac Academy, the second institution of the kind, was incorporated by territorial act of April 23, 1833, and its original trustees
were Samuel Sherwood, Hervey Parke, Olmstead Chamberlin, Amasa
Andrews and William Thompson.
With the advent of the state public school system these academies
and various private and select schools disappeared, since which the
people of Oakland county, in common with those of the entire commonwealth, have depended with ever increasing appreciation upon the
system provided by the state.
HEADS OF THE COUNTY SYSTEM
The county superintendency of schools was established by legislative
act of I866-7, and continued until it was abolished in I875. In April,
1867, -Charles Hurd was elected and served until September of that




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


229


year, when he resigned and Philip M. Parker was appointed in his
place, serving the balance of the two-years term. In April, I869, William Littell was elected, but did not qualify and Mr. Parker was reappointed. The latter resigned in September, I870, and a Mr. Wilbur was
appointed to fill his term. Johnson A. Corbin was elected in April, 1871,
reelected in April, 1873, and served until the repeal of the law in 1875.
A law was then enacted creating the office of township school superintendent, giving Oakland county twenty-five, each supreme within his
jurisdiction.
REMAINS A "PERPETUAL FUND"
Section II, of Article XI, of the I909 constitution, is as follows:
"The proceeds form the sales of all lands that have been or hereafter
may be granted by the United States to the state for educational purposes and the proceeds of all lands or other property given by individuals or appropriated by the state for like purposes shall be and remain
a perpetual fund, the interest and income of which, together with the
rents of all such lands as may remain unsold, shall be inviolably appropriated and annually applied to the specific objects of the original gift,
grant or appropriation." The original constitution of the state also required that the proceeds derived from the sale of the school lands
should remain a prepetual educational fund.
The county school commissioner is now at the head of the system.
Since 1877 the management of the schools of Oakland county has been
in the hands of Elmer R. Webster, Harry H. Snowdon, Harry S. Elliott
and Abram L. Craft (present incumbent). No section of the state has
made more substantial advancement in superior and practical developments of its system of public education than this; and the very mention
of these names is a forcible explanation for the solid work accomplished
during the past thirty-five years.
DUTIES OF THE TEACHER OF TODAY
What is expected of the teacher of today in the Oakland county
schools is well put in the last "directory" issued by Commissioner Craft,
under the head "Duties of Teachers."
I. It is the duty of the teacher to place upon the blackboard or
wall, within three days after the beginning of school, a program of the
daily work, giving the time of each recitation.
2. The teacher should practice such discipline as would be exercised by a wise parent in a well governed home; being always firm, but
prudent.
3. Use good judgment in teaching the pupils to be neat and orderly
at all times.
4. Insist upon having order in the room during the recess interval
as well as during school hours.
5. Teach pupils the principles of morality and virtue and impress
upon their minds the value and care of school property.
6. Keep the school room comfortably warm and well ventilated.




230


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


7. Have plenty of "busy seat work" for young pupils when not in
recitations.
8. Encourage the Eighth Grade pupils; give them frequent reviews
in all studies and insist upon thorough advance work.
STANDINGS REQUIRED
The following standings are required in Oakland county by the
board of school examiners:
First grade certificates, 85 per cent average, 75 per cent minimum.
Second grade certificates, 85 per cent average; 70 per cent minimum.
Third grade certificates, 80 per cent average, 65 per cent minimum.
A standing of not less than 75 per cent is required in arithmetic,
grammar, orthography and spelling for all grades of certificates.
Eighth grade, average 80 per cent; 65 per cent minimum.
Applicants not known to any member of the board must furnish
letters of recommendation.
Teachers holding certificates issued by other authority than the
county board of school examiners, must promptly file the same in the
office of the commissioner of schools to become legally qualified teachers.
A male teacher is required to pay an annual fee of one dollar and
a female teacher an annual fee of fifty cents, to the director or secretary
of the board at time of contracting providing such fee has not been
previously paid within the current year, and no teacher is legally qualified until such fee is paid.
The growing sentiment among school officers and patrons of school
districts in favor of teachers who have had some preparation besides
high school to begin their work in the school room, has caused the
board of school examiners to adopt the recommendation of the superintendent of public instruction, that applicants for third grade certificates
should attend the Ypsilanti Summer School, the Ferris Institute, or
some equivalent school.
DISTRICT LIBRARIES
School district libraries are provided for in Sections 4757 to 4764
of the school laws. Any district, by a two-thirds vote of all the qualified
voters present at an annual meeting, may establish a district library.
When so established the district is entitled to such a share of the fine
moneys, apportioned by the state superintendent through the county
treasurer to the township, as the number of children of school age in
the district bears to the whole number of children in the township.
The district board has charge of the library, may appoint a librarian
other than the director.  The librarian must report annually to the
state librarian through the commissioner of schools.
The director must report the library in his annual report to the
superintendent of public instruction in order to enable the district to
draw its share of the fine moneys.
The law provides that the director shall purchase a case for library
books, and the library should be kept at the school house.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


231


There is no reason why every school district in the state should not
maintain a library, and it is hoped that school officers and teachers will
make a strenuous effort to provide this means of culture for the children placed under their care.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS
All eighth grade scholars who have passed the eighth grade county
examination and received diplomas may enter any of the three nearest
high schools and their tuition must be paid by their district.  Provided, that the parent or legal guardian of such children must notify the
officers of their district of their intention to send their children to a specified high school on or before the fourth Monday in June. The amount
of such tuition cannot exceed twenty dollars per year. Surplus primary
money may be used to pay tuition, and the school board may vote a
tax for the payment of transportation of such children.
DISTRICT SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY
The district schools included in the public school system of Oakland county are as follows:  Addison township-Brewer, Leonard,
Lakeville, Kingsbury, National and Arnold schools.
Avon township-Stony Creek, Wilcox, Frank, Hamlin, Rochester,
Brewster, Ross, Hubbell, Christian Hill, Graham and Stiles schools.
Bloomfield township-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Hickory Grove,
Linton, Gilbert Lake, Hammond, Tuscarora, Wing Lake and Bartlett
schools.
Brandon township-Seymour Lake, Oak Hill, Union, Brandon Center and Ortonville schools.
Commerce township-Plains, Walled Lake, Sugden, Stephens, Sleeth,
Union, Burch, Killam, Wixom, Jones, Commerce and Patten schools.
Farmington township-Coleman, German, Nichols, Green, Thayer,
Fair View, West Farmington, Farmington, Clarenceville and Noble
schools.
Groveland township-Algoe, Stone, Campbell, Groveland Center, Cottage and Bird schools.
Highland township-Hickory Ridge, Clyde, Excelsior, Highland Station and Grub schools.
Holly township-Stony Run, Belford, Five Points, Olive Branch,
Holly, Patterson, Willover and Traphagan schools.
Independence township-Sashabaw, Clarkston, Bailey Lake, Hunter
and Bigelow schools.
Lyon township-Kensington, Wood, Wilson, Blackwood, Smith, New
Hudson, Bullard and South Lyon schools.
Milford township-Town Line, Foote, Bird, Milford, Stone, Tuck)
Taylor, Welch, Pickett and Hale schools.
Novi township-Bassett, East Novi, Stone, West Novi, Yerkes, Chapman, Novi, Griswold and Sanford schools.
Oakland township-Snell, Goodison, Kline, Brush, Eaton and Carpenter schools.




232


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Orion township-Howarth, Clark, Orion, Shanghai, Prospect, Bigler, Wilson, Proper and Block schools.
Oxford township-North Oxford, Oakwood, East Travis, Oxford,
Town Corners and West Travis schools.
Pontiac township-Amy, Shattuck, Stanley, Kemp, Ball Mountain,
Five Points, Phillips and Hallstead schools.
Rose township-Seaver, Craft, Jones, Stone, Rose Corners, Rose
Center and Pioneer schools.
Royal Oak township-Parker, Starr, Clinton, Lamphere, Stumpf,
Royal Oak, Baker, Hazel Park and Porter schools.
Southfield township-Franklin, Bingham, Erity, Jackson, Beddow,
Angling, McKinley, Brace, Klett and Southfield.
Springfield township-Springfield Plains, Brondige, Davisburg, Andersonville, Springfield, Covell and Austin schools.
Troy township-Troy Fractional, Troy, Leonard, Smith, Coleran, Big
Beaver, Log Cabin, Poppleton and Stone schools.
Waterford township-Elizabeth Lake, Four Towns, Covert, Waterford Center, Clarkston Station, Clintonville, Drayton Plains, Wyckoff
and Waterford schools.
West Bloomfield-Eagle, Scotch, Pennell, Pine Lake, Hosner, Green
and Walnut Lake schools.
White Lake township-Webster, Granger, White Lake Center, Gibson, Fair, Thompson, Dublin and White Lake schools.
PRESENT STATUS OF SCHOOLS
Commissioner Craft's annual report to the state board of education
was filed in July, I912, the Pontiac city schools not being included in
the figures given. From this document it appears that the entire census
enrollment in the county is 11,968, with an average school attendance
of 8,378. The total number of teachers employed, including Pontiac
city, is 408, while the whole number of legally qualified teachers in the
county is 424, showing that all but I6 are employed.
The school commissioner made 340 visits from September I5th to
June I5th, 20 schools were visited twice. Fifty-five inexperienced teachers
were added to the force during the year. The amount of fees collected
and credited to the teachers' institute fund is the largest ever known
in the county to date, being $506, after paying for expenses of the
teachers' mid-winter institute and the summer school at Ypsilanti. The
total amount paid the teachers is $I 16,ooo00, leaving a surplus of $I9,65I.37
primary money. There are 285 female teachers employed receiving
$92,140 or an average salary of $32.33 a month, while 32 male teachers
receive for the same length of term, $19,460, or an average monthly
salary of $62. The above average includes superintendents and principals of all high schools outside of Pontiac city.
The districts raise for general expenses, $45,192, or $4 per capita.
There is a surplus library fund of $2,228.85. All but 58 schools in the
county maintain libraries. The township of Lyon has no surplus primary money on hand, while the township of Royal Oak has $3,514.76.
Three districts in the county have enough primary money on hand




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


233


to run their school for two years. Four districts closed their schools
during the past year and paid tuition to adjoining districts. There are
334 eighth grade pupils in the county exclusive of the graded schools,
of this number I92 received diplomas at the May examination and will
enter the high schools, being eligible to free tuition from their respective
districts.
The number of districts supplied with maps, charts, globes and dictionaries is I92, while 140 have flags and IIo have wells as required by
law. There are no districts in the county furnishing free text-books.
Three public examinations were held during the year and I65 teachers
and 3II eighth grade pupils attended the same; 115 certificates were
issued to teachers and I92 diplomas granted to eighth grade pupils.
There are in the county Ioo state normal graduates, 63 county normal
graduates and 12 who hold state life and University of Michigan certificates and 25 who have city certificates.
All but 20 schools in the county have a uniform series of text-books,
following an adopted course of study as prescribed by the commissioner,
and 25 districts have a regular course of study adopted by the school
board_
Not a district in the county has lost its primary money in two years
through neglect of directors or school commissioners. Oakland county,
through careful management, is one of the first to file reports with the
state department, and no report has ever been rejected by the state.




CHAPTER XV
MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
FIRST OAKLAND COUNTY HIGHWAY-OTHER ROADS ESTABLISHED-IMPROVEMENT OF THE CLINTON RIVER-FIRST MICHIGAN RAILWAY
CHARTERED-DETROIT & PONTIAC RAILROAD COMPANY-FINALLY
COMPLETED TO BIRMINGHAM —DETROIT & MILWAUKEE RAILWAY
COMPANY —ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESENT SYSTEMS-COMING OF ELECTRIC LINES-THE GRAND TRUNK SYSTEM,-THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL-PERE MARQUETTE RAILROAD-DETROIT UNITED RAILWAYSUMMARY.
It was not until the late 'twenties that the roads which brought immigrants to Oakland county from north and south were sufficiently established to encourage settlement. The military road begun by Colonel
Leavenworth in 1817, started from Detroit and followed the old Indian
trail to Saginaw. Previous to I8I9 this highway had been completed
about three miles, besides "corduroyed" several additional miles. What
manner of road it was, has been already told by Capt. Hervey Parke,
the surveyor, and other early comers into this region by way of Detroit.
FIRST OAKLAND COUNTY HIGHWAY
An act to establish a road along the Detroit-Saginaw route was
passed December 7, 1818, and the following proclamation by Governor
Cass completed the legislation relating to it:
"Whereas, by virtue of the provisions of an act of this territory
passed the 7th day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen, entitled 'An act to establish a certain road,'
the governor was empowered to lay out and make a public highway and
road mentioned therein, and to appoint three commissioners for carrying the said act into effect; and whereas, John Hunt, Ezra Baldwin and
Levi Cook, Esquires, commissioners as aforesaid, did, on the I3th day
of December instant, transmit to me their report upon the subject of
the said road;
"Now, therefore, by virtue of said act and in conformity with the
said report, I do lay out the following as a public road or highway
namely: Commencing at the center of the military square in Woodward
avenue, in the city of Detroit, and running along said avenue to Witherell
street, and thence with Witherell street to the commencement of the
234




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


235


space of one hundred feet between lots 56 and 57, in Fletcher's plan of
the survey of the tract of land granted by the act of congress passed
April 2I, I806, and entitled (an act to provide for the adjustment of
the titles of land in the town of Detroit and territory of Michigan, and
for other purposes); thence along the said space of one hundred feet
and, with the course thereof, through the said tract; then thence westwardly on the road which was opened and cut by the troops of the United
States to the termination thereof; thence westwardly to a large oak
tree standing on the right of the Saginaw trail, so-called, and within a
short distance of the same, the said tree being marked with the letter
H; thence westwardly in a direct line as surveyed and marked by
Horatio Ball, to the main street in the village of Pontiac, and thence
along said street to the termination; and the line surveyed as aforesaid
is to be the center of the road.
"In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the said territory
to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at Detroit, this fifteenth
day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and nineteen.
"LEWIS CASS.
"By the Governor:
"WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE,
"Secretary of Michigan Territory."
This road, originally commenced by Colonel Leavenworth, was extended from time to time, under various acts of legislation by the territorial government, until it reached a point some six miles beyond the
present city of Flint, about 1834. It was cut out of the width of one
hundred feet through its whole course and graded to a width of eighty
feet. Subsequent to the admission of Michigan as a state, it was worked
by the various counties through which it passes until it became a splendid turnpike.
OTHER ROADS ESTABLISHED
By act of July 23, 1828, a road was ordered laid out from the northeast corner of Oakland county, running south along the county line
until it intersected the Detroit and Pontiac turnpike. Under the same
act a road commencing at the bridge over the Clinton river in Pontiac
and running along the north side of Pine lake, the east side of Orchard
lake and the north side of Walled lake, was also ordered. The council
act approved March 4, 1831, ordered a road laid from Pontiac southwest to a point on the road between Monroe and Ypsilanti; that of
June 26, 1832, one running from section I8 in Southfield township to
Detroit; and the acts of April 4 and April 20, 1833, authorized thoroughfares from Bloomfield west to the Pontiac and Monroe road and from
the same point, through Auburn, to Flint. Nearly all of these roads
were afterwards substantially graded and graveled.
The legislative records show, however, that the act of ISIg ordering
the Detroit and Pontiac turnpike was not fully carried out; for in June,
I822, another act was passed by the council authorizing the governor
to appoint three commissioners to establish a road from Detroit via
Pontiac, to Saginaw, or the Saginaw river. Again, an act approved




236


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


/


August 5, 1824, incorporating the Pontiac and Paint Creek Turnpike
Company, named the following as the incorporators: John R. Williams, Daniel LeRoy, Peter I. Desnoyers, William Thompson, Solomon
Sibley, Amasa Bagley, James McCloskey, David Sauard, Benjamin
Woodworth, Jonathan Kearsley, Johnson Niles, David C. McKinstry,
Thomas Palmer, Cyrus Chipman and Olmstead Chamberlain. This
turnpike was to extend from a point three miles from the Detroit river
on the present road, by the most practicable route via Royal Oak to
the courthouse in Pontiac, with a branch from Royal Oak to a point on
Paint creek to be fixed by the commissioners. The corporation stock
was fixed at $200,000, divided into eight hundred equal shares. Jamtes
McCloskey, Daniel LeRoy and Johnson Niles were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions. This was a toll-road, with two gatesone near Detroit and the other within half a mile of where the Paint
creek branch commenced.
The contrast of the old and the more modern roads, noted in the
following paragraph written thirty-five years ago is further intensified
by the many improvements made in the thoroughfares of the county
within the intervening period: "The contrast between the smooth turnpike-roads of the present day, upon which an ordinary roadster can
easily make eight miles an hour, and the bridle paths and subsequent
'corduroys,' where the speed was seldom more than one or two miles
per hour, is indeed wonderful. The first twelve miles from Detroit on
the Saginaw trail was nearly an impenetrable swamp, covered with heavy
timber and so level that the water stood upon the surface a greater
part of the year. Many a venturesome pioneer, who had perhaps found
his way from New York or New England, has had the last atom of
faith in the new country taken from him in this indescribable morass."
IMPROVEMENT OF THE CLINTON RIVER
The difficulties of transporting persons and goods over the early
roads projected between Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Pontiac, naturally
drew attention to the waterways which connected the interior with the
lake regions. The valley of the Clinton river was thought to be especially feasible as an outlet for the products of Oakland county and an
inlet for goods and settlers, and the improvement of that stream was
pushed so persistently that the legislative council of the territory passed
an act, which was approved by the governor April 17, 1827, incorporating the Clinton River Navigation Company. Specifically, it was incorporated "for the purpose of removing obstructions from the Clinton
river, and making such river navigable for boats from the village of
Mount Clemens to Mack's lower mills in the county of Oakland."
The length of this proposed improvement was about thirty miles and
it was calculated that it would afford invaluable shipping facilities to a
large extent of rich agricultural country. It was the first incorporated
company of the kind in the territory, and but for the advent of railways would undoubtedly have been a success. The incorporators of
this company were Nathaniel Millard, Jonathan Kearsley, Levi Cook,
Charles Lamed, Ellis Doty, John R. Sheldon, Christian Clemens, Alfred




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


237


Ashley, Jacob Tucker, Ignace Morass and Joseph Hayes. Under the
act of incorporation, the company was required to clear out the river to
the east line of Oakland county. The work was to commence, at latest,
by July I, 1827, and when the stream had been made navigable for flatbottomed boats the company could collect toll not exceeding fifty cents
per ton for the entire distance and a proportionate rate for a less distance. Parties owning water-power on the river below the east line of
Oakland county were required to construct locks at every dam sufficient
for the passage of the company's boats. The river above the said line
was declared by the act of incorporation a public highway, but persons
owning land extending across the river had the right to construct dams
for water-power purposes by putting in the necessary locks, or the company could construct them at the expense of the parties owning the
lands. The improvements were finally completed as far as Rochester,
a portion of the state loan of $5,ooo,ooo being appropriated therefor.
Business was carried on to a small extent for a number of years, but the
enterprise was never a prosperous one.
FIRST MICHIGAN RAILWAY CHARTERED
In the meantime the subject of railways had become an earnest subject of discussion and even an object of legislation. Oakland county has,
in fact, the honor of inducing the legislative council of the territory to
incorporate the first railway company chartered in Michigan; that event
occurring July 31, I830, when Governor Cass approved the act conferring a charter on the Pontiac and Detroit Railway Company. Its
original incorporators were John P. Helfenstein, Gideon O. Whittemore, William F. Moseley, William Thompson and Hervey Parke, "and
such other persons as shall associate for the purpose of making a good
and sufficient railway from Pontiac to the city of Detroit." Nothing
practical was done under this charter.
DETROIT & PONTIAC RAILROAD COMPANY
A second company was formed and a new charter obtained, which
was approved by the governor March 7, I834. Under this act William
Draper, Daniel LeRoy, David Stanard, Johnson Miles, Seneca Newberry, Elisha Beach, Benjamin Phelps, Joseph Niles, Jr., and Augustus
C. Stephens, were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to
the stock of the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad Company, the amount of
which was fixed at one thousand shares at $50 per share. The company
was vested with the power to construct a single or double track, but the
work was to be commenced within two years from the passage of the
act and completed within six years, or otherwise the rights, privileges
and powers of the corporation were to become null and void.
The principal stockholders and managers of the new railroad company were Alfred Williams and Sherman Stevens of Pontiac, and their
control continued until I840. But as they gave more attention to "wild
cat banking" than to the Detroit & Pontiac Railway, the progress of the




238


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


"iron horse" was slow and often balky; and, although the bank was an
offshoot of the railway, the tail really wagged the horse.
FINALLY COMPLETED TO BIRMINGHAM
In 1839 the line was finally completed to Birmingham, and in September of that year Henry J. Buckley, agent and conductor, put forth an
advertisement in the county papers announcing two trips a day to Birmingham, the cars running in connection with "post coaches" to Pontiac
and Flint, together with a semi-weekly line to Grand river. Wooden
rails and horse power were the features of the earliest period of the
road. In I840 the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad was bid in by several
eastern creditors, and was completed to Pontiac in I843. At this time
it was owned by various Syracuse capitalists, who leased it for ten years
to Gurdon Williams, but in 1848 it came into possession of a company
headed by H. N. Walker and N. P. Stewart. The former was elected
president, negotiated bonds for a sufficient amount to relay the track,
and the enterprise was taken permanently out of the class of "laughing
stocks," in which it heretofore had figured.
DETROIT & MILWAUKEE RAILWAY COMPANY
The Oakland & Ottawa Railroad Company was chartered on the 3d
of April, 1848. This enterprise was also carried along through the
persistency and good management of Mr. Walker. Work was actually
commenced in 1852 and in the following year that gentleman went to
Europe and succeeded in purchasing twenty-six hundred tons of rails
with which the track was laid to Fentonville, in the southeastern corner
of Genesee county near the Oakland county line, fifty miles northwest
of Detroit. This point was not reached until October 2, I855, the Detroit
& Pontiac and the Oakland & Ottawa railroads having been consolidated
in the preceding February under the name of the Detroit & Milwaukee
Railway Company. This afterward became a section of what is now
known as the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway, the main line
of the Grand Trunk system in Michigan.
ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESENT SYSTEMS
The Flint & Pere Marquette Railway was completed from Holly to
Flint in 1862, and the Holly, Wayne & Monroe line was finished in
I870. The two were afterward consolidated under the name of the
Flint & Pere Marquette Railway (now Pere Marquette Railroad).
The Detroit & Bay City road (now a part of the Michigan Central)
was completed through Oakland county in I872.
The Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad (now a part of the Grand
Trunk System) was a product of the late seventies, but the line was
not fully completed to Port Austin, on the Lake Huron shore, eightyfour miles, until November, 1883.  For twenty-five years it had a
checkered career, and in March, I908, was sold at auction by judicial




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


239


decree. R. J. Lounsbury acted as receiver of the road for some time
before its acquisition by the Grand Trunk management.
COMING OF ELECTRIC LINES
On November 5, I889, an ordinance was passed through the city
council granting the Pontiac & Orchard Lake Railroad Company permission to construct its lines along certain thoroughfares; the routes
thus laid down were changed in several details before the system was
completed, which has given the city (now owned by the Detroit United
Railway) such excellent service. Under the ordinance all locomotion
by steam was debarred within the city limits, and the fare within such
limits fixed at five cents per individual.
When the Detroit & Northwestern Railway Company built its line
from Detroit to Orchard Lake, in I890, it purchased the Pontiac &
Orchard Lake Railway, which gave that corporation a complete route
to the county seat and metropolis. In 1902 the Detroit United Railway
commenced that process of absorbtion by which it acquired all the interests
of the Detroit & Northwestern, as well as of the Detroit & Pontiac
Railroad, and obtained a virtual monopoly of the electric service within
Oakland county.
THE GRAND TRUNK SYSTEM
Of the steam railways, the three lines included in the Grand Trunk
System furnish Oakland county with its most complete facilities for
transportation. Generally speaking, they pass diagonally through its
territory, crossing and centering at Pontiac. The main line, known as
the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway, runs diagonally through
the county from Royal Oak to Holly, passing through Royal Oak, Bloomfield, Pontiac (southwest corner), Waterford (northeast corner), Independence (southwest corner), Springfield, Rose (northeast corner), and
Holly (southwest corner) townships, and including the following stations: Royal Oak, Birmingham, Pontiac, Drayton Plains, Waterford,
Windiate Park, Clarkston, Davisburg and Holly. There are about forty
miles of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee line within the county,
following being the distances between the stations: Royal Oak to Birmingham, 5 miles; to Pontiac, 8; to Drayton Plains, 5; to Waterford, 2;
to Windiate Park, I; to Clarkston, I; to Davisburg, 7; to Holly, 5.
Commencing at South Lyon, in the southwestern corner of the county,
the Michigan Air Line division of the Grand Trunk runs in a northeasterly direction, twenty-five miles to Pontiac, and thence eight miles
to Rochester near the eastern county line. The stations along the way
are South Lyon, New Hudson, Wixom, Walled Lake, Orchard Lake,
Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Almy and Rochester. The line passes through
Lyon, Milford (southeast corner), Commerce and West Bloomfield
townships.
The Pontiac, Oxford & Northern branch of the Grand Trunk System takes a northerly direction from the county seat, as its name indicates, traversing Pontiac, Orion, Oxford and Addison townships, and
embracing these stations: Pontiac, Eames, Cole, Oxford, Shoup and




240


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Leonard. It includes twenty-one miles within the county, the direction
from Pontiac to Oxford being almost due north; then to Leonard, east
by north.
In November, I907, the Grand Trunk completed a convenient passenger depot, and within the succeeding four years is said to have expended something like $400,000 within the city limits. This sum included
the extension of its trackage and the erection of buildings, the latter
including a large freight house which alone cost $Ioo,ooo and was put
in commission during the latter part of I9II.
THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL
Seventeen miles of the Bay City division of the Michigan Central
Railroad runs through the northeastern townships of the county from
Rochester to Thomas, the station beyond Oxford, including Orion and
Goodison's in its route.
PERE MARQUETTE RAILROAD
The western townships of Oakland county are accommodated by the
Pere Marquette Railroad. Its branch from Detroit to Grand Rapids
runs along the southwest corner of Lyon township, with South Lyon as
a station, while the branch from Toledo to Ludington traverses Novi,
Commerce (extreme southwest corner), Milford, Highland, Rose and
Holly townships. The latter branch embraces as stations, Novi, Wixom,
Milford, Highland, Clyde, Rose Center and Holly, and furnishes the
county with thirty-two miles of railway.
DETROIT UNITED RAILWAY
After the Grand Trunk System, the Detroit United (Electric) Railway is the most important transportation agent of Oakland county; and
in the points of frequency of running and convenience of stoppage it
has the advantage of the steam railway. Perhaps the most important
sections covered by the electric lines are those in the southeastern,
southern and central portions of the county, which are not well accommodated by the steam railways. Within the city of Pontiac they not only
give easy access to the business and manufacturing sections of the city,
but to the homes in the northern and western sides and the Pontiac
State Hospital.
The Flint division of the Detroit United runs through Royal Oak,
Clawson, Big Beaver, Rochester, Lake Orion Junction and Goodison,
to Orion and Oxford; thence to Ortonville, in the northern part of the
county. Its general course is north to Rochester and thence northwest
to Ortonville, and it covers about fifty-five miles of trackage.
The Orchard Lake division of the Detroit United runs from Farmington to Pontiac, fifteen miles, taking in its course Orchard, Cass and
Sylvan lakes, and the cream of the summer resort region in the central
sections of the county. The Pontiac division covers the fourteen miles




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


241


between Pontiac and Royal Oak, and runs southeast from the county
seat through Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham.
SUMMARY
To condense: The Grand Trunk System embraces sixty-one miles
of continuous road (including Pontiac, Oxford & Northern, twenty-one
miles) in Oakland county; Michigan Air Line, twenty-five miles; Pere
Marquette Railroad, twenty-five miles; Michigan Central, seventeen
miles; Detroit United Railway, eighty-four miles. Total, two hundred
and twelve miles.


FIRST CAR INTO ROCHESTER




CHAPTER XVI


BANKS AND BANKING
OAKLAND COUNTY'S FIRST BANK-THE "WILD-CAT" BANKS-ONE
"SAFETY FUND" BANK-NATIONAL BANKS IN THE COUNTY-THE
STATE BANKS-PONTIAC SAVINGS BANK-THE OAKLAND COUNTY
SAVINGS BANK-FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK OF PONTIAC-THE AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK-FIRST STATE SAVINGS BANK OF BIRMINGHAMFARMINGTON EXCHANGE BANK-ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK-HOLLY
SAVINGS BANKS —FARMERS' STATE BANK OF OXFORD-ROYAL OAK
SAVINGS BANK-THE ORION STATE BANK-STATE SAVINGS BANK
OF SOUTH LYON.
In consideration of its population and undeveloped condition in the
late thirties, Oakland county had its full share of experience in "wild-cat
banking," and all that the expression implies. As in other sections of
Michigan, the banks of that period were largely the mediums through
which it was excepted to develop the canal and railroad enterprises included in the grand state scheme of internal improvements. The proposed improvements were ahead of the times and far in advance of the
available funds to carry them out; and when the railroads and other
improvements flattened out, in their initial stages, the banks went with
them.
OAKLAND COUNTY'S FIRST BANK
The first bank of issue established in Oakland county was the Bank
of Pontiac, which was established on a franchise of the Detroit & Pontiac
Railroad Company and authorized by the charter of that corporation
approved March 26, I835, which allowed the incorporators, or their successors, to found a bank of issue under the foregoing name, with a
capital of $Ioo,ooo. The books for the subscription to the capital
stock of the bank were opened on the 26th of May, 1835, in Pontiac, and
the whole amount, less $Io,ooo, taken, and the required ten per cent in
cash paid in during the same day. Banknotes were shortly afterward
put into circulation. During the suspension of specie payments, in the
panic of 1837, the Bank of Pontiac redeemed its bills in specie for a
time, after all the other banks in the state had suspended. It finally
collapsed, was revived for a short period by Joseph Dows and E. B.
Comstock, and then really died.
242




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


243


THE "WILD-CAT" BANKS
The general banking law of 1837, which specifically produced the
"wild-cat" system, brought six failures to the banks of Oakland county.
The first was founded in July of that year and was called the Bank of
Oakland. It had a capital of $50,ooo, and its board of directors was as
follows: Daniel LeRoy, president; G. O. Whittemore, cashier; Schuyler
Hodges, C. C. Hascall, Amasa Bagley, Olmstead Chamberlain, G. W.
Williams and Francis Darrow, directors.
This was soon followed by another called the Farmers' & Mechanics'
Bank, with a capital of $50,ooo, of which Schuyler Hodges was president, G. W. Williams, cashier; and G. O. Whittemore, teller.
In December, 1837, the Clinton Canal Bank was established with the
same amount of capital-William S. Stevens, president, and Alfred
Treadway, cashier.
In the early part of 1838 the Farmers' Bank of Oakland and the
Bank of Auburn, each capitalized at $50,ooo, were established, and at
once proceeded to pour into the market their promises to pay, which
the good citizens trustfully received as real money.
But the circulatory power of the "wild-cat" banks proved to be of
short duration, as they all suspended payment in 1838, on the decision
of the supreme court relieving the stockholders from any liability touching the redemption of the bank bills.
The Clinton Canal Bank was reported in good standing with the state
institutions in June, 1838, but in October it was enjoined against further operations, and S. Beach appointed receiver. The Farmers' &
Mechanics' Bank failed July 9, I838, William Draper being appointed
receiver therefor, and others were wound up shortly afterward. Samuel
York, at Lee, was the receiver of the Farmers' Bank of Oakland.
ONE "SAFETY FUND" BANK
The Safety Fund system produced only one bank-the Oakland
County-which was chartered April 28, I836, and on the 2d of December, 1842, called in ten per cent of the stock, being the first business done.
In August, I843, F. A. Williams was president and in October Norman
Rawson was cashier. The real owner and operator of the bank, however,
was Wesley Truesdell, who also owned the Monroe Bank, which he removed to Detroit. The Oakland County Bank suspended in 1846, after
it had succeeded in getting out a large amount of circulation in Detroit,
and its charter was repealed in the following year. No other banks of
issue were established in the county until the national banks were founded
under the national banking law.
NATIONAL BANKS IN THE COUNTY
The First National Bank of Pontiac was organized April 29, I864,
with a capital of $50,00o. W. H. Perry was elected its first president, but
never qualified; Theron A. Flower was also elected and immediately resigned; and in July E. B. Comstock was chosen to head the directors.
Charles R. Durand was the first cashier.
Vol. I —1 6




244


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


The Second National Bank, which was established September I, 1865,
was the predecessor of the Pontiac Savings Bank, and the First National
Bank of Holly, founded in December, 1870, preceded the First State Savings Bank of that place. There are now two national banks in the county,
both young-the First National of Rochester, organized in 1908, and the
First National of Birmingham, established in I910.
In 1887 Almeron Whitehead and George H. Mitchell founded a private bank in Birmingham. Under the name Exchange Bank its business
continuously developed into one of the leading institutions of the kind in
Oakland county. On the 9th of November, I9Io, this was merged into
the First National Bank of Birmingham, of which Mr. Whitehead is president; Eugene Brooks vice president, and Minnie T. Jarvis, cashier. Mr.
Mitchell and Volney Nixon are also directors. The last available statement of the bank indicates a capital stock of $25,000; surplus and undivided profits, $8,223.61; deposits, $278,215.70.
The First National Bank of Rochester is one of the comparatively new
financial institutions in this part of the county, its organization having
been effected on September 24, 1908. It has prospered most creditably in
the time that has elapsed since then, and is able to make a most satisfactory showing among the banks of the county. The original officers of
the concern were John C. Day, president; C. S. (hapman, vice-president;
Frank E. Hale, vice-president; M. H. Haselswerdt, cashier. The president and cashier remain the same.
The bank has a capital stock of $50,oo0; surplus and profits,
$8,094.96; deposits, $365,789.97, according to their official report rendered
to the comptroller of the currency on April I8, 1912.
THE STATE BANKS
According to the last list of state banks compiled for the Michigan
Manual of 1911, Oakland county has the following of this class:
First State Savings Bank of Birmingham.
Farmington Exchange Bank.
Citizens' Savings Bank of Holly.
First State Savings Bank, Holly.
Citizens' State Savings Bank, Orion.
Orion State Bank.
Farmers' State Bank, Oxford.
Oxford Savings Bank.
American Savings Bank, Pontiac.
First Commercial Bank, Pontiac.
Oakland County Savings Bank, Pontiac.
Pontiac Savings Bank.
Rochester Savings Bank.
Royal Oak Savings Bank.
State Savings Bank, South Lyon.
Sketches of the banks now doing business in Oakland county follow,
and they are institutions in which the entire community takes solid pride.
All suspicion of. the "wild-cat" element has been eradicated from them




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


245


years ago, and they stand for the substantial advancement and the present prosperity of Oakland county.
PONTIAC SAVINGS BANK
The Pontiac Savings Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in Oakland county, was organized in I898, with  a capital stock
of $50,000.00. It was organized to succeed the Pontiac National Bank,
the latter having been the successor of the Second National Bank,
founded in September, I865. The subscribers to the capital stock of the
Second National Bank, fixed at $Ioo,ooo, were M. Lamont Baggs, Theren
A. Flower, Stephen Baldwin, Horatio N. Howard, A. A. Lull and William Brown, which company of gentlemen with the exception of Mr.
Brown, comprised the board of directors of the bank.  Dr. M. L.
Baggs was the first president, Theron A. Flower, vice president, and
Alba A. Lull, cashier.
The first president of the Pontiac Savings Bank was B. F. Elwood, who was succeeded in the same year of organization (I898) by
James A. Jacokes. Mr. Jacokes was succeeded by D. H. Power in the
presidency in I902; and after a year of service Mr. S. S. Matthews
followed Mr. Power. The death of Mr. Matthews in I9II brought
about the appointment of Mr. S. E. Beach to the office of president,
and he is at present serving in that capacity. Vice presidents of the bank
from.date of organization to the present time are as follows: I898, D.
J. Hammond; 900o, Harry Coleman; 1902, S. S. Matthews; I903, F.
H. Hale. Cashiers: I898 to 1902, D. H. Power; 1902 to present date,
Camer Smith. The bank has a surplus of $40,000, and in I912 the capital was increased from $50,000oo to $100,000.
THE OAKLAND COUNTY SAVINGS BANK
The Oakland County Savings Bank commenced business in February, I893, with a capital of $50,000 (which has never been increased)
and the following officers: Byron G. Stout, president; A. C. Baldwin,
vice president; and Charles W. French, cashier. Mr. Stout continued
as president for three years, and in I896 was succeeded by Joshua Hill,
the present head of the bank. J. A. Greeley is vice president and Frank
L. Perry, cashier. The capital of the Oakland County Savings Bank
is $50,ooo; surplus and undivided profits, $25,000; deposits, $1,250,000.
FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK OF PONTIAC
The First Commercial Bank of Pontiac, the successor of the first
National Bank of Pontiac, was organized in I892 with Jbhn D'. Norton as president; Goodman Jacobs, vice president; and Benjamin S.
Tregent, cashier. The present officers of the bank are F. H. Carroll,
president; A. A. Corwin, vice president; C. E. Waldo, cashier. The
bank is capitalized at $IOO,OOO.
THE AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK
The American Savings Bank of Pontiac was established in I903,
the first officers being H. S. Chapman, president; A. G. Griggs, vice




246


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


president; A. F. Newberry, cashier; and A. W. Dickinson, assistant
cashier. The present officers are the same with the exception of a
change in the position of assistant cashier, that post being filled now by
Charles Merz. The bank has a capital stock of $50,ooo, with surplus
and undivided profits of $15,ooo and deposits of $660,000.
FIRST STATE SAVINGS BANK, BIRMINGHAM
The First State Savings Bank of Birmingham was organized and
established in November, I909. The bank has a capital stock of $20,000,
surplus and undivided profits of $3,I57.53, with deposits of $280,172.26.
In addition to its banking operations, the bank writes fire insurance and
sells real estate.
The present officers of the bank are: Frank Ford, president; Frank
Hagerman, vice president; Thomas H. Cobb, cashier; Charles E. Toms,
auditor. Frank Ford, Frank Hagerman and T. B. Smith are directors.
FARMINGTON EXCHANGE BANK
What is now known as the Farmington Exchange Bank was incorporated as a state institution on October I, I91o. Its predecessor
was Warner's Exchange Bank, a private concern founded in 1898 by
the following copartners: P. Dean Warner, C. J. Sprague, F.,M. Warner,
M. B. Pierce, C. W. Wilber, O. M. Whipple, George W. Whipple,
Samuel D. Holcomb. The paid in capital of the bank amounted to
$6,000 and the responsibility $15o,ooo.  The present officers of the
Farmington Exchange Bank are: Fred M. Warner, president; Samuel D.
Holcomb, vice president; C. W. Wilber, cashier. The capital stock is
$25,000; surplus, $700; deposits, $145,000.
ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK
The Rochester Savings Bank was organized in September, 900o, with
the following officers: E. R. Mathews, president; F. C. Andrews, vice
president; John J. Brewer, cashier. The present officers are: William
C. Chapman, president; M. I. Brabb, vice president; H. J. Taylor, cashier; H. A. Case, assistant cashier. The capital stock of the bank is $25,ooo; surplus and undivided profits, $I4,445.61; deposits, $426,789.87,
according to their statement on February 20, I912. Four per cent interest is paid on deposits.
HOLLY SAVINGS BANKS
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Holly was organized August I, 1902,
with A. H. Shepard as president, John W. Patterson, vice president, and
C. J. Cummings, cashier. H. Lee Wright is now president, but otherwise
the officials are unchanged. The capital of the bank is $20,000, surplus
and undivided profits $3,750 and deposits $140,000.
The First State Savings Bank was organized as the First National
Bank of Holly in December, 1870, with a capital of $5o,ooo and James




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


247


B. Simonson as president. On January I, 1872, this amount was increased to $60,00o. J. C. Simonson was the second president of the institution, which in I890 was reorganized as a state savings bank-J. C.
Simonson president and E. M. Newell cashier. In 1895 Charles A.
Wilson was elected cashier, and Mr. Simonson retained the presidency
until January I, 1907. Eli Bird served as president for the suceeding
four years and on January I, I9II, D. D. Hadley, present incumbent,
assumed the office. Since that date J. W. McKinney has been vice president. The capital of the bank is $30,000; surplus and undivided profits,
$60,ooo; deposits, $640,000.
FARMERS' STATE BANK OF OXFORD
The Farmers' State Bank of Oxford, Michigan, was organized in
1905 with the following official personnel: G. W. Mackinnon, president;
J. B. Shoemaker, vice-president; M. L. Hagle, second vice-president and
W. W. Lyons, cashier. In April, 1907, Mr. Hagle succeeded W. W.
Lyons as cashier, Mr. Lyons resigning to accept a similar position with
the Otisville State Bank, and T. C. V. Kline stepped into the vacancy
thus brought about. In June, I909, Mr. C. H. Fuller, who had been with
the Oxford Savings Bank for six years as teller, succeeded M. L. Hagle
as cashier, and A. McCarty was appointed assistant cashier. The capital
stock of the bank is $20,000; surplus and undivided profits, $3,735; deposits; $I55,284.
ROYAL OAK SAVINGS BANK
The Royal Oak Savings Bank was established in 1907. Its official
report issued in April, 1912, indicates its financial condition to be as follows: Capital stock, $20,000; surplus and undivided profits, $Io,460.5o;,
deposits, $254,152.05. George J. Baker is cashier.
THE ORION STATE BANK
Since its organization on July 28, 1896, the Orion State Bank has
built up a surplus fund of $15,000 out of its earnings, a circumstance which
gives it place on the "roll of honor" list, being one of but two banks in
the county to claim that distinction. Upon organization, Ira Carpenter
was elected president of the bank and has retained that position throughout the years that have elapsed. J. C. Predmore was the first vice-president, and after two years service he was succeeded by Alfred G. Haddrill, who has continued in the office to the present time. Gleason F.
Perry was the first cashier, and he was succeeded in turn by Cramer
Smith, W. W. Lyons and Lee Earle, the latter of whom assumed his
duties on September I, 1905, continuing to the present date. The capital stock of the bank upon organization was $15,000; surplus, as noted
above, $15,000; total deposits at this writing (July, I912) aggregate
about three hundred thousand dollars, with loans of about two hundred
and sixty thousand, of which more than seventy-five per cent is represented by real estate first mortgages.




248           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
STATE SAVINGS BANK OF SOUTH LYON
The State Savings Bank of South Lyon, Michigan, was established
on April 17, I905. Its present officers and directors are named as follows: H. Letchfield, president; J. H. Sayre and J. B. Bradley, vice presidents; D. B. Lyons, cashier. The capital stock of the bank is $20,000;
surplus and undivided profits, $5,927.50.; deposits, $179,128.I7.




CHAPTER XVII


THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
PIONEER CONDITIONS-PRIMITIVE STATE OF MEDICAL PRACTICE-ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS PRIOR TO I837-DR. WILLIAM THOMPSON,
FIRST PHYSICIAN-DRS. OLMSTEAD AND JOHN CHAMBERLAIN-DR.
EZRA S. PARKE —DR. CYRUS CHIPMAN-DRS. LAMB, LAMOND AND
ALGER —DR. JOHN C. EMERY-THE OLD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
-ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS FROM 1837 TO I866-THREE EARLYTIME HOMEOPATHS-PRESENT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY —PONTIAC
MEDICAL SOCIETY-PRESENT PRACTITIONERS.
By Mason fW/. Gray, A. D.
The first settlement in Oakland county in 1817 was followed, one year
later, by the opening of the Erie canal to Buffalo and by steamboat navigation between Buffalo and Detroit in 1819, thus making the region appropriately called Oakland more accessible for these heroic men and
women from New York state and the eastern states who were destined to
transform the wilderness into the productive farms and the modern firesides enjoyed by the present generation.
PIONEER CONDITIONS
Consequently the first settlement was rapidly followed by others, so
that two years later the territorial government found this section of sufficient importance to establish the boundaries of Oakland county. In I820
the population of the county was 300, but so rapidly did settlers occupy
the land that in I830 it was 5.000, and in the territorial convention of
1836 Oakland was entitled to six delegates and Wayne eight, which presumably was an index of the comparative number of inhabitants of the
two counties.
During this period it is doubtful if the pioneers enjoyed any more of
the physical comforts than had been the common lot of English-speaking
people for three hundred years. It is true they were a free people to
whom were vouchsafed full civil and religious liberty, but their homes
were crudely built, as we know, from the unhewn trees of the forest and
heated by a single fireplace which served also for cooking purposes. The
outfit of the pioneer consisted chiefly of his axe, his rifle and his ox-team.
249




250


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


PRIMITIVE STATE OF MEDICAL PRACTICE
But if the life of the average pioneer was one of privation and hardship, that of the pioneer doctor was one beset with greater difficulties.
His patients were widely scattered throughout the wilderness, and previous to 1830 Oakland county roads were little better than blazed trails,
which during a good part of the year were impassable.
The outfit of the pioneer doctor was quite as meager as was that of his
brother settler. His lancet and calomel, his turnkeys and Peruvian bark,
constituted his essential armamentarium. We, in this generation, are
sometimes prone to speak jestingly of the practice of those early doctors,
but due reflection will accord to them a full measure of credit for what
they did for their patients. In the first third of the nineteenth century
the healing art was primitive and largely empirical. But two epoch-making discoveries had been made in the world of medicine up to that timenamely, the discovery of the circulation of the blood and that of vaccination. The use of ether as an anesthetic was not demonstrated until
1846, and chloroform was introduced two years later; so that any necessary surgical operation was most painful for the patient and difficult
for the doctor. The great scourge of those times was the malarial
fevers, but chemistry had not devised a method for the separation of
quinine from Peruvian bark until 1820, and for years after, this drug
was so very expensive that only the rich could obtain it. Pharmacy
had not yet come to the aid of medicine, so the practitioner necessarily
was obliged to make his own tinctures, triturate his powders, roll his
pills and gather, each in its season, the native herbs and plants having
medicinal qualities.
However, it is certain that the early practitioners of the county were
men capable of bringing to their work in the care and relief of the sick
every available means and influence. They were, moreover, prominent
in the community. They were the educated men and therefore the influential citizens. As family physicians they sustained with their
patients the relation of counsellor and friend. Indeed, it has been said
the pioneer doctor was generally present at all the important family
events: "He was present at every birth, he sat with the minister by
every death-bed, and his signature was affixed to every will." Most
of these physicians had, for the time, thorough qualifications. Many
of them were graduates of medical colleges. Some had graduated in
New York; others in Philadelphia; still others, from European institutions. Some, of course, had not had the benefit of collegiate training, but they had served long and active apprenticeships under the tutelage of some physician and surgeon, and had earned the right to practice by passing a rigid examination before a committee of the County
Medical Society.
The first Oakland County Medical Society being chartered and having authority to grant licenses to practice had been organized under a
permit granted June 12, 1831, on petition of Drs. William Thompson,
Daniel L. Porter, Ezra L. Parke and Thaddeus Thompson. The permit to organize was granted by the first Michigan Medical Society which
had been organized August Io, I8I9, under territorial law.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


251


PHYSICIANS OF OAKLAND COUNTY PRIOR TO I837
DR. WILLIAM THOMPSON
The first physician to locate in this county was Dr. William Thompson. He came to Michigan from Lisle, Broome county, New York, in
1815, visiting Detroit and stopping for a time in Mt. Clemens. He then
came to Avon township and finally to Pontiac, in I819, where he spent
the remainder of his active life in the practice of his profession. William Thompson was the son of Thaddeus Thompson, a surgeon in the
American army during the Revolutionary war, and Betty Whitlock, the
widow of a British officer. He was born at Lenox, Berkshire county,
Massachusetts, January 15, I786. His education was obtained in the district school and academy for Latin and Greek of his native town, and
when fourteen years of age he was said to be fitted for college. At about
this period of his life, with his parents he moved to Lisle, Broome
county, New York. He commenced the study of medicine in the office
of John McWhorten in the neighboring village of Cincinnatus, New
York, a graduate of Glasgow University, a man of strong personality
and rare qualities as a practitioner. After two years of study Dr. Thomson was licensed to practice his profession, but not being satisfied with
his preparation he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
New York City for two years, from which institution he was graduated,
receiving the degree of M. D. in 181o. His death occurred in 1867.
There were few, if any, specialists in those days, but Dr. Thompson
for many years after locating in Pontiac was the acknowledged expert
obstetrician in this part of the country.  His former preceptor had
taught him the use of the obstetric forceps, and his personal reminiscences
and notes on practice record many cases of instrumental delivery by himself to which he had been called in consultation, some of them in Detroit,
others as far away as Romeo and Saginaw.
That Doctor Thompson soon occupied a prominent place in the community is evidenced by his appointment by Governor Cass as the first
chief justice of the newly organized county court, there being two associate justices. The first session of the court was held July 17, 1820, and
the doctor held the judicial office until 1827. Dr. Thompson was also
one of the organizers of the Pontiac Company which was such a factor
in the settlement and organization of the county.
Dr. Thaddeus Thompson, brother of William, located at Troy, this
county, previous to I828, where he practiced his profession for many
years, afterward moving to Detroit.
DRS. OLMSTEAD CHAMBERLAIN AND JOIIN CHAMBERLAIN
Among the first to settle and practice in Pontiac after Dr. Thompson
were Dr. Olmstead Chamberlain and Dr. Sterling W. Allen. The latter
came from Monroe county, New York, and located at Pontiac in 1825.
He was a skillful physician and afterwards resided at Grand Rapids.
Dr. Olmstead Chamberlain came from Lewiston, New York, but did
not follow his profession as a business. He settled in Pontiac in I82I.
He was born in Richmond, Vermont, in I787. He was a prominent citi



252


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


zen of Pontiac and Oakland county for forty-three years, and was postmaster of Pontiac for several years. While a resident of Pontiac in the
early days, an epidemic broke out among a company of United States
troops stationed at Saginaw, from which many soldiers died, and the
surgeon of the post was stricken down. A courier was sent to Pontiac
for aid. The only road was an Indian trail through the woods, but the
doctor at once mounted his horse, and traveling night and day, at times
obliged to dismount and feel for the trail on his hands and knees, arrived
in good time, and rendered good service for the sufferers. In 1864 he
left Pontiac and went to reside with a son, Samuel, at Waupun, Wisconsin, with whom he remained until October io, I876, at which date he
died, aged eighty-nine years.
Dr. John Chamberlain came from near Auburn, New York, in 1825,
or thereabouts and located at the village of Auburn. He was the most
learned physician in the county in his day, and was a most able practitioner. He removed from the county in or about I830, and died in the
early seventies.
DR. EZRA S. PARKE
Dr. Ezra S. Parke, a native of Middle Haddam, Connecticut, and
brother of Captain Hervey Parke, of Pontiac, came to Bloomfield, from
Onondaga county, New York, in 1822. He studied medicine with Dr.
Ransom, of Camden, Oneida county, New York. He had a good practice, which he continued to follow until his death, which occurred in
1846. He was postmaster at Bloomfield for several years.  (Hervey
Parke, organizer and senior partner of the great firm of manufacturing
chemists, was his son.)
DR. CYRUS CHIPMAN
Dr. Cyrus Chipman came to Avon township in 1821, and was for
many years a prominent physician in the township. He held the position
of postmaster twelve years, and then removed to Rochester village. He
was originally from Vermont, and about I850 removed to Grand Rapids,
where he died a few years ago. He was a good practitioner and a very
excellent man. He was in Troy for a time previous to his removal to
Grand Rapids.
DR. EBENEZER RAYNALE
Dr. Ebenezer Raynale was born in Vermont, but spent the most of his
life until 1828 in New York and Pennsylvania. At this date he came
to Michigan and located at Franklin, Southfield township. He read
medicine in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and Niagara county,
New York, and had for many years an extensive practice in Oakland
county, and even beyond, in the early days. He retired from practice
in I873 on account of ill health, surrendering his business to his son, Dr.
Charles M. Raynale, of Birmingham, with whom the old doctor afterward resided until his death. The young doctor read medicine with his
father, and graduated from Detroit medical college,. Ebenezer Raynale
was a prominent citizen outside of his profession, was a member of the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


253


state senate in I836-37, and also a member of the first and second constitutional conventions of Michigan. (A sketch of the Doctor is given in
the chapter on "State Politics.")
DRS. LAMB, LAMOND AND ALGER
Dr. Caleb Lamb, a Baptist divine as well as a physician, came to Oakland county in 1830 from western New York and located first in Bloomfield, at Gilbert's lake, and subsequently at Farmington for a time. Hie
changed his practice during his later years in Oakland county to the
homeopathic school.
Dr. R. D. Lamond located in Pontiac previous to 1833, coming there
from Canada, but was a native of the United States. He removed to
Flint where he was for many years the principal physician of the place.
Dr. Josiah Alger located in Troy in or before I831. Dr. Z. M. Mowrey came to Milford in I840, and was in practice with Dr. Foote; was in
the legislature in 1849, and in- the constitutional convention in I850. He
died in 1874 with the harness on, actively engaged in his profession.
DR. JOHN C. EMERY
In the year 1830 Dr. Emery came from Seneca, New York, and located in Novi township. He was born in New Hampshire July II, 1796,
served in the Thirty-first Vermont Volunteers in the War of I812 under
Major Hamilton, and was in several important battles of that war with
the British and Indians in northern New York and the Canadian frontier. The education of Dr. Emery was received in Ludlow (Vt.) Academy, at the Castleton (Vt.) Medical College. and a course of study under
the auspices of the New Jersey Medical Society. He commenced the
practice of medicine in I822. In 1823 Dr. Emery married Miranda
Haines, of Marion county, New York. He resided in Novi until i850,
when he went to California, but finally settled in Lansing, Michigan, in
I868, where he died January 21, T880. Dr. Emery was the grandfather
of Josiah Emery, of Waterford, and Charles S. Emery, of Lansing.
THE OLD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
The first Oakland County Medical Society was organized by authority granted by the Michigan Medical Society June I2. i831, to Drs. William Thompson, Daniel L. Porter, E. S. Parke and Thaddeus Thompson.
The parent society had authority from the territorial council and was
organized August Io, I8I9. Although the organization never flourished
vigorously, it lived until well into the 'seventies.
THE NORTHEAST DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETIES
In the meantime (June 14, 1854) the Northeast District Medical and
Scientific Association had been formed at Romeo, Macomb county. This
organization had jurisdiction over that county, as well as Oakland, Lapeer, St. Clair and Sanilac. Its first president was Philo Tillson, of




254


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Romeo, and the association held yearly meetings for nearly half a century, excepting for two years during the Civil war period. In 1870 its
name was abbreviated to the Northeast District Miedical Society. The
society came to an end at the time of the reorganization of the profession
in the state during 1902, when the existing medical society of the county
was founded.
ALLOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS FROM I837 TO I866
Dr. Pliny Powers came to what was known as Deming's Corners, Oxford township, in 1837, from the state of New York. In 1838 Egbert
Burdick, of New York, was associated with him in practice, and at Oxford village, in I839. He removed to Detroit, where he died.
Dr. Morrison practiced in Addison. He came there in 1842.
D'r. Drake came to Royal Oak in 1849 from Cayuga county, New
York. He was a brother of Hon. Thomas J. Drake, and died in the
late sixties.
Dr. W. G. Elliott was first located in Pontiac previous to I850, and
removed shortly after that date to the state of New York, from whence
he entered the hospital service of the army at Alexandria, and after the
war returned to Pontiac, where for many years he followed a lucrative
practice. He pursued his medical studies with Dr. Paddock, and graduated at the Cleveland Medical College.
Dr. J. N. Donaldson came to Lakeville in I854. He pursued the
study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Asahel Barnard, of the
United States army, at Dearborn, Michigan, and graduated at the University of Michigan in I853. He practiced sixteen years in Lakeville,
and then removed to Pontiac, where he opened a drug store and continued in the business for four years, when ill health compelled him to
cease active work of all kinds. He died in Pontiac, July 15, I877. He
was a native of Mendon, Monroe county, New York.
The late Dr. F. B. Galbraith, of Pontiac, was a graduate of the University of Michigan, class of I86o, and of the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of New York City, in I86I. He was surgeon in the Tenth
Michigan Infantry and Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and located in Pontiac
in I865.
Dr. Lawrence located in Oxford village in I862.
Dr. Robert Le Baron, of Pontiac, graduated from the University of
Michigan, class of I86I. He practiced with Dr. Hayes, in Livingston
county, one year, was two years surgeon of the Fourth Michigan Infantry,
and located at Pontiac in I864.
Dr. Chauncey Earle graduated in I853 at the Michigan University,
having pursued his studies under Dr. Spaulding, of Oxford, Dr. Earle
began his practice in Addison township, where he remained one year, and
then removed to Orion, where he remained till the fall of I866, when he
came to Pontiac.
Dr. F. Curtis, long a practioner of Holly, located first at Rochester in
1832. At one time he was the physician of every family in Livingston
county, when there were not well persons enough to take care of the
sick. This was between 1835 and 1840.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


255


Dr. B. P. McConnell, a brother of William M. McConnell, of Pontiac,
was for many years a prominent physician of that city. He was a skillful surgeon, and went into the military service as surgeon of the Twentysecond Michigan Infantry, Colonel Wisner commanding. He removed to
Ludington in I873.
Dr. William Wilson settled at Pine Lake, in I835. He was a Scotchman, educated thoroughly at the Glasgow University, and had a very
extensive practice. He was a skillful surgeon. He died in August, I863.
His son, John P. Wilson, read with his father and graduated at the New
York College of Physicians and Surgeons in I85t, and was long in practice. He was surgeon of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and also brigade
surgeon of the cavalry brigade.
Dr. William Aitcheson located in Ortonville, Oakland county in 1873
immediately after graduating in medicine from the University of Michigan and lived and practiced his profession there until his death. He was
born in Paris, Ontario, in 1846; prepared for college at the Galt Collegiate Institute, and graduated from Toronto University in I869. In
I87I he entered the medical department of Michigan University from
which he was graduated in I873. Dr. Aitcheson was a valued member
of the Oakland County Medical Society, Michigan State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. He married Isabella Murdie
who was born near Seaforth, Huron county, Ontario, of Scotch parentage, but had no children. He died at his home in Ortonville, January Io,
I909, of pneumonia.
THREE EARLY-TIME HOMEOPATHS
The first practitioner of the school of Hahnemann was Dr. Caleb
Lamb, who located first in Farmington, and practiced under the allopathic
system, but came to Pontiac in 1847, and began the practice of homeopathy. He removed from Pontiac in December, I847.
Dr. Amos Walker, of Pontiac, begun the practice in 1847, in Brooklyn, Jackson county, Michigan. He was educated under the allopathic
system, graduating at Pittsfield, Washtenaw  county, Massachusetts,
where he remained eight years, and then went to Brooklyn, and thence
came to Pontiac in I848, where he remained for thirty years or more, with
the exception of the years 1871-73, when he was in Arkansas.
Dr. E. C. Fuller came to Pontiac in I863, from Dutchess county, New
York; was a graduate of the Geneva medical college, and graduated
from the Detroit Homeopathic College in 1872.
PRESENT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
Pursuant to a circular letter sent out by Dr. C. D. Burr of Flint,
Michigan, councilor of the Sixth District, of the Michigan State Medical Society and a call issued by Drs. M. W. Gray, Wm. McCarroll,
George H. Drake and J. Morse, these being then the executive committee of the Pontiac Medical Society, thirty-two members of the medical profession of Oakland county assembled at Pontiac, September 9,
I902, and organized the Oakland County Miedical Society, Dr. F.




256


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Galbraith, of Pontiac, was unanimously elected as the first president
for one year; Dr. D. W. C. Wade, of Holly as vice president, and Dr.
William McCarroll as secretary and treasurer. A constitution was later
drawn up and adopted. The society is designated as Branch No. 5 of
the Michigan State Medical Society. It has continuously grown in
numbers and usefulness until at the present time it has nearly fifty members throughout the county. Meetings are held six times annuallythe first Thursday of February, April, June, August, October and December, the later being the annual meeting. Three meetings per year
are held at the county seat, usually during the winter and spring, the
balance of the time throughout the county. Two or three papers are
usually given at each meeting which are followed by general discussion.
Outside talent is very often secured for the meeting and many prominent members of the profession, both in and outside the state, have
addressed the society on various occasions.
The society issues a publication appearing every two months previous
to the meetings, entitled the Journal of the Oakland Medical Society.
The officers of the society for 19I2 were: Dr. E. A. Christian, president; Dr. William McCarroll, vice president; Dr. J. B. Chapman, secretary and treasurer, who also acts as editor for the Journal; directors
-Dr. R. Y. Ferguson, Dr. George H. Drake and Dr. M. W. Gray.
PONTIAC MEDICAL SOCIETY
The first Pontiac Medical Society was organized June 27, I892, but
while it served a useful purpose for a time it soon became dormant largely
because of the informal plan of organization without a president.
October 8, I9oI, a meeting of former members of the Pontiac Medical
Society was called in the office of Dr. M. W. Gray, to consider plans for
reorganization. At this meeting there were present Drs. William McCarroll, Jason Morse, Irving H. Neff, George H. Drake, and Mason W.
Gray. A reorganization on a more permanent basis was effected and the
following officers elected: President, Mason W. Gray; vice president,
Jason Morse; secretary, Mr. McCarroll; treasurer, George H. Drake.
This society has proved a valuable means for the unification of the
profession of the city and for the advancement of scientific work of its
members. Its present officers are: President, Edward V. Howlett; vice
president, Geo. H. Drake; secretary, Harry Sibley; treasurer, Samuel A.
Butler.
PRESENT PRACTITIONERS
The following are the names of the profession in Oakland county with
locations and years of graduation:
**  E. A.  Christian  *..........................................  882
**  Frank  S.  Bachelder *..................................... I905
A. L. Brannack.............................................. 903
** Samuel  A.  Butler *......................................  I907
D.  G.  C astell...............................................  899
H. S. Chapman *........................................... 1885
*Members of County Medical Society.
** Pontiac State Hospital.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                           257
Joseph B. Chapman *.........................................
N. B. Colvin *...............................................882
George  H. Drake...........................................     893
L. A. Farnham *.............................................I905
R. Y. Ferguson *....................................       896
S. E. Galbraith  *.1......................................... 899
Mason W. Gray*............................................. I880
H.  C.  G uillott............................................... 891
E. V. Howlett *.............................................. 902
Robert Le Baron*............................. 86I
J. W. Losee................................................. I89
L. R. Lumby................................................893
C.  D.  M orris *...............................................  894
James  J. M urphy  *...........................................  897
John  D. R iker  *..............................................  89
C. T. Starker *.................................                  1905
**C. W. Mack*............................................. 908
J.  T.  B ird*.................................................  908
William McCarroll *......................................         88I
A. D. McKinney...................................     1903
R. E. M oss................................I......   1880
Elsworth  O rton........................................         892
H. A.  Sibley   *............................................... 907
**Geneva  Tryon..............................................  907
Frank Gerls........................................        I912
All the above are located in Pontiac.
W. L. Cole, O xford...........................................  88i
L. E. Gibson, Oxford.....................................    I906
Dr.  W atson,  Orion...........................................
Dr. Hathaway, Orion.........................................
Dr.  Hughes,  Orion...........................................
C.  A.  De  Cou,  O rion.........................................
A.  P.  Schulz, O rion.......................................... 906
E. B. Guile, Ortonville.............................I.895
W. T. Tucker, New  Hudson....................................  877
C. P. Felshaw, Holly *.........................I1877
T. E. M cDonald, Holly  *......................................894
Ora  M anly, H ighland  *.......................................879
E. F. Holcomb, Farmington................1..889
W. H. Carr, Davisburg..9...............................  902
C. J. Sutherland, Clarkston *................................ 891
J. L. Campbell, Birmingham...................................880
C. M. Raynale, Birmingham.............................   1869
N. T. Shaw, Birmingham............................. 1.892
Norman L. Baker, Milford *..................................I902
Edward A. Lodge, Milford................... 1879
E. A. Chapman, Walled Lake *.................................1876
W illiam   S. Gass, Royal Oak...............................   1899
Ainsley  Smith, Royal Oak.....................................884
*Members of County Medical Society.
**Pontiac State Hospital.




258            HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
Dr. Snyder, Royal Oak.......................................
A. F. Novi, Holcomb......................................... 1884
G. F. Hamlin, Rochester......................................  896
Floyd W. Lockwood, South Lyon.............................. 909
Lyman  A. Sayles, South  Lyon.................................1901
B. C. H. Spencer, Rochester.................................. I88I
H. S. Demming, Oxford.................................... I892
George  W. McKinnon, Oxford................................ 890
M. J. Uloth, Ortonville  *...................................... 902
S. B. Robb, Leonard *..................................... 1892
F. L. Johnson, H olly  *.........................................903
J. R. Van Sickle, Holly *.....................................19o6
F. D. German, Franklin  *......................................  906
J. A. Miller, Farmington *.............I9............ i..    9
C. W. Snyder, Clyde  *.........................................I903
J. W. Bennie, Big  Beaver......................................  9
P. D. Hilty, Birmingham *......................... 911
George P. Raynale, Birmingham *.............................902
John  C. Black, M ilford..................................... 887
Thomas J. Jackson, Milford...................................88a
S. L. W eisbrod, M ilford  *.............................894
James W. Anderson, Royal Oak *...............................89I
J.  S. M orrison, Royal Oak.....................................  905
Jesse   E. W ilson, Rochester*..................................  855
Charles S. Strain, Rochester................................... 1902
George M. Milliman, South  Lyon............................... 888


* Members of County Medical Society.




CHAPTER XVIII


WOMEN'S INFLUENCE IN THE COUNTY
WHAT WOMEN HAVE DONE FOR OAKLAND COUNTY (BY MARTHA BALDWIN)-WOMEN'S WORK IN PONTIAC-THE PONTIAC CITY HOSPITAL
PONTIAC PUBLIC LIBRARY-WOMEN'S LITERARY CLUB OF PONTIAC
-THE ROUND TABLE CLUB-WEST SIDE READING CIRCLE-WOMEN'S
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION-BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARYBIRMINGHAM LITERARY CLUB —GREENWOOD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF HOLLY.
Women's influence in Oakland county, as everywhere, has been determined largely by what she has done; her thoughts and words have
ever blossomed into deeds and institutions of charity and love. None of
her sex is better qualified to speak for her from this standpoint than
Martha Baldwin, of Birmingham, who, through her earnest words and
practical works, has exerted a fine, invigorating influence upon her
home community first, and upon a far more extended field with herself
and Birmingham as the points of radiation. She speaks, therefore, as one
having authority.
WHAT WOMEN FHAE DONE FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
By lMartha Baldwin.
The part that women have taken in the building up of Oakland county
can never be fully told. Coming into a wilderness nearly one hundred
years ago, she bravely took her share of the burdens of pioneer life and
bravely has she carried these burdens down through all these years.
She walked beside the ox-teams that were drawing the household
goods; she helped to build the log house; she planted the tiny seed whence
came the orchards for which the county was soon to be famous. She had
left home and friends, her whole early life, but she resolutely faced
the future; she must find courage, not for herself alone, but for all. If
she had tears and regrets the others must not know. She helped to build
the school house and gathered the little ones within its walls.
She tended the sick and went miles on errands of mercy. She carded
the wool, spun the yarn, wove the cloth, bleached the flax, baked in the
out-of-door oven, made the garden, and then mended and patched the
garments of the sleeping children till morning hours. The floors must
Vol. I-17
259




260


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


be scrubbed, for there were no carpets; the fruit must be dried, for there
were no fruit cans; the candles must be dipped; the geese must be picked;
the children must be helped with their lessons-and with all this she
found time to read the news of the day and to keep up with the times in
which she lived.
From that early day to this, she has led in all the reforms; she has
kept up the interest in the church, taught in the Sabbath school and led
in the social life of the community. How has she done it all? The
lips are hushed now, and the hands are at rest; hands that toiled for us;
lips that prayed for us; souls that struggled on patient to the end.
This interest in her home and in her country has come down from
mother to daughter till today we see her through many different activities
still doing her best. Through the W. C. T. U. she is striving to guard
the young and uplift the fallen.
She is smoothing the pillow of the sick and suffering, for it is the
noble effort of a courageous band of women that has placed the Oakland
County Hospital in our midst. It is the women of our county that have
carried words of cheer to our County Home, looking after the needs of
their less fortunate sisters.
It is the women of Oakland county who have united in one the fifteen
women's clubs from east to west and from north to south, and these
gaining strength by union are working for better schools, for forestry,
for the neatness of our highways, of our towns and villages, for civil
service reform, for pure food, for better things in the home and for better
state laws.
It was the women's clubs that worked for the rest rooms in our
county court house. In this, as in all these works, they have been most
generously aided by the splendid manhood of the county, without whose
help they could not have succeeded. Take the work of the women out
of our churches and how many would exist? Yet they question if
women should vote on church government.
Girls are leading in our schools and universities and Oakland has
her share in the great work, thanks to the mothers who have trained these
women in the home. Conditions have changed, surroundings have
changed, but not the workers. The loom and the knitting needles have
gone' from the home to the factory, the fruit is at the cannery, the clothing comes to the home ready made, but she is not idle. If she has not
been forced to follow these industries she is still working.
Today politics come into the home with the water, with the milk,
with the meat and with the impure food, and if she would keep her home
pure, her loving ones well, she must have a voice in these things that the
politicians control. It is for this that she is asking for the ballot, for today all these things are settled by the voter.
Look back at her splendid record as pioneer, ever foremost in good
works, as the home maker ever guarding all within that home, and ask
yourselves if every weapon of defense should not be placed in her
hands.
If Oakland county stands among the first counties of our state, thanks
must be given to her women, as well as to her sturdy loyal men. She is




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


261


now and ever will be urging the needed reforms, leading where the lonest, the pure and best will gladly follow.
WOMAN'S WORK IN PONTIAC
There are few cities in southern Michigan where the women have
accomplished so much both in the elevating influences of thought and
deed as Pontiac. Its hospital, library, literary clubs and temperance union
are virtually her sole creations, while it goes without saying that the
churches would quickly perish without her ministrations. Mrs. Harry
Coleman, Mrs. Samuel W. Smith, Mrs. Aaron Perry, Mrs. Charles Going,
Miss Anne Murphy, Mrs. A. B. Avery, Mrs. J. S. Stockwell, Mrs. H. C.
Guillot, Mrs. E. A. Christian, Mrs. Peter B. Bromley, Mrs. Arthur Davis,
Mrs. Mark S. Brewer, Mrs. Joshua Hill, Mrs. Byron Stout, Mrs. A. L.
Moore, Mrs. A. L. Craft, Mrs. E. H. Wilson, Mrs. F. J. Walters, Mrs.
Maud Chattuck and others have been leaders in the charitable, literary
and reformatory movements which have centered in Pontiac and raised
her to such a high standard of municipal life.
At the county seat, as in other communities, the history of many of
the most worthy and noteworthy institutions are placed to the credit of
the women, and the following sketches bear out in detail all of Miss Baldwin's general statements.
THE PONTIAC CITY HOSPITAL
In a very comprehensive and appreciative article devoted to the history of the Pontiac City Hospital, the Pontiac Press Gazette says in part:
"When Mrs. Charles Going met Mrs. Harry Coleman on the corner of
Lawrence and Saginaw streets, some ten years ago, and told a tale of a
sick man being taken to the jail as the only place of refuge for a stranger
and further remarked, from the depths of her pity, 'we ought to have
a hospital!' neither knew what she was starting or getting into. For if
they had been able to look into the future they might have elected not to
have met at all, or meeting, to talk on any subject under the sun save
that of sick strangers and jails! But at any rate, the meeting happened
and the words were spoken, and a troublesome idea hatched out which
grew in ten years to a very respectable looking bird, indeed.
"One of the secrets of success of the women who built the Oakland
hospital was, of course, hard work. But perhaps the chief secret of success was in trying to solve but one problem at a time. They used to meet
with Miss Webb or Mrs. Cowles in their dressmaking rooms in the Le
Baron block and talk over the most simple plan of opening a room or two
where the sick might be taken to be under the care of a trained nurse.
This idea grew into a plan of renting a house. And thus the first problem arose for solution. Should they rent a house? No. Nobody would
have them. They wouldn't be desirable tenants. Should they buy a
house? This they discussed very seriously. They looked at many houses
and many thought it a grievous mistake that they did not accept the offer
of the octagon house on Huron street, offered at a most generous figure
for a hospital. The answer to this problem was that old houses require




262


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


too much money in alterations to make them hospital-fit. Then should
they build? Yes. And to that end they bought three lots of Robert J.
Lounsbury on Huron street."
Thus was inaugurated a project which in the course of ten years
has developed into one of the finest institutions known to the city of
Pontiac, and probably the one of which the city is most proud.
With the beginning of the evolution of their idea, the ladies had begun to earn money for the support of the plan, and at the end of 1902
they had a credit of $886.57 in the treasury, variously earned, and it was
then they bought the three lots of Mr. Lounsbury, paying for them the
sum of $500. Many people considered them unwise in that they went so
far out of town, but they knew what the qualities were which went to
make a desirable hospital location, and accordingly chose a site sufficiently
distant from any factory and on naturally high land and on a car line.
PONTIAC CITY HOSPITAL
On October 7, 1902, they incorporated under the state laws as the
Pontiac City Hospital, and those who signed the articles of incorporation
were: Mrs. Samuel W. Smith, Mrs. W. R. Sanford, Mrs. Harry Coleman, Mrs. C. V. Taylor, Aaron Perry, Mrs. Charles Fisher, Mrs. J. R.
Mitchell, Miss Anne Murphy, Mrs. S. S.,Mathews, Mrs. M. S. Brewer,
Mrs. J. S. Stockwell, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Mrs. Charles Going, Charles
A. Fisher and E. W. Murphy.
In I903 they began bringing the Lyman Howe moving pictures to
Pontiac, and since then that has been an annual source of revenue to the
board. At the end of that year they had a treasury fund of $I,602.I9.
At the end of 1904 they had $2,655.96; 1905, $3,530.80; I906, $5,326.29.
In 1907 they began to build, and their tribulations increased in complete
accordance with their extended operations. Mrs. S. W. Smith at the
time made searching studies of different hospitals in Washington, D. C.,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


263


and Mrs. Groom of Ann Arbor hospitals. Others visited hospitals in
Bad Axe, Batavia, New York, and Detroit. Joseph Mills, the architect,
was asked to plan a hospital to cost about $Io,ooo, although some time
previous they had rejected plans, very attractive, but in excess of the
$6,000 which they originally expected to expend. They had made the
discovery, however, that the absolute necessities of a hospital, including
diet kitchen, baths, linen room, supply and chart room for each ward,
besides operating room, sterilizing room, office, elevator, dining room
and general room, must be maintained, no matter how small the hospital
may be, and that all details of that nature must be considered as carefully for ten patients as for one hundred. It developed that the hospital,
built in dull times, with much of the work and material donated, cost
over $I7,000. It will accomodate twenty-five patients and is regarded
as a model of completeness and convenience, experts claiming that it
could be improved in but few minor details.
On July 12, I908, the corner stone was laid, with interesting and impressive ceremony. Rev. Fr. T. J. Ryan made the opening prayer and
the address by Judge Stockwell was a masterly effort. In May, I909, the
building was opened, absolutely free of debt. Mrs. E. A. Christian, of
the board of trustees, supervised in person the furnishing of the hospital and saw to the placing of every item of equipment in the establishment. While the work of construction had been going on, the advisory
board, a company made up of representatives from every church and
women's society in the county, was busily at work making provision for
the linen furnishing of the hosiptal, and on opening day, not only sheets,
pillow cases, towels, mattress covers, table cloths, doilies, tray cloths and
napkins were in place, but also bed gowns, door hushers and operating
pads were in readiness for the first patient.
The operating room was furnished and equipped by the physicians
of the city as a memorial to the late Dr. F. B. Galbraith.
The building committee was composed of Aaron Perry, Miss Anne
Murphy, Mrs. R. W. Groom, Edwin M. Murphy and A. L. Dewey, with
J. R. Prall as superintendent in charge. The committee on plans was represented by Mrs. S. W. Smith, Mrs. R. W. Groom, Mrs. H. C. Guillot,
Mrs. H. Coleman, Mrs. J. S. Stockwell, Mrs. H. S. Chapman, and Joseph
E. Mills of Detroit, architect.
The work of raising money for the building extended over a period of
eight years, and at no time the sums coming in were large. The amounts
donated usually were small, and the largest subscribers were Mrs. David
Ward who gave $500 and furnished two rooms and Judge J. L. Jacokes
who gave $I,ooo. The bulk of the money came in as profits from entertainments given, rummage sales and catering. When the building was
opened, $1,200 was raised through the columns of the Gazette to pay the
final cost of the building.
It is the present plan of the board of directors to build an addition comprising six private rooms, with room for nurses, they being housed at present in a cottage rented by the hospital. The institution is out of debt, and,
when run at its capacity, is self-supporting. The average number of
patients cared for during I9II was fifteen. Thus far the city and county




264


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


have each given $I,ooo annually for the maintenance of the hospital, and
the board of directors continues to raise about $I,ooo annually.
At the time of the laying of the corner stone the hospital was a city
institution, being known as the Pontiac City Hospital, but later designated
as the Oakland County Hospital.
The present officers of the association are as follows: Mrs. H. C. Guillot, president; Mrs. E. A. Christian, first vice president; Mrs Harry Coleman, second vice president; Mrs. H. S. Chapman, financial secretary; Mrs.
Charles Going, treasurer; Mrs. Fred M. Millis, treasurer; Miss Margaret
Meigs, superintendent; Miss Bertha Berry, assistant superintendent. The
board of trustees is composed of Mrs. Guillot, Mrs. Christian, Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Going, Mrs. Millis, Mrs. Jas. A. Cash, Mrs.
Jayno Adams, Miss Emily Parent, Mrs. George Smith, Mr. Aaron Perry,
Mr. Henry Pauli, Mrs. John J. Grant, Mrs. Peter B. Bromley.
With the solid establishment of the hospital, the women of the city and
county have not "wearied in well doing," but have continued to give liberally to the support of the institution, and the shelves of the storerooms
have been kept filled with canned fruit, vegetables and jellies by the women
who have from the beginning displayed unusual interest in the project.
The hospital is in excellent hands with Miss Margaret Meigs in charge.
She is a graduate of the Harper Hospital of Detroit, and was the former
superintendent of the Lansing Hospital. A training school for nurses has
been established, with a course of two years and three months, the last
three months' instruction to be given in a Detroit hospital.
Rooms in the hospital have been furnished by Mrs. Pelouge, Mrs. E.
M. Murphy, the D. A. R., the Pythian Sisters, the Y. W. C. T. U., the
Walnut Lake ladies, Miss Marcia Richardson, and The Willing Workers
-the last, an auxiliary organization of the advisory board of the hospital,
furnishing two rooms. Mrs. Arthur Davis is president of this society;
Mrs. Oscar Carpenter first vice president; Mrs. Wilson Bailey, second
vice president; Mrs. George Cotcher, secretary; Mrs. George Hoyt,
treasurer.
The new apartments for the housing of the nurses in training mentioned in a previous paragraph, now being planned for, it is estimated
will cost in the neighborhood of $3,000. Joshua Hill has subscribed the
first $I,ooo of the amount.
The hospital board, while for the most part being made up of women,
has been ably supported by men who have been particularly active in
their labors for the institution. To Aaron Perry especially do they owea debt of gratitude for his wise counsels and timely help from their
earliest operations as an organized institution up to the present time, which
has been heartily acknowledged upon many occasions.
PONTIAC PUBLIC LIBRARY
An organization of which Pontiac is justly proud is the Ladies' Library
Association, which has in the thirty years of its existence seen much
growth and progress. The library is located on Williams street, and has
a down-town department which is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The
association today owns something more than five thousand volumes.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


265


The origin of the association and its struggles for existence during the
earlier part of its thirty years of life make interesting history and show
forth the unselfish devotion which has made the library a possibility and
a fact. In May, 1882, the association was founded by the younger women
of the city. Mrs. Byron Stout was one of the leaders in the movement,
and was for years interested deeply in literary work of all kinds. She
was ably assisted by Misses Louise Parker, now Mrs. Mark S. Brewer,
Flora McConnell, now Mrs. Butts of Ann Arbor, Ella Green, Belle and
Effie Harris, Mary Crofoot and Mary Dawson Elliott, all of whom devoted many hours of hard and conscientious work to the project. They
were aided by a number of the married women of the city, and received
very material assistance from the merchants and other business men of the
city.
In July, 1882, the library was opened in one of the second floor rooms
of the old Gazette building on East Lawrence street. A little catalogue
compiled and prepared by Mrs. Stout has been printed, giving a complete
list of all books belonging to the library at that time. The patronage was
small at first, and the finances of the little association were too often in
a precarious condition, but they managed to weather the lean years by giving frequent entertainments, catering at banquets and in various other
methods, not finding any work too difficult for their cause.
The erection of the present library was due to the kindly interest of
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Stout, each leaving to the association sufficient money
to make the building a possibility. Mrs. Stout left the association the
brick building at the corner of Auburn avenue and Saginaw street with
instructions that the management should sell it and use the proceeds toward the erection of a library building. When Mr. Stout died a few
years later, he left in his will a provision that the association might have
his life insurance of $5,000, which, in conjunction with the bequest of his
wife, was to be used in the erection of a building for the library. The will
also contained the clause that if the building was ever used for other than
library purposes, it should revert to the Stout heirs. This fact has given
rise to a problem which the association has often discussed. For the
present there is no necessity for larger quarters, but if at any time in the
future the location should become undesirable, or for any reason it might
be deemed best to move it elsewhere, the association would be powerless
to realize anything upon the building or secure anything for the improvements which it has made upon it from time to time, and expects to make
in the years to come.
At the present time the library has an endowment fund of $2,000, the
interest of which is only used toward the support of the library. Mrs.
D. C. Buckland left the association a gift of $i,ooo at her death and Mrs.
B. A. Palmer made a similar gift when she died.
The present officers of the association are: Mrs. Joshua Hill, president;
Mrs. A. F. Newberry, vice president; Mrs. F. S. Stewart, secretary; and
Mrs. Charles H. Going, treasurer. These, with the following named
ladies compose the executive board: Mesdames F. E. Starker, Joseph Newbiggins, E. D. Benjamin, J. W. Lossee, George W. Smith, C. V. Taylor,
John Dudley Norton, G. H. Drake, A. L. Craft, and the Misses Addie
Jewell and Mae Woodward. The book committee is composed of Mes



266


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


dames F. E. Starker, Joseph Newbigging and A. F. Newberry. To this
committee falls the lot of selecting the new books each year, although
members of the association are permitted to send in the title of one book
they wish purchased. The books are being added to the collection at
the rate of about twenty volumes each month. Board meetings are held
the first Tuesday in each month.
Among those women who served as presidents in the past years doing
very creditable work for the library, are: Mirs. Byron Stout, who was the
first president; Mrs. J. S. Powell; Mrs. J. A. Jacokes and Mrs. C. B.
Turner, both of whom are now deceased.
Miss Agnes Cudworth has served as librarian for the past fifteen
years and has been a most worthy incumbent of that post. The present
membership of the association is one hundred and thirty-three, not a
large membership in view of the size of the city. The membership fee
is $I.oo a year, and all persons are eligible. This merely nominal fee
entitles the members to draw two books each week. Six months and three
months subscriptions are also accepted at corresponding rates. The association is one which has been of inestimable value to the city, and is
deserving of better support in the way of annual memberships than it has
yet experienced. The library is maintained by subscriptions from members, fines collected on books, and interest from the endowment fund.
The sum of $Ioo is expended annually for new books.
THE WOMEN'S LITERARY CLUB
The Women's Literary Club of Pontiac is now in the twentieth year
of its life, and as a society has a history both interesting and enviable.
It was founded in 1892, as the successor of the Chautauqua, which was
organized in 1884 and after four years was followed by the Ladies' Round
Table, a club which lived for a year only. Thereafter until 1892 the
energies of the ladies of Pontiac were directed in lighter paths, and it
was not until 1892 when a Mrs. Lewis of Detroit, visiting friends in
Pontiac, was instrumental in bringing about the organization of the
Women's Literary Club. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs.
Lillian D. Avery in October, 1892, when the, club was organized, Mrs.
Avery being chosen as president, and Mrs. Aaron Perry drafting its first
constitution.
For a time weekly meetings were held, after which the fortnightly
plan was adopted and obtained until I9oo, when the club reverted to its
former plan of holding weekly meetings. The first study course outlined was that of Grecian history, and since then a vast number of subjects have been covered by the work of the club. They have been mainly
literary, but some attention has been given as well to philanthropy, music,
art, social service and civic affairs.
The membership of the club was limited to forty and since the sixth
year the roll has been full. The roster now includes fifty active members,
twenty honorary members (retired active), and twenty-five associate
members. At first the dues of the club were twenty-five cents yearly, but
they have been advanced to two dollars.
The club has been active in matters aside from its studies, and in 1898




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


267


brought about the organization of a soldier's aid society. In I889 it
joined the state federation and in 1902 originated the County Federation
of Women's Clubs.
Of the original members of the club, but three remain;-Mrs. S. S.
Mathews, Mrs. Aaron Perry, and Mrs. Lillian D. Avery, who was the
first president of the club.
The present officers are: Mrs. A. L. Moore, president; Mrs. George
Cleary, vice president; Mrs. A. L. Craft, second vice president; Mrs. Otto
Sachse, recording secretary; Mrs. C. C. Freeman, corresponding secretary; Mrs. E. L. Keyser, treasurer; Mrs. D. H. Glass, parliamentarian.
THE ROUND TABLE CLUB
The Round Table Club of Pontiac, an organization founded with the
idea of mutual improvement, came into existence on February II, I9IO,
and is now in the second year of its life. Upon organization the following officers were chosen: Mrs. Welcome Young, president; Mrs. W. R.
Harrison, vice president; Mrs. John Springer, second vice president;
Alta Springstein, secretary; Mrs. F. H. Walters, treasurer; Hazel Tibbels,
corresponding secretary. In I911, the officers were continued in their
respective positions with the two exceptions of president and corresponding secretary, Mrs. E. H. Wilson being elected to the presidency and Mrs.
Crossett, corresponding secretary. The present officers are Mrs. E. H.
Wilson, president; Mrs. H. Monroe, first vice president; Mrs. H. Stevens,
second vice president; Mrs. T. Knight, recording secretary; Mrs. B. H.
Warner, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. Watchpocket, treasurer.
The present membership of the club is twenty-six, and all are enthusiastic and ardent supporters of the study courses which have thus far
been inaugurated by the society. The meetings are held on the first and
third Thursdays of each month, and are well attended at all times. Thus
far in its life, the Round Table Club has confined its studies to matters
of historical interest, and while their progress has not been rapid in the
course of study outlined, it has been of a most thorough nature, and intensely interesting as well as educational.
THE WEST SIDE READING CIRCLE
The first Ladies' Reading Society in Pontiac was organized as early as
1862, and thereafter was active for some years, it being one of the pleasing features of Pontiac society during its reign. Most delightful meetings were held weekly, and the exercises were participated in by the elite
of the city. In later years, various literary and reading clubs have come
into life in Pontiac, among which the West Side Reading Club is prominent and representative of the best. It was organized in 1902 by six
women in the western part of the city who felt the need of social and
intellectual betterment, and during the first few years a systematic course
of reading was pursued. During recent years, however, the order of miscellaneous programs has been followed. Anniversaries of important
events in the history of the state and nation and in the lives of noted men,
such as Michigan day, Lincoln day, Dickens day, and other days com



268


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


memorating affairs of national import, such as Reciprocity day, have
been in turn observed fittingly by the club. Various programs have been
arranged dealing with nature studies, civic reform, etc.
The club is limited in membership to twenty-five, and the roll is now
full, with several names on the waiting list. Meetings are held on every
alternate Monday during the year. The circle is affiliated with the county
and state federation of women's clubs, and its members have always taken
an active and important part in the work of those organizations.
Since the beginning of the West Side Reading Circle, the various
presidents have been as follows: Mrs. Turnbull, first president; Mrs.
Alex Buchanan; Mrs. Albe Lull; Mrs. C. E. Hawkins; Mrs. Daniel Johnson; Mrs. N. A. Dewey; Mrs. F. J. Poole; Mrs. H. M. Dickie; Mrs.
Pardon Doty; Mrs. G. M. Campbell. Officers for I912-I9I3 are as follows: Mrs. F. J. Walters, president; Mrs. C. S. Johnson, vice president;
Miss Fannie Anderson, second vice president; Mrs. John Fowler, recording secretary; Mrs. Newton Beach, corresponding secretary; M.rs. J.
Springer, treasurer; Mrs. G. M. Campbell. parliamentarian; Mrs. Roy
Middleton, reporter; Mrs. F. J. Poole, delegate to state federation; Mrs.
F. H. Walters, alternate.
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
The W. C. T. U. of Pontiac was organized on April 3, 1877, in the
old Congregational church, with a membership of about two hundred and
fifty. The first officers of the society were: Mrs. Cressy, president; Mrs.
William Albertson, recording secretary; Mrs. Gelston, treasurer; Mrs.
J. W. Rice, corresponding secretary. Some of these officers only held
for a brief time, there being numerous changes during the first year.
There were no vice presidents during that year, but in later years a vice
president was chosen from every church in the city.
At the first annual meeting Mrs. William Albertson was elected president; Mrs. Harrison Voorheis, vice president; Miss C. E. Cleveland,
corresponding secretary; Mrs. C. B. Turner, recording secretary; Mrs.
J. W. Rice, treasurer. The present officers are,Mrs. Maud Chattuck,
president; Mrs. Electa Rice, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Annette
Fisher, recording secretary; Mrs. Jane Ogden, treasurer.  The vice
presidents are: Mrs. Catcher, representing the Presbyterian church; Mrs.
Newbiggins, of the Episcopal church; Mrs. Hodge of the Baptist church;
Mrs. Wright of the First Methodist Episcopal church; Mrs. Kendrick
of the Central Methodist church; and Mrs. Beach of the Congregational
church.  The present membership of the society is one hundred and
twenty-eight.
BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
In the year I869 a few persons gathered at the home of Mrs. Edwin
Baldwin for the purpose of forming a Library Association. About forty
dollars had been secured from persons who had been members of a Good
Templars' lodge, recently disbanded. The first purchase was thirty-nine
volumes. As years passed the society grew and was soon incorporated
under the state law.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


269


The old Methodist church was bought and was used by the society till
1893, when a lot on one of the main corners of Birmingham was bought
and a building erected at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. Money
was raised by the women in every conceivable way by holding baby
shows, fairs, balls, dramatic entertainments, dinners, banquets, etc., till
there were twenty-five hundred books on the shelves. In I907 the society
offered their property to the village provided a tax of one-half mill on a
dollar was voted for the support of a free public library. Miss Martha
Baldwin, who had served many years as secretary of the society, offered
to give to the village a mortgage of twenty-five hundred dollars, held by
her upon the building. After a hotly contested election, the library won.
The decision was carried to the Supreme Court and there the library won
again. It was not till August, I907, that it was catalogued under the
Dewey system and opened to the public. Its success has far exceeded
the expectations of its friends. It is now open four times a week with a
skilled librarian in charge. It was the first public library in the county.
It now numbers four thousand volumes and many magazines and papers
are on the reading tables.
Birmingham is proud of its library and it is also prouder of the women
who worked for it and of the men who voted for it. A list of those is
kept in the library records.
Miss Baldwin has been president and Miss V. Post, secretary of the
board since its organiaztion.
The present board is composed of the following: President, Miss M.
Baldwin; vice president, Mrs. Mary Cooper; secretary, Miss V. Post;
treasurer, Dr. J. Rainy; Mrs. J. A. Bigelow and Mrs. Lena Wilson.
BIRMINGHAM LITERARY CLUB
The Women's Literary Club of Birmingham was organized in I890.
It is a member of the county and state federations. Mrs. Helen Brey is
president; Mrs. Stanley Todd, secretary; Mrs. William H. Poole, corresponding secretary.
GREENWOOD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, BIRMINGHAM
In September of 1881, two women were strolling through the village
cemetery. Dr. Raynale, who had done so much for its care and preservation, had finished his labors and was at rest within its limits and there
was no one to carry on the work.
The younger woman was loud in her praises of the good conditions
of a neighboring ground. The older one said nothing, but thought "what
they can do, we can do, and more." Within a week a dozen women were
called together and an association formed. The yearly dues were placed
at fifty cents. The grass was mowed and the grounds cleaned.
In 1885 the society was incorporated under the laws of the state and
two and one-half acres of adjoining land were bought at a cost of $50o.
This was platted according to the landscape gardening plan. The dues
were raised to one dollar per year. In I901 and I904 further additions
were made; a new tool house was built, water pipes laid, a gasoline en



270


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


gine put in which pumps water from a creek. By the payment of twentyfive dollars perpetual care is insured. There is now twenty-five hundred
dollars in that fund. Since I903 no lot has been sold except with perpetual care.
In I9IO a vault was built that will hold nine bodies. Since I88I the
same person has held the office of secretary and superintendent (Miss
Martha Baldwin). The association is officered entirely by women and
all business is done by them. They have had to combat old-time prejudice, but the up-to-date condition of the grounds reflects credit on their
arrangement.
LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
The Ladies' Library Association of Holly was organized February I,
I877, with Mrs. L. L. Morrison president of a managing board of twelve
ladies. For many years the members of the association paid one dollar
a year dues, and had the privilege of drawing two books per week. Later
it was made a free library with reading room attached and was open
two days of the week. During this time the funds for carrying on the
work were obtained by public subscriptions, library lecture courses and
other entertainments of various natures. In February, I9II, after thirtyfour years of existence as a Ladies' Library, and after having expanded
to something more than two thousand volumes, it was made a township
library, largely through the efforts of the president of the board, Mrs.
F. J. Barrett; Mrs. T. L. Patterson, treasurer, and Mrs. A. Steinbaugh,
secretary.




CHAPTER XIX
MILITARY MATTERS
OAKLAND COUNTY SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 8I2 —NAPOLEONIC SOLDIERS-EARLY MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS-THE MEXICAN WARTHE WAR OF THE REBELLION-FIRST MICHIGAN INFANTRY-SECOND
INFANTRY-GENERAL I. B. RICHARDSON-THE SECOND REGIMENTTHIRD INFANTRY-THE FIFTH INFANTRY-SEVENTH REGIMENTEIGHTH AND NINTH INFANTRY REGIMENTS-THE TENTH INFANTRY
-DEATH OF ADJUTANT COWLES-THE FOURTEENTH INFANTRYTHE FIFTEENTH    AND SIXTEENTH-TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRYGOVERNOR MOSES WISNER-TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY-THIRTIETH
INFANTRY AND "MECHANICS AND ENGINEERS"-CUSTER'S MICHIGAN
CAVALRY BRIGADE-THE EIGHTH      CAVALRY —NINTH AND TENTH
CAVALRY REGIMENTS-MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLERY-ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS-MILITARY
MATTERS OF LATE.
In Chapter VI has been recorded the careers of those soldiers of the
Revolution who settled in Oakland county, some of whom became prominent in her citizenship. For several years previous to the War of I812
the military spirit of the Revolution had been kept keenly alive by the
campaigns.of the American soldiery against the Indians, inspired and supported by the British, and at the time of the defeat of Tecumseh by
Harrison in November, 18II, a large force of home troops had been collected in Ohio ready for contingencies. They were divided into three
regiments and placed under the command of Colonels McArthur, Findlay and Cass. A fourth regiment under Colonel Miller joined them, and
the entire command was placed under Governor Hull, of Michigan territory. His disgraceful surrender of the American army, so eager to
uphold the native name for bravery and patriotism, is, unfortunately, a
matter of history. So far as the War of 1812 directly affects the record
of Oakland county and her citizens, lies in the fact that a number of
those who participated in its campaigns afterward located within her
limits. In this connection it should be remembered that the county's first
permanent settler did not appear until I817.
OAKLAND COUNTY SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 18I2
The list of soldiers of the War of I812 who became citizens of this
county is as follows: Addison township-Derrick Hulich and Jesse
Elwell; the latter died in I874.
271




272


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Avon township-John Sargent served from I812 to I817; was stationed for a long time at Fort Gratiot.
Brandon township-James Arnold from New York; Adam Drake,
who died in 1874, aged ninety-seven years.
Commerce township-Cornelius Austin.
Farmington township-A Mr. Burns.
Oakland township-Ezra Brewster, served in Captain Lacey's company of New York militia; also Josiah Dewey and James Coleman, in
the same command.
Oxford township-Peter Stroud, served in Captain Abraham Matteson's company of New York troops.
Pontiac township-Elizur Goodrich and Robert Parks, settled in Troy
in 1822-3; former afterward moved to Auburn for a time.
Troy township-Solomon Carswell and Captain Robert Parks.
Waterford township-Isaac Willets.
NAPOLEONIC SOLDIERS
It is known that at least two soldiers of Napoleon the Great have been
residents of Oakland county-Joseph Laubley, a native of the canton
of Berne, Switzerland, who settled in Groveland township in 1836 and
died in 1841; and John Oliver, who located in Rochester about I830 and
died there about I875.
EARLY MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS
Under territorial laws every man between the ages of seventeen and
forty-five was liable to be called upon for military service, and a regiment
was organized in Oakland county as early as I825. Among its earliest
commanders were Colonel David Stewart, Henry O. Bronson and Calvin
Hotchkiss. Within a few years the regiment grew so rapidly that it had
to be divided into what were known as the Rifle and the Militia (or Floodwood) regiments.
The first company organized in Pontiac was commanded by Calvin
Hotchkiss, who subsequently rose to the rank of general of the state
militia. A general muster occurred annually in the autumn and the company drills were of frequent occurrence. At the time of the celebrated
"Toledo war" great preparations were made by the Pontiac contingency
to cover itself with glory; but its efforts, as is well known, were fruitless. In I826 Almon Mack was elected ensign of Captain Hotchkiss'
company and T. J. Drake, lieutenant. Lieutenant Drake afterward resigned and G. O. Whittemore, formerly ensign, was promoted. Ensign
Mack was promoted lieutenant in the fall of 1827 and detailed as acting
adjutant the same year.
Governor Cass was present at the general muster in 1827 and made
an address to the regiment. The Governor was a strong Jackson man
and the regiment is said to have had three Jackson men in its ranks; so
that his really interested audience was very select.
Colonel Stephen Mack, so prominent in the early affairs of Pontiac,
received his military title in Vermont previous to removing to Michigan,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


273


as he was a colonel of a Green Mountain regiment before the War of
I812.
In 1835 the military of Oakland county formed the Third brigade of
the Second division, Brigadier General John Stockton, commanding, Colonel Wells Waring commanding the brigade. In 1837 the brigade was.
commanded by Colonel Calvin Hotchkiss. In 1838 Oakland county contained two regiments-the Ninth and Tenth, of the Fifth brigade, Third
division. William Crooks was colonel of the Ninth, and Orange Foote
of the Tenth.
Avon, as one of the townships first settled, was quite prominent in
military matters. The Avon Riflemen were considered a star organization. Calvin Chapel was captain of the company; Calvin A. Green, first
lieutenant; Almeron Brotherton, second lieutenant; Thomas Stewart,
third lieutenant, and Christian Z. Horton, Ormul Stewart, Francis
Brotherton, and Calvin H. Potter, the four sergeants. There were four
corporals, two bass drummers, two snare drummers, three fifers and
forty-four privates. The first officers were commissioned July 9, 1838,
Almeron Brotherton being elected captain in May, I840.
THE MEXICAN WAR
Oakland county was represented in the Mexican war by Company A,
Fifteenth Regiment United States Infantry, which served from the commencement of hostilities in I847 until it was mustered out of the service
July 30, 1848. The privates numbered a full hundred and most of the
men enlisted in March and April, I847, nearly a half being enlisted by
Lieutenant Samuel E. Beach in Pontiac. Captain Eugene Van de Venter
was the first commander, being afterward promoted to major, his commission for the latter rank dating from December 22, I847. He was transferred to the Thirteenth Infantry.
Company A saw active service at Chapultepec, Churubusco, Vera
Cruz and the city of Mexico, and her dead and wounded were practical
tributes to the bravery of the boys who went from Oakland county. The
officers of the command who led the soldiers into the field were as follows: Thornton F. Brodhead, captain; W illiam R. Srafford, first lieutenant; Samuel E. Beach, second lieutenant, breveted for meritorious conduct at Contreras and Churubusco and promoted first lieutenant, February 28, 1848; Edwin R. Merryfield, second lieutenant; Lewyllen Boyle,
second lieutenant; Charles Peternell, second lieutenant, promoted first
lieutenant January 26, 1848; Thomas W. Freelove, first lieutenant.
That the soldiers who went from Oakland county were honorable
men is proven by the records which note but two cases of desertion. On
the other hand the list of killed in battle and died of wounds and sickness is large, in proportion to the number enlisted and recruited.
Killed in battle:-Samuel Carney, at Churubusco, August 20, 1847,
and John Haviland, at Chapultepec, September I3, 1847; both privates.
Died of wounds:-Hiram Brown, battle of Churubusco, October 26,
1847; William R. Koch, battle of Chapultepec, September 17, 1847;
Henry Wydner, battle of Churubusco, August 28, 1847.
Died of sickness:-Thomas Ainsley, Vera Cruz, July 2, I847; John




274


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Aseltine, Jr., Chapultepec, December I, 1847; William R. Buzzell, city of
Mexico, October 29, 1847; Charles Calkins, Puebla, July 28, 1847; Chandler Delong, Puebla, July 28, 1847; Andrew J. Griffin, Perote, August 20,
1847; Daniel D. Haines, Perote, July 15, 1847; Edward Kelley, Camp Rio
San Juan, June 13, 1847; James M. Proper, Chapultepec, December 9,
I847; Claudius H. Riggs, Vera Cruz, July I2, I847; Henry Clay Rice, Vera
Cruz, July 2, 1847; George Scudder, Chapultepec, December 8, 1847;
Jacob Strobe, Perote, September 20, 1847.
THE WAR OF THE REBELLION
In proportion to her wealth and population, Oakland county was second to none in Michigan in her contributions of men and funds to support the Union. The amount of money raised by the county and its
townships during the Civil war was $586,556.98, which sum was exceeded
only by Wayne county in the state of Michigan.
Under the Soldiers' Relief law $127,993.38 was expended, and large
amounts were raised for sanitary purposes by the Sanitary Commission
and the various Ladies' Aid Societies. "God bless the women" was no
empty sentiment in those days, when uttered by the soldiers in the field or
hospital.
The State Sanitary Commission included as delegates from Oakland
county: Rev. J. M. Strong, of Clarkston, Rev. W. P. Wastell, Holly;
Rev. J. W. Allen, Franklin, and Rev. John Pierson, Milford, all attached
to the Army of the Potomac and all engaged for six weeks with their
duties of relieving the soldiers of Michigan in the field. Among the
volunteer surgeons from Oakland county were Drs. John Smith, J. E.
Wilson, and F. B. Galbraith.
In the fall of I864 commissioners were appointed by the governor,
under authority of the state legislature, to proceed to the various sections
of the country at which Michigan troops were in service and superintended
an election for presidential electors; in other words, to place the privilege of the franchise within the hands of the soldiers in the field from
their state. Upon this commission was Asher E. Mather, of Pontiac,
who had charge of the casting of the presidential ballots by the Ninth
and Twenty-second Infantry, Army of the Cumberland.
No commonwealth has a more magnificent memorial to its soldiers
and sailors than has Michigan at Detroit, and upon the board of directors which brought the enterprise to such a splendid conclusion were M.
E. Crofoot and W. M. McConnell, of Pontiac. They officially represented
a county which had sent to the front more than 3,700 of its brave men,
of whom more than 400 laid down their lives for the Union cause in
battlefield, prison and hospital. Scattered throughout the county are also
minor monuments which stand as mute memorials of love and honor
erected by the living, while many a grave in the beautiful homes of the
dead is yearly covered with the flag which the sleeper loved so well. In
Oak Hill cemetery is an especially gallant company-Major General I. B.
Richardson, United States Volunteers, mortally wounded at Antietam;
Colonel Moses Wisner, Twenty-second Michigan, died at Lexington,
Kentucky; Captain T. C. Beardslee, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


275


died at Nashville; Lieutenant Samuel Pearce, Fifth Michigan Infantry,
killed at the crossing of the North Anna, Virginia; Lieutenant Percy S.
Leggett, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, killed near the Rappahannock; Lieutenant Richard Whitehead, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, killed near Hanover
Courthouse; Lieutenant Joseph McConnell, Eighteenth United States
Infantry, killed at Stone river; Sergeant Major William Churchill, Seventh
Michigan Infantry, killed at Antietam; Captain William North, Fifth
Michigan Cavalry, killed at Cedar creek. Memorial day has generally
been observed in Pontiac, especially interesting and impressive ceremonies
being observed on June 4, 1869. Upon that occasion Rev. W. H. Shier
delivered the principal address of the day. Among other statements
which he made were that twenty-seven soldiers ranking from a major
general down to a private lay in the Oak Hill cemetery, and out of that
number he knew of but one who had nothing to mark his resting place,
and that was Major General I. B. Richardson (or, as he was more familiarly known in the army, "Fighting Dick"). He proceeded to state that
the General was a graduate of West Point, fought under General Scott
in all the important battles in the Mexican war, and as soon as the rebellion broke out was one of the first to offer his services to his country.
He fought bravely in the Army of the Potomac up to the time he was
killed, but after he had gained such a national reputation as a patriot and
a fighting general, being the first to be created a major general, a stranger
desirous of visiting his grave could not find it in Oak Hill cemetery, as it
remained up to that time (1869), wholly unmarked.*
THE FIRST MICHIGAN INFANTRY
The First Michigan Infantry was naturally a three months' organization. Under Colonel Wilcox, it lead the advance of state troops to the
front, and at the battle of Bull Run fixed the standard of Michigan troops
for the entire period of the Civil war. The boys from the Wolverine'
state were both stubborn and dashing, and at Bull Run, as in many a
hard fought battle afterward, the dead of the First Regiment were found
nearest the enemy's works.
Among the loss to the regiment were Captain Butterworth, Lieutenants
Mauch and Casey wounded and taken prisoners (who afterward died of
their wounds in the hands of the enemy), and Colonel Wilcox, who was
wounded, taken prisoner and held at Richmond for fifteen months.
The regiment was mustered out at the expiration of the three months'
term of service, August 7, I86I, but was soon afterward reorganized as
a three-year's regiment. It returned to the Army of the Potomac, August
i6th, under command of Colonel John C. Robinson, who was succeeded
on his promotion to a brigadiership, by Colonel H. S. Roberts.
THE SECOND INFANTRY
The Second Infantry was commanded by Oakland county's most distinguished and popular soldier, Israel B. Richardson, who was wounded
*A tasteful and impressive monument was erected to the memory of General
Richardson.
Vol. I-1 8




276


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


at the battle of Antietam and died November 3, I862. A West Point
cadet from his native state of Vermont, upon his graduation from the
military academy he was breveted second lieutenant and assigned to the
Third United States Infantry. As first lieutenant, to which he was promoted in September, I846, he commanded his company in the Mexican
war (at Cerro Gordo), and was afterward breveted captain and major for
gallantry at Churubusco and Chapultepec. It was soon after the close of
the Mexican war that he moved to Oakland county, where the War of
the Rebellion found him.
GENERAL I. B. RICHARDSON
On the first call for volunteers General Richardson offered his services.
Governor Blair at once appointed him colonel of the Second Michigan
Infantry, and, when he arrived at Washington, General Scott fittingly
acknowledged his services in the Mexican war by assigning a brigade to
him. He was in the first battle of Bull Run; was soon after promoted
to the rank of brigadier general, and both his dash and judgment in the
peninsula campaign under McClellan were so conspicuous that he was
advanced to the major-generalship. As had been well stated: "At Antietam his zeal led him to do a colonel's work, and in leading a regiment
he received his mortal wound."
General Richardson's remains were brought home to Pontiac for
interment, and the funeral obsequies were performed November I, I862,
a little more than three weeks after the battle of Antietam at which the
splendid soldier received his death wound. At the courthouse the dead
general lay shrouded in the colors to which he had sworn fealty in boyhood and which he had so faithfully and ably defended in two wars.
Detachments from the military organizations then in the state were in
attendance, including the Detroit Light Guards and Captain Daniel's
battery of light artillery. Rev. Mr. Eldridge, of the Fort Street Presbyterian church, Detroit, delivered the funeral oration; the procession to
Oak Hill cemetery was formed and commanded by General Henry D.
Terry, a companion in arms; and the remains of "Fighting Dick" were
laid to rest with the solemn ritual of the Episcopal church and the soldiers'
volley.
THE SECOND REGIMENT
The Second Regiment was under the immediate command of Colonel
O. M. Poe, in Richardson's brigade, participated in the engagement at
Blackburn's Ford and covered the retreat of the army at first Bull Run.
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run and Chantilly
followed; and in I863 it participated in Grant's Mississippi campaign,
being also with Burnside in east Tennessee and the defense of Knoxville.
In General Sherman's pursuit of Johnston it is credited with making one
of the most daring and gallant charges of the war, it being then commanded by Colonel Humphrey. The regiment also won bright laurels at
the siege of Knoxville by Longstreet in November, 1863. Its charge of
the 24th against a force of investing confederates was another notable
event of the war. Afterward the Second returned to the Army of the




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


277


Potomac and participated in the famous campaign of General Grant in
I864, the last notable operations in which it participated being the siege
of Petersburg from June 17, 1864, to April 5, 1865.
THE THIRD INFANTRY
Although the original Third Michigan Infantry was raised in Grand
Rapids, the decimation in its ranks was largely filled by Oakland county
men. It was a part of Richardson's brigade at Blackburn's Ford and
afterward belonged to Berry's celebrated brigade of Kearney's division.
It was particularly distinguished at Fair Oaks, where its losses were heavy
and Captain Samuel A. Judd was killed. It lost forty-one, killed,
wounded, and missing at Gettysburg, and followed the fortunes of the
Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Potomac until the final siege
of Petersburg in April, i865. On June 20, 1864, the regiment was
mustered out of the service, but reorganized and left for the field in Tennessee October 20th, following. With the Second, it afterward returned
to the campaigns in Virginia being conducted by Grant through the Army
of the Potomac. The reorganized Third was stationed in Texas during
the winter of I865-6 and was mustered out May 26, I866.
THE FIFTH INFANTRY
The Fifth regiment, often called the Fighting Fifth, left Detroit for
Virginia, September II, 1861, commanded by Colonel Henry D. Terry
and, as a part of Berry's brigade, had its first engagement at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. There its conduct was gallant and its losses heavy,
among the killed being Lieutenant James Gunning and the wounded,
Lieutenant Colonel S. E. Beach, of Pontiac. Captain L. B. Quackenbush and Lieutenant Charles H. Hutchins were killed at Fair Oaks, and
Lieutenant Charles*H. Traverse mortally wounded. At Chickahominy,
Peach Orchard and Charles City Cross Roads, the regiment conducted
itself as it should, Lieutenant W. T. Johnson being killed and Major John
D. Fairbanks being mortally wounded at the engagement last named.
Fredericksburg caused the death of its commanding officer, Lieutenant
Colonel John Gilluby, the losses of the rank and file at these battles telling
the story of general bravery. The regiment participated in the desperate
charge made on the rear of Stonewall Jackson's forces, near Chancellorsville, which threatened the destruction of the right flank of the Union
army; was at Gettysburg during the two days' battle, losing on July 2d,
in one hour, IO5 men and officers, and on July 2d, assisting to repel the
final charge of the Confederates on Cemetery Hill. In May, 1864, under
Colonel Pulford the regiment entered the great campaign of Grant against
Richmond, and within the following three weeks participated in the general movement to the North Anna river, in the crossing of which Lieutenant Samuel Pierce was killed. On the Ioth of June the Third Michigan
was consolidated with the Fifth. From March until April, of I865, the
regiment was engaged in the general movements around Petersburg, on
the 3d of the latter month participating in the general assault and capture
of the enemy's fortifications.




278


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Brigadier General Berry complimented the Second, Third and Fifth
(all of which regiments were in his brigade), most highly when he said
of them: "A nobler set of men never lived. Any man can win fights
with such material."
THE SEVENTH INFANTRY
More than one hundred men from Oakland county joined various companies in the Seventh Infantry, Francis Daniels of Company H being
promoted from a sergeantcy to second lieutenant in December, 1864. The
regiment was organized under the direction of Colonel Ira R. Grosvenor
at Monroe, and served through the Peninsula campaign, one of its greatest services being performed as the rear guard of the Army of the
Potomac on the retreat to Harrison's Landing. It was also engaged in all
the Maryland actions, and at Antietam it lost more than half its forces
engaged, including Captains Allen H. Zacharias and J. H. Turrill and
Lieutenants J. B. Eberhard and John A. Clark. The regiment passed
through the Wilderness campaign under Major S. W. Curtis, especially
distinguishing itself at Hatcher's Run by the capture of an important
Confederate command five hundred strong with a force of only eighty-five.
The Seventh continued in active service until the surrender of Lee, April
9, 1865, being finally mustered out on the 5th of the following July.
THE EIGHTH AND NINTH INFANTRY REGIMENTS
Only about sixty men from Oakland were with these commands. The
former, raised by Colonel W. M. Fenton, of Flint, was engaged in nine
battles in four states-South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Marylandand afterward served in the several campaigns of the Ninth corps in Tennessee and Mississippi until the close of the war in Virginia. The only
officer from Oakland county was William A. Clifford, who entered the
service as sergeant major of Company B; was promoted to be first lieutenant October 5, 1864, and adjutant of the regiment, April 25, I865.
The Ninth Infantry was chiefly noted for the part it took in the brilliant defense of Murfreesboro, July 13, I862, and its participation in
the battle of Stone River, in January, I863. It was mustered out of the
service September I5, 1865. Officers from Oakland county: C. C. Starkweather, who joined Company I, as sergeant, was made second lieutenant May 14, 1863, first lieutenant (Company E), September 20, 1864,
and Captain of Company B, April 20, 1865; John B. Gunning, sergeant
of Company I, promoted to second lieutenant Company D, April 20,
I865; and William Wilkinson, Jr., who was mustered out as a non-commissioned staff officer,' September 15, 1865.
TIE TENTH INFANTRY
The Tenth Infantry, organized at Flint by Colonel Charles M. Linn,
contained a large element of Oakland county soldiers, and its officers
were well represented among the citizens of this section of the state.
The latter include the following: Sylvester D. Cowles, first lieutenant




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


279


and adjutant (formerly first lieutenant in Fifth Infantry), who was
killed by a Confederate sharpshooter at Farmington, Mississippi, May
26, 1862; John Piersons, first captain of Company H, and promoted to
be lieutenant colonel of the Iogth United States Colored Troops, August
30, 1864; Alva A. Collins, second lieutenant Company C, who was promoted first lieutenant, June 2, I862, and captain of Company H, August
30, 1864; Fred S. Stewart, sergeant major and promoted first lieutenant and adjutant, May 28, I862; Benjamin B. Redfield, first lieutenant;
Sylvan Ter Bush, first lieutenant of Company H, and promoted to captain of Company C, March 31, 1863 (wounded at Jonesboro, Ga., September I, I864), major May 20, I865, and lieutenant colonel June 7,
1865; Joseph E. Tupper, sergeant major, and promoted second lieutenant, May 13, 1863, and major United States Colored Troops, November,
1863; Warren G. Nelson, sergeant Company H, and promoted first lieutenant of Company C, February 24, 1865; Eslie R. Redfield, sergeant
Company C, and promoted first lieutenant Company F, September 3,
I864, and captain Company I, May 20, I865; Charles P. Rice, sergeant,
and promoted second lieutenant June 7, I865; Alex. H. Allen, sergeant,
and promoted second lieutenant June 7, I865; Mark H. Ridley, sergeant
Company C and promoted second lieutenant Company B, June 7, 1865;
and Fletcher W. Hewes, sergeant Company C and promoted first lieutenant Company D, May 8, I865.
The Tenth Regiment first encountered the enemy in battle near Corinth, Mississippi, and among the most marked events in its splendid
history were the engagement at Buzzard's Roost, Georgia, February 25,
I864; the battle of Jonesboro, September I, I864, and the fight at Bentonville, March 19 and 20, 1865.
DEATH OF ADJUTANT COWLES
The death of Adjutant Cowles was a great blow to the Oakland
county boys. In company with other officers of the regiment he was
riding along the picket line at Corinth examining the rebel works. He
dismounted, in order to get a better view, and at first stood behind
a tree. Not satisfied with that position he stepped into the open, remarking as he did so, "I guess they won't hit me." Ie had scarcely
uttered the words when the bullet from the Confederate sharpshooter
struck him in the left breast, passing through the body obliquely and
coming out through the right shoulder. He simply exclaimed, "I am
hit," and expired.
THE FOURTEENTH INFANTRY
The county sent more than ninety into the Fourteenth Infantry, including the following officers: Frank Powell, captain Company I; John
P. Foster, first lieutenant of Company I, who was promoted to be captain January 29, 1863, and wounded at Averyboro, North Carolina,
March i6, I865; Alfred A. Parker, second lieutenant of Company I
and promoted first lieutenant June 20, 1862; Frederick Banks, sergeant
of Company I, and promoted second lieutenant June 20, 1862; New



280


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


come Clark, sergeant of Company I, and promoted second lieutenant
June I6, 1862, major First Michigan Colored Infantry (io2d United
States Colored Troops), March I2, 1864, and lieutenant colonel June
I9, 1865; Cornelius Losey, sergeant Company I, and promoted first lieutenant August Io, I864, and captain, February 13, 1865 (wounded March
20, 1865); and Isaac Olive, sergeant Company I, and promoted second
lieutenant Company F, March 14, I865, and first lieutenant, July 7,
1865.
The Fourteenth Infantry left Ypsilanti, where it was rendezvoused,
in command of Colonel Robert P. Sinclair, of Grand Rapids, under
whose direction it had been recruited, and joined the Western Army at
Pittsburgh Landing. It participated in the battle of Stone River, in December, I862, and January, I863, and was also actively engaged in the
Atlanta campaign. The battles of Jonesboro, Georgia, on September I,
1864, and Bentonville, North Carolina, March 19 and 20, 1865, were its
special fields of honor.
THE FIFTEENTH AND THE SIXTEENTH
Both the Fifteenth and the Sixteenth Infantry regiments received a
number of recruits from Oakland county, each about sixty, and several
officers were also drawn from her citizens. Dr. Levi M. Garner, surgeon
of the Fifteenth, died May I7, I862; W. H. Hubble, sergeant of Company F, was promoted to the first lieutenantcy October I, I862, and to the
captaincy, March 4, 1863. Most of the recruits of this regiment were
received during the later days of the war, the engagements in the Atlanta campaign and "Sherman's March" being the only actions in which
they participated.
The Sixteenth was raised and organized during the summer of I86I
by Colonel T. B. W. Stockton, and was for some time known as Stockton's Independent Regiment. Its active service began with the siege of
Yorktown in April, I862, and ended at Appomattox Court House, after
having passed through the various campaigns of the Army of the Potomac with highest credit, as a part of the Third brigade, first division,
Fifth corps. Among the battles in which it participated none are perhaps more.to its credit than Gaines Hill and Peebles' Farm. In the former engagement Captain Thomas C. Carr and Lieutenants Byron McGraw
and Richard Williams were killed, and Colonel Stockton had his horse
shot from under him. Captains Mott and Fisher and Surgeon Wixom
were taken prisoners. At Prebles' Farm, Colonel N. E. Welch was
instantly killed while going over the enemy's works sword in hand.
THE TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY
Of all the regiments which went to the front, the Twenty-second
created the most widespread interest throughout the county. More men
from Oakland county joined its various companies than those of any
other regiment (something like 560) and its commanding officer was
Moses Wisner, who had already served as governor of the state and was
among its most honored and popular citizens. It was largely through


*




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


281


his efforts and personal influence that it was raised. His command left
the state of Kentucky September 4, I862, and Colonel Wisner died of
typhoid fever at Lexington, Kentucky, January 5, I863. It is thought
that his unremitting labors in the raising, organization and drilling of the
regiment brought about such a nervous condition as to make him an easy
victim to the disease which caused his death.
GOVERNOR MOSES WISNER
Governor Wisner was an able lawyer and a broad minded public man,
and as he was a thorough disciplinarian and deeply read in military
tactics his friends and the public at large looked confidently to see him
make a splendid reputation as a soldier. He not only possessed the true
temperament for a military leader, but he inherited the ambition to be
such from his father (also Moses), who was a colonel in the War of
1812 and brave and masterly in battle. Colonel Wisner was buried in
Oak Hill cemetery on January 9, 1863, without military display, but as
unostentatiously as he had lived. The legislature, the supreme court of
the state and the bar of Oakland county all adopted resolutions of respect
and affection, and, as expressed by a local publication, "the resolutions
passed by his own regiment were like the wailings of orphans for a dead
father."
The deceased was succeeded in the command by Colonel Heber LeFavour, who first led the regiment against the enemy at Danville, Kentucky, March 24, I863. At Chickamauga, on September 9th, it formed
part of Whittaker's brigade, and played a leading part in coming to the
rescue of Thomas' imperiled line. The Twenty-second lost on that
day 372 in killed, wounded and missing, and among those mortally
wounded were Captains W. A. Smith and Elijah Snell. Most of the
missing were taken prisoners, including Colonel LeFavour. The regiment also participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 26,
1863, its last action being before Atlanta, Georgia, July 22 and 23, 1864.
Elijah Snell, captain of Company D, died of wounds received at Chickamauga, September 20, I863. Altogether sixteen officers of the regiment
hailed from Oakland county.
TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY
Over one hundred men were recruited in Oakland county for the
Twenty-ninth regiment, one of the latest to enter the service. Under
command of Colonel Thomas M. Taylor'it arrived at Nashville, October
3, 1864, and, although "new at the game of war," when it met the enemy
at Decatur, under Hood, on the 26th of the month, it behaved with great
coolness. The regiment moved out from the breastworks behind which it
was sheltered and, in the face of a hot fire of musketry and artillery took
possession of a line of rifle pits. Colonel Doolittle, who was in charge of
the Union force, had but five hundred men but with them he successfully
resisted five thousand Confederates-Waltham's division of Stewart's
corps. The Twenty-second was mustered out of the service September
6, I865.




282


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


THIRTIETH INFANTRY AND "MECHANICS AND ENGINEERS"
The citizen soldiery of Oakland county was slightly represented in
the Thirtieth Infantry, a home regiment which was stationed at different points in Michigan during the last year of the war, and the "Mechanics
and Engineers," who so distinguished themselves in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina both as fighters and bridge builders.
CUSTER'S MICHIGAN CAVALRY BRIGADE
Of the cavalry regiments, the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth,
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth, all received considerable accessions from Oakland county. The First Cavalry was organized during the
summer of I86I by Colonel T. F. Brodhead, of Detroit (formerly of
Pontiac), and left that city for Washington, December 29th. It participated in the campaigns on the upper Potomac, in the Shenandoah valley
and on the slopes of the Blue Ridge in I862, Colonel Brodhead being
killed at the second battle of Bull Run, August 30, 1862. He was an educated lawyer, a member of the Oakland county bar, and after moving to
Detroit served for some years as postmaster of that city.
The First Michigan Cavalry was in the Gettysburg campaign of I863.
With the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh regiments of cavalry, it was incorporated into what became widely known as the Michigan Cavalry Brigade in
command of the lamented Custer. After the death of Colonel Brodhead
the First Cavalry was commanded by Colonel Charles H. Town, and at
Gettysburg his command successfully resisted a full infantry brigade of
the enemy, putting them to route with drawn sabers. It was also at
this terrific battle that the Fifth went to the relief of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry.
The history of the four brigades composing the command which Custer led forms a bright chapter in the Union operations of this branch of
the service in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac from Winchester to Appomattox. Colonel John T. Copeland of the First cavalry
organized the Fifth, but in November, I862, being promoted to the rank
of a brigadier, he was succeeded in the command of the regiment by Colonel Freeman Norvell. Major R. A. Alger, of the Second Cavalry, was
commissioned colonel of the Fifth on the 28th of the same month, and
served in that capacity until September 20, I864, when ill health compelled him to resign.
The sixty or seventy men from Oakland county who joined the Sixth
and Seventh Cavalry regiments were generally transferred to the First;
so that the record of the Fifth and First virtually covers all of interest
to the readers of this history.
THE EIGHTI CAVALRY
More than two hundred men from Oakland county enlisted in the
Eighth Michigan Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Colonel G. S.
Wormer. It formed part of the Union forces who pursued Morgan on
his raid through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio in 1863, and whose sixteen




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


283


days' chase resulted in the rout of the Confederate leader at Buffington
Island, in the Ohio river, July Igth of that year. The Union troops captured 573 prisoners, 487 horses and mules and a large quantity of arms,
but Morgan himself avoided capture for a week. A detachment of the
regiment in charge of Lieutenant Boynton led a force commanded by
Major Rue, of the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, which captured the famous
rebel cavalryman near New Lisbon, Ohio, on the 26th of July, I863. The
Eighth was raised by Colonel John Stockton, who commanded it until
his health failed. During the war it was opposed by such brilliant leaders
as Forrest and Wheeler and invariably held its own against them. Its
achievements are most conspicuous while checking the advance of Longstreet's army and in the defense of Knoxville. One of its last engagements was that of November 28, I864, at Duck Creek, Tennessee, where
the Eighth Michigan and the Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry
dismounted, fixing bayonets and charged through the surrounding enemy,
driving one hundred of the rebels into the river. In the following month,
followed the engagements around and in front of Nashville, lasting from
December I4th to 22d, the decisive battle between Hood and Thomas
being fought on the I5th and i6th.
NINTH AND TENTH CAVALRY REGIMENTS
Oakland county contributed over one hundred men to the Ninth and
Tenth Cavalry. The former was the only regiment in this branch of the
service which had the honor of accompanying Sherman in his entire
march from Atlanta to the sea, composing the escort of General Kilpatrick when he opened communication between the army and the Atlantic
coast. The Ninth also bore a conspicuous part in the pursuit and capture
of General Morgan in his raid through Indiana and Ohio.
The operations of the Tenth Cavalry were mainly in Tennessee and extended from January, I864, to April, I865, the last three months of service being in North Carolina and Virginia. The regiment left Grand
Rapids in December, 1863, in command of Colonel Thaddeus Foote, and
was afterward led by Lieutenant Colonel L. G. Trowbridge. Among
the officers contributed by Oakland county was James H. Cummins, who
joined the Tenth as first lieutenant of Company L; was promoted to be
captain April I, I864; and was breveted major of United States Volunteers March 13, 1865, for capturing with one battalion at High Point,
North Carolina, on April Io, 1865, $3,ooo,ooo worth of property and destroying it.
MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLERY
The regiment of Michigan Light Artillery was composed of twelve
six-gun batteries, and was commanded by Colonel L. C. Loomis; but from
the character of that arm of the service the batteries were never brought
together as a regiment. About a hundred men were scattered through its
several batteries-A, C, D, G, H, I, L and M-and also through the
First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth. Battery A, the
first to leave the state, was originally designated Loomis's. It departed
for western Virginia, under Colonel Loomis, on July I, I86I, first engag



284


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ing the enemy on the IIth of that month at Rich Mountain. Thence it was
transferred to Kentucky, and did its full share in defeating a flanking
movement launched against the right wing of the Union army. At Stone
River it lost heavily, but won distinction, and at Chickamauga suffered
little short of annihilation in defense of its guns. Missionary Ridge,
Tennessee, November 25, 1863, was its last battle.
Battery H had quite a contingent from Oakland county, both of officers and gunners. Marcus D. Elliott was promoted through two grades
to the captaincy on January 8, I864; William Garner became first lieutenant May 29, i865, and William King, second lieutenant June io, i865.
This battery rendezvoused in Monroe in connection with the Fifteenth Infantry and left that place March 13, 1862 under command of Captain
Samuel DeGobyer, to report to General Halleck at St. Louis. Thence it
was ordered to New Madrid, Missouri, and afterward served in Kentucky, west Tennessee and northern Mississippi, taking an active part
in the Mississippi campaign which preceded the siege of Vicksburg, during
which Captain DeGobyer received a wound from which he died August
8th following. The operations of Battery H were conducted entirely in
Mississippi and Georgia, its last engagement being at Lovejoy's Station,
in the latter state, September I, I864.
ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS
Forty citizens of Oakland county joined the only colored regiment
raised in Michigan during the war. It was known as the Io2d United
States Colored Troops, was raised by Colonel Henry Barus of Detroit,
and organized by Lieutenant Colonel W. T. Bennett. In March, I864, it
took the field in command of Col. H. L. Chipman, then a captain in the
regular army who had procured a leave of absence for that purpose. The
colored troops first faced the Confederates at Baldwin, Florida, in August, 1864, and decisively repulsed the attacking force of cavalrymen.
The men there proved that they were gallant and stanch fighters, and
fully sustained that reputation in the Carolinas and other states in which
they were engaged in their progress northward. The regiment was mustered out of the service with honor on the 30th of September, 1865.
MILITARY MATTERS OF LATE
Pontiac is proud of her armory, as she should be. It came after
years of effort and waiting, and is largely the result of the consistent
work of D. L. Kimball, Alderman Henry Pauli and Charles A. Fisher.
An independent company was organized soon after the Spanish-American war, in which Captain Kimball commanded a company (Thirtyfifth Michigan Infantry). It originally occupied quarters in the Bradley block on East Pike street and the third floor of the Howland building on West Pike. Along in 1907 a keen agitation was started for the
erection of a separate armory, the original plan being for the state to
appropriate $Io,ooo and the city to raise $8,000. The final decision was
$I5,ooo for the state and $6,00ooo for the city, and the bonds which were
issued for $21,000 were sold chiefly through the exertions of Alder



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                       285
man Pauli, in April, I9I0. The armory was opened to Company E,
Third Infantry (as the command was then known), December 22, I9II.
On June 23, I905, the original company was mustered into the regular service as a part of the First Battery, Michigan National Guard.
In June, I906, it was transferred from the artillery to the infantry, by
action of the military board of the state, and was incorporated into the
First Infantry, with William Marjison as captain, C. L. Allen as first
lieutenant and H. H. Ross, second lieutenant. Late in 1906 Mr. Allen
resigned, Mr. Ross was promoted to the first lieutenantcy and Fred
Thorpe to the second lieutenantcy. In December, I906, Captain Marjison resigned and on the I3th of the month, David L. Kimball received
his commission as captain of Company E, Third Infantry. He is one
of the best disciplinarians in the state and one of the most popular citizens of Pontiac. In go9.First Lieutenant Ross resigned and Second
Lieutenant Thorpe was promoted to the vacancy. Max Hodgdon was
made second lieutenant. Company E has forty members in good standing.




CHAPTER XX


VILLAGE OF PONTIAC
COLONEL MACK'S COMPANY-FIRST PONTIAC SETTLERS-WORKS OF
MACK, CONANT AND SIBLEY-COLONEL'S MACK, FATHER AND SONSETTLERS OF 1822-I836-COUNTY SEAT AND COURTHOUSE-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION —THE VILLAGE OF AUBURN (AMY) —PONTIAC
VILLAGE INCORPORATED-EARLY TRUSTEE MEETINGS-REAL ESTATE
ITEM-THE    MILL POND NUISANCE —THE FIRE OF I840-EARLY
BRIDGES-COMMON COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY-THE VILLAGE
FIRE DEPARTMENT-GAS WORKS INAUGURATED-HEADS OF THE
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT.
The village of Pontiac was not incorporated by regular legislative
act until March 20, 1837, but it had an existence as a growing settlement from the time of the formation of the Pontiac Company, by Stephen
Mack, of Detroit, on November 5, 1818. Colonel Mack, who obtained
his title as the head of one of the Vermont regiments to which he rose
before coming from his native state to Detroit, was a prosperous hotel
keeper and merchant before he became a citizen of the Michigan metropolis, in I8IO. In that year he located in Detroit with Thomas Emerson,
one of his business acquaintances of Vermont, and they were engaged
in trade at that point when Hull surrendered to the British. That event
deranged their plans, but after the war was over Colonel Mack again
engaged in trade at Detroit under the firm name of Mack & Conant.
The partnership continued until the Pontiac Company was formed and
the Colonel proceeded, as its agent, to lead a small colony to the site
selected for the new town.
COLONEL MACK'S COMPANY
The company, which was formed, as stated, on the 5th of November,
1818, at the city of Detroit, comprised William Woodbridge, Stephen
Mack, Solomon Sibley, John L. Whiting, Austin E. Wing, David C.
McKinstry, Benjamin Stead, Henry I. Hunt, Abraham Edwards, Archibald Darragh, Alexander Macomb (General Macomb, of the U. S.
army) and Andrew G. Whitney, of that place, and William Thompson,
Daniel LeRoy and James Fulton, of the county of Macomb (of which
Oakland county was then a part). As shown by the records of the
land office, the Pontiac Company, by its agent, Stephen Mack, purchased
286




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


287


on the day following its formation, the eighteen hundred acres comprising section 29, the northeast quarter of section 32, and the northeast,
northwest and southwest quarters of section 28, township 3 north, range
Io east. Between that date and the I9th of February, 1819, the original
town plat of Pontiac was laid out on the southeast quarter of section
29, by Maj. John Anderson. According to Capt. Hervey Parke's recollections, all the corners were marked with posts made of four-inch
scantling sawed at the mill completed in the spring of I8I9 by Mack,
Conant & Sibley.
FIRST PONTIAC SETTLERS
The first settlers on the spot now occupied by the city of Pontiac
were undoubtedly Col. Stephen Mack, Maj. Joseph Todd, William Lester and Orisen Allen, who, with a body of workmen, located on the
southeast quarter of section 29, in November or December, I8I8. In
I8I9 Calvin Hotchkiss and Jeremiah Allen entered lands in the vicinity;
that year also witnessed the coming of Harvey Williams and Elisha
Gardner, the first blacksmiths of the place who worked in the old shop
built by Colonel Mack. Among those who came in I820 and I82I
were Charles Howard, Oliver Parker, Capt. Hervey Parke, Judah Church,
Abner Davis, Eastman Colby, Alexander Galloway, Rufus Clark, Enoch
Hotchkiss, James Harrington, G. W. Butson, John Edson, Joshua S.
Terry, Joseph Harris, Stephen Reeves and Capt. Joseph Bancroft.
WORKS OF MACK, CONANT & SIBLEY
The firm of Mack, Conant & Sibley (Judge Solomon Sibley was a
silent partner) made the first improvements in Pontiac. They obtained
from the Pontiac Company the title to the water power, in consideration for which they agreed to pay a bonus of $I,ooo toward the erection
of county buildings, in case the county seat should be located at Pontiac.
The company itself also donated certain lots as an inducement for such
location, and reserved various sites for schools, churches and a cemetery.
This firm built a dam on Clinton river below Pike street and spent
the winter and spring of I818-I9 in the erection of their sawmill; but
the first house which rose on the present site of Pontiac was a small log
cabin built for the workmen who were engaged on these enterprises.
It stood where the Commercial Hotel was afterward built, and in March,
I819, after the sawmill was completed, it was occupied by Maj. Joseph
Todd and family, William Lester and Orisen Allen. After this cabin,
the next building completed was the blacksmith shop which stood near
the mill. In I819-20, the flour mill was finished-the first in the county.
It contained one or two burr stones, and one run of common stone
made from native boulders; but its completion was a great event, and
quite a number of the Pontiac Company from Detroit, as well as others,
celebrated the opening of the mill for business. Among those who
attended were William Woodbridge, Solomon Sibley, John L. Whiting,
Austin E. Wing, David C. McKinstry, Henry I. Hunt, Andrew C. Whitney, William Thompson, Judge Whipple, Daniel LeRoy and Colonel




288


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Mack; and, as was the custom of the times, they freely circulated the
flowing bowl.
COLONELS MACK, FATHER AND SON
In I820 Mr. Conant retired from the firm of Mack, Conant & Sibley,
and the two remaining partners continued the business until the Colonel's
death in 1826. About 1823 Colonel Mack built a distillery, which was
run in connection with the flour mill and in I824 also erected and
operated a small woolen mill. The latter contained one set of machinery,
for carding, spinning and weaving, and in its day did quite a business.
In the meantime Almon Mack, the son of the Colonel, had come to
Pontiac (1822), had taken charge of the mill business and become his
father's active manager. A daughter of the Colonel also came on to
keep house for her father. These, with an adopted daughter, occupied
what was known as the company's building, which was used both as a
dwelling and an office. Miss Lovina Mack, the daughter mentioned,
died September 2, 1823, and this is believed to have been the first death
of an adult white woman in Oakland county. The father died in November, I826, and was buried near his daughter on land which he owned on
the east side of the river south of Pike street. The bodies were afterward disinterred and buried in Oak Hill cemetery.
Colonel Mack raised a family of twelve children. Joseph Smith, the
Mormon prophet, was a cousin of the Macks, and visited Oakland county
several times previous to his removal to Illinois. Almira, one of the
Colonel's nine daughters, joined the Mormons at an early day and followed their fortunes to Utah. About 1846 Mrs. Colonel Mack joined
this daughter at Salt Lake and remained with her until her death ten
years later.
Almon Mack, the third son of the Colonel, became quite prominent
in business and military matters. In his earlier years he had received
a military training at the Vermont Military College, Norwich, and eventually became a colonel in the Michigan state militia; so that both father
and son were legitimate "colonels."
SETTLERS OF 1822-I836
The same year of Almon Mack's arrival also saw the coming of S.
L. Millis, Joseph Morris, Asa Murray and Capt. Joseph Bancroft.
Among others who became settlers of Pontiac and vicinity prior to
1837, the year of its incorporation, may be mentioned the following:
1823-John Southard, Ira Goodrich, Chester Webster and Joseph
Harris.
I824-E. B. Comstock, Francis J. Smith, Merritt Ferry, Henry W.
Thomas, Deacon Jacob N. Voorheis, John Powell and Hon. Thomas J.
Drake.
I825-D. C. Buckland, S. T. Murray and H. W. McDonald.
1826-Laban Smith and Ira Stowell, Sr.
I827-Origen D. Richardson.
1828-Luke Phillips.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


289


I830-W. C. Palmer, Nelson Reynolds, Joseph R. Bowman, Joseph
Hunt and Eli Welch.
I83 i-Hugh Kelly, James Henry, George Hopkinson, G. W. Gray
and Levi Dewey.
I832-Alonzo Barbour and James Loop.
I833-George Reeves, Charles Torrey and Harrison Voorheis.
I834-David Cummings, E. E. Sherwood and Joseph Voorheis.
I835-W. B. Frederick, D. C. Dean and Ithamar Smith.
I836-Deacon A. P. Frost, W. H. McConnell, H. C. Linaburv and
John Springer.
COUNTY SEAT AND COURT HOUSE
The proclamation of Governor Cass, issued January 12, I819, announcing the bounds of Oakland county, also provided for the appointment of John L. Leib, Charles Lamed, Philip LaCuer, John Whipple and
Thomas Rowland, as commissioners to report upon the most eligible site
for the seat of justice. The town platted by the Pontiac Company was
duly selected as the county seat, March 28, 1820, and about 1824 the log
building which was to combine the qualifications of court house and jail
was begun. The distinction between the two lay in the quality of raw
material used in their construction; the upper part, or framed portion,
was the court room, and the first story, built solidly of logs, was the jail.
Major Oliver Williams, of Waterford, had the contract for getting out
the timber, and the plank of which the cells were made and which were
six inches thick was sawed at Mack's mill. The saw which did the
work was run by Colonel Mack's son, Almon. This first county building
stood near the present court house. The court room was not finished
until I830. In February, I835, the structure was condemned by the
grand jury, and the agitation for a convenient court house, or at least
for one fairly adequate to the needs of the county, resulted, after more
than twenty-one years, in the erection of the 1856-7 structure.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
It was during the year 1827 that the original township of Oakland
was divided into five townships, of which Pontiac was one. When first
formed it included all of congressional townships Nos. 3, 4 and 5 north,
ranges 7, 8 and 9, and township 3, range io east, and also had attached to
it for township purposes a portion of the present county at Lapeer, and
all of the counties of Shiawassee and Saginaw. On the 29th of May,
1828, the present township of Orion was detached from Oakland township and attached to Pontiac. Subsequently, the counties of Lapeer, Shiawassee and Saginaw were organized, and the following townships were
formed from the original township of Pontiac, in the years named:
Waterford, 1834; Orion, Highland and Groveland, 1835; Springfield,
Independence and White Lake, 1836; Brandon and Rose, 1837; Holly,
I838.
The first meeting for the township of Pontiac was held at the old
court house on Monday, May 28, I827; present-Sidney Dole, Charles
C. Hascall, Gideon 0. Whittemore, Henry O. Bronson and David Stan



290


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


nard, justices of the peace. The meeting was organized by the choice of
Joseph Morrison, Jr., as moderator. The town was divided into eleven
road districts. At this meeting the polls were also declared open for
the election of supervisor. Jacob N. Voorheis, Elisha Beach and Oliver
Williams presented their names for the office, and Mr. Voorheis, receiving
74 out of the IIo votes cast, was declared elected. Thus the township
machinery was put in operation at Pontiac.
THE VILLAGE OF AUBURN (AMY)
The only settlement in Pontiac township outside of the county seat
was the village of Auburn (now Amy), in the extreme southeast corner.
Its first settler was a man by the name of Elijah Thornton, a Canadian,
who settled on the south side of Clinton river in the early part of I82I.
He located as a "squatter" a little above the present station of Amy, on
the Grand Trunk line. Aaron Webster, of Cayuga county, New York,
was the first property owner and permanent settler of Auburn, coming
from Troy township. Webster went.to the nearest sawmill, that at
Pontiac, for the purpose of getting lumber with which to build his cabin,
but when he interviewed Colonel Mack he decided that the price asked
(ten dollars per thousand) was too high, and concluded that he himself
would build a sawmill and cut his own lumber. He had noticed the
water power at the expansion of the river just northwest of where
Auburn afterward was platted. Squatter Thornton had planted himself
on a portion of the land which he required and Mr. Webster offered him
one hundred dollars for his claim; this was promptly accepted and
Thornton departed for a point near Romeo, Macomb county. Webster
then disposed of his property in Troy township and, with the proceeds,
entered 320 acres of government land, including the tract upon which
Thornton had squatted and that controlling the water power. He at
once built a dam and a mill race, erected a sawmill, and was preparing
to build a gristmill, when he was taken down with typhoid fever and
died in August, I823.
After Webster's death, the entire property was purchased by Ebenezer Smith, and his son, with others, erected the gristmill which had
been projected by the deceased. Elizur Goodrich, an old friend of Webster's who had bought some of his Troy township property, afterward
located at Auburn, purchased the sawmill and operated it for a time.
The village of Auburn was laid out in September, I826, its proprietors being Ebenezer Smith, I. L. Smith, Elizur Goodrich, Aaron
Smith and Sylvester Smith, thy Smiths having become interested in the
sawmill. Ebenezer Smith died soon after the village was laid out by
Captain Hervey Parke. The gristmill then became the property of Aaron
Smith, son of the deceased. Two additions were made to the village of
Auburn in I836, by which time it had become quite a place, with carding and cloth dressing works, a trip hammer shop, tannery, and a flourishing academy. A good flouring and custom mill was erected at a later
day; but the earlier promise of the village has not been realized by the
events of subsequent years.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


291


PONTIAC VILLAGE INCORPORATED
The village of Pontiac was incorporated by legislative act approved
by the governor March 20, 1837. Its original limits were one and a half
miles square, including all of section 29, the north half of section 32,
the west half of section 28 and the northwest quarter of section 33,
comprising an area of 1,400 acres. The first regular election for village officers was held at the court house on the first day of May, 1837,
and the result is told on the first page of the first book of village and
city records, still in a good state of preservation in the possession of the
city clerk of Pontiac. The words are as follows: "At a meeting of the
qualified electors of the village of Pontiac held at the courthouse in said
village on the first day of May, A. D., 1837, pursuant to public notice,
to elect seven trustees of said village, Origen D. Richardson and Amasa
Bagley were elected (viva voce) judges of said election.
"Origen D. Richardson was sworn by J. P. LeRoy, Esq., and Amasa
Bagley and James A. Weeks were sworn by O. D. Richardson, in conformity to law. After the ballotting and canvassing were finished, it
appeared that Schuyler Hodges received IO5 votes; Randolph Manning
103 votes; George W. Williams, 103; Gideon O. Whittemore, Io6; Orisen Allen, 103; Benjamin Davis, IOO; Daniel LeRoy, IO5; David Paddock, 57; William Draper, 54; Seth Beach, I56; Alonzo Barber, 54;
John P. LeRoy, 58; Elkanah B. Comstock, 57; Abel H. Peck, 57; and
scattering, 4.
"Origen D. Richardson then declared to the meeing that Schuyler
Hodges, Randolph Manning, George W. Williams, Gideon O. Whittemore, Orisen Allen, Benjamin Davis and Daniel LeRoy were elected
trustees for the village of Pontiac for the current year.
"The meeting was then adjourned.
"We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true account of the proceedings of the meeting for the purposes aforesaid.
"0. D. RICHARDSON
"AMASA BAGLEY, Judges of Election.
"JAMES A. WEEKS. Clerk.
"I hereby certify that I have this day notified the within Schuyler
Hodges, Randolph Manning, George W. Williams, Gideon O. Whittemore, Orisen Allen, Benjamin Davis and Daniel LeRoy that they were
elected trustees for the village of Pontiac for the current year.
"JAMES A. WEEKS, Clerk of within named election.
"Recorded May 8th, A. D., I837. JAMES A. WEEKS, Clerk."
Thus with due formality and solemnity, was the nucleus of Pontiac village created. On the 8th of May six of the trustees elected met
at the courthouse-Messrs. Hodges, Manning, Whittemore, LeRoy, Williams and Davis-were sworn into office and elected Daniel LeRoy president. James A. Weeks was chosen clerk.
EARLY TRUSTEE MEETINGS
At a meeting held a week thereafter the by-laws creating the village
offices and defining their duties, drafted by Messrs. Manning, WhitteVol. I-19




292


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


more and Davis, were adopted. It was further resolved that all bylaws be published in the Democratic Balance and Pontiac Advertiser
for three successive weeks; Francis Darrow was elected treasurer;
Theron W. Barber, marshal; and Origen D. Richardson, Olmsted Chamberlin and Asahel Fuller, assessors; and the president of the board appointed standing committees, consisting of two members each, on the
following: Streets and highways, accounts, taxation, nuisances, and
stoves,, chimneys and fires.
Trustee Allen did not appear to be sworn into office until May 27th,
when, at the meeting held in Mr. Bagley's house, President LeRoy resigned and Gideon 0. Whittemore was elected head of the village board.
As one means of guaranteeing a quorum, the trustees present at the
courthouse meeting of June 5th resolved to fine each member one dollar "who shall not attend any regular meeting without a reasonable
excuse." July I7th was a red-letter day, in that the village board passed
an ordinance "relative to fire buckets and to guard against fire."
The receipts and expenditures for the first current year of the corporation were as follows: Receipts, $863.77; expenditures, $697.47; balance in treasury, $I66.30.
The trustees elected May 7, 1838, were Charles W. Harbach, Willard
M. McConnell, M. LaMont Bagg, Seth Beach, Elkanah B. Comstock,
Abel H. Peck and Suel Wesson. The highest number of votes (I39)
was received by Mr. McConnell. In the following week Mr. Wesson
was elected president and Mr. Weeks, clerk; G. O. Whittemore, treasurer; Julius Dean, marshal; Samuel Sherwood, Horatio N. Howard
and James A. Weeks, assessors. At the meeting of May 22d, Mr. Weeks
reported that "a suitable fire engine for this village will cost from $500
to $750; that the rivet hose will cost 85 cents per foot, the 'sewed' hose
$i per foot, and that the terms on which they are purchased by the city
of Detroit are one-half down, the balance in six months."
At the meeting of the trustees held May 7, 1839, the report of the
treasurer indicated a balance on hand as follows: Non-resident tax unpaid, $o1.89; two certificates of canal bills, $39; cash; (Pontiac and Oakland county) $5; and current funds $3.66. Total balance in village treasury, $58.55. It cost $I,091.20 to "run the village" in 1838; leaving the
board in debt for 1838, $36.56. But on May 7, 1839, taking everything
into consideration, the village clerk figured a "balance in favor of corporation" of $I 9.95.
REAL ESTATE ITEM
An interesting real estate item taken from the record of the board
meeting of May 28, I839, is that the trustees agreed upon the following
prices at which village lots should be offered for sale: Nos. i, 2 and 3,
$I75, each; Nos. 4 and 5, $125 each; No. 6, $140; No. 7, $145; Nos. 8
and 9, $I75 each; No. IO, $150; No. 12, $I35. But it appears from the
July report that there were no bidders even at those prices.
In the fall of 1839 the Public Nuisance committee commenced to
stir up the community, the board of trustees declaring among other things
that Asher Buckland's "nine or ten pin alley" and "the tolling of the
bell in cases of death and at funerals" were placed in the list of public




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


293


nuisances-the latter, "inasmuch as it disturbs the public peace and is
considered by the physicians as injurious to those who may be sick,"
also the dam and millpond across the Clinton river and the residence of
Sewell Wisson.
THE MILL POND NUISANCE
The two mill ponds long remained public nuisances and objects of
contention, legal and otherwise, between the village and the city and
owners of abutting properties. As late as 1840 the channel of Clinton
river was badly obstructed with brush and dead timber, and in September of that year we find the council ordering the same removed, from
"H. N. Howard's dam to the Yellow mill," the job to be let to the lowest bidder. The work seems, however, to have hung fire, for in June,
1841, petitions were circulated and presented to the council praying that
Clinton river and Pontiac creek might be cleared of rubbish, and the
marshal was instructed to remove carcasses from the river at fifty
cents each. A low water mark was established on the mill dams below
which the mill owners were not permitted to draw water under penalty.
It is impossible and would answer no good purpose to go into details
concerning the litigation extending over a period of some sixty years
by which the Corporation, or the People, endeavored to abate an evil
which often threatened the public health. A compromise was finally
effected by which the city agreed to erect banks around the offending
mill pond and narrow the channel of the river. This work was not fully
completed until about I902, but now the old-time pond, with its freeflowing outlet, the Clinton river, is a thing both of beauty and sanitation.
THE FIRE OF 1840
The village had not even a hand engine when the fire of April 30,
1840, broke out in the Exchange, recently occupied by E. Burlington,
corner of Saginaw and Lawrence. The flames soon swept across Saginaw street, which they swept clean to Pike street. Twenty-five buildings were destroyed altogether, at a loss of some $25,ooo. These figures
do not now look appalling; but they did at that time, as they represented
the destruction of the business heart of Pontiac. The Jacksonian says
that at the time the fire swept along Saginaw street "the spectacle was
truly awful and sublime"; further, that "every one acted with commendable coolness. The ladies, who turned out and carried buckets, water,
etc., are worthy of all praise."
EARLY BRIDGES
During the summer of 1841 bridges were built over the mill pond
at Pike street and over Pontiac creek at Clinton street. In the following year the Pontiac & Detroit Railroad was approaching the place, and
the question of the right-of-way began to be discussed.
"COMMON COUNCIL," THE GOVERNING BODY
The election of officers for May, 1842, was held under the amended
charter, which changed the title of the corporation from "president




294


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and trustees" to "common council," and allowed the people to choose a
president, three trustees, a recorder and a marshal. The treasurer was
appointed by the council. The first election under the new order of
things resulted as follows: President, Pierce Patrick; trustees, Francis Darrow, Rufus Hosmer and Willard M. McConnell; recorder, Warren J. Nelson. Julius Dean was appointed treasurer.
It would appear that the people became tired of the monotony of the
place under the order prohibiting the ringing of bells, for in I850 a petition signed by 221 citizens was presented to the common council praying that Martin Bransby be appointed bell ringer. Their prayer was
granted and said Bransby was allowed a salary of $52 for ringing the
bell at five, nine and twelve o'clock A. M. and at one, five and nine
o'clock P. M.
In 1851 a new bridge was constructed over the Clinton river on Pike
street, at the mill pond, and in 1853 one was built on Andrews street,
now Orchard Lake avenue. A bridge was built over the mill pond on
Pike street in i858, and in I860 one on Pike street, west of the railroad, was completed.
THE VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The question of applying for a city charter began to be discussed
early in I859. In the meantime the fire department had been so developed
that it consisted of Pontiac Fire Company No. I, with forty-one men,
and Deluge Fire Company No. 2, with thirty-seven members, two hand engines and one hose cart. The first company was organized in 1833, but the
men appear to have got along with buckets until I844, when a hand
engine was purchased in Rochester, New York, for six hundred dollars.
In 1847 a Piano engine was purchased, and in the following year a one
story brick house was completed; herein was housed the engine of 1844
(No. I) and the engine of 1847, which was christened Deluge Fire Engine No. 2," the second fire company being formed in that year.
In 1847 H. C. Thurber was appointed chief engineer of the department, being succeeded by Colonel Archibald Spear in 1850, William C.
Palmer in I85I, and James A. Weeks in 1852.
GAS WORKS INAUGURATED
Previous to the incorporation of Pontiac as a city in I86I the department consisted only of the two companies mentioned. The year
before it became a municipality preliminary steps were taken to erect
gas works, a committee of the common council being appointed to look
after the matter and an ordinance passed March 21, I86o, authorizing
Enos F. Chappell to form a stock company for that purpose. At the
'time Pontiac donned city garb, however, the gas works were still "in
the air."
HEADS OF THE VILLAGE GOVERNMENT
The heads of the village government when the popular body was
known as the "board of trustees" were as follows: 1838, Suel Wesson,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                        295
president; I839, Amasa Bagley; 1840, G. O. Whittemore; I841, E. B.
Comstock.
After the governing body became the "common council" its presidents, year by year, were as follows: 1842, Pierce Patrick; I843, William
S. Henderson; 1844, John P. LeRoy; 1845, Rufus Hosmer; I846, Joseph
R. Bowman; I847, Rufus Hosmer; 1848, Horace C. Thurber; 1849,
Horace C. Thurber; 1850, Alfred Treadway; i85I, William M. Thompson; I852, M. La Mont Bagg; 1853, Alfred Treadway; 1854, Alfred
Treadway; 1855, James A. Weeks; 1856, Samuel E. Beach; 1857, Julius
Dean; 1858, Julius Dean; 1859, R. W. Davis; i860, A. B. Matthews.




CHAPTER XXI


CITY OF PONTIAC
FIRST ELECTION-CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT BORN-FIRST CITY HALLVALUE OF PROPERTY IN I876 —"JOHN P. FOSTER NO. 2"-SMALLPOX
EPIDEMICS OF I881-82-NEWSPAPER SENSATION-RESIGNATION OF
CHIEF ENGINEER FOSTER-CITY FINANCES IN I876-BOARD OF WATER
COMMISSIONERS CREATED-THE NEW FIFTH WARD-ORIGINAL SYSTEM OF WATER WORKS-ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SYSTEMS-FIRST   GAMEWELL FIRE    ALARM   TELEGRAPH-MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENT IN I894-FIRST THREE YEARS OF WATER SERVICELIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SERVICE AGAIN-SEWERAGE SYSTEM INAUGURATED-EXTENSION OF WATER WORKS-TELEPHONE SERVICE
UP TO DATE-COMMISSION GOVERNMENT ADOPTE —EARLY,MEASURES PASSED-INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT-THE
PRESENT CITY HALL-MAYORS OF PONTIAC-THE CITY PRESSOAK   HILL CEMETERY-GAS LIGHTING     AND ELECTRIC POWERPOSTOFFICE AND POSTMASTERS-THE PONTIAC STATE HOSPITAL.
This chapter deals with the history of Pontiac as a city, tracing its
general development as a municipality, with sketches of its various departments, from its first incorporation in I86I to the adoption of the
commission form of government in I9II, a period almost exactly of
half a century.
CHARTERED
Pontiac was chartered as a city by an act of the legislature approved
by the governor March 15, 1861, its territorial limits being the same as
those of the village-that is, section 29, the west half of section 28, the
north half of section 32 and the northwest quarter of section 33. By
the amendment of March 20, I867, the limits were extended so as to include the south half sections of 19, 20 and 2I and all of sections 28,
29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, making an area of three by two and a half miles
and including 4,800 acres. The same territory was covered by the city,
although of course settled and improved along every modern line, at
the commencement of the commission form of government April I, I9II.
By the amended act of March 20, I867, Pontiac was divided into
four wards, and a fifth was added in I889.
The above may be designated as the chief divisions in the history of
Pontiac as a city. The steps in this progress are to be described hereafter somewhat in detail.
296




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


297


FIRST 'ELECTION
The first election for city officers was held April I, I86I, and a few
days later the War of the Rebellion broke upon the country with its
hideous storm of death and destruction. Pontiac responded to Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers with patriotic promptness, and on the
27th of April the common council voted to raise one thousand dollars
for the benefit of families of volunteers, the same to be issued in city
orders of fifty dollars each. For the entire year of 1861 the total tax
raised was $3,621.79; school tax, $I,850; the total receipts were $8,433.56,
and the expenditures, the same.
In I863 the valuation of city property is given as follows: First
ward, $272,052; second ward, $388,235; total, $660,287. The school tax
amounted to $3,575.
In February, 1864, the council agreed to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for Civil war service, and in the early
part of the following year Mayor Cudworth, representing that body,
entered into a contract with the gas company to supply Pontiac with
illumination.
The treasurer's report for the year ending April 25, 1865, showed the
total receipts of the city to have been $17,066.9I and expenses $I6,700.53.
City indebtedness: War bonds issued, $9,840; city bonds, $20,000.
CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT BORN
A night police was established during the winter of I867-8, this being
the first attempt at the establishment of a city police department, but
one of the first acts of the newly-elected council of I868 was the dis.
bandment of the night force. It was soon afterward reestablished.
Under the amended charter of March, 1867, the city made a jump
from two to four wards, and under the same act the school limits of the
Pontiac union district were made coextensive with the municipal limits.
FIRST CITY HALL
In I868 the two-story brick building on Pike street, which was afterward remodeled for the fire department, was completed for the use of
the municipal officers at a cost of $I2,000.
In 1871 the iron bridge on Saginaw street was built by the Canton
Iron Bridge Company, of Ohio, for $4,500.
For that year the receipts into the city treasury amounted to $43,247.IO and the expenditures, $39,448.04; balance, $3,799.06. Five years
afterward, March 20, I876, the balance in the hands of the city treasurer
amounted to $5,111.55; the receipts for the year had been $40,205.I8
and the disbursements, $35,093.63. The largest sources of income were
the liquor tax ($3,122); city tax to pay face and interest of bonds
($4,239) and that raised for school purposes ($17,500).




298


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNLTY


VALUE OF PROPERTY IN 1876
At the council meeting of October I, 1876, the assessed valuation
of city property was reported as follows:
Wards                 Real Estate  Personal    Total
First................$125,180   $ 29,800   $154,980
Second............... 128,250     42,400     170,650
Third................  183,075   50,150    233,225
Fourth.............. 240,550      83,910    324,460
Totals...............$677,055   $206,260   $883,315
The amount of taxes levied for the year 1876 on the above valuation was as follows: City tax (three-fourths of one per cent), $6,624.86;
sinking fund (one-tenth of one per cent), $883.3I; matured bonds, with
interest, $2,280; bridge fund, $1,000; for school purposes, $I7,000. Total,
$27,788.17.
The common council at its meeting of December 30, 1878, passed
resolutions of respect and condolence on the death of Hiram Voorheis,
so long a valued and beloved member of that body.
"JOHN P. FOSTER, NO. 2"
At the session of January 20, 1879, bids were received from four
or five well known manufacturers of steam fire engines, east and west,
offering to "deliver the goods" in Pontiac for $4,ooo, the Silsby Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls, New York, also agreeing to repair
the old steamer "Pontiac," which was all but out of commission. The
Ahrens Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, offered to take its pay
in Pontiac city bonds, payable five years from delivery of engine, or
eight per cent off for cash. The Silsby concern secured the contract and
by February, 1879, the so-called Silsby "combination engine" was safely
housed in Pontiac. It was received from Chicago and failed to give
satisfaction. The council then refused to ratify the purchase of the
new engine, but agreed to pay the eastern concern for the repair of the
old engine. The Silsby Company threatened to sue the city for violation of contract, but a compromise was finally effected and the engine
was retained. It was named John P. Foster, No. 2.
Mayor Mabley resigned at the meeting of the council held July 7,
I879, and a special election was called for the first Monday in August
to select his successor. Alderman Jacobs became acting mayor. Charles
Dawson became mayor at the April election of I880.
William Smith & Sons petitioned the common council, December 27,
I88o, for permission to lay gas pipes in the city streets and alleys, alleging that the "gas made by our process is free from all impurities and is
five times greater candle power than coal gas; hence it requires only
one-fifth the quantity to produce the same amount of light." Their
petition was granted at the next meeting, provided the pipes for the
aforesaid gas were laid within two years; but the enterprise failed to
materialize.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


299


SMALLPOX EPIDEMICS OF 1881-82
On account of the threatened prevalence of smallpox in I88I and
the prevailing carelessness of citizens to take proper precautions, the
board of health, of which John Meloy was chairman, adopted a houseto-house vaccination campaign, being, of course, backed by the common
council. At the same time vigorous measures were put in force to eradicate all filthy conditions which would naturally stimulate the spread of
any epidemic. A pesthouse was established during this period, as several
cases run their course notwithstanding all the precautions taken. When
the epidemic had abated the pesthouse was closed, but several blankets
were unfortunately left behind-most unfortunately, because a certain
colored family appropriated them for private uses, and started an epidemic in the following year which was worse than the first. But that
was also stamped out by energetic measures.
An interesting item taken from the records of I8$4 is that which
presents the schedule of licenses adopted at the meeting of the common
council held on April 21, of that year. A menagerie and circus were to
pay into the city treasury $15 each; circus and menagerie combined, $25;
side show, $5; stand or booth, $2; concert or minstrel show, per day or
night, $2; theatrical troupe, per day or night, $2; rope walker, per day or
night, $2; street exhibition of animals, per day or night, $2; other entertainments not mentioned in the foregoing, $2 per day or night; wagons
or tables (transients), per day, $5; street peddlers other than the foregoing, $5; meat peddlers, per year, $25; fish stands, per year, $Io; vegetable, fruit or candy stands, carts or wagons (single or combined), per
year, $io; hacks, omnibuses and other public carriages, transient, per
day, $5; auctioneer, transient, per day, $5; auctioneer, local, per year, $5.
NEWSPAPER SENSATION
Some excitement was caused at the council meeting of April 20,
1885, by the introduction of a resolution to the effect that the city papers
(Gazette and Bill Poster) had charged that body with misappropriating
cemetery funds for general purposes; one correspondent in the Bill
Poster stated that the amount so taken was as much as $3,000; and, in
view of said charge and contemplated purchase of new cemetery ground
"Resolved, that the mayor appoint a committee of five to investigate
such charges and any other matters concerning said cemetery and report
at the next meeting, said committee to consist of two aldermen and
three citizens."
Such investigation showed that the council had borrowed about $2,000
from the trust fund with which to buy the south addition to the cemetery grounds, with no other intention than of promptly paying it back
(which was done); so the excitement and newspaper sensation effectually evaporated.
The council held a special meeting April 27, I885, to take appropriate
action on the death of Mayor Samuel H. Norton, and resolutions were
adopted and engrossed at the meeting of May 5th.




300


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


INVESTIGATING LIGHT AND WATER SYSTEMS
Aldermen Meloy, Taylor and Weston were appointed a committee,
at the council session of August Io, 1885, to visit neighboring cities and
investigate the matter of supplying the city with electric light.
At the same meeting, Aldermen William R. Rowley, G. H. Turk
and Alf. Webb made a long report on their examination of different
systems of water works. They examined the gravity system of Ann
Arbor, the direct pressure systems of Lansing and Grand Rapids, and
the works at Big Rapids, Reed City, Petoskey and Flint, which also
illustrated the stand-pipe system. The committee collected complete
figures as to the difference between actual ownership, cost of fire protection and the cost of the same by franchise, its final recommendation
being that the city build and operate its own works, and that, in view
of the existing low prices of material and machinery, a special election
be called to submit the question of voting bonds at once.
On October 5, i885, however, the council adopted a resolution to
submit the proposition of issuing bonds not to exceed $7,5,oo0 for the
proposed water works, at the regular charter election. In February,
I886, the council invited proposals from construction companies and
named March ISt as the date for opening them. Professor Charles E.
Green, of the civil engineering department of the Michigan University,
was called to the city to make the necessary surveys and estimates and
report to the council. At the charter election of April 5, I886, however,
the water works proposition was defeated, 573 voting "no" and 418
"yea" on the issuing of bonds.
RESIGNATION OF CHIEF ENGINEER FOSTER
Chief Engineer Foster, of the fire department, made his annual report and resigned his office, to the deep regret of all, April I4, 1886, in
the following communication to the mayor and common council:
"Gentlemen: I herewith submit my annual report as chief engineer
of the Pontiac fire department from April I, I885, to April 14, I886.
We have had during the year three small fires and eight false alarms.
The loss of property has been very small.
"We have on hand two steamers and two hose carts, all in good
condition. We have about 2,200 feet of hose, 500 feet of which is No.
I, 500 feet No. 2, and the balance No. 3. This comprises all the property belonging to the city for use in the fire department which has been
placed in my hands.
"With this report will terminate my services as chief engineer of the
Pontiac fire department for the past thirty-six years. I wish to retire
now from further service and, in retiring, I feel that I leave it in good
hands. Some of the men have been with me for a number of years
and are selected from the best material that is available. They are all
good men and thoroughly understand their business. Mr. H. G. Monroe, the engineer, in my judgment is a very valuable man for the city,
perfectly competent and second to none in the state. He is ably assisted
by Mr. Cass Hurlburt.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      301
"Hoping the same good fortune may attend our city in the future as
of late years, I remain,
"Your obedient servant,
"J. P. FOSTER, Chief Engineer."
CITY FINANCES IN 1886
From the reports of various city officers we now present the several
items which best exhibit the financial status of Pontiac, and those who
are interested in this subject should revert to similar figures already
published for the year 1876, or a decade before.
The balance in the treasury March I2, 1886, was $I,661.22; the total
receipts for the year having been $34,359.93 and the disbursements,
$33,698.71.
The property valuation and tax apportionment, by wards, was as
follows:
Wards                Valuation General Fund   Bridges   Schools
First...............$ 449,500  $ 2,065.54  $ I87.77   $ I,877.4I
Second.............366,800       1,68553      I5333     1,532.42
Third..............   659,000    3,028.24     275.27    2,754.02
Fourth..............  918,000    4,220.69     383.63    3,836.I5
Total............ $2,39,3300  $II,ooo.oo  $I,oo0.oo  $Io,ooo.oo
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS CREATED
At a meeting of the council held August 22, 1887, an ordinance was
passed establishing a city board of water commissioners, to consist of
four members, with the mayor ex officio president of such board. Their
regular term of office was to be four years. As the first members of
the new board the council elected J. D. Norton, whose term of office
was to expire the second Wednesday in April, I889; Alfred Webb,
whose term was to expire on the same date in 1890; Judson A. Hammond, in 1891, and A. A. Lull, in 1892.
THE NEW FIFTH WARD
The first officials of the Fifth ward, which was created in 1889,
were as follows: C. J. Fox, supervisor, who served until I892; C. C.
P. Pittman, alderman, who was succeeded the same year by J. W. Bird,
Daniel Linabury, constable; William Jay, treasurer.
It was first announced in the council which met March 4, I889, that
there was a movement afoot to divide the Fourth ward. Although there
was considerable opposition to its creation, the measure finally went
through the council. Its first appearance in the city finances of that
year indicates that it embraced property valued at $555,700, and bore
the following taxes: General, $3,953.85; bridges, $213.94; interest on
water bonds, $818.09; schools, $2,780.43-total, $7,766.31. The entire
valuation of city property -was $2,598,200 and its tax levy, $36,311.50.




302


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ORIGINAL SYSTEM OF WATERWORKS
The first report of the board of water commissioners submitted to
the council February Io, I89o, is as follows: "To the Honorable Mayor
and Common Council-Gentlemen: Since the creating of the board of
water commissioners by your predecessors a complete system of waterworks has been established in the city of Pontiac. Large powers and
responsibilities were entrusted to this board; no system decided on,
or a plan proposed. The board accepted of the trust in the same spirit
in which it was given, and have endeavored to give to this city the best
system of waterworks they could with the money to be expended. We
feel that our efforts have been successful and assert, without fear of
successful contradiction, that no city has a better plant for the money
expended than has this city.
"Your commissioners, ignorant of the kind of a plant most desirable
and unskilled in the practical establishment and working of the same,
endeavored by a personal visit to our neighboring cities, similar in size
and surroundings, to inform themselves as to the most efficient system
to adopt.
"Two systems of waterworks were practicable to us-one pumping
into a standpipe and taking the distribution from said pipe; the other,
pumping direct into the mains. Both systems have their adherents. In
order to have Ioo pounds pressure-fire pressure-the standpipe would
have to have been 200 feet in height. A less height would have necessitated the constant presence of an engineer or fireman at the pumping
station, in order to make fire pressure, if needed; hence, no economy
in regard to labor. Again, the bids submitted for a suitable standpipe
would have taken about one-fourth of the total appropriation.
"Your board adopted the system of pumping direct into the mains.
The wisdom of this course seems fully justified. The location of the
pumping station was fixed near the railroad for economy in fuel, and
near the river, above the city sewage, for unfailing water supply. John
D. Cook, of Toledo, was engaged as consulting engineer, who prepared
the specifications for the construction of the works and laid out the
system of pipe distribution. Bids for the construction of the works
were opened December 22, 1887, and on February 6, I888, the contract
was approved by the council and awarded to W. S. Parks & Company,
they being the lowest bidders. On November 12, I888, the works were
in operation, since which time they have been under constant pressure.
"The season of i888 being near its close, but few taps could be
made before the ground was frozen, and rental of water takers commenced January I, I889. Bonds of the city to the amount of $85,ooo
were issued, drawing interest at the rate of four and a half per cent
per annum, interest payable semi-annually, and were sold to the Wayne
County Savings Bank of Detroit at par; $75,000 of these bonds were
dated March I, I888, and $Io,ooo May I, I888, the savings bank paying out the funds as needed and allowing four per cent interest on
balances. Of these bonds, $5,000 matured in i888, and $5,000 each and
every year thereafter until paid.
"In the pipe distribution, the first consideration was fire protection




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                     303
to as large a portion of the city as possible; second, to accommodate
the most water consumers. Unfortunately and unjustly, many living in
the suburbs have not the advantages of the water, nor can they, without
additional appropriations.
"The plant embraces duplicate pumping machinery and boilers, with
sufficient capacity to accommodate a city of twenty-five thousand people, with about 13 miles of mains, 115 hydrants and 72 gates.
"The board has held sixty meetings since its organization and has
given such attention as required. On January I, I889, H. G. Monroe
was appointed general superintendent and engineer, under whose personal supervision the works are conducted. D. J. Hammond was appointed secretary to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Fred Van
Hoven.
"All of which is respectfully submitted,
"WILLIAM G. HINMAN,
"A. A. LULL,
"ALF. WEBB,
"D. J. HAMMOND,
"JOHN D. NORTON.
"Board of Water Commissioners."
John D. Norton, treasurer of the board, also made the following
report:  "Financial statement of the Pontiac Waterworks from  the
commencement of construction to January I, I890:
Receipts
From issue of bonds........................$85,000.00
Interest on  account...........................  622.23
From city treasurer for I889..................  5,794.50
From private consumers for I889.............. 1,447.84
From overdraft at First National Bank.........  323.81
From money borrowed...................... I,5oo.oo
From   hay  sold..............................  3.00
Total...................................$94,691.38
Expenditures
For construction account.....................$85,891.49
Interest on bonds for I889...................  3,825.00
Running expenses for 1889................... 4,388.64
Tapping material on hand....................  140.68
Tapping  dues  unpaid.........................  I08.90
Break under bridge (unsettled)...............  65.37
Total  on  hand...............................  271.30
Total...................................$94,69I.38
It appears, further, that the total gallons of water pumped for the
year 1889 was 55,098,I84, ranging from the lowest month, April (when




304


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


I,897,244 gallons were pumped), to the highest, August, when the
amount was 8,726,6IO. To accomplish this work 770,467 pounds of
coal were consumed.  Superintendent Monroe also reported that the
total number of water consumers was 253.
ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
In the fall of I891 the citizens of Pontiac and the common council
were especially interested in providing an adequate system of electric
lighting. Visits were made to Chicago and other cities and in September the city fathers received a proposition from the Commercial Electric
Company of Detroit, offering to install and sell a plant for $13,300, to
be operated in connection with the city waterworks, $2,000 being added
for the purchase of grounds. The proposition was subsequently accepted. In March, I892, the company offered to sell the plant to the
city for $I9,849.67, either in cash or in bonds running for three years.
On March 7, I893, the council passed the ordinance granting to
John D. Norton, William G. Hinman, Joseph E. Sawyer, Judson Hammond, Alfred Webb and their associates (the Michigan Bell Telephone
Company), the exclusive right to operate a telephone exchange in Pontiac, provided they accepted the ordinance within six months from its
passage and commenced the erection of such exchange. The rate for
service was not to exceed $24 per telephone for business places and $I8
for residences, seven free telephones being supplied the city.
FIRST GAMEWELL FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH
On May 29, 1893, the council entered into a contract with the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company for the installation of its well
known system in connection with the city fire department of Pontiac.
The contract was not for its purchase at that time, but for its lease until
February 15, I897. Twenty-five fire alarm boxes were provided for.
The company agreed to sell the system for $4,700, with interest.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IN 1894
It is impossible to give the reader a better idea of the functions of
the municipal government, as developed at this time (I894) than to
make liberal extracts from the report of the special committee of the
common council, headed by City Attorney P. B. Bromley, to whom had
been referred the communication of the Michigan Municipal Commission, asking for information on the subject. The report was read July
30, 1894, and was in substance as follows:
(First) Organization-The city of Pontiac is incorporated by a
special act of the legislature approved March 15, 1861, as amended
March 18, 1865, March 20, 1867, March 20, I869, March 9, 1871, May
23, 1877, May 28, 1879, May 26, I88I, June 2, 1885, and March 26, I889.
(Second) Officials-Mayor: Chosen by the electors of the city;
term one year; salary, $IOO and fees of the office.
Ten aldermen, two from each of the five wards of the city; elected




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


305


one each year; term, two years; salary, $2 per meeting for not more
than twenty-six meetings.
City attorney: Appointed by the council; term, one year; salary,
$Ioo per year and reasonable pay in the judgment of the council for
the conduct of actual cases in court, or other extraordinary services.
City marshal: Appointed by the council; term, one year; salary,
$450.
City treasurer: Appointed by the council; term, one year; salary, $50.
Official paper: Designated by the council; term, one year; salary,
the fees allowed by the statutes of the state for legal printing.
Night watchman: Appointed by the council; term, one year; salary,
$700.
Chief of the fire department: Appointed by the council; term, one
year; salary, $50; two assistants to chief, $25 salary each.
Health officer, or city physician: Appointed by the council; term,
one year; salary, $50 and pay for extraordinary services.
Driver to hose cart: Appointed by the council; term, one year;
salary, $500.
Driver to hook and ladder truck: Appointed by the council; term,
one year; salary, $400.
The council have the power to remove for cause any appointive
officer.
(Third) Schools-The city and school district include the same territory. The school board have charge of the schools. Its members are
chosen at an annual meeting of the electors held on the first Monday
in September of each year. Woman may vote at school elections. The
school board is composed of five members; term of office, three years,
and same are elected each year.
(Fourth) Assessment and Review-The city has a supervisor in
each of the five wards and they are the assessing officers. The city
collects city, state and county taxes at the same time. The board of
review is composed of the supervisors of the city, but the city clerk
is made clerk of the meetings of this board. The limit of the city's
taxation is three-quarters of one per cent and a permitted indebtedness
of $3,000 outside of bonded indebtedness; and that is regulated by the
statutes of Michigan. The taxes are collected by the ward treasurer
of each ward, who holds his office (elective) for one year. The compensation of ward treasurer is the same as township treasurer, the fees
allowed being fixed by statute.
(Fifth) Public Improvements-The city has waterworks, owned and
controlled by the municipality through a.board of water commissioners
composed of four members, the mayor being an ex-officio member. Said
four members are appointed by the council, the term of office of one
member expiring each year.
The city streets are lighted by the arc system of electricity, the plant
being owned by a private company. Light is furnished under a threeyear contract which expires in October of the present year (1894).
Street improvements are assessed in the first instance to the city at
large. The city keeps the streets in repair. Under the statutes of the
state it is discretionary with the city to either pay for private property




306


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


taken for public improvement out of the general fund, or to assess the
property benefited by such public improvement. The city has experienced no great trouble in collecting special assessments. When private
property is taken for public improvement the city acquires the property
by agreement and purchase; the amount has to be paid from the general
fund and the city in such case has no power to assess the property
benefited. It was recommended that the city in such cases have the
power to constitute an assessment district and assess and collect the
whole amount or any portion thereof, on and from the property benefited.
(Sixth) Boards-The city has a board of water commissioners,
hereinbefore referred to; also a board of control of cemeteries, comprising three members with annual terms of office. Its members are
appointed by the common council and serve without compensation.
(Seventh) Fiscal year-The fiscal year begins on the second Wednesday after the first Monday in April.
The eighth section of the report was devoted to recommendations
to the following effect:  That the city marshal be elected annually;
that the limit of taxation be fixed at one per cent outside of the amount
to be raised for bridge purposes; that if property owners fail to build
sidewalks the city do the work and assess an additional ten per cent
to the cost thereof; and that the city have the right to issue bonds to
commence the establishment of a sewerage system and create a board
of sewer commissioners for the purpose.
The report was adopted at the council meeting held September Io,
1894, after it had been amended so as to fix the mayor's salary at $200
and that of the aldermen at $ioo per year.
FIRST THREE YEARS OF WATER SERVICE
In March, 1894, Superintendent Monroe reported the following gallons of water pumped and pounds of coal consumed during the three
years the works had been in operation:
Year                       Gals. Pumped Lbs. Coal Consumed
I891........................107,591,190      940,661
1892........................124,471,380     I,180,464
I893....................... 157,362,070  1,285,948
LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE SERVICE AGAIN
The city, through its common council, made an agreement with the
Pontiac Standard Lighting Company, October 8, I894, for electric lighting for a term of five years from October 25th of that year. The contract called for not less than ninety arc lights for the streets at a rate
of $60 per light per annum.
The Home Telephone Company (by its secretary, J. E. Sawyer)
gave the council notice March I, 1895, that it had commenced the erection of the exchange, and awaited instructions from the city as to the
placing of the telephone poles.
Messrs, Alf. Webb, G. Jacobs and D. J. Hammond, of the board




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


307


of water commissioners, petitioned the mayor March 25, 1895, that
W. H. Brummit, of the First ward, be appointed an associate member
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of J. D. Norton. Such appointment was made.
SEWERAGE SYSTEM INAUGURATED
The people of Pontiac voted in favor of expending, at most, $25,000
on a sewerage system, at the general election of November 28, I894. A
special committee presented a bill to be introduced to the legislature
looking to that end, and also to legalize the creation of a board of
sewer commissioners. The bill was adopted and the council requested
their legislative representatives to use their best efforts at Lansing to
have it passed into law.
In 1897, 250,103,010 gallons were pumped by the city waterworks,
and 267,195,I80 gallons in I898.
EXTENSION OF WATERWORKS
Superintendent H. G. Monroe, in compliance with a request from
the board of public works, on May 24, I900, submitted an estimate of
the cost for required improvements in the waterworks. The items included $14,000 for an air-lift plant, with a daily capacity of five million
gallons; $i8,8oo for pumping machinery of like capacity, and $17,200
for extension of the water mains.
On September 23, I901, the council adopted a resolution accepting
the bid of the Snow Pump Works of Buffalo, New York, for furnishing and erecting on foundation a five million-gallons daily capacity pumping engine (triple expansion, high duty) for $2I,ooo, in line with the
recommendation of Superintendent Monroe.   On January Io, I902,
the board of public works employed I-. L. Monroe as third engineer
at the waterworks. It appears from the report made by the board in
May of that year that the water bond sale realized $53,333.78, to be
applied to the improvement of the waterworks.
The $Io,ooo bonds for remodeling the fire hall were awarded to
Dennison & Farnsworth, of Cleveland, oh May 6, I907.
The report of the finance committee of the common council March
4, I90I, contains the following on the then financial status: "The city
has a bonded indebtedness of $25,000 sewer bonds bearing five per
cent interest per annum; water bonds, $85,ooo, bearing four and a half
per cent, and $56,ooo special assessment paving bonds, bearing five per
cent.
"The following is a statement of the salaries paid the officers of the
city per annum: Mayor, $50; ten aldermen, each $50; clerk, $720; city
treasurer, $600; attorney, $Ioo and not to exceed $300 for special
services; health officer, $Ioo; city engineer, $Ioo; city marshal, $6oo;
chief of fire department, $50; assistant chief, $25; two night police, each
$700; drivers of hose cart and hook and ladder. each $500; hose company of fourteen members, each $65; city assessor, $600."
Vol. I-20




308


HIlSTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


At a special election held July 8, 1901, for the purpose of authorizing the city to raise $50,000 for improving the waterworks, the proposition was carried by a vote of 757 to 121.
The rapid growth of Pontiac is illustrated in no more forcible way
than in the increased demands of its people for adequate water supply,
and by I909 the cry for an extension of the system was loud and insistent. On September 2oth of that year the common council therefore resolved to submit to voters a proposition to issue bonds in the
amount of $25,00oo0 for the extension of the water-supply system. As
advised by the board of public works, the improvements comprised the
following: The construction of a two million-gallon reservoir at a cost
of $25,000; sinking and equipment of eight additional wells, $5,600;
purchase and installation of 1,600 feet of 24-inch suction, $7,200; one
five million-gallon pumping engine, with foundation and pipe connections, $28,200; to provide for adequate extension of the water mains,
auxiliary force mains and pumping engines to Bagley street, $56,907.22,
and to purchase land for additional wells, $2,092.78. Making a total of
$125,o00.
Later, the board of public works cut down their estimate to $8I,907.22-that is, $25,000 for the reservoir and $56,907.22 for the auxiliary
force mains and extensions.
Therefore, the question before the voters at the November election
was that of raising bonds in the sum of $82,000, bearing date from
January I, I9IO, not in excess of four and a half per cent interest, to
be paid in twenty-one annual assessments beginning with the year I918.
The proposition carried by 557 to I66.
TELEPHONE SERVICE UP-TO-DATE
On June II, I900, the franchise was granted to Joseph W. Martin
as the Oakland Telephone Company, and the same was later acquired
by the Oakland County Telephone Company. The common council
passed an ordinance, December 8, I91o, providing that if the Michigan
State Telephone Company should purchase the property and franchise
of the Oakland County Telephone Company and operate the system, all
rights should pass to the new corporation. This property and franchise were offered for sale by a decree of the circuit court on December
9, 190o, and were purchased by the Michigan State Telephone Company.
The purchase was duly confirmed on the 29th of that month, and the
latter thereby entered into possession of the plant of the Oakland County
Telephone Company.
On January I, I9II, the Michigan State Telephone Company took
over the Oakland County Telephone property. On assuming control
of the business, they erected a fine new building at a cost of about
$I5,oo0, which came into use on January I, I912. The Pontiac office
has within its jurisdiction nine exchanges, which are here given, with
the number of phones in operation at each exchange: Pontiac, 2,800;
Birmingham, 530; Royal Oak, 345; Rochester, 270; Oxford, 350; Orion,
185; Leonard, 8I; Ortonville, 250; Clarkston, 254.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


309


In June, 1910, the council placed the salary of the chief of police at
$I,ooo per annum and regular policemen at $900, and organized the fire
department with a chief engineer and twelve full-paid firemen.
At a meeting of the board of public works held December 23, I9Io,
Hector L. Monroe was appointed superintendent of the waterworks,
and on the 26th the appointment was confirmed by the common council.
COMMISSION GOVERNMENT ADOPTED
The sentiment in favor of a general revision of the city charter had
so increased in strength that at the April election of 1910, 2,I96 votes
were cast in its favor and only 812 against. On May 23d a charter
commission was chosen by popular vote consisting of the following:
Commissioners at large, A. J. Johnson, Elmer E. Hymers and Thaddeus
D. Seeley; First ward, Homer H. Colvin; Second ward, Ernest H.
Fay; Third ward, John E. Brondidge; Fourth ward, J. Arthur Tillson;
Fifth ward, Andrew L. Moore.
Having completed their labors, the members of the commission submitted the proposed charter to the governor, his approval being affixed
to it on the 28th of December, i9IO. It was submitted tothe voters for
their approval at the special election of January 30, 1911, the result by
wards being as follows:
Wards                 For    Against Mutilated  Total
First.................  53    91      7       156
Second...............63     135      8       306
Third................236      94              330
Fourth................194    102       5      30I
Fifth................173      72      2       247
Total.............. 824   494      22     1,340
The council at its meeting of February 2, I911, unanimously confirmed the action of the voters and Pontiac was thereby placed under
government by commission from "12:00 noon on the second Monday
in April following the election of the commissioners."  The term of
mayor, with his two associates forming the commission, was fixed at
three years, with an annual salary of $2,000.
The charter made no changes in the boundaries of the city; but the
radical departure was, of course, in the form of government. The
executive and administrative powers are by it divided into six departments, those of Public Safety, Finance, Sewers and Drainage, Streets and
Public Improvements, Water Supply and Public Utilities, the mayor having charge of the first two, one commissioner of the next two, and the
other commissioner of the other two. The commission constitutes the
legislative body of the city, assuming, under the charter, all the powers
previously exercised by the board of public works and the common
council. While divided into departments and allotted to the mayor and
the two commissioners, the work of the city and its finances are at the
same time subject to the general supervision of the commission as a
body. The object of the change has been thus far realized. Full re



310           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
sponsibility has been centered in a few officials, who are paid to devote
their entire time to municipal affairs.
The charter further provides that the commission shall appoint the
city clerk, city treasurer and board of review; the mayor to appoint the
city attorney, chief of fire department, chief of police and health officer.
The appointment of the city engineer is left to the two commissioners,
while the selection of the employees necessary to conduct the several
departments is vested in the commissioners having special charge of
such.
The Recall and Initiative and Referendum are both in force. The
former provision provides that a petition signed by at least twenty per
cent of the voters of the city shall be sufficient to warrant the commission in calling a special election on the question of removing the official
whose fitness is called in question. Any proposed ordinance may also
be submitted to the commission by the same proportion of citizens; whereupon the commission must pass the ordinance without alteration, or
submit it to vote at a special election called within thirty days, unless a
municipal election is to be held within ninety days from the date of
submission.
These are the most striking features of the city government which
is now in force; for the details the reader must go to the charter itself.
Under its provisions the first commission consisted of Robert J.
Lounsbury, mayor; Richard (Dick) Dewey, commissioner for three years;
William H. Osmun, commissioner for one year. Mayor Lounsbury went
into office by a majority of 659 over Daniel Thomas.
On April 29, I9II, the commission passed an ordinance fixing the
salaries of the appointive officers, and appointed J. K. Judd, ex-sheriff,
as chief of police; John B. Austin, chief of the fire department; P. B.
Bromley, city attorney; Dr. D. G. Castell, health officer; Rollin W. Clark,
water collector; Charles L. Grosebeck, city clerk; George C. Johnston,
city treasurer; W. J. Fisher, city engineer.
EARLY MEASURES PASSED
At the meeting of the commission of April 17, I9II, an ordinance
was placed on file regulating and granting saloon licenses, limiting the
number to twelve within the city limits.
An estimate as to the money required to pay the general indebtedness of the new city until June i, I9II, was made as follows:
General  fund.....................   $52,649.08
Bonds and interest......................... 4,374.14
W ater  fund...............................  9,395.oo
Sewer  fund................................. I4,093.43
Other  general..............................  3,678.00
Total..........................$94,I89.65
To meet the situation on April 25, I9II, the commission passed an
ordinance providing for the bonding of the city for $Ioo,ooo. The commission made its report for the nine months ending January I, I912,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


311


during which the city had been under the new form of government,
which conveyed the welcome intelligence that there was not then a dollar
of indebtedness which was past due, and that the city had been enabled
to uniformly discount its bills. The proposition to bond the city had
been carried at the election of May 22, I9II, by a majority of twelve to
one. Although there had been some delay in commencing public improvements, which depended on the sale of the bonds when once commenced they progressed so rapidly that more had been accomplished
than during any previous year under the old system of city government.
INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
The report also noted the purchase of the automobile fire truck as
a decided increase to the efficiency of the department. It should be
added, in explanation, that in September, I9II, the city purchased from
the American-LaFronce Fire Engine Company, of Elmira, New York,
an automobile chemical and hose wagon, with I,ooo feet of hose, at a
cost of $5,00o. There is no better apparatus of the kind in Michigan,
and the commission figured a saving through its use of at least thirty
dollars a month.
In (May, I912, the efficiency of the fire department was further increased when the city purchased an eight-circuit electrical fire alarm
equipment to replace the two-circuit affair which had been in use nineteen years. Taking this safeguard into consideration few cities in Michigan have a better fire service than Pontiac; certainly none of its size.
According to Chief Austin's figures for I912, it costs about $13,000 to
maintain the department, of which amount over $Io,ooo goes to pay
salaries.
Reverting to the work accomplished during the first nine months of
the commission's life, the following are given as important items: Increased saloon licenses for more than enough to pay increased salaries;
built twenty-five sanitary sewers, 6,ooo feet of surface sewer, and built
and repaired 58,878 square feet of cement sidewalk; collected more old
accounts than were ever before collected in one year; completed the city
water reservoir, and auxiliary main and laid I5,000 feet of new mains;
adopted system of payment in advance of flat water rates, thus being
able to discount its bills.
THE PRESENT CITY HALL
On February 4, I908, the common council awarded the contract for
the construction of the new city hall, southeast corner of Pike and Mills,
to the Slater Construction Company. The building was completed during the year at a cost of $9,737.43. The home of the commission and
other city officers is a handsome two-story and basement brick building,
with a large auditorium formerly used by the common council in the
upper story. In the basement are the heating plant, vaults, etc. As a
whole, the city hall is modern in all its arrangements and equipments.
The appointments for new city officers were made in,May, I912, but
there were no changes in the original staff except in the board of review.




312


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


MAYORS OF PONTIAC
The mayors of Pontiac since its incorporation in I86I have been as
follows: Erastus Thatcher, I861-62; Theron A. Flower, I863; A. B.
Cudworth, 1864; Robert W. Davis, 1865; Levi Bacon, Jr., 1866-67; M.
L. Bagg, i868; Mark Walter, 1869; George R. Richards, 1870; David
D. Thurber, I871; A. C. Baldwin, 1872; Daniel D. Thurber, I873-74;
Theron A. Flower, 1875-76; Thomas Mabley, 1877-79 (resigned, July
7th); Charles Dawson, I880-8I; Samuel H. Norton, I882; Homer H.
Colvin, 1883-84; Mason W. Gray, 1885; Frank B. Galbraith, i886-88;
William G. Hinman, I889; David S. Howard, I89o-9I; Thaddeus A.
Smith, I892; David S. Howard, 1893; Harvey S. Chapman, I894; Frank
H. Carroll, I895-96; Elbert J. Kelly, I897; William A. Brewster, I898;
Peter Maloy, I899-900o; Harry C. Guillot, 1901-03; John D. Riker,
1904; Harry C. Guillot, 1905-06; Ellsworth Orton, I907; A. J. Johnson,
I908-o9; R. F. Monroe, I9IO; Robert J. Lounsbury, I9II (present incumbent, October, I912).
THE CITY PRESS
Although the newspapers of Pontiac, as a whole, have no official connection with the city government, as printers of the council and commission proceedings some of them have been closely identified with it,
and all are associated in the public mind as the main agents through
which municipal affairs are brought to the people. Hence, they are
noticed at this point in the history.
The first paper printed in Oakland county was established at Pontiac May 31, I830, by Thomas Simpson. It was called the Oakland
Chronicle, and died in its infancy, April 22, 1832. It reappeared in Detroit. The Democratic Balance appeared from I836 to 1837, when it
was merged into the Pontiac Herald, which suspended on the first of
the new year 1839 and was moved to Flint. Arthur G. Sparhawk
started the Oakland Whig on the 28th of January, 1835; its name was
changed to the Pontiac Courier in February I, 1836, and to the Jeffersonian in 1840, when J. Dowd Coleman became its owner. Mr. Coleman, who was a Flint newspaper man, soon sold to W. M. Thompson,
and in January, 1844, brought his Genesee Herald from that place to
Pontiac, but in the following month ceased its publication and founded
the Oakland Gazette.
On January 14, I868, William P. Nesbett established the Pontiac
Bill Poster as a monthly journal; its full title was the Bill Poster and
the Monthly Visitor. It was enlarged at various times prior to July
7, 1869, when it first appeared as a weekly. In 1874 Mr. Nesbett sold
a half interest to E. J. Kelly, who became sole proprietor January I,
1876.
For many years the Gazette and the Bill Poster divided the city
printing.
The Pontiac Jacksonian was one of the old and substantial newspapers of the city. Its first number was issued March 24, 1838, by
Eldredge & Denton, and it did not die until May, 1873.
The Press Gazette, the only daily newspaper in Oakland county, was




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


313


established September 15, 1900, by Harry Coleman, its present publisher.
Conceiving the idea that the establishment of rural delivery made possible an independent newspaper which should be primarily a home county
paper, Mr. Coleman canvassed the situation thoroughly among the leading business men and citizens of Pontiac. He met with no encouragement. It had been'tried before. "The city is not rightly situated,"
argued his friends. "We cannot support a paper every day." But Mr.
Coleman was not discouraged by this sentiment. He backed the proposition with all the money he could command and went in debt heavily for
machinery and other equipment. At different periods of the paper's
existence he was much discouraged, a heavy loss being recorded the first
two years. But he kept on and added new features. Finally the county
awoke to the fact that nearly two-thirds of all the people in Oakland
county were readers of the paper. Mr. Coleman had opinions, which he
freely expressed in his editorials but it was the policy of the paper to
always print the news no matter whether it agreed with his ideas or
not. In discussing the question of the paper's success he said: "The
Press Gazette has succeeded because it has been fair. It has printed
the news.  It has printed the news of Republicans as readily as it
printed the news of Democrats. It has given all classes a chance to be
heard. Its columns are not closed to anybody. Its news is never colored and notwithstanding the fact that its editorials are vigorous and
that the editor invariably takes sides the reader always knows that the
news columns are unbiased and present the facts as near as human
hand and mind can present them."  Mr. Coleman's instructions to his
editorial force are contained in the following: "This paper is the follower of no particular party. It chooses the best out of all parties. It
hits at the wrong wherever such wrong applies to the general public.
It desires that its reporters present facts only; that a true picture be
taken every day of what takes place in Oakland county in order that
the readers may see the picture. The paper has no friends to reward or
enemies to punish, but above all it will print what happens in the community."
The Press Gazette has the largest circulation of any paper in lichigan which is published in a city of equal size. It is a member of the
Associated Press and enjoys connection for the collection of news from
all over the world. Its mechanical equipment is complete, one of its
features being a new Hoe press capable of printing 24,000 papers per
hour up to twenty pages. The hyphenated name Press Gazette comes
from the absorption of the Gazette by the Press, after the latter paper
had been published six years, the experience of the. community being
that two papers could not exist near a large city like Detroit.
OAK HILL CEMETERY
This beautiful resting place for the dead is under the control of a
board of five members appointed by the mayor. The cemetery comprises a tract of one hundred and sixty acres lying on either side of Mt.
Clemens street, the grounds sloping gradually from Clinton river. Oak
Hill cemetery is really three quarters of a century old and contains many
honored dead of the city, county and state. Briefly stated, the events




314


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


which preceded its founding were as follows: The earliest burials in
Pontiac were on Colonel Stephen Mack's land on the ridge east of the
river, and on the corner of Huron and Saginaw streets, as early as
I819-20. In February, I839, the village trustees procured a deed of
out lot No. 9 of the original plat, which said lot was surveyed and subdivided in April of that year by Captain Harvey Parke, and lot No. I
of the subdivision was set apart for a public burying ground. This
was the beginning of Oak Hill cemetery, the original plat of which consisted of but eleven acres.
Oak Hill is laid out with all the skill and taste of the landscape gardener, and also contains many handsome and costly memorials. The


BUCKLAND MEMORIAL CHAPEL


Buckland Memorial chapel was completed November 4, I898, and is a
tasteful structure of Old English style built of Berea sandstone, with
roof of German mottled tiling. Its windows are of opalescent glass,
and set in the rear walls are three memorial tablets of solid bronze bearing inscriptions in memory of Don C. Buckland, Mrs. Sarah A. Buckland and Mrs. Harry G. Hamilton. Besides the Buckland memorial,
the old portion of the cemetery contains tasteful monuments to the
memory of Major General Richardson, Governor Wisner, A. A. Lull
and David Ward. The grounds accupy an unusually imposing site,
sloping gradually and gracefully toward the banks of the Clinton river.
GAS LIGHTING AND ELECTRIC POWER
The gas lighting of Pontiac and the electric power used are supplied
by the Pontiac Light Company and the Pontiac Power Company. These




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


315


corporations are under the general control of New York directors, with
F. W. Humphreys as general manager. Julius Merz, the secretary, is
located at Pontiac, and F. W. Jackson is treasurer. The headquarters
of both companies are in in a substantial building erected in I902. Officers of the Pontiac Light Company: B. C. Cobb, president; W.-H.
Morgans, F. H. Carroll and W. H. Barthold, vice presidents. Officers
of the Pontiac Power Company: W. M. Eaton, president; B. C. Cobb,
vice president.
The gas works are located at Wesson street and the Grand Trunk
Railway, and their capacity has been practically doubled within the past
three or four years. The total number of consumers is more than 2,700
(nearly I,ooo residences) and over 200 street lamps are supplied.
The power plant, which is on Rapid street, has supplied the electric
current to the entire city since the early part of 1912. The combined
value of the light and power plants is about $500,000.
POSTOFFICE AND POSTMASTERS
The postoffice at Pontiac was established as early as I8I9, and the
first postmaster was Alexander J. Irwin, appointed in that year or I820.
He served for about two years. Dr. Olmstead Chamberlain was appointed in 1823 and continued in the office until 1836. A short period
between the service of Irwin and Chamberlain was filled by one Almon
Mack, although he was never officially appointed to the office. In I836
Schuyler Hodges was appointed, serving until 1840.
During this period, which included the first three years of Pontiac's
life as a city, the mail facilities of the locality were as follows: Detroit,
twice per week, Mondays and Thursdays: Auburn, Troy, Lapeer, Saginaw and Plymouth, one mail weekly, with special weekly route from
Lake Elizabeth, Salome and Commerce.
Samuel Sherwood succeeded Mr. Hodges in 184I and served until
1842, when he was removed by President Tyler, and Alfred Treadway
followed him in the service. Thereafter the following men were regular appointees to the office: Solomon W. Denton, Levi Bacon, Jr., Don
Carlos Buckland, Solomon S. Mathews, Charles F. Kimball, Thomas
Gerls, James G. Buchanan, E. F. H. Pearson, Ferris S. Fitch, Herman
A. Wyckoff and George A. Brown, the latter being the present incumbent.
With the establishment of the postal savings banks, Pontiac was
made a station, and the bank is gradually finding favor with the public.
A comparion of the annual statements of the Pontiac postoffice for
the years 1877 and 191i will give a comprehensive idea of the growth
and progress of the city. In 1877 the aggregate income of the postoffice for the year was $6,500; total money order business for the year,
$60,000. In I911 the stamp sales aggregated $46,oo000, with a postal
money order business of $260,000.
Pontiac's new postoffice building for the transaction of the growing local business was completed in the summer of I912 and is one of
the best examples of a structure which combines mechanic convenience,
tastefulness of architecture and furnishing, and comfort for both em



316


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ployee and patron, to be found in any of the smaller cities of southern
Michigan. The building is one and a half stories in height, colonial in
style and fronts ninety feet on East Huron street, running back fifty-six
feet toward Mt. Clemens. The grounds are bounded on one side by
Mills street, a pretty lawn sloping toward Mt. Clemens. The building
materials of the new postoffice are white stone, brick and marble. A
wide cement walk and steps lead to the main entrance on Huron street,
six large columns Corinthian capped being the architectural features of
the front. The public room, or lobby, is fifty-six by sixteen feet, with
flooring of Meadow Gray Tennessee marble and wainscotting of the
same material.
One side of the room is occupied by private boxes and carrier and
general delivery windows. The postal money order and registered letter
THE NEW POST OFFICE
offices are accommodated in a space fifty-four by forty feet. On the
Mills street side are the quarters for the postmaster and his assistants,
and a comfortable rest room for the carriers has been provided in the
basement. The estimated cost of the entire building, exclusive of furnishings, is $70,000.
THE PONTIAC STATE HOSPITAL
By an act of the legislature in I9II the name of this institution, formerly known as the Eastern Michigan Asylum, was changed to the
Pontiac State Hospital. Although a ward of the state, it is so identified with the city, as one of the institutions that has much contributed
to local distinction, that the sketch of its founding and growth is here
given.
From the report of the board of state commissioners having in charge




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      317
the erection of the asylum, covering the period from  September 30,
1876, to September 30, I878, it is learned that it was opened for the
reception of patients August i, 1878. The sums placed in the hands of
the board for constructing and furnishing the asylum aggregated $467,ooo. It was designed to provide a building for 300 patients; one was
actually provided to accommodate, normally, 330, and with a full capacity of 400. On the 30th of September, 1878, 306 had been actually
received, the total expenditures, including the cost of locating the asylum
and cost of land, having been $448,401.36.
In I890 the training school for attendants was established, the first
of the kind in the state and the eighth in the country. An ice famine
during the previous winter led to the construction of the first of two
large ice houses for the storage of ice. Plans for the enlargement of
MAIN BUILDING PONTIAC STATE HOSPITAL
the institution were interrupted by the fire of 1891 which destroyed the
interior of the administration building, as well as the halls. By autumn
of the following year the damage had been repaired at a total cost of
$75,000. In I89I the fifty acres known as the Hickey and Mawhinney
parcels were added to the grounds of the institution, and the construction of a slaughter house the same year initiated the plan long followed
thereafter of slaughtering on the premises. The cottages known as the
Baldwin and the Vinton were occupied in I894. It was during that year
that Dr. C. B. Burr resigned as medical superintendent to accept the
medical directorship of the Oak Grove Hospital at Flint, Michigan, and,vas succeeded by the present incumbent, Dr. E. A. Christian.
In I895 the farm was increased by the addition of the west half of
the Seeley tract (eighty acres), and in I898 the electric light and power
plant was installed and the new laundry building completed. An isolation




318


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


hospital was improvised in 1898 from the upper portion of the former
laundry, and in I899 the Stevens and Kinney buildings were occupied.
They provided for one hundred patients of each sex, and the completion
of each cost $75,000.
From I89I special attention had been given to the improvement of
the asylum herd of cattle, and thoroughbreds and registered Holstein
Friesian stock had replaced grade animals. The attention given to this
subject by the steward, C. E. Smith, resulted in a rapidly increased supply of milk, and in the creation of a herd that, in time, became famous
among cattle breeders the country over.
In I901 small hospital wards were set apart for the isolation of cases
of tuberculosis, and a start was made in the erection, from year to
year, of verandas upon which disturbed and feeble patients could spend
CHAPEL, PONTIAC STATE HOSPITAL
the greater part of their time in the open air. In the same year an
autopsy room was added to the hospital, and the former silos of wood
construction were replaced by substantial brick silos, the feeding of
ensilage having become an established procedure.
The former water supply was abandoned as inadequate in 1903, and
new wells equipped with modern pumping apparatus were sunk; a central hot water plant for all the buildings was also installed, and the
Abbott farm of seventy acres was added to the grounds.
In I906 a complete fire-lighting equipment was placed in commission,
the apparatus comprising a pump connected with an independent high pressure system of mains devoted entirely to fire purposes. An infirmary building caring for one hundred women patients was completed in I907 at a
cost of $40,000, and the legislature of that year provided for the erection of a new chapel and assembly hall building, the former chapel being
converted into a dining room and the ward dining rooms into dormitories.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


319


In March, 1909, the central dining room was opened with provision
for 600 patients, both sexes eating in the same room. These changes
(dining room, chapel and assembly hall) cost in the neighborhood of
$6o,ooo.
In I907 the old water tanks in the attics were abandoned and an
outside water tower erected, one more vertical water tube boiler installed
and a central heating plant connected with all of the detached buildings
was erected; all at an expense of $40,000. The laundry building was
partially destroyed by fire in I908, and in I9I0 a modern dairy barn was
completed for the valuable herd of Holstein cattle belonging to the
asylum.
In I9I money was appropriated by the legislature to complete the rehabilitation of the boiler room; two more vertical water tube boilers were
erected, replacing the former ones of the old horizontal type and supplying the institution for the first time in many years with a reserve horse
power.
An infirmary building for men and a home for night nurses are
perhaps the most important projects now under way in the development
of the Pontiac State Hospital.
In general, it may be stated that the I,300 patients are so classified
that the most violent, and those requiring the closest attention, are housed
in the main building-the administration building; while the milder cases
are cared for in the cottages and hospital proper.




CHAPTER XXII


INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS PONTIAC
DIRECT SUCCESSOR OF 1820 MILL-THE HOWARD INTERESTS-THE OLD
PADDACK MILLS-CHARLES DAWSON AND HIS WORK-PONTIAC CITY
MILLS-PIONEER MACHINE SHOPS AND FURNITURE FACTORIESEARLY BREWERIES-FATHERS OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY-PONTIAC AND
OTHER MILLS OF I852-PONTIAC'S EARLY BUSINESS MEN-AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY OF PONTIAC —OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY-GENERAL MOTORS TRUCK COMPANY-THE FLANDERS PLANTS THE CARTERCAR COMPANY —MONROE BODY COMPANY —THE BEAUDELL BODY
WORKS-SLATER    CONSTRUCTION  COMPANY-PONTIAC     BREWERYPONTIAC COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION.
At Pontiac, as elsewhere, industry preceded commerce and local
trade;- that is, the first sawmill and gristmill were erected before the
general store appeared for the convenience of the pioneers. They picked
their way through the woods, over Indian trails to Detroit, where they
bought their goods and supplies before any of their number opened a
store "on the spot."
Pontiac, as has been said, is indebted to Colonel Mack and his associates for the first of everything in these lines-mills and general supply
store; and it is very interesting, and somewhat remarkable, in this changing western country, that the city still has a direct connecting link between the old Mack properties and the present-day industries.
DIRECT SUCCESSOR OF 1820 MILL
The Pontiac Knitting Works are the direct successors of the Old
Mathews mill, built originally by Col. Stephen Mack in I820, and therefore cover the most historic industrial ground in the city. Colonel Mack
operated his combination flour and gristmill from I820 until his death
in 1826, when it was rented for a short time to Dr. O. Chamberlain, or
to Chamberlain & Whittemore. Samuel C. Munson eventually purchased
the property, and it is believed that he obtained his title from Eurotus
P. Hastings, president of the Bank of Michigan, into whose hands it
had fallen. Munson repaired and improved the mill, putting in an additional run of stone, a merchant bolt,' etc.
In 1832 H. N. Howard, who came to Pontiac from New York state
in 1829, purchased the mill, paying for it about eight thousand dollars.
320




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


321


The purchase included besides the flouring mill, the woolen factory, the
trip hammer shop, and all property connected therewith. Mr. Howard
owned and operated the property until about I845, when he sold a twothird interest to A. A. Lull and Albert Draper. In the same year the
company built the Pontiac Mills, making it the largest and most complete establishment of the kind in this section of the country. It contained four run of burr-stone, and had a large storage capacity. It was
in every respect first class. The motive power was produced by a gigantic breast-wheel, twelve feet in diameter and thirty-six feet length
of bucket. The shaft was a splendid piece of workmanship for that
time. It was thirty-six inches in diameter and required a team of thirtysix yoke of oxen to haul it from the forest to the mill. It was cut from a
gigantic white-oak tree, found on the farm of Jacob Voorheis, living
two miles west of Pontiac and was hauled to town on a set of trucks
constructed expressly for the work. This firm operated, the mill for
about two years, at the end of which time Mr. Howard sold his interest
to his partners, and in I849 they sold out to A. B. Mathews. Mr. Mathews
raised the old gristmill, and also raised the dam about thirty inches.
The mill built by Howard, Lull & Draper was at one time valued as
highly as $40,000. After Mr. Mathews took charge of the mill, he operated it until his death in about I870, after which his son, George B.
Mathews, carried on the business for several years, selling it eventually
to James Orvis.
In I88I C. E. Wakeman & Company purchased the property and
conducted the knitting business under that name until about I890, when
the business was incorporated under the style of the Pontiac Knitting
Works Company. It operated under this name until May, I902, when
it was again incorporated, this time as the Pontiac Knitting Company,
and it has continued since that time under the present management.
The concern employs from one hundred to one hundred and fifty people, and has an annual output of about $I50,ooo to $200,000, their product
being a general line of knit goods.
THE HOWARD INTERESTS
Probably the first general store after that operated by Colonel Mack
and his company was that established by H. N. Howard when he came to
Pontiac in 1829. Mr. Howard, with Orson Bartlett and Amasa Andrews, also built a dam on the river where the Parsons dam was afterward located and dug a race across the peninsula to the subsequent site
of the old gas works, where he erected a machine shop. Soon afterward
he purchased the interests of his partners and changed it to what was
so long known as the "old red mill." This gristmill had two run of
stone and did a good business until its destruction by fire a number of
years after it commenced to grind. After Colonel Mack's death, Mr.
Howard also bought the distillery and operated it in connection with his
flour mill for quite a time; he commenced to use the old distillery as an
ashery about I846, built another ashery on the bank of the river at
Huron street, and engaged quite extensively in that industry. Mr.
Howard was another of the "hustlers" of those early days.




322


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


THE OLD PADDACK MILLS
David Paddack was still another. In I829 he erected a woolen mill
and in 1845 a flouring mill, and operated them both until his death in
I856. The two sons afterward operated the latter, and Paddack's mills
for many years represented one of the solid industries of Pontiac. They
were located on Mt. Clemens street and were destroyed by fire in July,
I9II.
CHARLES DAWSON AND HIS WORK
Another old-time concern was the flouring mill erected by Charles
Dawson in I849. In that year he purchased the original dam built near
the Orchard Lake road by John Jenkins for the purpose of running his
little sawmill. This was said to have been the first water power improvement constructed below the lakes. The old sawmill was also
operated by Mr. Dawson until 1870, or until the lumber of the locality
was exhausted. Mr. Dawson at one time owned the Legal Tender mills,
built about I850, but retired to his farm in 1855 and the establishment
known as Dawson's Mills was long conducted by his sons.
When first established by Mr. Dawson the elder, in I849, the plant
was represented by a building thirty-two by forty-four feet. Two run
of stone were first installed, a third being added in I855. About this
time he also erected what was then an imposing structure, known for
years before it was burned in August, I902, as the "old Dawson block."
PONTIAC CITY MILLS
Following the management of Charles Dawson as proprietor of the
flour mill, it was operated by his sons until 1894 when Alexander Buchanan assumed control, and in I9oo William G. Yerkes and Robert C.
Yerkes succeeded him in the ownership. In I905 Henry J. Elliott, the
present owner, took charge of the place, and he has been in control of
the property since that time, which is well known as the Pontiac City
Mills. The output of the mill has increased considerably since its early
existence, and has a present capacity of ioo barrels wheat flour and
25 of buckwheat flour daily.
PIONEER MACHINE SHOPS AND FURNITURE FACTORIES
The pioneer foundry and machine shop was that of the Allens,
established near Mathews Mill about I835. It continued in operation
for many years. W. D. King & Company conducted a large establishment near Orchard Lake avenue, in the late sixties and for years afterward, which was the outcome of a small foundry started near the village
of Commerce in 1857.
In the days when lumber was plentiful, the manufacture and sale of
furniture was also a considerable source of revenue to the business men
of Pontiac. In the early forties Moses Fifield, Orson Bartlett, Perry &
Wallace, William G. Page and John G. Crombie were all engaged in
these lines, the last named being also an upholsterer.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


323


EARLY BREWERIES
Several breweries were also in operation at various times. Robert
Dawson, a Scotchman, started one in I845, his plant being on South
Saginaw street. Other early brewers were Philip Dorner, William Mowbray and James A. Carhart, the last named erecting quite a large building on the river bank near Patterson street, about 1865, and continuing
in the business for a number of years. But it is seldom that Pontiac
has had more than one brewery at a time.
FATHERS OF THE "AUTO" INDUSTRY
Carriage and wagon factories were quite numerous in Pontiac before the wholesale incursion of the automobile plants of late years, of
which they were the direct predecessors, several of the first manufacturers
in the "auto" line having been the old-time vehicle manufacturers. In
1849 Mortimer Smith put in operation a foundry and machine shop,
which became a carriage manufactory about twenty years later operated
by the Pearsons brothers. S. J. Cloonan was a manufacturer in this
line, who commenced to turn out light and heavy vehicles at about the
same time. Laurent & Emmons was another firm who got into this line
at an early day. East Lawrence street was the favorite locality for the
larger establishments.
PONTIAC AND OTHER MILLS OF 1852
M. A. Leggett, long of Pontiac, but afterward a resident of Clintonville, read a paper before the County Pioneer Society in I899 from
which the following extracts are taken. The words explain themselves:
"Forty-seven years ago, as Bill Nye did, I took my parents by the
hand and led them west into pastures new; didn't come as now in less
than a day, but taking a boat in New York city we had a delightful sail
up the North river to Albany, then on the New York Central to Buffalo,
then on steamer 'Ocean' to Detroit. We then bumped over the old
plank road on Jefferson avenue to Detroit and Pontiac railroad depot,
where we boarded the train for Pontiac, which place we reached after
several hours of jolting over the never-to-be-forgotten strap rail.
"The train at that time ran into the depot, and never will I forget
the commotion as we landed. There were runners for everywhere, for
the hotels and for the stages. Every kind of conveyance stood on the
outside from horse stages, two-horse wagons, and open busses for the
hotels. The stages and wagons were ready to start for Flint, Saginaw,
Lapeer, Commerce and Rochester. When we left New York we thought
we were coming into the woods. It proved a lively woods.
"As I stepped out of the depot the first thing that caught my eye
was a long, low building. A sign ran the whole length of the roof and
it read, 'Lord's Warehouse.' I told my mother, who had worried a
great deal, that we were all right, as we were in the Lord's country, for
there was His Warehouse. Well, my impression was right, for it has
proven in all these years to be the Lord's country to me, for I have
never had anything but kindness from its people.
VoL 1-21




324


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


"At that time Pontiac was a small place, but a busy one, and where
we are today was a sand bank (the only bank in town), where we boys
played. Right back of us was the old courthouse and jail that stood on
a knoll and was nearly undermined from the sand being carted away.
Very few houses of business north of Lawrence street.
"I do not know in what year Pontiac was founded, but no doubt.what started the place was the water power. Nearly all towns look to
that, as mills are necessary to their growth; first the sawmill to cut their
lumber for buildings, then mills to grind their food.
"As near as I can find out nearly all the old mills in the county were
built in the thirties. The old Red mill that stood on the west side of
Saginaw street on the Clinton river, was one of the first, and it was run
by the late Joseph Linabury, father of Joseph and Howard of this city.
The Yellow mill, which is now a part of the Knitting Works, was
built in the thirties by a company. H. A. Howard afterwards became
owner, who sold it to S. R. Mathews and Eben Beach, who some time
after built the large mill which was so widely known and so ably managed by A. B. Mathews, who finally became its owner. This mill, I
think, was the pioneer of the large flouring mills and did a great business during Mr. Mathews' life. Wheat came from long distances. In
winter the Lapeer farmers marketed their grain here. It was no uncommon sight to see the streets blocked with loads of wheat waiting to
unload that reached from the Commercial Bank to the mill, although two
wagons would be unloading at one time. A. B. Mathews was the farmers' friend, and we all had perfect faith in him; and he was the friend
to this city, for he lent all his energies to build it up, and should Pontiac
ever feel like commemorating the name of one of its noble citizens (and
the country people would gladly help), a marble shaft should be raised
in his honor, and on it inscribed in gilt letters this line: 'To the memory
of an honest man, whom we all loved.'
"The first mill at Clintonville was among the early ones, and was
built by Samuel C. Munson, who soon sold to the Osmuns. The present mill, which is one of the best in the country, was built by a company with Dr. Williams (father of George Williams) at the head, Sherman Stevens, who was interested in the old Pontiac Bank at the time,
furnishing the money. It was built in the early forties. About this
time the Waterford and Clarkston mills were built, and they are both
first class mills today. The old Drayton mill (now in ruins), was built
by Daniel Windiate in 1836. Commerce mill was built in 1840 and is
up-to-date; Milford mill built by Pettibone in 1837; Holly mill in the
forties, and is a noted one now, was built by one Bussey; Orion mill by
Hemmingway in 1836. Ezra Carpenter built what is known as Rudd's
mill, Orion, in 1835 or 1836. Mills in Lakeville, Birmingham, Southfield
and Franklin were all built in this early day, the latter by Colonel Van
Avery. Rochester and Amy each were on deck at an early day. Our
old friend, John P. Davis, of this city, was the founder of the Davisburg mill in the way-back days. William Morris, father of the late
Orville Morris, built the Bloomfield mill in 1832 or I833.
"I am indebted to my friend and neighbor, Henry Birge, for these
statistics, he being one of our oldest pioneers.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


325


"These old mills were crude affairs, with overshot or undershot
water-wheels, and the machinery was of the simplest, yet it would be
hard to make any old pioneer believe that the bread made from a highgrade flour of today will equal the bread his mother made. Milling of
today is a complete revolution. Now the stone (except for feed grinding) is a thing of the past. The roller system, which crushes the grain,
is the universal system; wooden wheels are superseded by iron and steam.
Mills are loaded down with the finest machinery, very little hand work
being needed. Years ago when we would take our grist of wheat to
the mill it would be ground for us. Now our wheat is exchanged for
flour and we eat everybody's grain. When corn was little raised, farmers
would have their crops of wheat floured and by so doing get a lot of
feed in bran and middlings. The flour would be barreled and carted to
Detroit and there branded by the purchasers or perhaps sent down to
New York and there branded as 'Genesee Valley' flour. A great many
of our mills helped the New York mills out in this way. Millers as a
rule are honest; but then I have seen flour branded 'Minnesota hard
wheat,' when at the same time the wheat grew in this county.
"Thanking you all for your patience I will end my milling talk by
saying that our mills have been the pioneers in their line in this grand
county, and to them we are largely indebted for our healthy existence;
and while the rains are filling the streams to turn the wheels, the same
rains are making the grain grow that will be made up into so many
delightful kinds of food. So well may we bless the rains and bless the
mills."
PONTIAC'S EARLY BUSINESS MEN
As to the pioneer citizens of Pontiac engaged in trade and business,
perhaps we can do no better than to reproduce the picture offered by
Abiram Parker to the Oakland County Pioneer Society, at its meeting
of February 22, I899. He speaks of the period when he came to the
locality in I845. "In the days which I am speaking of," he says, "I
was a clerk working for meager wages. Let me say, however, that I
had only two clerkships, from both of which I was discharged, one for
going to a sleighride and dance, the other because I refused to work on
Sunday;-the first for being very, very bad, the second for being very,
very good.
"All stores in those days were general stores, each keeping calicoes
and sugar, silk and molasses, laces and codfish, men's clothing, hats and
caps, ladies' bonnets and salt. In some of them could be found good
old Scotch whiskey.
"Pontiac at that time was a village of about twelve hundred inhabitants and while small, was wide-awake, hustling, full of business and fun.
"Mr. W. M. McConnell, in business where now are Hutton, Church
& Linabury, was perhaps the most conservative as well as one of the
most successful merchants of that period. He was always upright and
genial, a friend to everyone and everyone a friend to him. The firm of
Matthews and Beach, in Hodge's House corner, bought more largely
of produce, wheat and flour, than any other, much of which was brought
from the counties of Macomb, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee and Liv



326


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ingston. Their merchandise sales would run from $500 to $I,ooo per
day. Matthews and Beach had the confidence of the farmers in those
counties as well as of our own.'
"Darrow & Peck were doing business on the northeast corner of
Saginaw and Lawrence streets. Mr. Darrow was one of those companionable men whom all liked to be with.
"Benjamin Morris, a sharp, shrewd man, together with 'Honest
Nathan,' did business on the southeast corner of Saginaw and Lawrence
streets.
"Solomon Close kept the National Hotel. Next to the hotel was the
store of O. F. North, father of A. G. North, one of our present business


OLD HODGES HOUSE
men. He was engaged in the clothing business and a man thought much
of, by all of us boys, one to whom we went in trouble for advice, and
one who never failed us. Located next to him was Henry W. Lord, at
that time the same genial gentleman that we found him in later lifecourteous and of strong literary tastes. Next to Mr. McConnell came
Geo. W. Rogers, a plain, good man, honorable and upright in every way.
"South of Mr. Rogers was the tin shop of Benjamin Going, a man
who always attended closely to business, never troubling himself about
his neighbors. Next came William Robertson. He was a Scotchman
with all the Scotch peculiarities, a man with whom one would take pleasure in sitting down for a long chat. Charles Dawson was also engaged




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


327


in business, but just where, I do not now remember. He was the same
upright, careful business man in those days, as we ever found him afterwards. Of his sterling worth you all know, he having so recently passed
from our midst.
"The Hodges House, then, as now, the leading hotel, was built by
Mr. Hodges, of whom I am unable to say anything, since he died two
years before I came to Pontiac. Right here, I wish to pay tribute to
the memory of Mrs. Mary A. Hodges, who kept the house for so many
years after her husband's death. Most of the young men clerks boarded
with her and when sickness came, as it did in those days of chills and
fever, she was ever ready to care for us, as a mother.
"Dean & Hovey and James A. Weeks were the druggists of Pontiac.
Lull and Draper were in business on the same ground where now stands
the store which I occupied so many years. Mr. Lull is now living and
one to see him, as he walks about our city, would hardly say that he
is old enough to have been in active business in the forties. Thomas
Turk did a small business somewhere below the Hodges House. He
afterwards became the leading groceryman of Pontiac.  Few people
knew of his sterling worth and his many charities.  James Andrews
and Thomas Turk always had money to relieve those in need.
"Of the hardware dealers I remember only B. C. Whittemore and
Horace C. Thurber. B. C. Whittemore was an active, thorough-going,
old-style gentleman.  He afterwards became state treasurer.  Horace
C. Thurber was one of those shrewd, careful business men who was
very successful. After going out of business he was unfortunate in
speculation, and lost most of the money he made.
"Other men in business at that time were Charles Brodie, Fred Williams, William  Gilmore, and Mr. Page with John Crombie as clerk.
Mr. Crombie afterwards succeeded him in the furniture and undertaking
business. Mr. Page's son is now a leading minister in Leavenworth,
Kansas."
AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY OF PONTIAC
The automobile industry of Pontiac is less than a decade old but
it is a lusty youngster. The latest general estimate of the business places
the turn-out from the various plants at over i,6oo per month, or about
a complete machine every ten minutes. They are now placing on the
market every conceivable style of gasoline and electric autos, several of
the plants developing such specialties as manufacturing the bodies of
machines alone, or painting and trimming them, or making the accessories
and selling to manufacturers of entire automobiles.
There are about forty manufactories in all lines of industry now
located at Pontiac, employing some five thousand hands. The disbursements amount to more than a quarter of a million dollars. It is a
conservative estimate to place five-sixths of the employees and disbursement of money throughout the local markets, in the form of wages and
salaries, to the credit of the automobile industry. The story of its importance to the well-being of Pontiac is told in detail in the sketches of
the plants which follow.




328


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY
The Oakland Motor Car Company, one of the great industries which
has brought Pontiac into the class of the leading automobile centers of
the United States, was founded by the late Edward M. Murphy in I906.
Although then but a little past forty, Mr. Murphy already was recognized as perhaps the leading personal force in the establishment of the
city as an industrial community. Born in Wayne county, Michigan,
December I9, 1864, of Irish parentage, he had received only a common
school education and a limited business training in various hardware
establishments of Detroit and Wayne county, when he came to Pontiac
to establish a branch store for the Black Hardware Company of the
state metropolis. This fortunate circumstance for both his individual
fortunes and those of Pontiac, resulted in his permanent residence in
that city, and in his association with C. V. Taylor, the city's pioneer
carriage manufacturer. In I888 they formed a partnership which continued until 1893, when Mr. Murphy organized the Pontiac Buggy Company with S. E. Beach and F. A. Emmendorfer. This had developed
into an extensive concern when the Oakland Motor Car Company was
founded in I906. A short time before, Mr. Murphy had attracted the
attention of W. C. Durant of the General Motors Company, Detroit,
and obtained his alliance with the new organization. Mr. Murphy died
of apoplexy, universally lamented for his remarkable business talents
and his genial and generous qualities as a man, on September 4, 1909,
at the comparatively early age of forty-five.
The business and plant of the Oakland Motor Car Company was
then taken over by the General Motors Company of Detroit, and L. R.
Dunlap became general manager. He was succeeded by George E.
Daniels, who is still manager, with E. H. Tinsman as comptroller and
Standish Backus, secretary. Captain D. A. Kimball is assistant secretary;
Thomas W. Wilson, general manager; J. B. Eccleston, general sales
manager; T. D. Culberhouse, auditor.
As stated, the Oakland Motor Car Company is an absorption of the
old Pontiac Buggy Company, the Dunlap Vehicle Company and the C.
V. Taylor Carriage Company, and existing plants were utilized by the
new organization. The first cars, numbering five hundred, were built
in the season of 1908, by two hundred employees, and were sold through
the Centaur Motor Company of Detroit. For the year ending July 31,
I912, the company placed six thousand cars on the market, or an average of about twenty per day, excluding Sundays. One thousand one
hundred men were employed.
The great manufactory of the Oakland Motor Car Company now
comprises twelve buildings divided by the Grand Trunk Railroad into
two connected and distinct plants. That on the south side of the tracks
is the larger. In the manufacture of the cars, their display and sale, the
dealing in numerous accessories especially adapted to Oakland cars,
and in the transaction of the great business conducted, fifteen acres of
floor space are occupied.
The engineering creed of the company is thus stated: "We believe
when a good engineer designs a car, the basic principles, aside from sim



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


329


plicity and accessibility, are to eliminate friction, guard against distortion,
reduce wear to the minimum, and deliver the maximum horsepower to
the driving wheels with the least possible loss." As the making of the
Oakland cars is based on this creed, the company is necessarily a firm
advocate of the "unit power plant" for the machine. The reasons for
thus believing are stated in these words: "The unit power plant first of
all reduces friction. Friction and wear mean a loss of power. Wheil
a car is passing over bad roads, the frame is in constant, violent motion,
and a unit power plant, suspended at three points, will better withstand
any shock produced than separate units mounted at four points. Where
the motor, clutch and transmission are assembled separately, one unit
cannot help being a burden on the others in the matter of friction and
wear."
The Oakland motor cars comprise four chassis sizes,-model 30,
touring car and roadster; 33, the Oakland Oriole; 40, "Sociable" roadster, coupe and passenger touring car; 45, Berline Limousine and touring
car.
GENERAL MOTORS TRUCK COMPANY
Seven years has witnessed a remarkable growth in the development
of the interests of the General Motors Truck Company in Pontiac. In
1905 the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company began operations in a small factory about seventy-five feet long. Today the combined business of that
concern and the General Motors Truck Company, which absorbed the
former some time ago, is represented by two rows of modern cement
and steel buildings each 725 feet long, while their pay roll has increased
from twenty men to between eighteen hundred and two thousand, when
the plant is running at full capacity.
Thus, from a small local business, this concern has reached out until
its product is now distributed to practically every country in the civilized
world.  Its operations include the building of all types of business
vehicles, from "gospel wagons to fire apparatus," to quote their own
phrase, and they have built ambulances, sight-seeing cars, dog wagons,
and even industrial trucks for use at railway terminals and warehouses.
Their trucks have a reputation for serviceability and durability that is
well sustained, and the firm manifests a pardonable pride in the fact
that in I908 one of their trucks climbed Pike's Peak,-a feat which had
never been duplicated, nor yet has been,-by a vehicle of similar capacity.
The plant of the General Motors Truck Company is one of the best
equipped of its kind in the country, and its power is supplied by one of
the largest independent power plants in Michigan.
THE FLANDERS PLANTS
One of the greatest industries of Pontiac takes its name from its
controlling spirit, Walter E. Flanders, and is known the country over as
the Flanders Manufacturing Company. It was organized late in I910
with a capital of $2,250,000 and was a consolidation of the Pontiac
Motor Cycle Company, Pontiac Drop Forge Company, Pontiac Foundry




330


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Company, Vulcan Gear Works, and the Champion Manufacturing Company.
The Flanders Manufacturing Company operates nine plants,-five
in Pontiac and four in Chelsea, Washtenaw county.
Number i, formerly the Pontiac Motor Cycle Company, is now devoted to the manufacture of electric cars and has a daily capacity of
twenty. The original business was moved to Chelsea and comprises the
manufacture of every kind of automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, or other
parts that can be made from bars in automatic machines. The Chelsea
plant is known as Number 2.
Number 3, the drop-forging plant, was the first of the group to
commence operations, taking its first heat on the afternoon of December
8, IgIo. The plant forges not only for its own work, but for outside
manufacturers, and has a remarkably full line of steam hammers.
Plant Number 4 is at Chelsea.
Nurnber 5 (formerly Vulcan Gear Works), was moved from Detroit
and manufactures all kinds of gears, having a daily capacity of from
fifty to sixty complete transmission sets.
Number 6 is also located at Chelsea.
Number 7, the foundry (formerly the Pontiac Foundry Company),
turns out all kinds of castings of gray iron, brass, bronze and aluminum.
Number 8 is a Chelsea plant and Number 9, at Pontiac, is devoted
to the manufacture of the Champion Automatic Power Sprayer.
The estimated total output of the five Pontiac plants is valued at
$300,000 monthly, and they employ an average of eight hundred hands.
Present officers of the Flanders Manufacturing Company: Walter
E. Flanders, president; Don C. McCord, vice president and general
manager; Henry L. Stanton, secretary and treasurer; James B. Book,
Jr., assistant secretary and treasurer; Messrs. Flanders, J. N. Gunn,
Book, Scott Brown, William T. Barbour, McCord and W. S. J. Kopmeier, directors.
THE CARTERCAR COMPANY
The large plant of the Cartercar Company is devoted to the manufacture of what automobilists term "friction drive" cars, embracing
touring cars, roadsters, coupes and light-grade commercial autos. The
make is in contradistinction to "geared transmission" machines, and is
the invention of Byron J. Carter, formerly of Jackson, Michigan, who
commenced his experiments for a suitable metal to use for the friction
disc. He first tried aluminum, but discarded that in favor of an alloy,
which, as well as the retaining ring, is fully covered by patents. The
Cartercar Company was established in that city in October, 1908. The
Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works was operating a substantial plant,
which was utilized by the Motor Car Company of Detroit under the
name of the Cartercar Company.
The first friction-driven automobile appeared in 1903, only after
Mr. Carter had surmounted many difficulties, and the manufacture of
the Cartercar has since steadily progressed. Its largest model, a touring car, seats seven passengers. All the makes are self-starting, sim



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


331


plicity and strength being their strong points, and upon these qualities
in automobiles too much stress cannot be placed.
MONROE BODY COMPANY
The Monroe Body Company is one of the prosperous manufacturing
concerns in Oakland county. It manufactures automobile bodies exclusively, and has been in operation since June 24, I902, the date of its
organization. The first officers of the company were: J. A. Jacokes,
president; Chauncey Brace, vice president; H. F. Messinger, treasurer;
R. F. Monroe, secretary and general manager. In I905 the company
was reorganized and the name changed from the Pontiac Body Company to the Monroe Body Company. The plant also was enlarged at
that time, the cost of plant and equipment being approximately $Ioo,ooo.
The present officers of the company are: R. F. Monroe, president; J.
M. Parker, vice president and general manager; C. R. Talbot, treasurer.
The yearly output of the factory aggregates $350,000o.
TIE BEAUDETT BODY WORKS
Oliver J. Beaudett has also been at the head of a large manufactory
whose specialty is the turning out of the bodies of automobiles. He
has had a most trying experience with fires, his plant having been destroyed both in go90 and 1903; but he and his business have surmounted
all trials and his enterprise is firmly established and progressing in a
most substantial manner.
SLATER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
The Slater Construction Company is one of the most prosperous
organizations of the kind in southeastern Michigan, outside of Detroit.
It is also growing as rapidly as any, and in Pontiac, especially, are
numerous evidences of the extent, completeness and honesty of its
work. It was organized in I899 as a copartnership, consisting of Olney
A. Slater, Franklin A. Slater and Albert M. Slater, no exact amount of
capital stock being stipulated. Buildings have been erected from year
to year since 900o as the needs of the company grew, and it is doing
an approximate annual business of $350,000. At the present time the
company employs about one hundred and seventy-five men and twenty
teams.
PONTIAC BREWERY
The Pontiac Brewery was built in I9oo, and has been in continuous
operation since that time, with the exception of the years from I908 to
I9IO, when the business was closed up as a result of the Local Option
law going into effect in the former year. The company was reincorporated in 1905. The annual output of the brewery is ten thousand
barrels, and it produces two brands of beer, known as Blue Label and
Pontiac Favorite.




332


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


PONTIAC COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION
The Pontiac Commercial Association is beyond all question one of
the most potent powers for progress that Pontiac has ever known, and
the two years of its life have witnessed as pronounced advancement in
commercial and industrial fields as in any other period of the city's
history.
The association was organized in the spring of I9IO, and at this
writing (August, 1912) has a membership of one hundred and seventyfive members, and, to quote from the constitution of the association:
"Any resident of Pontiac or vicinity who has for business or other reasons an interest in the betterment of the city is eligible to membership."
Again quoting from the constitution, Article 2 says: "The objects of
the association are to promote in every reasonable, legitimate and practical manner the prosperity and well-being of Pontiac and her citizens."
It is also the aim and object of the association to find locations for newcomers to the city, as well as to build up its industrial growth, and no
efforts are spared to accomplish these ends.
The association is particularly well organized and its affairs conducted on the strictest business lines. It employs a paid secretary and
a stenographer and maintains an office which is open every day during
regular business hours and is also at the disposal of other ornagizations,
such as the Real Estate Exchange, Medical Society, Bar Association, etc.
Fifteen standing committees are maintained, with terms of one year,
each committee to be composed of three members. They are named as
follows: New Industries; Established Industries; Mercantile Interests;
Convention and Entertainment; Transportation; Legislation; Civic Welfare; Public Improvement; Streets and Highway; Press and Publicity;
Schools and Educational; Membership; Taxation; Public Solicitors;
Finance and Audit.
The slogan of the Pontiac Commercial Association, "Keep Your Eye
On Pontiac," is a particularly happy one, and it is expected that the
progress of the city, under the stimulus of concerted and well-timed agitation such as is being brought to bear by this association, will more than
fulfill the hopes of those who are doing so much in her upbuilding and,
advancement.




CHAPTER XXIII


PONTIAC SCHOOLS
SARAH MCCARROLL'S SKETCH-TIHE OLD PONTIAC ACADEMY-FIRST
COMMON SCHOOLS-PUBLIC SYSTEM ORGANIZED-THE "OLD UNION"
-HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING OF I871-SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS AND
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS -THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL —PUBLIC SYSTEM AND LIST OF SCHOOLS-MICHIGAN MILITARY ACADEMY.
The Eighth ward, the High and the Manual Training schools of
Pontiac are under the general control of the city board of education and
under the direct supervision of the superintendent. At this writing
(October, I912) the board officers are as follows: President, Samuel
E. Beach; secretary, Elmer E. Webster; treasurer, Dr. Robert Y. Ferguson; trustees, James H. Lynch and Charles L. Rockwell. G. L. Jenner is superintendent of schools; also principal of the high school.
SARAH MCCARROLL'S SKETCH
The teacher of longest continuous service connected with the public
educational system of Pontiac is Miss Sarah McCarroll, preceptress of
the high school since 1883. She is so well qualified to present the history of the schools, especially the institution in whose upbuilding she
has been so prominent, that liberal extracts are here taken from the
sketch which she prepared for the Quiver in I900: "By 1820 Pontiac
was started. The government sent men here to build mills, and the
first flouring mill was completed in 1819 or 1820. The academy was
built by the Old Pontiac Company. This company also gave land for
church purposes, at the intersection of Huron and Saginaw streets. The
Presbyterians used the academy for their church services, the school
being held in the upper story. This academy stood where the Davis
block now is, and there Judge Draper taught. The academy became a
branch of the University of Michigan and was opened as a branch school
September I5, I837. Professor George P. Williams was 'the first and
only principal' and had charge of twenty-five or thirty scholars. Judge
Baldwin was one of the young men in attendance in 1838 or 1839. This
school was closed as a branch of the university in 1840; 'discontinued
for want of any interest taken,' as was said in a school meeting some
years afterwards.
333




334


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


THE OLD PONTIAC ACADEMY
"Under the instruction of Professor Williams, young men were prepared for college. In those early days Messrs. Charles Hung and J.
Whittemore graduated at the university. Mr. Whittemore was a lawyer
and the family lived in the house now occupied by Mrs. Judson, corner
of Whittemore and Saginaw streets. Judge Baldwin afterwards taught
in the Old Academy (1841). Some of his pupils were Mr. Charles
Howard, Mrs. Knight, and the Misses Richardson. Then a school week
consisted of six days. Whether people began to think that children
needed some rest from study, or whether Judge Baldwin used convincing argument, we cannot say, but a half holiday was thenceforth given
on Saturday. In 1842 the Pontiac English and Classical school was
opened in the academy by J. B. Chase and R. C. Church, but how long
it continued is uncertain. Few of the schools of higher learning flourished for more than a year. When the academy building was no longer
used for school purposes, it was sold first to the university and then to
the Roman Catholics, who moved it to the ground where Nusbaumer's
store now stands. Afterwards it was moved to the corner of Lafayette
street and Oakland avenue, and later to the corner of Perry and Lawrence streets, where it is now used as a blacksmith shop. Few people
in these days speak of the old academy.
FIRST COMMON SCHOOLS
"The common schools are said to have been started in 1822, and two
daughters of Jacob Stevens, Eunice and Martha, were among the earliest
teachers. Tradition says that the first schoolhouse was a one-story
frame building erected west of the courthouse, in 1824 or 1825. After
Pontiac was fairly started she had three district schools. One, a little
brick at the corner of Auburn avenue and Parke street, is still standing.
Here Mr. Sherman Pearsall taught in 1840, and here Mr. Porter Hitchcock received his early training. The second was on Mt. Clemens street
near the present entrance to the cemetery. The third, a red brick, was
where the Episcopal church now stands. Pupils from the eastern part
of the town crossed a little footbridge over the Clinton to reach this
school.
"The cause of education was helped along in the thirties and forties
by those who kept select schools of various names. A Mr. Chamberlain
advertised to give lessons in French, Greek and Latin at his office in
Auburn. Board was from ten to twelve shillings per week. Fair Auburn
was then a rival of Pontiac in learning. In 1835 there was started a
'Pontiac Literary Society,' with Mr. Griswold of Union College as
principal. In 1835 a Female Seminary was announced and in I836
John F. Giles and Caleb Dow opened a Literary Institute. One of these
early select schools was taught by the Misses Elliott, afterwards Mrs.
Lull and Mrs. Paddock.
PUBLIC SYSTEM ORGANIZED
"In 1836 John D. Marshall organized the school system and began to
have reports. About this same time, March 20, I837, Pontiac was in



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


335


corporated as a village. It was not till 1844 or 1845 that the Pontiac
Educational Society was started. The citizens of the county convened
at the Baptist meeting-house in this village. After prayer by Reverend
Pyper, Ira Mayhew, superintendent of public instruction, delivered a
lecture on the subject of education. A committee of five-H. C. Knight,
M. E. Crofoot, H. A. Rood, Francis Darrow, A. A. Ellis-drafted a
constitution for the society. In one of the earliest Ga.ettes (the first
appeared February 7, I844) was the following: 'Pontiac High SchoolWinter term, first Thursday of January, 1845; basement Baptist church;
S. Gale and J. W. Crain.' On March Igth the advertisement was slightly
changed, for then Mr. Crain was assisted by Miss Sarah Edson. Another announcement read thus: 'Pontiac High School-The subscriber
has commenced a school with the above title in Morris' new brick building (now E. J. Hallett's) and respectfully solicits a share of public
patronage. Terms of tuition per quarter of eleven weeks: The common English branches, $3.00; higher English branches, $4.00; Latin
and Greek, $5.00. All rudimental exercises, $2.00. Samuel J. Fulton,
Pontiac, November II, 1846.'
THE 'OLD UNION'
"On May 9, 1849, Pontiac's newly elected school board was requested
by certain representative citizens to call a meeting for May 22, I849, to
consider a location for the new Union school, so long afterwards called
the 'Old Union.' On March 26, 1853, the public school exercises were
held at Firemen's hall. At this time a declamation was given by H. P.
McConnell-title, 'Bonaparte to His Army.' An essay was read by
Miss V. Palmer-title, 'Memory.' There was also an essay by Miss
Chaffee on the subject 'Exile.' Then Mr. B. G. Stout was the principal
and Mrs. Lemon had charge of the young ladies' department.
"From Superintendent Jones' report we take this: 'After ten earnest
and interesting meetings, a site was selected, plans were adopted and
money was levied for the purchase of the site and buildings of the Old
Union. The site cost $638.18 and the contractor's bill was $3,997.38,
$2.62 less than the amount appropriated. On July 28, 1854, $200 was
ordered levied at a special meeting for the purchase of the bell that now
hangs in its cupola. March 31, I856, to provide further school room,
$500 was voted to repair and seat three small rooms in the basement of
the Old Union. On September 30, 1850, $500 was voted for a well,
fencing, grading, shade trees and finishing of basement rooms.'
"While the first graduating class, as far as the records show, was
that of I867, Messrs. Draper and Drake had been admitted to the university on certificate during the first administration of Mr. Gorbin, who,
besides being principal of the school, was instructor in mathematics. He
was not only strong in mathematics but also in muscle. He was truly
'a terror to evil-doers,' for the incorrigibles were surely referred to the
principal.
"Charles Hurd, who came in 1864, arranged a course of study preparatory for graduation, and issued a catalogue for 1864-65. At that
time there were three instructors in the high school-Charles Hurd,




336


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


principal; George N. Glover, assistant principal; Mary V. Sherrill, preceptress. Of the famous first graduating class, one is now Prof. Hudson,
of the University of Michigan; another, Prof. Chandler, of the University of Chicago. * Then prizes in books to the value of $20 were given
for original essays. During the winter term of this year twenty-seven
in the high school had a standing ranging from 9.9 to 10. One study
taken by everyone in the lower grades was Colburn's Intellectual Arithmetic. The intellectual gymnastics of Colburn left one too exhausted
for physical exercise.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING OF I87I
"As early as 1858 the necessity for another good-sized school building was apparent, but it was not till ten years later that plans were on
OLD HIGH SCHOOL (1871)
foot for the purchase of the oak grove on Huron street, and for the
erection of a building which should be the crowning glory of the city.
The dedication exercises were held August 30, 187I, and from far and
near came the people. The prayer 'Then long may this beautiful temple
stand,' has been fulfilled, and some there are who would like to see it
replaced by a newer and fairer building. 'So passes the glory.' The
first teachers in this building were C. S. Fraser, superintendent; F. W.
Hewes, principal; Charles Chandler, teacher of languages; Miss M. A.
White, teacher of mathematics. The first class graduated in the Grove
building consisted of Enoch Beebe, Ella Crissy, Alice Myrick, Joseph
Ripley and Arthur Tripp.
"In 1872, during Superintendent Jones' administration, pupils were
first admitted to the university on diploma. Great was the anxiety of




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


337


the instructors and students to do themselves honor on the day of the
examiners' first visit. Great was the wrath of the classical teacher, none
of whose pupils could name the verse of Virgil, though they could scan
to perfection. The wrath, however, was reserved till the next day, and
I venture to say that no one ever again forgot the metrical verse."
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
The superintendents of schools and principals of the high school from
1851 to 1912, inclusive, have been as follows, the former year being the
first in which the minutes designate such official: James Safford, 1851
to April, 1853; Byron G. Stout, I853 to April, 1854; Johnson A. Corbin,
I854 to 1864; Charles Hurd, September, 1864, to April, 1867; Johnson
A. Corbin, spring term, 1867; Leander W. Pilcher, September, 1867, to
January I, 1869; Johnson A. Corbin, January I to February I, 1869;
T. C. Garner, February I to June 25, I869; J. S. D. Taylor, I869 to
I870; C. S. Fraser, 1870 to 1872; J. C. Jones, 1872 to I876.
From 1876 to I912 the following superintendents have been in charge
of the city schools: G. M. Clayberg, 1877 to January I, 1878; Z. Truesdell, 1878 to 1880; F. S. Fitch, I880 to 1890; O. C. Seeley, 1890 to 1891;
F. E. Converse, 1891 to 1897; Hugh Brown, 1897 to   90o0; Ralph B.
Dean, I900 to 1904; James H. Harris, 1904 to 1906; F. P. Buck, I906
to I9IO; G. L. Jenner, I9II (present incumbent, October, 1912).
Among the oldest and most prominent members of the city school
board is Elmer R. Webster, who served as president from 1902 to I905,
had previously been its secretary and has held the latter office continuously since I906.
THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL
The high school on West Huron street, erected in 1871, is the oldest
of the buildings now occupied. That structure has, of course, been
repaired, partially remodeled and maintained in a sanitary condition,
although it has not been considered quite up to the modern standard.
The demand for a new high school building has been so strong and
insistent of late years that it has borne fruit in the form of the magnificent structure for which plans are now (October, 1912) being prepared by the architects, Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton, of Chicago. It
is estimated that the building will cost about $I75,000, and at this writing bids for its construction are about to be submitted to the architects
named.
PUBLIC SYSTEM AND LIST OF SCHOOLS
The local system of public education covers the full eight years in
the primary and grammar grades and the four-years' curriculum. in the
high school. In the grammar grades are also taught such special branches
as music, drawing and physical culture, and manual training and domestic science. To accommodate pupils in the latter branches the Manual
Training school, in the First ward, is provided, the scholars attending it
at certain hours of the day from the different ward schools.




338


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


As near as can be ascertained the following items hold good regarding the Pontiac schools: High School-Location, West Huron; completed in 1871; number of pupils in attendance, four hundred.
Florence Avenue School-Built in the eighties; two hundred pupils.
Bagley School-Built in 1895; cost, $7,ooo; two hundred pupils.
Central School-Location, East Pike; built in I893; cost, $I2,ooo;
four hundred pupils.
Baldwin School-Location, Baldwin street; built in I902; cost, $30,ooo; four hundred pupils.
McConnell School-Location, Paddock street; built in go90; cost,
$30,000; four hundred pupils.
Crofoot School-Location, West Huron, near high school; built in
I906; cost, $35,000; five hundred and fifty pupils.
Wilson School-Location, corner Foote and Sanford streets; built
in I9II; cost, $40,000; three hundred and fifty pupils.
Wisner School-Location, Oakland avenue; built in 1911; cost,
$40,000; three hundred and fifty pupils.
M/ICHIGAN MILITARY ACADEMY
This once-famous institution has nothing whatever to do with the
public schools of Pontiac and was never located in the city, but several
of its prominent citizens were interested in it financially and all took a
pride in it as long as it had a "fighting chance" to survive. It was
founded at Orchard lake in September, 1877, by Col. J. Sumner Rogers,
then a United States officer stationed at Detroit. Assisted by leading
citizens both of that city and Pontiac he established the institution at
the latter place, mainly as a finishing school for colleges and to provide
also a business training for its students. Commencing with thirty-two
students, within the succeeding eleven years its attendance had increased
to one hundred and eighty-four, divided between twenty-four states.
But, in time, Colonel Rogers and such men who came to his assistance
as Gen. Charles King and Capt. F. A. Smith, brought the military
feature more and more into the foreground.
Notwithstanding the faithful and continuous efforts of Colonel Rogers
and his co-workers, among the most efficient of whom was his wife, the
enterprise became much involved in financial difficulties and, under the
strain, the founder's health gradually declined. In I892 it became so
broken that General King acted for some time as superintendent.
The final decline and death of the Michigan Military Academy is
told concisely by the last president of its board, Gen. Harris A. Wheeler,
who was connected also with its financial management in 1878-80, during the first years of its struggles. General Wheeler was most prominent
in connection with the Illinois National Guard previous to assuming the
presidency of the academy and was also well known in Chicago (where
he still resides) as a manufacturer; but neither his standing nor activities
were sufficient to revive the failing enterprise and it went under, a~ thus
narrated by him: "If my memory serves me correctly, a strike or
mutiny occurred at the Michigan Military Academy during the school
year I900o-o, which was participated in by members of the faculty, as




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


339


well as pupils. Not having been especially familiar with its condition
immediately prior to that time I do not know if that was the beginning
of the end. At all events, Colonel Rogers died the following September
and Mrs. Rogers conducted the school for a year. I became president
the next year (General Wheeler is a brother-in-law of Colonel Rogers),
spent a small fortune in my endeavor to rehabilitate it, and retired in
June, I906, all but ruined. It was continued a year under the hopeful
control and scrutiny of its creditors and adjourned, sine die, in June,
I907. This is a good history, according to the best of my knowledge
and belief."


tol. 1-2 2




CHAPTER XXIV


PONTIAC CHURCHES
EARLIEST  METHODIST   PREACHERS-FIRST   METHODIST   CHURCH   IN
COUNTY-PASTORS FROM I826 TO THE PRESENT-MRS. SHATTUCK'S
REMINISCENCES-CENTRAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH —THE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-HOW THE
CHURCH   WAS BUILT-FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-THIRD
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH     IN THE STATE-NEW      BUILDING-ST.
VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH-ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCHST. TRINITATIS LUTHERAN CHURCH-THE AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH
-YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION-RED RIBBON CLUB OF
PONTIAC.
The churches of Pontiac were established at an early period of her
history, and they came to stay, for they are firmly planted and flourishing. In proportion to the population of the city, they are numerous and
strong. The Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians organized societies
in the early twenties, and were followed in the thirties by the Congregationalists, Catholics and Episcopalians, the African M. E. church having been organized the first year of the Civil war. The details forming the religious life of Pontiac are presented in the several sketches
which follow.
EARLIEST METHODIST PREACHERS
The earliest preachers of the Methodist Episcopal denomination to
visit Oakland county were the Reverends Alfred Bronson and Samuel
Baker, who preached in Pontiac and other points in the county in 1823.
Up to 1824 this section was connected with the Sandusky (Ohio) district. The nucleus of the First Methodist church of Pontiac was represented by a class of twelve members that met in a log house in Waterford township, two miles and a half west of that city. In 1827 a local
preacher of the name of Laban Smith held meetings in the house which
stood on the ground now occupied by the home of the late A. B. Donelson. At that time it was known as the Shattuck homestead. In 1828
the Ohio conference sent Rev. William Snow as a missionary.
In those early days the itinerant system was in full vogue and circuits were formed extending over many miles of country. The circuit
represented by Rev. Snow embraced Piety Hill (now Birmingham),
Farmington and Donation Chapel-the last now known as the village
340




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


341


of Amy. In I828 the class was transferred to the then village of Pontiac and for two years thereafter meetings were held in a red schoolhouse
which stood upon West Pike street.
It was customary at that time to support two preachers in each circuit, one styled "junior" and one "senior." The senior preacher was to
be a married man, while the junior, being unmarried, was put to the
necessity of "boarding around," receiving for his services in addition to
his board, the sum of $Ioo. Rev. James Shore was the preacher in
charge and Rev. Resin Sapp was the junior preacher of the first organized circuit in Oakland county. The congregation, under their ministrations, soon outgrew the old schoolhouse and for a time services were held
in the courthouse.
It was not until 1842 that Pontiac was made a station and one
preacher, Rev. Thomas Fox, was sent to the pastorate. At that time,
however, the courthouse officials refused permission to use the building for church services, and the little company, though with limited resources financially speaking, were not lacking in courage and determination, and set about making plans to build for themselves a house of
worship.
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH IN COUNTY
Thus was erected the first Methodist Episcopal church in Oakland
county,-a plain, unpretentious affair, but adequate to the needs of the
society. The building committee was composed of Willard McConnell,
Ira Donelson and Roswell Ingraham. James A. Walch was secretary
and treasurer. The first minister to occupy the new church was Rev.
Thomas Gardner, who assumed the duties of pastor in I843. A rousing revival followed the dedication of the church and scores were added
to its membership. This unimposing little church remained sufficient
unto their needs until as late as I86I, and in that year the old church
was sold and a new building erected on south Saginaw street. The building was erected at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars, and with its
furniture and improvements complete, is valued to-day at twice that
figure. The parsonage is located on Auburn avenue. A handsome organ
was installed which cost twenty-five hundred dollars, and a bell of especially fine tone, weighing more than a ton, was purchased at something
like eleven hundred dollars. The building erected then is still in use,
with some minor changes. The church was struck by lightning several
years ago and the steeple and front of the edifice demolished. When
the repairs were made an addition was placed on the east side of the
church for the pastor's study, intermediate Sunday-school departments,
etc. Beyond these changes, the church remains as when erected in I86I.
From I823, which marked the earliest activities of the church in Pontiac,
up to 1877, the money raised for development work and the support of
the church amounted to $71,950 in the fifty-five years.
In September, 1838, a Sunday-school was organized, which has ever
continued to be one of the greatest influences for good in the church
and community. In 1877 the enrollment was about two hundred and
fifty, and it has increased accordingly with the passing years, having
a present membership of 300. Rev. Isaiah Brakeman was chosen sup



342)


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


erintendent of the school at its organization. Afterwards, Willard McConnell held the office of superintendent of the school for thirty years,
while C. B. Turner was acting superintendent for fourteen years, and
other shorter terms.
The time limit of the church was originally a two year pastorate, but
in 1867 the limit was raised to three years, Rev. D. C. Jacokes being the
first Pontiac pastor to be affected by the new ruling. In 1885, after
much discussion, the time limit was extended to five years.
From the beginning of the activity of the Methodist church in Michigan until September I, 1836, Michigan was included in the Ohio conference, and at that time the Michigan conference was formed.
PASTORS FROM I826 TO THE PRESENT
The pastors of the church from its earliest organization up to the
present date have been as follows: 1826, John A. Baughman and Solomon Minear; 1827, John Janes and Zara Coston; 1827-28, William Runnels, John Janes; I82$-30, William T. Snow; 1831, Arza Brown and
William Sprague; 1832, Bradford Frazee and T. Wiley; 1833, Marcus
Swift; 1834, James F. Davidson and John Kinnear; 1835, Elijah H.
Pilcher and Frederick A. Seaburn; 1836, William Sprague and Lorenzo
Davis; 1837, Lorenzo D. Whitman and Mark Delaney; 1838, Josiah
Brakeman; 1839, Miles Sanford and Resin Sapp; 1840, James Shaw
and F. P. Bangs; I84I, Thomas Shaw, Thomas Fox; 1842, Thomas Fox;
1843, Thomas C. Gardner; 1844, Elias Crippen; 1845, David Burns;
I846-47, S. D. Simons; 1848, W. F. Cowles; 1849, L. D. Price; 1850,
Seth Reed; I851, M. W. Stambaugh and George Taylor; 1852, George
Taylor; 1853, William Kelly; I854, J. Summerville; I855-56, D. C. Jacokes; 1857-58, William Mahon; 1859-60, John Russell; 1861-62, Samuel
Clements; 1863-64, Sylvester Calkins; 1865-67, D. C. Jacokes (Mr. Jacokes was the first Methodist preacher in the United States to serve
for three years at one station); 1868-70, William  Shier; 1871-73, T.
J. Joslyn; I874-76, Charles T. Allen; 1877-78, Thomas Stalker; 1882-84,
J. S. Joslyn, brother of T. J. Joslyn; 1886-89, C. T. Allen; 1889-92, N.
S. Lyons; 1892-95, Fred C. Pillsbury; 1896-99, Wilbur Sheridan; I900 -07, G. W. Jennings; 1907, W. H. Rider; I908-09, L. F. Lovejoy; i909,
W. G. Nixon, who is the present pastor. The church at present has a
membership of six hundred and seventy-five, while the Sunday-school
has an attendance of three hundred members.
MRS. SHATTUCK'S REMINISCENCES
In further commentary upon the early history of the Methodist Episcopal church in Pontiac, extended quotation is made from a paper
entitled "Reminiscences of the Pontiac Methodist Episcopal Church,"
by Mrs. Mary Donelson Shattuck, a veteran member of the Pontiac
church and one of the best beloved women in the church, or indeed, in
the city. She has lived a life of devotion to the cause of the church and
has been a potent factor in all the good works for which the church
has ever stood in its history in Pontiac, and none is better able than




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


343


she to give a coherent and interesting account of the early struggles of
the once weak and halting but now powerful society represented by the
Pontiac Methodist church.
She says in part: "In I826 I find the names of Curtis Goddard, presiding elder, Detroit City; William T. Snow and Arza Brown preachers,
Oakland. It was fortunate in those days of primitive Methodism to
have classes formed in schoolhouses, or in the homes of the people, as
the roads were bad, the people were poor, and sometimes had only oxteams to convey them about; hence the gospel was taken to the people, not
waiting for the people to come to it. In these early days the itinerant system was in full vogue, and the circuits extended over many miles of country, the preachers riding on horseback through miles of mud and mire over
log "causeways" or perhaps no road at all, finding their way by means of
blazed trees, which some one who had gone on before had marked out for
those who might follow. The preacher carried a leathern saddle bag
thrown across his horse, the bag containing a change of raiment, the Bible,
a hymn-book, a few tracts and a copy of the Methodist discipline. They
bore the burden and heat of the day, and were the true pioneers of
Methodism, strong of heart, poor in purse, and rich in zeal and stalwart
Christian character, ready and willing to deny self that the cause of
Christ might prosper, the church be built up and souls saved unto eternal
life. What a host of these good, earnest, devoted Christian people and
preachers have been transplanted from the church militant to the church
triumphant, 'spotless before the throne of God!'
"Some of the information concerning the very early Methodism of
Oakland county I have taken from the 'History of Methodism in Michigan' by Dr. E. H. Pilcher.
"Of the classes formed in different neighborhoods I make mention
of the following: A class was organized in what was then the village
of Auburn, in the home of Truman Fox, he being appointed leader.
Afterwards a log church was erected near there and this preaching place
was called 'Donation Chapel' after the man of that name who donated it.
"The first Methodist class was formed in Michigan in 1827 and belonged to the Sandusky district, though I find in the record that John
A. Baughman preached in Detroit in I826. A little later Revs. Alfred
Bronson, Samuel Baker, Elias Pattee and Alvil Billings, traveling and
preaching in different parts of Michigan. Still later classes were formed
in Farmington and Piety Hill, now Birmingham. All of the preachers
up to 1842 have more or less preached, taken meals or lodged over night
in the home of my father, Ira Donelson.
"Michigan belonged to the Ohio conference and the different preachers were sent from that state to lay the foundation of Methodism and
Christianity in our new state, then almost a wilderness. At a session
of th'e Ohio conference held at Chillicothe, in 1828, Michigan conference
was organized; we now have two conferences, Michigan and Detroit.
"The nucleus of the Pontiac church was formed in 1828 in the log
home of Ira Donelson (where the home of Arza Dbnelson now stands)
he being appointed class leader; he served the church for thirty years as
leader, as superintendent of the Sunday-school for seven years, and as
trustee and steward of the church. The first members of this class were




344


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Asa Davis, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Merchant, hant,   rs.  rchant, Betsy Merchant,
Charles and Susan Johnson, Samuel Merchant, Ira Donelson, Mary
Donelson, Horace Donelson and Abel S. Donelson. The presiding elder
at that time was Zara Costan and the preacher was William T. Snow.
The Sunday-school was organized in 1828 by Josiah Brakeman, with Ira
Donelson as superintendent and James Weeks, secretary.
"In I830 the class was transferred from the home of Ira Donelson
to the then village of Pontiac, and meetings held in a little red schoolhouse situated on the ground where the Episcopal church now stands.
A little later Meetings were held in the old yellow courthouse, Rev.
James Shaw preacher in charge and Resin Sapp, junior preacher. It
was the custom at that time to have two preachers on the circuit, one a
married man, the other unmarried, who boarded around the people and
received the sum of $Ioo.
"While we occupied the courthouse Rev. Miles Sandford, a man of
education and refinement, was sent to Pontiac. He had married a wife
who was a member of the Baptist church, and she thought her husband
was of too much importance and too intelligent to be 'only a Methodist
preacher,' and persuaded him to leave the church of his choice and join
the Baptist church at Pontiac. This was a sad blow and disappointment
to the Methodist people, as he had become quite endeared to them and
they felt the church had suffered a great loss.
"In 1842 Pontiac was changed from a circuit to a station, with but
one preacher appointed, Rev. Thomas Fox. In 1841, during the pastorate of Rev. James Shaw, the Methodist people determined to build
themselves a church. They were a feeble folk, financially, but men of
the town and vicinity, not members of the church, came nobly to their
aid. Lot No. 5, Pike street east, opposite where firemen's hall now
stands, was purchased at a cost of $200. W. M. McConnell, Roswell
Ingraham and Ira Donelson were appointed a building committee, with
James Weeks as secretary and treasurer. The church was dedicated
in 1844 by Bishop Janes, Rev. Thomas Gardner being the first pastor.
"Following are the names of the members of the first choir in the
Pike street church: H. B. Mash, leader; Miss Matilda Ingraham, Mrs.
Caroline Whittemore, Mrs. Matilda Going, Miss Marie Little, Mrs.
Elizabeth Swan, Willard McConnell, Henry Going, Martin Donelson and
Charles Rinehart.
"Conference was held once in this little church, Bishop Janes presiding. The time limit for pastor was then two years, but in 1867 it was
changed to three years. D. C. Jacokes was the first one to serve a three
years' pastorate, he having served two years previous. In I885 the time
limit was again extended, this time to five years. Rev. T. C. Allen who
had served three years before, now came again under the new limit.
"Had I the time and space how I would delight to make special mention of the many noble, excellent, intelligent, consecrated men who have
served this church, each in his turn, all these long, eventful years! Not
to the disparagment of any of these dear brothers that I esteem so highly,
I think I will take the liberty to make special mention of W. H. Shier,
now of Detroit. He seemed as one born for us in due season, because
of the peculiar circumstances surrounding us as a church. Great spiri



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


345


tual and financial depression had come upon us, as much perhaps as at
any time in the history of the church. Heavily in debt, small congregations, the temperature of the prayer meetings below zero, we needed a
leader to take us out of this wilderness and spiritual death. Conference
sent us the right kind of a preacher and pastor, who speedily won the
hearts of the people. In the three years' term he served this church, he,
with the help of the Lord and the loyal people, raised and paid into the
church treasury $I2,ooo and cleared off all indebtedness; our fine organ
was purchased and we paid the preacher a larger salary than now. Best
of all we had a wonderful revival and brought into the church a large
number of men and women who had ever been loyal to church and
pastor, helpful in every direction in the interest of the cause, and enriched us by their spiritually intelligent and Christian cheerfulness, and
giving of their substance as the 'Lord has given them ability.' Brother
Shier organized what is known as the 'Young Men's Praying Band,'           *
which has held to its organization all these twenty-eight years. It has
been very helpful to each pastor and a means of vital strength to the
church.
"Rev. C. T. Allen, during his second pastorate, introduced the monthly
love feast, which meets the first Sunday of every month at 9: 30 o'clock.
This is also a soul refreshing season.
"In I861, during the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Clements, the edifice
which we now occupy was begun and dedicated by Bishop Simpson in
I864. In 1885 it was renovated by frescoing the walls, putting in new
stained glass windows and new carpets. The parsonage, which was
previously donated to the church by Willard McConnell, was greatly
enlarged and improved, and is at present quite a modern and pleasant
home for the pastor. In the same year the conference was held here,
Bishop Warren presiding and Rev. J. S. Joslyn pastor. In I892 during
the ministrations of Rev. F. C. Pillsbury, our church was entirely remodeled, enlarged, refurnished, and is now a very pleasant church, usually well filled and sometimes crowded to its utmost capacity. Bishop
Ninde and B. I..Ives, the popular dedicators of churches, were present
at its rededication.
"Several young men have gone from this church as ministers, as
follows: Sons of ministers-Arthur Stalker, C. H. Perrin, Henry Shier,
E. C. and C. E. Allen; sons of laymen-Ira W. Donelson, Detroit conference, Park S. Donelson, Ohio conference, both deceased; Hiram Colvin and Parke Lyon.
"Willard McConnell was for thirty years superintendent of the Sunday-school, C. B. Turner superintendent for fifteen years, while others
served shorter periods."
CENTRAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIHURCIf
The Central Methodist church had its origin in the Oakland avenue
church four years ago. At that time a number of the residents of the
northern part of the city felt the need of a Methodist church in that
section. In the summer of 1907 about ninety members of the First
church organized the Oakland avenue church, and in September of that




346


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


year the annual conference appointed Rev. D. D. Idle as pastor. The
work prospered during his pastorate and plans for a new chucrh were
agreed upon. In September, I909, Rev. D. H. Glass, the present pastor
of Central church, was appointed to the church by the annual conference. The matter of a new church was revived and definite steps taken
to begin building when a movement to unite the two churches and build
a central church was started. The movement failed, and the Oakland
avenue congregation, augmented by a considerable number who felt
committed to the central project, purchased the present site and started
building operations late in the summer of I9I0. The basement story
is now completed and affords a comfortable auditorium with a seating
capacity of six hundred. A large parsonage adjacent to the church
building gives the pastor's family a comfortable home. The entire property has a valuation of $35,000.
The spirit and aim of Central church are incorporated in the architecture of the building. Pontiac has no auditorium where great religious conventions may be held. Central church proposes to meet this need
by erecting an auditorium which will seat 1,500 people. The young
people of the city have no adequate place for healthful recreation. Central church has provided one of the most attractive gynasiums in the
state where a large number of young people meet for athletic games.
The plant is provided with a modern fan system of heating and ventilating.
Among the activities of the church are the Boy Scouts with a membership of about forty, and the Junior church for the practical instruction of boys and girls in the principles of the Christian religion, by the pastor and his wife; a men's bible class numbering nearly 150; and all other
lines of activity usually followed by modern, aggressive churches. The
present membership of the church is 500 and the school has an equal
enrolment.
The most interesting feature of the church life is the combination
plan of service. By this plan the morning preaching and Sunday-school
exercises are united into a single service occupying about the same
time usually taken by the preaching service alone. It brings the entire
Sunday-school into the preaching service and the entire congregation
into the Sunday-school. The plan was originated by the pastor and is
attracting wide attention. "The Open Church is our working theory,"
says Mr. Glass, "and we aim to keep the church open every day in the
year. We try to avoid hobbies, both in faith and in practice, taking the
life and example of Jesus Christ as our example and guide. Like
Him, we would 'Come not to be ministered unto, but to minister.' And
we seek to minister to the whole man-to the mental by placing due
emphasis upon the teaching function of the pulpit; to the physical by
encouraging athletics in the gynasium and in the open air; to the spiritual by stimulating wholesome atmosphere and maintaining the highest
New Testament standard of experience and life."
A chorus choir of thirty voices, soon to be increased to forty furnishes special high-grade music for all public services and is enthusiastically supported by the congregation. George A. Horner, the director, is a man of pronounced ability in conducting choruses.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY;347


The dedication of the basement story on December 17, I911, was an
auspicious event. Bishop William F. McDowell of Chicago, one of the
most brilliant men of the denomination was the principal speaker. The
dedication program lasted the entire week and included among other
interesting features, a banquet, a lecture by Bishop McDowell, a session
of the Detroit Preachers' meeting at the church, a popular concert by the
choir and a reunion of the church membership.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
In the summer of 1822 there was a meeting appointed one mile southeast of Pontiac for the purpose of forming what few Baptists there were
into a church to be recognized as such at some future time. The meeting was held in Deacon Gibbs' house, which was a frame building with
one room. The outside was covered with wide, rough oak boards. There
was a loose floor and no fireplace, the cooking being done by the side of
a log in the door yard.
In this house the first Baptist church in Michigan was organized.
Mr. Douglas opened the meeting, read over the articles of faith and
covenant and recorded the following names: Deacon Gibbs and wife;
Orison Allen and wife; Mrs. William Phillip; Mrs. Samuel Castle; Dr.
Ziba Swan and wife; Joseph Lee and wife: David Douglas and wife;
Mrs. Enoch Hotchkiss; Mrs. Abner Davis; Judah Church and Amos
Niles.
Rev. Elon Galusha of Whitesboro, New York, made a trip to the
west in 1822 and visited at Pontiac. He preached at Deacon Gibbs' and
recognized the members of the faith gathered there as a church. The
meetings were held at Deacon Gibbs' for a year, when they came to the
schoolhouse and finally to the court house in Pontiac, the covenant meetings being held at Deacon Allen's. In 1824 Rev. Elnathan Comstock
became the first pastor of the church and for some time was supported
by the New York Baptist Missionary Society. At that time there were
not more than eight or ten families in Pontiac, with two hotels and one
store. North of what is now Huron street there was nothing but bushes,
save that the land of the Davis block was occupied by woods aside from
the improvements made by a bush scythe.
Elder Comstock's health failing he resigned in September, 1831.
Rev. Aristarches Willy became pastor October 2, I83I, and resigned November I, I833. In January, 1832, a committee was appointed to consider the building of a place of worship, to draw plans and circulate a
subscription list. Although the amount pledged reached $4,000, nothing
resulted and the Baptists of Pontiac were compelled to continue worship at the expense of the county in the courthouse.
Rev. Willy, was suceeded by Rev. Stephen Goodman, who served for
two years. Rev. John Booth was the next pastor and served for one
year. The next pastor, Rev. Gideon Simmons, began his labors October
14, I837. A revival in the winter of 1837-8 brought the membership of
the church from 63 to 123, and that winter the society determined to
build.
For the lot on which the church was built, it is indebted to the Pon



348


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
I


tiac Company, by which the city was located. The organization gave the
land to Deacon Orison Allen for the benefit of the Pontiac Baptist church,
March I4, 1838. Deacon Allen and his wife deeded the lot to the trustees of the church, on February 26, 1839. Mr. Simmons was succeeded
by Rev. Joseph Elliott, May 17, 1839, whose ministry closed February 8,
1841. The church was dedicated in the spring of I84I. Mr. Elliott baptized Rev. Miles Sandford, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Pontiac, and he succeeded Mr. Elliott, resigning May 7, 1843,
after almost two years of service.
The church then extended a call to Rev. John I. Fulton, but it was
not accepted. Rev. Kelly filled the pulpit for some time as a supply.
The next pastor, Rev. James Pyper, began his pastorate on May I, I844,
ending it in September, 1848. Again in November of that year a call
was extended to Rev. John I. Fulton. Rev. C. F. Frey filled the pulpit
for a short time but was not able to accept the pastorate. Revs. Thomas
Facer and John Mitchell were also supply pastors.
Rev. Samuel Cornelius Jr., was the next pastor and he served from
February 18, 1849, to April, I85I. Rev. John Bray followed him, settling April 27, 1851, and resigning March 2, 1852. Rev. Alfred Hancey
succeeded on June 20, I852, and left June 4, 1853; Rev. C. R. Patterson
was pastor from October 9, 1853, to August I, I855; Dr. Pyper was recalled to the pastorate December 2, I855, and resigned April 26, I857.
The next pastor, Rev. E. A. Mather, began his ministry May 17, I857.
In January, 1859, it was decided to enlarge the church by an addition of twenty-two feet. In September, I862, Mr. Mather was appointed
chaplain of the Twenty-second Michigan Regiment and was absent a
year. His place was supplied by Rev. George H. Hickox, afterwards
chaplain of the state prison at Jackson. Mr. Mather resigned on June 30,
i866. Rev. Robert C. Clapp was the next pastor, serving from September I3, I866, to May 20, I868. Rev. William Remington began his pastorate in September, I868, resigning in March, 1871. Rev. William L.
Sanders served from I871 to 1873; Rev. E. B. Cressy from 1873 to 1877;
Rev. C. W. Barnham from I877 to I88I; Rev. F. F. Rea from I88I to
1884; from 1884 to I886 Rev. John Matthews and others filled the pulpit as supplies. Rev. J. S. Thomas was pastor from I886 to 1889; Rev.
C. Miller from 1889 to 1893; Rev. A. M. Waxman from 1893 until his
death in 1894.
Rev. Frank Barnet began his pastorate in May, 1894, and during his
long term of service the church now in use was erected and substantial
growth made in every department of the work. Rev. Thomas Cornish
served as pastor only one year, but during the term the congregations
were largely increased and a goodly number added to the church by baptism. Rev. Charles Irving followed Mr. Cornish as pastor, but resigned
after four months' work to become state superintendent of missions.
The church building now is entirely free from debt. Two branch
chapels are also used for Sunday-school and preaching services; the one
at the corner of South Saginaw and Prospect streets and the other at the
corner of Orchard Lake avenue and Green street. The enrolled membership of the church today is eight hundred and ninety. The Sunday-school
has an enrollment at the First church of five hundred and fifty. The




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


349


West Side Chapel has a Sunday-school with an enrollment of one hundred, and the Memorial Chapel has a Sunday-school of one hundred and
fifty members. The entire property is in charge of the trustees of the
First Baptist church, with representatives from the workers of the two
chapels, who advise them in regard to the various phases of the work.
The superintendent of the Sunday-school of the First church is Judson Sibley; the superintendent of the West Side Chapel is C. S. Johnson,
while the superintendent of the Memorial Chapel school is John S. Bitzer. Flourishing women's societies are found in connection with various
organizations.  The president of the Women's Missionary Society is
Mrs. E. L. Maguire; the president of the Wayside Gleaners is Mrs. James
Hutton; president of the King's Helpers of the West Side Chapel is Mrs.
C. S. Johnson; the president of the Truth Seekers of the Memorial
Chapel is Mrs. John Bitzer. The B. Y. P. U. has a membership of one
hundred and fifty, with A. Lincoln Moore as president.
The present pastor, Rev. R. M. Traver, began his pastorate here May
I, 1903.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In a comprehensive article written for the Press Gazette in December, I9II, by Rev. Charles E. Blanchard, pastor of the First Presbyterian of Pontiac, a complete and accurate history of the church is given,
and so thoroughly covers the growth and experience of this flourishing
church that it is thought expedient to quote the article as written, or practically so: "The First Presbyterian church of Pontiac was organized by
Rev. E. W. Goodman, a missionary of the Presbyterian church, on February 26, I824, at the home of John Voorheis, in the town of Bloomfield,
and consisted of thirteen members. In 1833, nine years after its organization, it had a membership of one hundred and five persons. During
the early periods of its history, the country was very sparsely settled, and
the members were scattered through the various townships, living far distant from each other and from the place of worship in Pontiac. The
length and roughness of the roads rendered it difficult for them to attend church at the county seat, and, for their accommodation, meetings
were accustomed to be held in school houses and private residences in
the various parts of the country, and on such occasions the Lord's Supper was sometimes administered.
"On September 8, I828, the Presbytery of Detroit was organized and
the Pontiac church was one of three churches uniting to form the new
Presbytery. The other churches were those of Detroit and Farmington.
The Pontiac church was represented on that occasion by its pastor, Rev.
I. W. Ruggles, and Elder S. V. R. Trowbridge, the latter being elected
temporary clerk of the body. It is now the oldest church on the roll of
the Presbytery, with the exception of the First Church of Detroit.
"In 1831 several members of the Presbyterian church of Pontiac,
who preferred the Congregational form of government, received letters
of dismissal from the church for the purpose of enabling them to organize a Congregational church.
"In 1835 the church removed to Auburn, but returned in I841 to
Pontiac. At the time of the removal of the church to Pontiac, Presby



350


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


terian churches had been organized at Troy and Birmingham. Consequently, as most of the members lived nearer these churches, they very
naturally united with them, leaving the Pontiac church with but little
more than its organization. The committee, appointed to secure a room
in which to hold religious meetings, secured the Academy Hall Building,
located on the lot on which the Davis building now stands, the title to
which was subsequently secured for the church. The hall was in the
second story of the building and was in a state of dilapidation as a result
of unuse. It was brightened up by the use of paint and whitewash and
board seats installed, with a few chairs and a table for the minister, and
the room was pronounced ready for use. At a meeting of the church,
September 7, 1841, Weston Frost, E. T. Raymond, John J. Hall, Hugh
Kelley, Olmstead Chamberlain, Horatio N. Howard, George Williams,
Charles Elliott and Caroline Phelps, presented letters of dismissal and
recommendation from the Congregational church of Pontiac, and were
accordingly received into the church.
"At this time Rev. L. P. Bates was invited to become pastor of the
church. At a meeting of the church July 12, 1842, at the Academy Hall,
E. T. Raymond and James S. Allen were elected elders and Weston
Frost was elected deacon. The revenues of the church at this time were
probably not more than six or seven hundred dollars, and the pastor's
salary was represented by the munificent sum of $500 (he paying his own
house rent and the expense of keeping a horse and buggy) and it was
necessary to practice the most rigid economy in conducting the affairs
of the church.
"The hall was occupied for a year or more while on the lot, and was
then moved to a lot near the Northern Hotel and continued to be used
as a place of worship until the new church was erected in I834-44 and
occupied the latter part of I844. It was built of brick, about forty feet
wide by seventy feet long, with two aisles, the pulpit being in the west end
of the church and the organ loft and choir gallery in the east end, with
vestibule underneath. It had a belfry and well proportioned spire, and
from its prominent situation presented quite a pleasing appearance.
"In I867, following a series of revival services conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. G. McGiffert, seventy-nine persons were received into the
church, fifty-two on confession of faith. The present house of worship
was erected in I870-7I. No expense was spared in its construction, the
single item of pew cushions being $I,6oo. Later improvement such as
electric lights, a hot water heating plant and others, have made it one of
the most comfortable of churches.
The church has three times entertained the Synod of Michigan, in
i866, in I891 and in I908.
"The original members of the church, with their places of origin, are
as follows: Samuel Murlin, Chili, New York; John Voorheis, Romulus,
New York; Mrs. Mary Voorheis, also from Romulus; Ephraim Burge,
Ovid, New York; Elijah S. and Fannie Fish, Buffalo, New York; Mrs.
Mary Church, Salisbury, New York; Elisheba Dort, Rettsburg, New
York; Mrs. Eleanor Ferguson, Detroit, Michigan; Marriet C. Haskins,
Lucina Williams, Mrs. Julia Williams and Mrs. Roxa Bartlett.
"The ministers who have served the church from the time of its or



H-ISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


351


ganization to the present date are: I. W. Ruggles, I824-28; George Hornell, I828-32; Noah M. Vells, 1833; J. F. McEwen, 1834; George Howell, 1835; L. P. Bates, 1841-45; Charles Rockwell, 1846; J. A. Clayton,
1847; Luke Stafford, I848; William Hamilton, I849; W. P. Jackson,
1850-5I; Joseph Penney, I852-53; J. W. Cooper, I854-56; W. P. Mosher,
1857-6I; J. H. Jennison, 1861-64; W. J. Parrott, 1871-73; C. R. Wilkins, 1873-75; J. Mills Gelston, I875-78; W. S. Jerome, I888-I898; S. H.
Thompson, I898-I899; J. R. Mitchell, I900-I902; Charles E. Blanchard,
1904 to 19I1."  Rev. J. R. J. Milligan is the present pastor of the church.
How TIlE FIRST CHURCH WAS BUILT
The following is vouched for, by an old settler (who told the story
at a meeting of the County Pioneer Society in 1874) as the origin of the
building of the first Presbyterian church in Pontiac:
"One cold, stormy night in the fall of 1831, Samuel C. Munson and
E. P. Hastings-the former at present an honored citizen of East Saginaw, and the latter has passed away-having been visiting the pinery
north of Pontiac, returned to that then little hamlet wet and chilled
to the bone, besides being hungry as bears. In accordance with the
usual custom of those days, our friends stopped at the village tavern,
kept by Solomon Close, of happy memory, whose suggestive sign-'Entertainment for man and beast'-had for them an attraction, the power
of which, under the circumstances, was really not to be resisted. As
they crossed the threshold of the room the glitter of the well-filled decanters behind the bar and the genial warmth of the crackling fire in
the old fashioned fire place made them feel that their lives had fallen
in pleasant places. After their tedious day's tramp, being hungry as
bears, as we before intimated, they concluded they would take supper
with mine host before going home, which they accordingly ordered.
Both being of a social nature, a further inducement to remain was a
company of old chums, some of whom were seated around a table playing euchre. Among these were Daniel Leroy, G. O. Whittemore, H. N.
Howard, J. J. Garland, Frank Darrow, E. W. Barber, E. Comstock, a
Mr. Palmer, and a few others, making in all, including our two friends,
seventeen individuals.
"After partaking of a hearty meal, Munson was invited to take a
'hand' with the card players. His companion having been, we believe, a
church member 'down east,' did not choose to participate in their pastime.
He, however, had something else in his head beside a game of cardsa project which he wished to have carried into execution, and it occurred
to him then and there that this was the time to introduce the subject that
had been long near his heart; and that was the building of a house of
worship in Pontiac. And when we reflect that in these early days the
name of Pontiac was synonymous with that of a certain hot location
whose chief product enters into the manufacture of matches, we cannot
but be impressed with the importance of the mission our Friend Hastings
had in view. Therefore, clearing his throat he called out: 'Gentlemen, I have a few words to say to you this evening, and would like
your attention a short time. You all have at some period in your lives




352


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


known what it was to have enjoyed church privileges. Now here we
are, a little community of us, far from the scenes and associations of
our old homes, in the full enjoyment of many blessings, yet without a
church among us. Now what I wish to propose is this: I want for
one, to see a church in Pontiac, and I propose to assess each one of you,
gentlemen, $Ioo apiece, which will make just $I,700 a sufficient sum,
with close figuring, to build a neat church edifice. Here is my check
for $Ioo, and I will put down $Ioo for Judge Reeves, who is not here
tonight, which, with yours, will make $i,8oo.'
"The gentlemen had stopped playing cards, and the proposition, made
in such a place and at such a time, struck them as both novel and sensible, and without a dissenting voice every man present pledged himself
in the required sum for the building of a church, to be called the First
Presbyterian church of Pontiac. A building committee, consisting of
Samuel C. Munson, H. N. Howard and E. Comstock, were appointed
on the spot, and after some figuring, Mr. Comstock took the contract.
Everything after this went along like clockwork, all putting their shoulders to the church-wheel with a will, so that by the next July a beautiful
church, all completed and ready for public worship, reared its spire toward heaven, the pride of the entire community and the veneration of
the few who went thither to worship God. And this is the way the
First Presbyterian church of Pontiac came to be built, forty-three years
ago."
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The First Congregational church of Pontiac was organized February
6, 1831, at the house of Samuel Bent. Articles of Faith and Covenant
were adopted at that meeting, and those who became members of the
church at the time were Samuel Bent, Mary Bent, Mary K. Bent, Mr.
and Mrs. Rinehart. Rev. I. W. Ruggles was moderator of the meeting.
On the second of July following, the newly organized church met at
the courthouse, Rev. Ruggles and Rev. George Hornell being present,
besides the members. In that month and year Rev. Robert M'cEwen
began preaching under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society, and on February 19, 1834, the little church was received
under the care of the Detroit presbytery. According to the records,
on the I th day of May, 1834, the church dedicated the first building
erected in Pontiac for the worship of God. From that time on, the
church was supplied with a pastor at irregular intervals, sometimes long
lapses existing between terms of service filled by occasional visiting
pastors.
The following will give an approximate idea of the service of pastors
and the main events in the church up to 1876. Rev. McEwen resigned
October I8, and December 27, 1834, Rev. Aaron Williams was invited
to preach, he accepting the call. He resigned in August, I835. In
1836 Rev. William Page preached for a short time during the winter,
which brief service witnessed a pleasing growth in membership. In the
spring of 1837 a call was extended to him to preach, which he accepted,
but in September he resigned because of ill health. In 1838 Rev. L. B.
Bates came to the church, and he was assisted during the winter by Rev.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


353


O. Parker, an evangelist, and in that year ninety-four members were
added to the membership. Mr. Bates left the service in I840, but the
records do not supply the exact date, and in 1841 the pulpit was supplied by ministers from other points until October 3d, when Rev. Miles
of New York was present and occupied the pulpit. He was extended
a call, which he accepted and he was duly installed by the presbytery. He
continued until April 7, 1843, when at a meeting of the church and
society he asked to be released, and his request was granted. From that
time until March 28, I846, the church was without a regular pastor,
but at that time Rev. O. D. Hine commenced preaching as a stated
supply, and he continued for five and a half years, closing his labors in
August, 1851. Rev. H. A. Reed came to the church in September, I852.
In 1854 an attempt was made to unite the society with the Presbyterian
church, but the attempt failed. Mr. Reed preached his farewell sermon
on June 17, 1852, and a call was soon extended to Rev. A. H. Fletcher.
He accepted the call and on October 24, 1855, was installed as pastor.
He resigned in May, 1857, but the church declined to accept his resignation, but when he resigned a second time at the close of the year, it
was accepted, to take effect April ist following. Rev. G. M. Tuthill
was next called and he commenced preaching in June. The years that
followed were without unusual incident, until April, I863, when resolutions were passed in favor of building a new church. Rev. Tuthill
closed his labors in I864, and Rev. Fletcher was asked to serve in his
stead, and he thus continued until April I, I868. On June I, I868, Rev.
C. C. Mclntire was called to the church. In I863 the agitation begun
for the erection of a church, had been carried to a successful consummation, and on December 23, i868, it was dedicated, Rev. Mr. Hough
of Jackson, Michigan, officiating. The contract price of the church was
$20,250, and when completed, a heavy debt remained to be taken care of.
Again an attempt was made to unite the society with the Presbyterian
denomination, many believing that the united strength of the two
churches would be required to maintain their continued life. The union
was agreeable to both parties, and would have been carried out but for
the refusal of the presbytery to permit any change of government on
the part of the Presbyterians, so the matter was dropped. With the
close of Rev. Mclntire's labors on June I, 1871, the pulpit was vacant
except for an occasional supply until January, i872, when Rev. S. O.
Allen was called to preach. In January, 1874, Mr. Allen resigned from
the pastorate, and on July ist Rev. J. Homer Parker was established as
pastor, but he resigned in January, I876. Rev. W. H. Utley was the
next pastor. Nine pastors then served until 1907, when Wm. R. Kedzie
assumed charge of the pastorate, Rev. M. E. Sweet, now in charge,
having been with the church but a few months.
THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN THE STATE
An interesting account of the First Congregational church was prepared by Rev. W. Roscoe Kedzie in December, I9II, for the Press
Gazette of Pontiac, which is here reproduced practically in toto: "The
First Congregational church of Pontiac is the third oldest Congregational




354


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


church in the state of Michigan. The churches in Rochester and Romeo
were organized before this one, but all came into being at about the same
time. In February, 1831, five persons met together in the Village of
Pontiac in the home of Samuel Bent and were organized into a Congregational church by the Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, and the actual record
of that meeting more than eighty years ago is still the proud possessiort
of the church. From that early day the church has persistently held before
itself a high ideal of Christian life and service, and in spite of a great
many hardships and reverses has continued in a steady advancement and
growth until it has reached its present strength and position.
"On July I, 1831, the church began to hold public worship in the old
wooden courthouse which stood on the site now occupied by our splendid building. The congregation met here until May I, 1884, when they
dedicated the first church building in the then Village of Pontiac. The
old building was used also by the Methodists and Baptists when they
desired to hold service and continued to be used by the Congregationalists for about thirty-five years, when it was decided that a new building should be erected.
"That building, so familiar to all the citizens of Oakland county,
was dedicated December 23, 1868, and was used not only by the church,
but also largely by the city and county. The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized there, as was the Young Men's Christian
Association.  Other notable rallies and conferences were held there,
among them being the mass meeting that gave shape to the local option
campaign four years ago. While this building was in course of construction the church again went to the courthouse for a place to hold the
public meetings, as it did again in this past year when the new buildin so recently dedicated was being built. It was a fair exchange of
courtesy that while the new courthouse was being built a few years ago
the court should take itself to the parlors of the Congregational church
to hold its sessions.
"In March, 1906, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of
the church was held, and it was a notable occasion both from its importance as a milestone in the history of the church and in the renewal
of memories and fellowships made possible by the large number of older
members and friends of the church who returned to take part in its
exercises.
NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
"The present beautiful building at the corner of Mill and East
Huron streets was dedicated September 17, I9II, and it is already proving its worth, not only as a place of worship for the growing congregation, but also as a place of public meeting in the interests of the higher
life of the city of Pontiac."
The church edifice, which is one of the finest and most complete in
Oakland county, was put in course of construction on May 23, 1910,
being erected on the Bell property on the corner of East Huron and Mill
streets, diagonally opposite the postoffice. J. H. Prall, the Pontiac architect who had charge of the building of the Oakland County Hospital,
superintended the erection of the church. The structure is of paving




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


355


brick of a dark color, with stone trimmings, and is sixty-four by eightyfour feet in dimensions. It has a main tower at the Mill and Huron
street corner, with two smaller towers on the Mill and Huron street
elevations. There are two larger entrances on the Mill street side, with
a smaller entrance in the rear on Huron street. The auditorium and
gallery will seat about seven hundred people. The auditorium extends
north and south, while the church parlors occupy the north end of the
building. The parlors are handsomely furnished, and in the basement
are to be found a well equipped gymnasium, with Sunday-school room
adjoining and a boys' club room, all of which are so arranged that they
may be thrown into one large room. The kitchen, one of the most
indispensable adjuncts to a well regulated church edifice, adjoins the
gymnasium, and is complete in every detail.
On September II, I9IO, the corner stone of the church was laid in
the wall just north of Mill street at the entrance. Rev. M. H. Wallace,
of Brewster Congregational church of Detroit, a former pastor of the
Pontiac church, delivered the dedicatory address, with Rev. D. H. Glass,
Rev. R. M. Traver, Rev. C. E. Blanchard, and Rev. A. McCallum assisting.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH
The history of St. Vincent de Paul's church dates from the year
1836, when Pontiac first began to be visited periodically by Catholic missionaries, although that date did not mark the first advent of secular and
regular priests of various orders in Oakland county, it being of record
that missionaries visited these parts a century and a half ago. The first
priest who came at regular intervals, however, was Rev. Fr. Missui,
who was at the time assistant parish priest of the Cathedral of St. Anne
in D'etroit. He came once in each month and held meetings in a private
house near Huron street, the home of a family of the name of Dennis.
His ministrations were not continued beyond the space of a year and
never extended outside Pontiac. In I838 Father Kelly made his first
appearance. His mission embraced a large portion of the adjacent territory, and he visited Pontiac at infrequent intervals. At that early day,
it may well be believed that the conditions with regard to travel and entertainment were not of a high order, and the faithful priest performed
his untiring ministrations under the greatest difficulties. Making his distances always by horseback, through a wild and unclaimed waste of land,
he met with discouragements sufficient to quench the spirit of many a
stronger man, but he proved faithful to the end and about twice a year
made his appearance in Pontiac where he would administer to the most
pressing needs of his people, and move on to the next community, who
always awaited his coming in eagerness. He died in I86o. In I85I Rev.
Fr. Wallace, who later became chaplain of St. Mary's hospital at Detroit,
became the first resident pastor of this parish. He was succeeded by
Rev. Fr. L. J. Wicart in 1863, who continued until November, 1876, when
Father Baumgartner followed him in the parish. In 1904 Father Baumgartner was promoted to the chancellorship of the diocese of Detroit and
Father T. J. Ryan was named to succeed him in Pontiac. Since he came
to Pontiac, Father Ryan has watched over his parish with every care and
Vol. 1-23




356


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


under his ministry the parish has prospered happily, now being at a
state far beyond the dreams of the early missionaries who gave so generously of their help and who established the first church of the faith in
this city. Father Ryan is ably assisted by Rev. Fr. George McDace,
who came to the parish in I906.
The church has a membership of three hundred and seventy-five
families, and besides the fine brick church edifice, has a substantial brick
school (St. Fredericks Parochial) which was erected in I897; St. Thomas'
House, built in I9II for the instruction of music pupils, and the large
parish house-all of which go to make up a most worthy representation
of a church which had its beginning in Oakland county in the labors of
the itinerant missionaries of various orders of the church.
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The first Protestant Society in what is now the state of Michigan
was organized in the city of Detroit in 1817. It was a Union society,
composed of the few Methodists, Episcopalians and Presbyterians then
residents of the place, each denomination being represented in the board
of trustees.
The first clergyman of the Church of England who visited Michigan
was Rev. M. Pollard, a missionary of the British Society "for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts," who was stationed in Canada, and
who on occasions visited Detroit and held services there. The first settled clergyman in Michigan was Rev. Alanson M. Welton, who, in about
1821, came from the diocese of New York, where he had been trained
by Bishop Hobart for mission work, and he officiated until his death in
the edifice erected by the Protestant Society previously mentioned.
In 1824 the Rev. Richard F. Cadle was sent by the Domestic and
Foreign Missionary Society from New York to Detroit. At that time
Michigan comprised the entire region north of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, west to the Mississippi river and north to the British line, including existing settlements in Iowa and Minnesota.
Rev. R. F. Cadle writing from Detroit to the Society's committee expressed himself thus: "I have regularly performed divine service and
preached in the council house, which has been granted to the Protestants
of this city by his excellency, Governor Cass.
"In addition to the usual service on Sunday I generally preach once
in the course of a week. This city contains two thousand inhabitants. It
has a Roman Catholic church, a Methodist meeting-house, and a building, erected by the different denominations, styled the First Protestant
church and at present under the control of the Presbyterians. An invitation was lately given me to occupy this pulpit, for a time specified,
which, with the unanimous approbation of the Episcopalians of this city,
I declined.
"The number of persons attached to our church is about forty. The
communicants, I believe, are not more than three or four."
Again in December, 1824, he writes: "I am unable to state the precise
number of persons attached to our church in this city. It is, however,
greater than I supposed when I made my first report. I have adminis



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


357


tered the holy communion twice in the last three months; at the last meeting there were several additions, making the whole number eight or
nine."
The first parish of the church in Oakland county was St. Johns in
Troy, organized in I829 by Rev. R. F. Cadle. This was the third parish
in the territory of Michigan; St. Paul's of Detroit being the first and St.
Andrew's at Ann Arbor, in 1827, the second. The church edifice in
Troy was erected in I837. The parish subsequently became extinct and
the title vested in Zion church, Pontiac, which was organized September
23, I837. The service of the church was first heard in Pontiac when
Rev. Hollister, then rector of St. John's in Troy, in I836, officiated in
the court house. Permission was granted by Gideon 0. Whittemore, regent of the University of Michigan, on organization of Zion church, to
use the academy, then a branch of the state university, as a place of worship, and services were held in that place from 1837 to I84I. In 1839
Rev. J. A. Wilson was sent as a missionary, and in 1840 the old records
show that a committee was appointed to receive subscriptions with a view
to building a house of worship. Most of the men who served as first
vestrymen of the society and, in addition, Charles W. Whipple, A. Treadway, F. A. Williams, Robert L. Heindlen, Samuel G. Watson, William
Wilson, Thomas Bennett and Samuel Frost, were active in building the
church. A site was chosen on West Pike street where stands the old
brick church now occupied by L. J. Hosler as a plumbing shop. The
frame of the old church still exists as the frame of the old Stout house
on Williams street. The church was completed in July, I841, and consecrated by Rt. Rev. S. A. McClosky, D. D., Bishop of Michigan, on July
20, I841. In the same year, Rev. John A. Wilson, then rector of Zion
church, organized the parish of St. Paul's, Waterford, of which he was
rector until I847, when he was succeeded by Rev. William H. Woodward, who continued until I850, when the parish became extinct. On
July 24, 1854, the vestry of Zion church resolved to erect a new edifice,
and on the 5th day of September, that year, the corner-stone of the present building was laid. The sum of five hundred dollars was paid for the
lot. Today it is worth $I,500. The new church was opened and consecrated on January 22, 1857, and the old church sold to the Methodist
Protestant Society. The total cost of the church was $10,280, and it
was freed from debt on March 28, 1864.
Rev. O. Taylor, who became pastor of the church in November, 1850,
resigned in 1854, and for many years thereafter the rectorships were of
short duration. The clergymen appearing as rectors are: Rev. Thomas
Dooley; Rev. John O'Brien, D. D., who died in Pontiac in I864; Rev.
Charles Ritter; Rev. William R. Pickman; Rev. William Charles; Rev.
J. R. Anderson, who died in Pontiac, 1874; Rev. Richard Brass and Rev.
T. J. Broodles. Rev. S. L. Stevens was called upon to become rector and
entered upon his duties December I8, I88I, his rectorship lasting until
Easter, I904, when he became rector emeritus. During his service the
present rectory was secured. He was succeeded by Rev. P. G. Duffy,
whose rectorship lasted only about eighteen months.
In September, I905, the old church was destroyed by fire, and on June
23, I907, the corner-stone for the new church was laid. In November,




358


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


1908, the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. C. D. Williams, D. D.,
Bishop of Michigan. At this time the church has 355 communicants.
and a thriving Sunday-school organization. Rev. Herbert H. H. Fox
became rector of the parish on November I2, I905, and is still serving
On September 23, I912, the church celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of its organization.
ST. TRINITATIS LUTHERAN CHURCH
In was about the year 1891 that missionary work was first taken up
at Pontiac by the Mission Board of the Lutheran church of the Synod
of Missouri, Ohio, and other states. For years divine services were held
at private houses, and in 1892 the first church edifice was erected on
Jackson street. Since 1907 the St. Trinitatis church has been located
on Auburn avenue, after having absorbed the other Lutheran church, and
in I908 the modern parsonage near the church on Auburn avenue was
built.
The society is experiencing a wonderful growth, the membership
having doubled itself from January I, I9II, to the close of the year.
The church membership is about two hundred, being represented by about
forty-four families. The Ladies' Society of the church has a membership of twenty-four, and the Concordia Young People's Society counts
twenty-six members.
The children of the church are instructed in religion and the German
language by the pastor on Saturdays. Since its organization, the church
has been served by the following pastors: Rev. M. Toewe, Rev. A. Donner, Rev. W. Bunnester, Rev. H. Pottberg, its present pastor being Rev.
F. Haeuser, who came to the church in June, I906. His work has been
of the most unremitting character, and under his care and guidance the
society is in a prosperous and growing condition.
THE AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH
The African Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Pontiac
in I86I by Rev. Augustus R. Green, and the following persons comprised
the original membership of the organization: Mr. and Mrs. George Newman, Harriet Washington, Henry Parker, Samuel Stephens and wife,
John Jones, Ellen Hoffman and Mrs. Canady. The first resident minister was Rev. J. Warren. They met for a time in houses in the village;
in the basement of the old Methodist Episcopal church on Perry street;
on the corner of Lawrence and Saginaw streets; at the old school house
on Mt. Clemens street, and other places. Before the appointment of
Rev. Warren, the church was variously supplied by pastors from outside. It was not until I873 that negotiations were started for the purchase of the present site.
In the later seventies there was a falling off in the membership of the
church, due to the reduction in the colored population, but in later years
the influx of colored people from Canada has brought up the membership to a considerable extent. With the coming of Rev. C. J. Dean some
eleven years ago new life was brought into the church, and to him is




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


359


due much of the credit for the erection of the brick church which is in
use today in place of the old frame building of former years. The
church has never been entirely self-supporting, due to the small membership, and some of its pastors have earned their bread at labors outside
the pulpit.
Since the organization of the church in I86I the following have been
pastors: Rev. J. Warren, John Franklin, J. H. Alexander, George W.
Freeland, J. Bass, J. McSmith, A. Johnson, G. Benson, H. H. Wilson,
C. Johnson, C. Ward, B. Gordon, John Ferguson, B. Roberts. James
Crowm, P. J. Tuttle, S. Hill, J. E. Stewart, D. H. Graham, I. F. Williams, M. P. Cole, C. J. Dean, W. Collins, J. H. Alexander, W. Baker, and
Jos. W. Jarvis. Not all of them have been ordained ministers, while on
the other hand some have been men of high education, graduates of
colleges and theological seminaries.
Auxiliary organizations of the church are the Sunday-school, the
Crescent Literary Society and the Women's Missionary Society. The
membership of the church is approximately seventy-five persons.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The Young. Men's Christian Association of Pontiac was organized
on February I, 1899, with the following officers: J. S. Stockwell, president; H. H. Snowdon, vice-president; J. B. Draper, secretary, and B. J.
Greer, treasurer. The first general secretary was elected in the person
of Frank Arthur, now a prominent evangelist.
The original quarters of the association were in the Jackson block
on east Lawrence street and the rooms opened on May 15, I899. At
the close of the fiscal year so well had the new project been received
that the enrollment numbered 292 members. The association was incorporated under the laws of the state on March 27, 1900.
In 1904, at a meeting of the board of directors in February, it was
decided to adopt plans for the erection of a home for the association,
but the movement was not carried to a successful culmination.  In
September of that year Secretary Arthur resigned and he was succeeded
by E. C. Van Ness. In January of I905, a meeting was called to consider the building of a gymnasium, the work previous to that time having been conducted solely along lines of religion and education. A suitable location was secured and that phase of the work was prosecuted
with much vigor during I906.
This period of activity was followed by a depression induced by the
low financial ebb of the affairs of the association, but the concerted efforts
of the board of directors were sufficient to overcome the situation and
the work continued as before.  In February, I907, the first physical
director was engaged, to give a part of his time to the work of the association. In September, I909, the present general secretary, R. J. Ritz,
was called to assume charge of the association. About this time the
financial status of the organization again became involved, and the difficulty was met and overcome by the generous responses of the citizens
of Pontiac, when they subscribed $3,000, which amount covered all outstanding indebtedness and carried the association for one year. In




360


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


February, 190o, a campaign to raise funds for a new building was inaugurated and in ten days' time a sum of $30,035 had been subscribed.
The campaign committee was composed of Arthur Pack, E. L. Kayser,
Harry Coleman, Dr. J. F. Spring, Dr. E. A. Christian, and R. A. Palmer.
The association then made a purchase of the John Dudley Norton property on west Pike street, which was complete and modern in every respect and suited to the needs of the association, with the exception of
its lack of baths and gymnasium, a defect which the board of directors
proceeded to repaid in October of the same year by the erection of the
present physical quarters, consisting of gymnasium, swimming pool,
locker rooms and shower baths. The work was completed and the building opened for use on March 30, I912. The property, complete with
furnishings and the new building with its equipment cost the association
approximately $25,000, and the home is in every respect modern and
suitable.
The association has been fortunate in the personnel of its directorate, always having men of resource and energy, with the necessary
courage to bring to a successful culmination any movement they actually inaugurated and thought best for the good of the cause.   The
officers of the association since its organization have been as follows:
In I899, Hon. J. S. Stockwell, Sr., president; H. H. Snowdon, vicepresident; J. B. Draper, recording secretary; E. J. Greer, treasurer;
Frank Arthur, general secretary. In I900, same officers held over. In
I90I, Hon. J. S. Stockwell, Sr., president; A. L. Moore, vice-president;
Archie McCallum, recording secretary; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In
I902, same president and vice-president; George A. Bell, recording secretary; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In I903, same president; Dr. J. F.
Spring, vice-president; George Ryder, recording secretary; P. H. Struthers, treasurer. In 1904, no change in presidency; Dr. Elmer Charles,
vice-president; E. V. Allison, recording secretary; P. H. Struthers,
treasurer. In 1905, Dr. J. F. Spring became president to succeed Hon.
J. S. Stockwell, Sr.; E. V. Allison, vice-president; C. E. Passell, recording secretary; J. L. Sibley, treasurer. In I906 there was no change in
the office of president; G. E. English, vice-president; same recording
secretary and treasurer. In I907, J. L. Sibley, president; A. H. Phinney,
vice-president; C. A. Passell, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles,
treasurer. In i909, D. L. Kimball, president; E. J. Tinney, vice-president;
E. B. Linabury, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer. In
I9IO, the same president continued; George A. Hormer, vice-president;
H. B. Davenport, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer. In
19II, D. L. Kimball was again elected president; R. J. Brace, vice-president; C. A. Harris, recording secretary; Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer.
In I912, R. J. Brace, president; C. A. Trask, vice-president; C. A. Harris, recording secretary, and Dr. Elmer Charles, treasurer.
RED RIBBON CLUB OF PONTIAC
The Red Ribbon Club of Pontiac was organized on Easter Sunday,
April 2, 1877, with the following officers: George Reeves, president; William Blair, first vice-president; John Fitzpatrick, second vice-president;




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                       361
Edward Barton, third vice-president; H. W. Lord, Jr., secretary; Richard H. Elliott, treasurer.
For a number of years the club was in a most thriving condition and
at one time its membership exceeded five hundred. Since I88I, however,
there has been a gradual decline in membership, and of recent years it is
difficult to arouse the old-time interest. The club was a temperance organization, but the decline in enthusiasm with regard to this club in particular is by no means an indication of a lack of interest in the cause of
temperance, as the recent period of local option in Oakland county will
witness, the activities of the people being directed to the work along other
lines.
The club was organized by Dr. Reynolds, as was also the W. C. T. U.




CHAPTER XXV


PONTIAC'S FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
MASONRY IN PONTIAC-THIRD LODGE IN TERRITORY-PONTIAC LODGE NO.
2I —PAST MASTERS-PONTIAC COUNCIL No. 3, R. & S. M.-OAKLAND
CHAPTER NO. 5, R. A. M.-PONTIAC COMMANDERY NO. 2, K. T.PONTIAC CHAPTER NO. 228, 0. E. S.-MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION-CANTON PONTIAC NO. 3, I. O. O. F.-PYTHIAN KNIGHTS AND
SISTERS-DICK RICHARDSON POST, G. A. R.-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS-ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA-B. P. 0. E.-OTHER LODGES.
Pontiac is classed as a strong city in its support of the secret and
fraternal orders and societies. Its Masonic lodge was the third to be
established in the territory of Michigan, and still flourishes like a "green
bay tree," while its societies of later birth, like those of the Elks and
Moose, have been firmly planted and are rapidly growing.
MASONRY IN PONTIAC
The history of Masonry.in Pontiac is so well covered in the Masonic
Roster of I9Io, compiled and arranged by Leo L. Thomas, that the article appearing in that little booklet is here given in its entirety:
THIRD LODGE IN TERRITORY
The third lodge established in the territory of Michigan was called
Oakland Lodge, No. 343, and located in the village of Pontiac. December I5, 1821, a petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York for
a lodge to be established under this name was signed by the following:
Judah Church, William Morris, Tiba Swan, Enoch Hotchkiss, Joshua
Davis, Jr., Aaron Webster, Samuel Beaman, Jonathan Perrin, John H.
Davis, Amasa Bagley, Oliver Williams, David Stanard, Daniel LeRoy,
David Perrin.
Warrant was granted March 7, 1822, to Oakland Lodge, No. 343, and
its officers were installed July I6, I822.
Nothing of great importance transpired until November 2, 1825,
when the W. M., Leonard Weed, wrote the Grand Lodge as follows:
"The Lodge is moved from Pontiac to the village of Auburn more in
the sentre of its members, and if it meets the approbation of the Grand
Lodge we wish it mite be inserted in the Charter to that efect as the Town
362




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


363


or Village at present is left a blank in the Charter. The returns are maid
out from the instalation up to 27 of Dec. 5825 as inserted in the letter.
"LEONARD WEED."
This was the pioneer country lodge, the other two in the territory of
Michigan being in Detroit.
In July, 1826, the lodge was represented at the organization of the
first Grand Lodge by Leonard Weed, W. M., as "proxy for Oakland
Lodge and entitled to three votes." Weed was elected First Junior Grand
Warden. A letter from the Grand Lodge of New York acknowledged
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, with which Oakland
Lodge, No. 3, was now associated. Brother Smith Weeks, probably the
first Methodist preacher in Oakland county, was such an enthusiastic
member of Oakland Lodge that he walked twenty-five miles to Detroit
to be present on this occasion. He was elected first grand chaplain.
The house of Leonard Weed, in the village of Auburn, remains unchanged to this day, a landmark of Masonrj in this state. The lodge
met in a small chamber barely high enough for one to stand erect. Upon
one occasion a young man came to be initiated and waited-while preparations for his reception were made in the room above-in the kitchen with
Mrs. Weed and her daughter. Said Mrs. Weed: "I understand they are
going to make some Masons up stairs tonight. You had better get the
gridiron on the stove so as to have it ready." The daughter brought the
old gridiron and placed it on the stove, to the evident discomfort of the
young man. He soon took his hat and left and was not to be found when
sent for by the lodge.
Brother Ebenezer Smith, in 1826, deeded a lot in the village of Auburn to Gov. Lewis Cass, and his successors in office, for the use of a
public school and a Masonic lodge. The deed is recorded in the register's
office, and is an interesting document. The lot has remained vacant to
this day.
In July, 1827, when Stony Creek Lodge was organized, an effort was
made to have Oakland Lodge brought back to Pontiac. However, it
remained at Auburn until I829, when the Grand Lodge, under Grand
Master Cass, recommended that Masonic work be suspended in this state.
When called to labor again in I841, Oakland Lodge was one of the
first to resume the tools of the craft, this time at the original station of
the lodge, in Pontiac. The original records having been burned, in I840,
together with the charter, a meeting was held at the Hodges House on
February 3, I841, for the purpose of reorganization. There were present
at this meeting: Jacob Loop, chairman; Daniel V. Bissell, Calvin Hotchkiss, Josiel Smith, Henry L. Rinehart, David Hollenbeck, Charles M.
Eldridge, Schuyler Hodges, Julius Dean, Phineas Silsby, Amasa Green,
Mahlon Hubble.
Brothers Weed, Rinehart and Hotchkiss were appointed a committee
to draft by-laws. The following officers were elected and their names
placed in the petition asking for a dispensation: Leonard Weed, W. M.;
Jacob Loop, S. W.; Daniel V. Bissell, J. W.
Jacob Loop was appointed a committee to visit the grand master
with the petition for a dispensation. The meeting was then adjourned to




364


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


meet at the Hodges House on the i8th of February. At the second meeting Brother Loop reported his success and presented a dispensation
worded as follows:
"To All Free and Accepted Masons on the Surface of the Globe:
"Know ye that I, Martin Davis, do hereby authorize and impower
Our Masonic Brothren of the Town of Pontiac, County of Oakland and
State of Michigan to form a new Lodge Known by the Name of Pontiac
Lodge No. 8 To be Located in Said Township.
"And I do hereby appoint Leonard Weed to be their first Master and
Jacob Loop To be their first Senior Warden and Daniel V. Bissil to be
their first Junior Warden And I do hereby fully authorise and Impower
Said Lodge to make Entered apprentice Masons Pass Fellow Crafts and
raise them to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason according To the
antiant usages and Custom of the Fraternity. I do further order and
Command the brotheren of Said lodge to observe And Obey the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan together with the
Rules and regulations of the Same.
"In Testimony hereof I hereby Set my hand and Seal this I3th day
of Feb. in A. D. 1841 and In the year of Masonry, 584I.
"MARTIN DAVIS, Grand Junior Warden."
The lodge continued to work in Pontiac, leaving very complete records until its charter was forfeited.
On June 24, 1842, the lodge celebrated St. John's day by services at
the Presbyterian Meeting House, followed by a banquet at the Hodges
House. Toasts to "Masonry in America-like Daniel in the lions' den
it has escaped unhurt," and "The Ladies-the brightest jewels of the
craft," were drunk in "iced water," Washingtonian style.
When it became known that the Grand Lodge of Michigan could
not obtain recognition because of its irregular formation, Oakland Lodge
applied for and received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of New
York under the name Oakland Lodge, No. IOI. A period of inactivity
and indifference followed.
On September 17, 1844, Brother Calvin Hotchkiss was present as the
representative of Oakland Lodge, No. IoI, at the convention of delegates that re-organized the present Grand Lodge of Michigan.
From this time interest died down until the Grand Lodge demanded
the charter in I847 because of non-payment of dues.
On November 12, 1847, a dispensation was granted for a new lodge
and Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, sprang into existence and has since occupied
the field formerly held by Oakland Lodge. The jewels and furniture of
Oakland Lodge, which had been surrendered, were loaned to the new
lodge, which thus became fully equipped for work.
For fifty years Pontiac Lodge has enjoyed a healthy growth, resultin a present lodge membership of four hundred. Since 1897 it has been
located in a comfortable home of its own.
PONTIAC LODGE No. 21
Pontiac Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., was organized July I6, 1822, as
Oakland Lodge No. 3 under jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New
/




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


365


York, and on November. I2, 1847, as Pontiac Lodge No. 21, under jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Michigan. The present officers and membership of the lodge are as follows: J. G. Newton, worthy master; H. H.
Fox, senior warden; Ralph W. McCullough, junior warden; Chauncey
Brace, treasurer; William H. Davey, secretary. Membership, 575. Charter members of the lodge are: Charles M. Eldridge, Horace C. Thurber,
Francis Darrow, Levi Bacon, Jr., Alfred J. Boss, Julius Dean, James
A. Weeks, Henry S. Rinehart, George W. Rogers, A. W. Hitchcock and
David Hollenbeck.
PAST MASTERS
Chas. M. Eldridge, 1848; Francis Darrow, 1849; Alfred Treadway,
1850; Nelson J. Smith, 185I; Francis Darrow, 1852; Alfred Treadway,
I853; Oscar F. North, 1854; Francis Darrow, 1855-58; Abram B. Matthews, 1859-61; Francis Darrow, 1862; Mark Walter, 1863; Francis
Darrow, I864-65; A. B. Cudworth, 1866; Mark Walter, 1867; Henry M.
Look, I868-69; Mark Walter, i870-71; A. C. High, 1872-75; J. E. Sawyer, 1875-77; Nicholas Laurent, 1878; S. H. Norton, 1879-81; E. C.
Smith, 1882; Lafayette Bostwick, I883-86; A. B. Avery, 1887-88; Lafayette Bostwick, I889-9I; J. C. Allshouse, I892; Geo. J. Stull, I893; E. C.
Smith, 1894; F. H. Carroll, 1895; G. W. Dickinson, 1896-98; R. J. Whitesell, 1899; J. C. Allshouse, 900o; Fred E. Walker, 1901; Jas. S. Gray,
1902-03; E. E. H-ymers, 1904; E. F. Oberlin, 1905; Judson Fredenburgh,
I906; C. D. Morris, 1907; Louis B. Arnold, I908; William H. Davey,
I909; F. H. Newton, I9Io; A. E. Wright, I911; J. G. Newton, 1912.
PONTIAC COUNCIL No. 3, R. & S. M.
Organized May 14, 1857, as Pontiac Council No. 25, under jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and on January IS, 1858, as Pontiac Council No. 3, under jurisdiction of Independent Grand Council of
Michigan.
PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MIASTERS
Past thrice illustrious masters are as follows: Theron A. Flower,
1857; Francis Darrow, 1858-63; A. B. Cudworth, 1863-65; Francis Darrow, 1865-67; Robt. W. Davis, 1867-70; Henry M. Look, 1871; S. S.
Matthews, 1872; Mark Walter, 1873; Theron A. Flower, 1874-75; Samuel H. Norton, 1876-85; E. C. Smith, 1886-87; J. E. Sawyer, I888; L. F.
Bostwick, 1889-97; F. H. Carroll, 1898-99; G. W. Dickinson, I900-oI; A.
A. Corwin, I902; J. C. Allshouse, 1903-04; Jas. S. Gray, 1905; J. E.
Brondige, 1906; L. F. Bostwick, 1907-08; John Parkinson, I909-II.
Officers for 1912 are: Arthur E. Wright, thrice illustrious master;
J. L. Wardell, deputy master; Arthur G. Newton, principal conductor
of work; Chauncey Brace, treasurer; W. H. Davey, recorder. Membership, 300.




366


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


OAKLAND CHAPTER No. 5, R. A. M.
Oakland Chapter No. 5, R. A. M., was organized under dispensation, September 23, 1848, from Grand Charter of Michigan, and char —
tered January 3, 1850.
Charter members of the chapter are: A. Flower, F. Belding, J. Niles,
J. Chase, W. Brown, C. Hotchkiss, G. Bigelow, C. M. Eldridge, and T.
Johnson.
Past high priests: Andrew Flower, 1848-50; Chas. M. Eldridge, I851;
Greenleaf Wadleigh, i852-54; Francis Darrow, 1855-58; A. B. Cudworth, I859; Francis Darrow, I86o-6i; A. B. Cudworth, 1862-64; Mark
Walter, 1865-67; John P. Foster, 1868; Daniel G. Thurber, 1869-70
Mark Walter, 1871; Samuel H. Norton, 1872-76; Thos. F. Gerls, I877 -78; Henry A. Norton, 1879-81; E. C. Smith, 1882-83; Jos. E. Sawyer,
1884; J. I-Ienry Bange, 1885-86; L. F. Bostwick, I887; E. C. Fuller,
1888-89; John S. Miller, 1890-92; A. B. Avery, 1893; F. C. Walker,
1894; Arthur H. Smith, 1895-97; H. C. Guillot, 1898-99; A. A. Corwin,
1900; G. W. Dickinson, 1901; H. C. Guillot, 1902; L. F. Bostwick, 1903;
Jas. S. Gray, I904-05; John Parkinson, I906-07; John C. Allshouse, 1908;
L. B. Arnold, 1909; Arthur G. Newton, 191o-II.
Present officers are: F. H. Newton, high priest; L. S. Wardell, king;
A. E. Wright, scribe; Chauncey Brace, treasurer; William H. Davey,
secretary. The present membership is four hundred.
PONTIAC COMMANDERY NO. 2, K. T.
Pontiac Commandery No. 2 was organized under dispensation from
General Grand Encampment of the District of Columbia, March 25, I852.
Charter from General Grand Encamnpment of the District of Columbia,
October 27, I853. Dispensation from Michigan Grand Encampment,
April 7, I857. Charter from Michigan Grand Encampment, June I, I858.
Past eminent commanders:
Theron A. Flower, I852-53; Andrew Flower, 1854; Bela Cogshall,
1855; A. B. Matthews, I856; D. C. Jacokes, I857; Francis Darrow, I858 -60; Erastus Thatcher, I86I; A. C. Baldwin, I862; Theron A. Flower,
I863-64; Francis Darrow, I865; Theron A. Flower, I866-69; Henry M.
Look, 1870-73; S. S. Matthews, 1874-75; John P. Foster, 1876; Daniel G.
Thurbur, 1877-78; Samuel H. Norton, I879; Thos. F. Gerls, I880-8I;
Ed. C. Smith, 1882-84; J. E. Sawyer, I885-86; J. A. Harris, 1887-88;
Geo. H. Foster, 1889-90; J. A. Harris, I89I; A. B. Avery, I892; Jas. H.
Harger, 1893-94; Fred Walker, I895-96; Albert E. Curdy, I897-98; F. H.
Carroll, I898-I900; Wm. H. Morgans, I90I; A. E. Collins, 1902-03; G.
W. Diickinson, I904-07; F. H. Carroll, I908-II.
Present officers are: Fred R. Graves, eminent commander; Charles H.
Newton, generalissimo; Andrew W. King, captain general; Rev. H. H.
H. Fox, excellent prelate; J. L. Wardell, senior warden; Homer H.
Colaten, junior warden; James S. Stockwell, treasurer; William  H.
Davey, recorder.
The present membership of Pontiac Commandery is two hundred.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


367


PONTIAC CHAPTER NO. 228, 0. E. S.
Pontiac Chapter No. 228 was organized October 13, I898, under
jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, State of
Michigan.
The first officers of the chapter were as follows: Mrs. Gennette H.
Payne, W. M.; Reuben G. Whitesell, W. P.; Mrs. Mary E. Morgans,
A. M.; Chauncey J. Payne, secretary; Mrs. Catherine Dickinson, treasurer; Mrs. R. G. Ward, conductor; Mrs. Hannah E. Stull, assistant conductor; Mrs. Emma Malcolm, chaplain; Mrs. Anna Losee, Adah; Mrs.
Mittie Hollister, Ruth; Mrs. Fannie Walker, Esther; Mrs. Archie Gillis, Martha; Mrs. Elizabeth Whitesell, Electa; Mrs. Hulda Bell, warder;
Charles B. Hunt, sentinel.
Present officers: Mrs. Ida Eveland, W. M.; A. J. Ruby, W. P.; Mrs.
Emma Colvin, A. M.; Miss Lillian E. Rayner, secretary; Mrs. Eliza
Waddell, treasurer; Miss Elizabeth Hutton, conductor; Mrs. May Harger, associate conductor; Mrs. Esther Calvert, chaplain; Mrs. Anna
Wright, Adah; Mrs. Olla Steinbaugh, Ruth; Mrs. R. W. McCullough,
Esther; Mrs. Alice Hutton, Martha; Mrs. Cora Gordon, Electa.
Past worthy matrons and past worthy patrons:
Mrs. G. H. Payne, I898; Mr. R. J. Whitesell, 1898; Mrs. Mary E.
Morgans, I899; Mr. H. H. Snowdon, I899; Mrs. G. H. Payne, I900;
Mr. John B. Matthews, I900; Mrs. Hannah Stull, I90I; Mr. G. W.
Dickinson, I901; Mrs. Hannah Stull, I902; Mr. G. W. Dickinson, I902;
Mrs. Minnie Morris, I903; Mr. E. H. Lincoln, I903; Mrs. Minnie.Morris, 1904; Dr. J. D. Riker, 1904; Miss Eva Hossler, I905; Dr. J. D.
Riker, 1905; Mrs. Carrie Newberry, I906; Mr. E. V. Allison, I906;
Mrs. Carrie Newberry, 1907; Mr. J. C. F. Hollister, 1907; Mrs. Alice
Hutton, I908; Mr. G. W. Dickinson, I908; Mrs. Alice Hutton, I909;
Mr. D. H. Calvert, I909; Mrs. Ida Eveland, I9Io.
Secretaries of the chapter since organization have been: Mrs. Lucy
J. Mathews, Mrs. Emma B. Kuttler, Miss Lillis Harris and Miss Lottie M. Stanton.
MASONIC TEMPLE ASSOCIATION
This association was organized for the purpose of erecting the building in which the different Masonic bodies hold their meetings and of
managing the property in the interests of the order. The organization
was effected on December 2, I865, and. the membership of the association consists of those members of Pontiac Lodge No. 21, who enroll
themselves as such with the secretary of the association.
The present officers of the association are: Frank H. Carroll, president; Fred R. Graves, secretary; and Carlton D. Morris, treasurer.
The trustees are: John W. Rockey, F. H. Newton, A. E. Wright, E.
B. Oberlin and A. G. Newton.
The past presidents of the association are as follows: A. B. Matthews, 1865-73; Mark Walter, 1874-77; John P. Foster, I878-86; Henry
E. Allison, 1887-95; Jos. E. Sawyer, 1896; Geo. W. Dickinson, I897-I902;
Jas. S. Gray, 1903-06; Chas A. Harrison, I907-08; Frank H. Carroll,
I909-I I.




368


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Membership consists of those members of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21,
who enroll themselves as such with the secretary of the association.
CANTON PONTIAC NO. 3, I. 0. O. F.
Canton Pontiac No. 3, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted in March, I886, by Major-General Harry Soule, of the Department of Michigan, with headquarters at Ann Arbor. Twenty-six
members signed the roll at that time and Peter Betzing was chosen captain, with Robert Callow as clerk. Captain Betzing held the office for
two years. Lieutenant Bessey was the next captain and he held the
office for three years. The canton prospered under the rule of Captain
Bessey and at that time was known for the best drilled canton in the
state, taking the first prize as such.
Lieutenant Hungerford was elected captain in i891 and held the
office one year. In I892 Lieut. Theodore Collier was elected captain
and reelected in I893, proving a most efficient officer. About this time,
the majority of the members, who were mechanics, sought membership
elsewhere, and the number of members dropped to ten. Captain Betzing was at this time thought to be the most capable man to hold the
canton together and he was accordingly elected captain again in I894,
and by his untiring efforts for ten years Canton No. 3 was held in good
standing, and although the membership did not grow, it did not decrease. In I905 Captain Betzing was ready to render up his stewardship, with the canton out of debt. In the year Major John Andrews
was elected captain, and was reelected each succeeding year until 19I1.
The subordinate lodge had been taking in young members, so the canton
commenced to recruit from them, and as a result of the untiring efforts
of Lieutenant Hodge, the canton was again placed in the front ranks.
In I9II Lieutenant Hodge was chosen captain of the canton, holding the
office with honor, and at the end of his term he withdrew in favor of
Lieutenant Benedict, who was elected captain in 19II and is the present
officer. The canton is growing steadily and bids fair to rival its former
reputation.
Welcome Rebekah Lodge No. 246 is the well organized auxiliary
of Canton No. 3.
PYTHIAN KNIGHTS AND SISTERS
Pontiac Lodge No. I9, Knights of Pythias, was organized and granted
a charter on March 13, I889, when the following officers were elected:
Richard W. Bell, past chancellor; Charles W. Salterbaugh, chancellor
commander; Jerome W. Robbins, vice chancellor; Delos D. Jayne, prelate; Charles M. Crofoot, master of exchequer; Samuel E. Howlett,
keeper of record and seals. The present officers of the lodge are: Roy
E. Bailey, past chancellor; Henry Merz, chancellor commander; T. D.
Seeley, vice chancellor; Roy.M. Campbell, prelate; Charles Merz, master
of exchequer; DeWitt C. Davis, keeper of record and seals.
The Pythian Sisters also have a lodge which is well attended and
conducted.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


369


DICK RICHARDSON POST, G. A. R.
Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., of the Department of Michigan,
was organized on June 8, 1883, with the following officers: Commander,
S. S. Mathews; senior vice commander, H. B. Herrick; junior vice
commander, William Willetts; quartermaster, William Albertson; surgeon, W. G. Elliott; chaplain, L. G. Wilcox; adjutant, J. A. Bigelow;
officer of the day, 0. M. Berry; officer of the guard, J. D. Hammond;
sergeant-major, C. J. Fox; quartermaster sergeant, M. F. North.
The present officers of Dick Richardson Post are: Commander, S.
H. Giles; senior vice commander, D. C. Noli; junior vice commander,
W. E. Sprague; quartermaster, J. D. Hammond; surgeon, B. D. Eddy;
chaplain, John Benjamin; adjutant, E. S. Whitcomb; officer of the day,
S. J. Clonan; officer of the guard, William Cheal; sergeant-major, W.
G. Denton; quartermaster sergeant, H. S. Damiels. The present number of members is fifty.
The cannon stationed in the triangular city park were donated by
the government through the influence of Hon. M. S. Brewer, and the
mound of shells, which further ornaments the little park, was secured
through the efforts of Hon. Samuel W. Smith.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Council No. 600, Pontiac Knights of Columbus, was organized on
August II, I9oI, with about sixty-five members. At that time the following officers were elected; grand knight, Rev. A. X. MI. Sharpe
deputy grand knight, J. L. Marcero; financial secretary, George Nusbaumer; recording secretary, E. J. Foley; Warden, A. G. Meldrum; chancellor, Peter I. Meloy; advocate, E. M. Murphy.
Since the organization of the society, the following members have
served in the office of grand knight: George Nusbaumer, J. L. Marcero,
E. J. Foley, J. H. Lynch, M. A. Bauer, T. J. O'Connor and Rev. A. X.
M. Sharpe.
The society has a present membership of 220, and the officers are
as follows: Grand knight, E. A. Kelly; deputy grand knight, A. G.
Meldrum; financial secretary, E. J. Donohue; recording secretary, Wilbur Crotty; warden, Stephen Lockman; chancellor, W. J. Parle; advocate, J. H. Lynch; treasurer, Owen Smith.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA
Independence Camp No. 3127, Royal Neighbors of America, was
organized in Pontiac in I902, with twenty-one charter members enrolled. The growth of the camp has been steady and the present membership is 120, with the number constantly increasing. Regular meetings are held on the evening of the fourth Tuesday of each month.
ORDER OF ELKS
As every one knows in these days who is at all interested in the fraternities of comparatively recent origin, the Benevolent and Protective




370           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
Order of Elks is a great favorite among the secret bodies of Pontiac.
The local lodge No. Io was installed November 25, I902, by Exalted
Ruler George W. Dickinson, Charles E. Waldo, secretary.  Its new
rooms were occupied in January, I905, and six years later its beautiful
temple was purchased. The lodge now has a membership of 6io, with
the following officers: F. H. Carroll, exalted ruler; F. R. Boyd, leading
knight; J. Byron Judd, lecturing knight; Caslius Bowers, secretary; C.
E. Waldo, treasurer.
OTHER LODGES
The Royal Order of Moose is also constantly gaining ground, although one of the young fraternities. Its standing with the people of
Pontiac was well illustrated by the grand carnival of I912, which
notwithstanding the rather inclement weather, was encouragingly
patronized.
The Knights of Maccabees, Eagles and Modern Woodmen of America also have organizations of more or less strength, and the industrial
workers of the city have numerous unions and associations, some of
which combine both fraternal and insurance features.




CHAPTER XXVI


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP
PHYSICAL FEATURES-A GOOD MANY DEAD INDIANS-FIRST LAND ENTRY-FORMATIVE TOWNSHIP PERIOD-THREE COMPETING TAVERNSMILLS AND STORES OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD CENTER
-BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE PLATS-OLD TIMES AT PIETY HILL-VILLAGE OF BIRMINGHAM-REINCORPORATED-VILLAGE PRESIDENTS AND
CLERKS-PUBLIC    WORKS-SOLDIERS'    MONUMENT-BIRMINGHAM
CHURCHES-SECRET AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
Bloomfield township is one of the oldest civil divisions of Oakland
county, being created by a proclamation of the territorial governor
dated June 28, 1820. It was officially designated as towns I and 2 north,
in ranges 7, 8, 9, IO and I east, and embraced the two southern tiers
of towns in the county. Bloomfield continued to cover that territory
until April I2, 1827, when the legislative council detached Southfield,
Bloomfield and West Bloomfield (as now constituted) and erected the
township  of Bloomfield.  The   organization  of 1827 continued
until 1830, when what is now known as Southfield was taken away from
the original area, and in 1833 West Bloomfield was lopped off, thus reducing it to its present proportions.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Bloomfield is watered by a number of beautifiul lakes and by Rouge
river, of which the eastern branch takes its rise beyond the boundaries
of the township in Troy and Avon, and the western one has its source in
the lakes of the northwest and west. These, uniting their waters a short
distance northwest of the village of Birmingham, form the stream which
thence flows in a southwesterly direction through section 35 and crosses
the town line into Southfield. The largest lakes of Bloomfield township are Wing, Upper and Lower Long, Island, Square, Forest, Turtle
and Gilbert, all of them lying west of its center line, and all but Wing and
Gilbert in the northwest quarter.
The general surface of the township is rolling, particularly in the
lake region. The soil of this section is rather light, both in color and
texture, as compared with that of the prairies and river bottoms, with
the result that the part of the county which has proven to be the best
grain and fruit producer was neglected by the settlers for many years.
Vol. 1-24
371




372


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


The original forest of Bloomfield was not as dense, nor was the timber
as heavy as in such townships as Southfield and Farmington. It had
much the character of "openings," especially in the more uneven parts
toward the west and north.
A GOOD,MANY DEAD INDIANS
As elsewhere in the county, the country in the vicinity of the fishproducing lakes of Bloomfield township was a favorite resort of the
Indians. When they made their semi-annual journeyings to Detroit to
receive their government annuities, they made their camps on their
shores or on the banks of the Rouge river. There are traditions, too,
that this region was once the theater of great battles between the rival
tribes. In particular, it was related by a centenarian French voyager
named Michaud, whom Edwin Baldwin and other old residents of the
township remember well, that on one occasion, long before the coming
of the government surveyors, as he passed through these woods on a
fur-trading expedition, he came to a fresh battlefield on which still lay
unburied fifteen hundred dead Indians; and that this bloody spot was
none other than what has since been known as "Swan's plains," a short
distance north of Birmingham. Doubtless battles were fought within
the limits of Bloomfield township between warring savages-but fifteen
hundred dead Indians are a good many!
FIRST LAND ENTRY
The first settlers of Bloomfield township came into the country the
year before it was created, civilly and politically. The first land entry
within its limits was of the northwest quarter of section 36, made on the
28th of January, I819, by Colonel Benjamin H. Pierce, an army officer
and a brother of Franklin Pierce, afterward president of the United
States. Colonel Pierce visited his land several times, but never settled
upon it.
FORMATIVE TOWNSHIP PERIOD
The first township meeting was held at the house of John Hamilton
May 25, 1827. The board of inspectors consisted of Samuel Satterlee,
Laban Jenks and Elijah S. Fish. Mr. Fish was the moderator and Ogden
Clarke was the clerk for the day. Lemuel Castle was the first supervisor, and continued to serve continuously until 1830, the year that the
township acquired its present area, when John W. Hunter was elected.
Ezra S. Parke was township clerk from 1827 to 1834; so that he was
also in office during this formative period.
The first schoolhouse in Bloomfield township was a small log building erected on the farm of Dr. Ziba Swan, less than a mile north of the
village of Birmingham. Captain Hervey Parke, the surveyor, commenced the first term therein about December I, 1822.
The first district school in Bloomfield was taught by Rev. Lemuel
M. Partridge in the winter of 1834-35, in the old log house of John
Hamilton, at Birmingham. In the former year the district system of




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


373


public education had been inaugurated in conformity with the provisions
of the legislative act approved April 13, 1833, which made it obligatory
upon townships to elect three commissioners of common schools. Their
duties were to lay off the townships into school districts and to establish them in numerical order.
THREE COMPETING TAVERNS
John W. Hunter is credited with being the first settler. With his
brother, Daniel, he traveled by sleigh from Auburn, New York, through
Canada, to Detroit, where he arrived in March, I818. At the landoffice there he entered the northeast quarter of section 36, which is now
the southeast part of Birmingham. Daniel and John Hunter awaited
the arrival of their father, Elisha (with family) until the July following, but they did not locate in Bloomfield until the spring of I8I9.
About the same time John Hamilton and Elijah Willets settled further
west, but still within the present limits of the village. By mistake, Mr.
Hunter erected his log house-the first in the township-on the Willets tract. He found a good "opening" there, and took advantage of
it. William Hall, a son-in-law of Elisha Hunter, occupied this house,
and John W. soon afterward built another a short distance southeast
of the first on his own land. In this one-room cabin Mr. Hunter opened
a tavern, and Mr. Hamilton, who had located on the southeast quarter
of section 25, followed his example very soon, as did Mr. Willets, who
established himself as an inn-keeper in the southwest quarter of the
same section. Three taverns thus stood but a few rods apart and competed for prospective trade.
Thus was the first settlement of Bloomfield made on the present
site of Birmingham. The permanent population increased but slowly,
but the name of the locality as a central point of entertainment for
"man and beast" became so well advertised that the immigrants and land
seekers who were attracted thither made quite a bustle. Hunter's was
not long maintained as a public house, but Hamilton and Willets continued their rivalry.
The result of all this was that the settlement was variously designated as "Hamilton's," "Hunter's" or "Willets' ". Still later, presumably on account of the religious character of its people as a whole, it
was quite generally known as "Piety Hill," until it was incorporated as
a village in I864.,MILLS AND STORES OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHAM
Although, as we have seen, the three hotel keepers settled on the
present site of Birmingham, the earliest industrial and mercantile enterprises commenced at other points. A Mr. Doolittle opened a store
on the northeast quarter of section 24, about a mile north of Birmingham at what was called Fairbanks' Corners. He also started a potash
works at the same place, and about 1829 Zeba Rice built a fanning mill
there. The first distillery of the township had already been started
about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Corners.




374


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


BLOOMFIELD CENTER
Judge Amasa Bagley had settled at what became known as "Bagley's," or Bloomfield Center, where both he and his son-in-law, William Morris, operated a popular tavern. There the township meetings
were held for many years. Near by, on the east side of the turnpike,
George W. Morris commenced to make bricks. Again, in 1828, William Morris put the first gristmill in operation, and still earlier (in
1825) Corbett & Monroe, of Detroit, had erected the first sawmill in
the township on the west branch of the Rouge, about two miles northwest of Birmingham. In that vicinity were also built, in 1833, the Young
sawmill, and more than thirty years afterward the Opdyke flouring
mill was erected upon the old property.
In 1834 Edward Matthews, an educated and an energetic Irishman
from New York, planned to build a flouring mill section 31, in the extreme southeastern part of the township, the water power to be furnished by the stream which is the outlet of Black Walnut lake in West
Bloomfield township. The young man got into financial difficulties and
bad habits as well, and the enterprise was taken up in 1837 by Colonel
Peter Van Every, of Detroit, who completed the mill and also erected a
distillery during that year. Both did a good business, and for several
years the Van Every mill was the only establishment of the kind in Oakland county.
Thus it was that many of the most important business and industrial
enterprises originated outside of Birmingham in the early period of
the township's history.
The first industries at Piety Hill were the tannery built by Elijah
Willets in 1827, which stood on the west side of the Pontiac road near
the north end of the present village, and John W. Hunter's foundry,
built in the following year and located a little back from the main
street. The latter developed into a prosperous establishment and the
plant was burned in I854.
The first merchants were a Mr. Dennis and Sullivan R. Kelsey, who
formed a partnership in 1833 and opened a general store in front of
the Hunter foundry. The latter entered politics and became a judge
of Shiawassee county, but remained in business until I843, his partner having withdrawn. Orrin Poppleton succeeded to the business and
to a new store, which Mr. Kelsey had erected. J. B. Simonson and R.
T. Merrill were also engaged in merchandising in the early forties. The
latter built the first brick store in Birmingham in 1841, and in the following year T. A. Flower displayed his stock of goods therein with due
eclat. Mr. Merrill was quite "an energetic citizen, being proprietor of
the original village plat. Among his other enterprises was the public
house which he opened in I834. He operated it for some time himself,
and it was maintained for years afterward by various landlords.
BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE PLATS
The original plat of the village of Birmingham was surveyed and
dated August 25, 1836; location, northwest quarter of section 36; pro



.HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


375


prietor, Roswell T. Merrill. Willets' plat, northwest quarter of section
25, was laid out in 1837; Hunter's first and second plats, northeast quarter
of section 36, 1840 and 1842, respectively; Hamilton plat, southeast
quarter of section 25, 1846, and William Torrey's plat, on section 36, in
1856. These were all the plats recorded previous to the incorporation
of the village in 1864.
OLD TIMES AT PIETY HILL
One of the prominent citizens of Birmingham, who did much to
stamp the community as a religious one, was Deacon Elijah S. Fish, who
in January, 1820, established his homestead on the northeast quarter
of section 23. He was a stanch Presbyterian, and it was at his barn
and house that the first meetings of that denomination were held and
the first society organized. His daughter, Miss Fannie E. Fish, presented a paper to the Oakland County Pioneer Society, in i888, describing "Piety Hill" and vicinity as the Fish family found it in its earliest days, and, although the matter is somewhat personal, it gives so
graphic a picture of the region and the times that it is here republished.
"No spot on the face of the earth," she writes, "has for me more
pleasant associations than Oakland county. I sometimes wonder if we
fully realize how fair a dot on the earthly ball it is. There may be, and
doubtless are, thousands of places of more romantic scenery, of more
historic interest, but I have seen hundreds, if not thousands of places
without a tithe of its attractions. Its almost innumerable little lakes,
crystal clear, have come to be appreciated by all lovers of the beautiful. And there is many a wooded knoll and many a country road, fragrant in early summer with brier rose and clover, and later, gay with
golden-rod and aster, bitter sweet and sumach, that would delight a
poet's heart. But it is not so much to what it is, as to what it was, that
I wish to invite your attention. We gather here year after year to recall with loving memory the incidents of the early settlement of this
county. Let us spare a moment to glance at some of the beautiful
features of that early day that belong as irrevocably to the past as do
the sturdy settlers, who, we will believe, at the bottom of their stout
hearts, appreciated the beauty it was their mission, in part, at least, to
destroy.
"The little opening in the forest north of Birmingham must have
suggested the cleared farms that were to be in the future. Though not
great in extent, it was dignified with the name of 'the plains,' and was
a pleasant break in the monotony of endless trees. The willow fringed
brook on the west sang contented on its way, but told no tales of the
past, and of the future only remarking that it was fully able to furnish
power for sawing lumber or grinding grain, and was quite at the new
comers' service. A few oaks had stepped from their dense neighborhood and secured elbow room in this open space. Painted cup and
lupine were glad of a little more sunshine and flourished here accordingly.
"And the old road, too, the Indian trail that led from I know not
where, possibly Saginaw, to Detroit.  Detached fragments of it remained intact for many years. Doubtless it grew in loveliness after it




376


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was disused as a highway, for nature has a fashion of taking the discarded things of man, whether it be a deserted house and garden, or a
forsaken highway, and clothing them with a peculiar beauty; so here
the turf grew thick and soft, clumps of hazel brush sprang up, now at
one side, now in the middle of the green road. Birds found here plenty
of safe resting places; robin and bluebird, thrush and catbird were all
at home. With one such remnant of the old road I was especially familiar, that between Doctor Parke's house and the sawmill road, so near
the turnpike that the rumbling of the wagons and crack of driver's
whip could be heard, and yet it had an air of perfect seclusion.
"Here there was once a famous picnic; how heartily Doctor and
Mrs. Parke entered into the spirit of the occasion. Rowland Trowbridge, fresh from college, or possibly home at vacation, was there.
The Berkshire pig, which formed part of the repast, was much mixed
up with quotations from Shakespeare, and it seemed to be a question
with the elders that day which they really liked best, the poet or the
pig. For the younger portion of the company, besides the delight of
eating out of doors and being in the way generally, was the added excitement of finding a nest of young rabbits.
"Few are left now of that pleasant gathering. Rowland Trowbridge,
our teacher, Miss Elizabeth Clark, Doctor and Mrs. Parke, Cornelia,
Frank and Ira Parke, are all gone. Of those that were the children
then, more than half have found homes on the Pacific coast, and two
have found their last resting place there.
"Another section of the Indian trail was on the old Blackington
place, and was just such another path of beauty. I think it is all gone
now, and many a road that went winding through the woods in delightful fashion, turning out now for a stump and now for a mud hole, has
been straightened out and compelled to abandon the curve of beauty
for the law of right angles.
"No doubt every old resident can remember some such road fraught
with beauty and full of pleasant associations. If in any mind I have
called up such memories, my object is attained.
"The children of this generation will remember Oakland county
as one of the thriving ones, with interesting railway, and telegraph and
telephone wires on every hand; of comfortable and even elegant farm
houses, of orchards, grain fields, pastures and meadow lands. Here
have come not only people from our own eastern states, but those across
the wide Atlantic, many of whom brought with them little save sturdy
frames and willing hands, and have found here as a reward of their
labors, an old age surrounded by every comfort, and have left to their
children a goodly heritage of broad acres; but I am not sorry that my
memory carries me so far back that I can form some idea of its look
to the first settlers.
"I have been asked to say something of the life of my father, the
late Elijah S. Fish; especially that part of it relating to his settlement
in Michigan. I can only give such incidents as I remember to have
heard mentioned. What memoranda there are in the family are out of
my reach at present; but as those early days were not an unfrequent
topic of conversation, while my parents lived, I am quite familiar with




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


377


the story of the settlement of Bloomfield, as far as one family is concerned.
The incidents are commonplace enough, and owe whatever interest
we may attach to them to the fact that they are part and parcel of the
past of Oakland county.
"Elijah S. Fish was born at Athol, Massachusetts, February 22,
1791. Before his remembrance, his parents moved to western New
York, and his father built the first home where the city of Rochester
now stands. Left motherless when seven years old, he was taken to
Vermont and brought up in the family of Gen. Samuel Fletcher, whose
wife was his aunt. When of age, or soon after, he returned to the west
again, and in I815 married Fannie Spencer. Their first home was at
Black Rock.   Here they saw Lake Erie's first steamboat built and
launched.
"The thought of going to Michigan may have been suggested by
the weekly trips of the 'Walk-in-the-Water' to Detroit; at any rate, the
project of going somewhere into a new country began to be discussed
in the family as a possibility lying in the future, and ere long my mother
said if we go at all, let us go soon. So October of I8I9, just four years
after their marriage, found them ready for the enterprise. They had
expected to take the steamer but were delayed the last hour by the
arrival of a near friend; not liking to wait a week, they embarked the
next day on a schooner. They might as well have waited, for they were
two weeks on Lake Erie, and reached Detroit only an hour or so before the steamer arrived on her second trip.
"As soon as practical my father, leaving his family in Detroit, set
out on foot for a prospecting tour. The oak openings, of which he
had heard, was his objective point. Reaching Royal Oak, he wondered
if that could be the place and felt quite inclined to go back and try his
fortunes in Ohio, but still he kept on, and near sundown came upon the
rise of ground where Birmingham now stands, and knew at once he
had found the object of his search, and felt amply repaid for his lonely
tramp of eighteen miles. The whole country had been kept free from
underbrush by the fires of the Indians, and the level rays of the setting sun lit up the scene, making a picture of wondrous beauty, which
never faded from his memory. A day or two of looking about confirmed his first impressions. During this time he probably made the
acquaintance of the three families then living at Birmingham, Messrs.
Hunter, Hamilton and Willets. and of Doctor Swan. who lived on the
plains already mentioned.
"Returning to Detroit, he soon moved his family into a house standing now where Mr. James McBride now lives and still known as the
Dide Hubbard farm. They did not get a very early start when they
left Detroit, and were obliged to camp out one night; some Indians
came to the camp and begged for whiskey. The man who brought them
out had a keg of the stuff, but he prudently used it as a seat, and would
neither give nor sell them any.
"This home into which they moved seemed to have afforded a temporary shelter for a good many of the settlers. While there, Judge




378


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Bagley and family, and William Morris stayed over night with them,
on their way to their new home.
"The next thing to do was to decide where to locate a home. Section
23, town 2 north, range io east, soon took his fancy, and wishing his
wife to see it, he borrowed an old horse-at least I presume it was old.
It certainly should have been trustworthy, for he mounted his entire
family on its back. To tell the story in his own words: 'I put your
mother in the saddle, and one child behind her and the other in front,
then I took hold of the bridle and we started.' At this point my mother
invariably interrupted him with 'Why no, pa, you didn't lead the horse.
I knew enough to hold the reins.' But whichever was right, the small
cavalcade of three horsemen and one horse made the short journey
safely, and after looking around as long as they cared to, sat down by
a spring of clear, pure water, which was one of the attractions of the
place, and as they ate their lunch in the hazy sunshine of that Indian
summer day, and looked out on the peaceful landscape, they said to
one another, 'This is good enough; here we will make our home.'
"As soon as possible the land was entered at the land office, and
early in January, I820, a small house was ready for its inmates. It was
not a pretentious affair; my father used to say he measured the few
articles of furniture they possessed, and built his house to fit them. I
do not know its dimensions, but will venture to say it afforded them a
comfortable shelter. What if the walls were composed of unhewn logs,
and the floor of the same, split and hewn as smoothly as might be, the
roof of stakes, and the window sash whittled out with a jack-knife. A
few shelves were fashioned with a hand-saw, axe, adze, and were in
existence since my remembrance, not very bad- shelves either. The
great stone fireplace may not have been beautiful in itself, but then it
left half its ugliness outside, and when filled with a cheerful blaze that
shone out upon a spotless floor, and lit up the farthest corners of the
little room, it must have been a pleasant sight. I can imagine an economy that at times made its light suffice for a quiet converse or plain
knitting.
"A muslin curtain, dainty white, I imagine, shaded the one little
window. The bed, even but partially hidden by valence and curtain,
was made a thing of beauty. Early every morning the straw was thoroughly stirred and made to assume a uniform height, and the feather
bed and pillows were thumped and stirred and shaken, till each individual feather made an effort to stand up as light and airy as might
be; then coaxed, and smoothed and patted with many a backward step
to view the effect. At the last the shapely feather bank was ready for
sheets and blankets and comforter, and over all was carefully spread
the pretty blue and white counterpane, with a border of knitted fringe,
and it was not an ill thing to get a glimpse of between the parted curtains. But one thing I must not forget to mention. The door of this
house was a red board, brought from Detroit. True, it was hung with
wooden hinges, and opened with a wooden latch which was raised by
means of a buckskin string, but the door itself was not wholly of home
manufacture.
"Soon after the family moved in, it was found the shake roof was




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


379


not steep enough to shed rain well, and must be changed; as this could
not be done in one day, my mother went to Judge Bagley's where Mrs.
Rowland Trowbridge now lives, to spend the night. She returned to
her home at the expiration of three weeks, bearing in her arms Bloomfield's first white daughter. This year of I820 my mother always spoke
of as the very happiest of many happy years. So many times have I
heard that time described that I can see it all now, almost as if I had
been there.
"In the spring the sweet brier seed which she brought with her
came up and its delicate green, giving promise of fragrance and beauty
in the future, was watched with living interest, for it was a bit of the
old home transplanted here. Every stroke of the axe, every crashing,
falling tree, was cheering prophecy of corn and wheat crops. The two
little boys played about the door, the fair babe smiled and crooned in
its cradle, and the mother, with heart full to overflowing with hope
and happiness, went about her household cares. There were hard places
no doubt, days of discouragement, and nights of weariness. What life
anywhere is free from them? Felling trees all day and tending log
heaps far into the night could not have been easy work. One day's
work of man and team must be paid for with four days of hard labor,
and yet these days were always referred to by both of my parents as
very happy ones, and the impression left on my mind by the story so
often told, was not of a time of great hardship, but of keen enjoyment,
and I believe, when at the close of day they bowed their heads at their
humble hearth stone, and my father returned unfeigned thanks for the
goodness and mercy that had followed them thus far, they both truly
felt that their lives had fallen unto them in pleasant places; yea, that
theirs was a goodly heritage.
"My father, with characteristic forethought, brought with him a
year's supply of provisions, so there was no fear of actual hunger,
though probably their fare was of the plainest, relieved a little perhaps by maple sugar and syrup in the spring and wild berries in the
summer. The canister of tea costing $1.75 or $2 per pound was never
taken down except in cases of company or sickness, save Sunday mornings, though I doubt it was ever empty.
"That little happy family are all gone. The dear daughter stayed
with them eight bright summers, and when she went every heart in
that little community seemed to throb with sympathy with them. My
mother never forgot this expression, and used to say 'We never know
how good people are until we are in trouble.'
"In course of time an addition was built to the first home, fields were
cleared, orchards set, and somewhere between I830-55, the maple grove
planted, and in 1836 the brick house built, the ruins of which are still
inhabited. And during all these years they found time for social intercourse, for Christian labor in church and Sunday-school. Feeling keenly
his own lack of education, my father was deeply interested that his
children should not labor under the same disadvantage, though I think
no one can really be called uneducated who reads as understandingly
and thinks as clearly as he did. It is scarcely necessary to speak of his
record as a temperance or anti-slavery worker. He never cast but one




380


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


vote for a successful presidential candidate; that was Abraham Lincoln, and he died February 22, 1861, just a few days before the inauguration.
"Of those personal traits which endeared him to those who knew
him best, perhaps I am not the one to speak; I suppose he had his
faults, though they are hidden from my sight by a mountain of love. I
will mention just one thing.  Mrs. Captain Duncan, a Scotch lady,
once said to me 'Your father is the most perfect gentleman I have met
in America.' It was not outward polish to which she referred, but to
that innate unselfishness, combined with common sense, which makes
any man, as my father truly was, a gentleman.
"As I have been preparing this paper, many little incidents of the
past have been brought to mind. Of Mrs. Trowbridge, surrounded by
her little flock, and, as her busy needle flew in and out, repeating poems
learned in happy girlhood and affording pleasure in her still happier
wife and motherhood.
"Of Mrs. Goodsell, Lydia Smith then, and not more than ten or
twelve years old, riding through the storm. She had come with her
parents to visit some relatives near Pontiac who were sick, and finding
the case more serious than they expected, they concluded to stay all
night; but at home the sheep were out exposed to wolves-besides, a
storm  was coming up. So Lydia mounted on a horse. 'Now,' said
her aunt, 'as soon as you get into the woods, put your foot over like a
boy, and ride as fast as you can.' I think it was a brave thing for a girl
to do, and no danger but every sheep in the flock was safely housed
before she rested.
"The Methodist hymns, too, borne on the midnight air, at the sound
of which people turned in the comfortable beds, and said to themselves,
'Oh, that is Doctor Parke. I wonder who is sick'; for the good doctor
went at all times of day or night, as cheerfully where he knew he should
get no pay, as to his richest patients.
"Ah, it was true, good stuff of which these early settlers were made;
none better anywhere.
"Of the immediate neighbors, some, as the families at Birmingham,
Doctor Swan and his son-in-law, Esquire Dole, Mr. Baldwin, and probably some others, were here before my father came; others came a few
years later. Those nearest were Doctor Parke, Mr. Blackington, Mr.
Rice, Judge Bagley, a man of keen, shrewd sense, who humorously accounted for his title by the fact that 'judge timber' was scarce in those
times. Mrs. Bagley is still held in loving remembrance by numerous
descendants. Mr. William Morris, full of energy, did a thriving business in his gristmill, store, ashery and distillery.  George Morris lived at Bloomfield Center; Mr. John Diamond, his father-in-law,
a little west of there; as did also the Vaughn family. Moses Peck must
have been here before 1825, I think. He found a wife in Judge Bagley's family, as also did Silas Harris.
"Several of the neighboring families, after sojourning here some
years, went west and made themselves pleasant homes in Shiawassee
county and other places.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


381


* "Mrs. Rice died in California, within the past year or two, and
Mrs. Comfort, at the age of ninety, has also recently died."
VILLAGE OF BIRMINGHAM
The original plat of Birmingham was surveyed and dated August
25, 1836, being located on the northwest quarter of section 36, Roswell
T. Merrill, proprietor.  Four additions were made to it prior to its
incorporation as a village, by the board of supervisors in January, I864.
That body resolved that a certain tract of country situated in the township of Bloomfield "be, and the same hereby is constituted a village
corporate, under the name of the village of Birmingham," the boundaries of the said village corporate being described as follows: "Commencing at the quarter-stake in the east section-line of section 25, town
2, north of range IO east; running south along the section-line to the
quarter-line of section 36; thence west along said quarter-line to the
west side of said section 25; thence east along said quarter-line to the
place of beginning,"-thus including the north half of section 36 and
the south half of section 25 in the corporate limits.
It was ordered that the first village election be held at the house
of James Grinley in said village, on the first Tuesday of March, I864,
for the purpose of electing village officers, and John Bodine, James
Hunt and John Fitzpatrick were chosen inspectors for the said election.
The election was held on Tuesday, March I, I864, and resulted in
the election of the following board of trustees: J. C. K. Crooks, George
L. Lee, Robert J. Mitchell, S. N. Hill, Hugh Irving, John Bodine and
C. W. Jenks. J. C. K. Crooks was elected president of the board, and
S. N. Hill village clerk.
At a meeting of the trustees, held May 9, 1864, Alanson Partridge
was appointed marshal of the village and John Bodine, treasurer.
A loan of three hundred dollars was obtained in April and another
of like amount in May, for making the village improvements usual in
similar cases, and these were duly made during the succeeding summer.
In I864 and 1865 the subject of the establishment of a village fire
department was brought up, but was not really organized until I89o.
REINCORPORATED
On April I6, 1885, a bill passed the state legislature to reincorporate
the village of Birmingham. The first election under the new charter
was held March 8, I886. Officers elected and appointed were as follows: President of board of trustees, Frank Hagerman; clerk, George
H. Mitchell; treasurer, Frank Blakeslee; assessor, Luther Stanley; street
commissioner, George Blakeslee; marshal, Samuel C. Mills.
VILLAGE PRESIDENTS AND CLERKS
Including 1877 the village presidents and clerks have been as follows:
1877-Frank Hagerman, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
1878-Frank Hagerman, president; John F. Alger, clerk.
* Written in 1888.




382      HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


WOODWARD AVENUE, BIRMINGHAM
77Z  X,  Anje, 1; A /:; -:


HIGH SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


383


I879-Frank Hagerman, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
I880-Frank Ford, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
I88I-Frank Ford, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
1882-Luther Stanley, president; Almeron Whitehead, clerk.
1883-Ira Slade, president; James R. Carson, clerk.
I884-Ira Slade, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
I885-Ira Slade, president, George E. Daines, clerk.
I886-Ira Slade, president; George E. Daines, clerk.
I887-Luther Stanley, president; George H. Mitchell, clerk.
I888-Luther Stanley, president; George H. Mitchell, clerk.
1889-Ira Slade, president; Edward R. Smith, clerk.
189o-Ira Slade, president; Eugene Brooks, clerk.
189i-Lyman B. Peabody, president; George H. Mitchell, clerk.
1892-John Bodine, president; Albert W. Campbell, clerk.
I893-Lyman B. Peabody, president; Albert W. Campbell, clerk.
I894-Lyman B. Peabody, president; Frank W. Blair,* clerk.
I895-Almeron Whitehead, president; Frank W. Blair, clerk.
I896-Almeron Whitehead, president; Edward R. Smith, clerk.
1897-Almeron Whitehead, president; Albert W. Campbell, clerk.
I898-Frank Hagerman, president; Albert W. Campbell, clerk.
I899-Frank Hagerman, president; Thomas H. Cobb, clerk.
900oo-Mason N. Leonard, president; Thomas H. Cobb, clerk.
190o-Julius F. Rundel, president; Thomas H. Cobb, clerk.
1902 —Julius F. Rundel, president; Albert W. Campbell, clerk.
1903-Julius F. Rundel, president; Charles E. Toms, clerk.
1904-Julius F. Rundel, president; Charles E. Toms, clerk.
1905-Daniel M. Johnston, president; George H. Satterlee, clerk.
I906-Daniel M. Johnston, president; George H. Satterlee, clerk.
1907-Edward R. Smith ** and John W. Perry, president; George
H. Satterlee, clerk.
1908-George E. Daines, president; Guy L. Watkins, clerk.
1909-George E. Daines, president; Ray Keyser, clerk.
I9Io-George E. D'aines, president; Ray Keyser, clerk.
191I-George E. Daines, president; George L. Kemp, clerk.
1912-George E. Daines, president; George L. Kemp, clerk.
PUBLIc WORKS
The supply of water for Birmingham is taken from eleven wells,
the pumping plant being on Maple avenue on the banks of Rouge river.
The value of the plant is about $I5,ooo. The first well was bored February 12, I890, the funds being supplied by the Wayne County Savings
Bank with village bonds as security. Prior to I906 four or five wells
had been sunk and the supply for fire and other purposes which required pressure was pumped from a large tank. In that year six new
wells were bored and connected directly with the pumps, the cistern
being abandoned. Five were added in I912.
* Now President Union Trust Company, Detroit.
** Mr. Smith did not qualify and the board of trustees appointed Mr. Perry, who
served out the term.




384


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Plans are afoot to establish a sanitary sewer system, village bonds
for that purpose in the amount of $22,000 having been voted in March,
ioII. A $25,ooo schoolhouse is also in contemplation. These public
enterprises certainly stamp Birmingham as an up-to-date community.
The present fire apparatus consists of one auto engine and one combined chemical and hose auto, purchased in December, I91I, for $15,500;
an aerial hook and ladder truck, two hose reels, one combined chemical
and hose wagon and one steamer (Foster No. 2); and the department
includes a chief, one lieutenant, twelve full pay firemen and five call
men. A well built red brick structure houses the apparatus and accommodates the force. The original building was erected in I867, but it has
been almost entirely reconstructed of recent years.
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT
In I869 the citizens of Troy, Bloomfield, Royal Oak and Southfield
erected a memorial monument in honor of the soldiers from these townships who had died in the Union service during the Civil war. It was
placed in the center of Birmingham village at the intersection of Saginaw, Troy and Mill streets, the open space which formed its site being
inclosed by a handsome iron fence. There it stood, an ornament and
striking memorial to local patriotism until I897 when it was removed
to Birmingham cemetery.
The shaft of the monument is of veined marble about twenty feet
high, and upon its faces are inscribed the names of the soldiers from
the four townships who gave their lives for the Union.
Troy is represented by the following: "D. Remington, K; James McIlvain, K; Hugh Mcllvain, D; Samuel Truesdale, D; E. R. Smith, D;
Charles Sand, K; Hugh O'Hara, D; William Jennings, D; John Leonard, D; James Shanahan, D; Thomas Taft, D; Edward Nichols, D;
Fred Genrick, D; J. E. James, D; Richard Wheeler, D; G. H. James,
D; William Tharratt, D; John Tharratt, K; Peter Crombie, D; George
Blovolt, D; George Kinney, D; Lyman A. Platt, D; Henry Burnett, K."
Royal Oak by "Frank Bickford, D; S. Young, D; Jay S. Simonson,
D; Joseph Jasper, K; J. W. Blackman, K; James Murray, D; Benjamin Young, D,; Charles Young, D; Peter Sevelle, D; C. Fay, K; Chester Ferrend, K; James Carroll, K."
Southfield is represented by "John Newman, D; J. C. Dexton, K;
George Van Every, D; Harris Rolf, K; James Darling, D; John Morris, K; Edward Wood, K; J. M. Brown, D; John Shanklin, D; G. H.
Kinney, D; John Sherman, D."
Bloomfield is represented by "James Grinley, D; Oscar F. Drake,
K; Orville A. Drake, D; J. Kelley, D; Malcolm Carter, K; Peter Lowes,
D; AlpheUs Madden, D; Andrew Simpson, D; B. F. Leach, D; John
Hollinshead, D; William Potter, D; William Hollinshead, K; James
Davie, D; Omer Fall, K; Henry Lewless, D; John Leach, D; G. L.
Bassett, D; A. J. Stone, D; George Briggs, K; John French, D; Truxton Talbot, D; James Briggs, K; Frank Brown, D; Isaac C. Morgan,
K; Byron McGraw, D; James Greer, D; T. J. Barnum, D; Robert
Lowes, D; William Irving, K."




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


385


And on the plinth is cut this inscription: "Erected by the citizens
of the above towns, 1869."
BIRMINGHAM CIHURCIIES
Birmingham is a church-going and a moral community, and has been
such since the early twenties when the Methodists commenced to hold
services at Willets' log tavern and at the house of Dr. Ezra S. Parke.
A few members of that denomination effected an organization in 1827,
and their first meetings were held in Brother Willets' frame barn and
other similar buildings in the neighborhood. The first regular church
was built in 1839-40, at the corner of Bates and Merrill streets and was
afterward used as the hall of the Ladies' Library Association. The
second edifice was completed in 1873 at a cost of $20,000. Rev. G. H.
Whitney is the present (October, 1912) pastor of the church.
Dr. William Jamieson is pastor of a flourishing Presbyterian church,
which had its origin in the three days' meeting held at the barn of
Deacon Elijah S. Fish, early in the year I834. On the 2d of July of
that year an organization was effected. Rev. Eri Prince was the first
pastor, and Deacon Fish was the first delegate from the church to the
Presbytery which sat at Pontiac in September, I834. The first edifice
of worship built by the Presbyterians of Birmingham was dedicated in
the summer of 1844, the second year of the pastorate of Rev. E. H.
Fairchild. A second church was completed in I86o. The present house
of worship, a beautiful structure, is of comparatively recent and most
modern construction. Both church and Sunday-school (originally organized in 1837) are substantially progressing under the pastorate of
Doctor Jamieson.
The first Baptist church organization in Birmingham was effected
in I833, the present city being then but a small settlement. The society
then brought into existence was of short life, and in 1840 was dissolved,
for thirty years thereafter there being no organized representation of the
Baptist faith in the village. In about 1870 there began to be a revival
of interest in a church, several Baptist families having located in Birmingham, and they considered themselves sufficiently reinforced to permit of another society, and on the 28th of June, i870, the church organization was effected.
The little society.was anxious to build itself a church home, and in
that year purchased two lots on Saginaw street and made preparation
for the erection of a building in the following summer. Owing to a
disagreement as to the location, however, their plans to build came to
naught and it was not until January, 1873, that plans were again agitated for building. On September 23d of that year it was dedicated
and is still occupied.
The present membership is one hundred and twenty, as compared
with a membership of thirty-eight when the church was organized in
I873. Its last pastor, Rev. C. A. Salyer, served from June, I908 to
June, 1912.
The Episcopalians are organized into a growing church, under the
pastorate of Rev. F. F. Kraft and the Seventh-Day Adventists have a




386


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


society. For some years the United Presbyterians also maintained a
church organization.
SECRET AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
The village has a number of well established societies in its midst,
the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights and Ladies of
Maccabees and Florence Crittenden W. C. T. U. Such organizations
as the Ladies' Literary Society, the Library Association and the Cemetery Association, are sketched in the chapter devoted to women's influence in Oakland county; and right here is a good place to repeat that
Birmingham as a village is a fine illustration of the standard fixed by
a community wherein their activities are, if anything, dominant.
The first of the secret and fraternal orders to be established at Birmingham was that of Masonry. It was founded through the initial meeting of Birmingham Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M., which was held on
the 25th of April, 1850. On January 9, 185I, the charter was granted
and the following officers were installed at that time: William Brown,
worthy master; Friend Belding, senior warden; Scribe Blakeslee, junior
warden; Ebenezer Raynale, treasurer; George W. Marrill, secretary;
Horace Gray, senior deacon; Horace J. Johnson, junior deacon; Peter
Dox, tyler.
For many years the meetings were held over the store of James W.
Hunt; later they purchased from John Allen Bigelow the rooms over
his store, corner Pierce and Maple streets, which was formally dedicated to Masonic uses on December 23, 1873, by Grand Master Hugh
McCurdy, who had received his degree in No. 44, but afterwards became affiliated with Corunna lodge. Birmingham lodge has also furnished a grand master in the person of Alanson Partridge, who officiated
in the year I872.
Those who have served as masters are: William Brown, 1851-53;
Friend Belding, 1852; Alanson Partridge, 1854-66, 1867-9, 1872-80,
I883; Elson W. Reynolds, 1867, i88i, I882; William Brown, I870-7I
and 1884; Eugene Brooks, 1885-1895, I897; Frank W. Blair, I896; Daniel
M. Johnston, I898-I9o0, and I908; George H. Satterlee, I9OI and I902;
Will W. Masters, 1903-4 and 1906; Almeron Whitehead, 1905; Ellsworth H. Randall, 1907; Charles J. Shain, I909-Io, and Earl R. Jenks,
1911.
The present membership of the lodge is two hundred and nineteen,
of which the officers for I912 are: Herman G. Hendrickson, worthy
master; James H. Terry, senior warden; Charles A. Brigham, junior
warden; John M. Rainey, treasurer; Maurice R. Blair, secretary; Percy
W. Parmenter, senior deacon; Lynn A. Carmer, junior deacon; James
B. Hunt, tyler.
Several years ago the lodge purchased rooms adjoining their then
quarters, which they converted into banquet rooms, which gives them
very comfortable quarters at present. In 1911 Birmingham released
twenty-six members and jurisdiction of territory to aid in the formation
of a lodge at Royal Oak.
Mary D. Hive No. 393, L. 0. T. M. M., Birmingham, was organized




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


387


on August I6, I893, with the following officers: Josephine Campbell,
commander; Emma Tibbits, lieutenant commander; M/artha Blakelee,
past commander; Lena Wilson, record keeper; Nellie Blair, finance
keeper; Emily L. Hunt, chaplain. In I912 the following officers were
elected: Flora Mudge, commander; Carrie Knowles, first commander;
Anna M. Parks, past commander; Emily S. Hunt, record keeper; Helen
H. Carson, finance keeper; Zina Mills, chaplain. The present membership of the lodge is thirty-four.


Vol. I-25




CHAPTER XXVII


HOLLY TOWNSHIP
DRAINAGE AND LAKES-FIRST ENTRY AND SETTLEM:ENT-OTHER PIONEERS OF THE TOWNSHIP-SETTLERS IN 1832-1837 —FIRST TINGS
-QUAINT ALONZO R. ROOD-DESCENDANTS OF THE PIONEERSFOUNDING OF HOLLY VILLAGE-VIILAGE SCHOOL —NEW         UNION
SCHOOL-TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE LIBRARIES —THE WATERWORKSHOLLY NEWSPAPERS-INDUSTRIES -THE CHURCHES-SOCIETIES.
The township of Holly, as we know it today, was created by act of
the legislature, March 6, 1838, being formed from the west half of
Groveland. The original townships of the county were Oakland and
Bloomfield, formed in 1820 and, in 1827, divided into five, of which
Pontiac included Groveland and Holly townships. As stated, the former was divided in 1838. At that time the first land entry within the
present limits of Holly township had b1een mIade eight years before,
and the first actual settlement, seven.
DRAINA(;GE AND I \LAKES
There are few townships in the county, whose lakes and ponls are
so generally distributed as those of Holly. They number some fifty,
which, with Shiawassee river and Swartz creek, furnish sufficient water
for the fertilization of the soil, as well as fish in season. The former
flows through the southwestern corner of the township, and the latter,
now generally known as Little creek, takes a tortuous course through
the northwestern, central and southeastern sections, connecting a majority of the little lakes and ponds. The most considerable bodies of
water in the township are Bush (on the northeastern borders of Holly
village), Crutched, Dickinson, Spring, Gravel, Strawberry, Fagan, Mitchell
and Opinoconic. They are named generally as to their location north
from the village of Holly, Opinoconic lake stretching into the extreme
northwest corner of the township from Genesee county.
IIRST E1XNTRY) AND SETTLEME1 NT
The first entry of land in Holly township was made by Nathan lHerrick on September I6, 1830, his claim being a part of section i, on the
old Saginaw trail.
388




HIST ORY OF OAKLAN() COUNTY


-389


William Gage, a New Yorker, came with his family in 1831 anl built
a log house on section 6. He was the first actual settler and his the first
house in Holly township. It is further probable that his son, John, born
in i832, was the first native white child.
OTHER P)IONEERS OF TIIE TOWNSHIIP
In the spring of that year, Nathan Herrick erected a log dwelling
on his claim and moved into the house; so that he was the second to
settle in the township. He became quite lrominent in public affairs,
and in April, 1835, was elected first supervisor of Groveland township
when it included Holly.
Terrence Fagan, who came from Otsego county, New York, brought
his family with him, and in the spring of 1833 entered land in sections
2, 3, and i I, in the northeastern portion of the township. I-s log house
was the third erected. M'r. Fagan lived in that locality until his death in
1852. IBoth he and his wife, who survived him but a few years, were
buried in the old H-adley cemetery, on sections I8 and I9, Groveland
township, which contains the remains of many of the' pioneers of Holly.
The first marriage in Htolly township was between Peter Fagan, one
of his sons, and Eliza L. Dains, on the i8th of November, i838. Mr.
Fagan was long one of the leading citizens of the township.
SETTL-:'rlRS IN 1832-1837
The following is believed to be a nearly complete list of those who
settled in the township from  1832 to 1837, inclusive:  1832, Nathan
tIerrick, Calvin Herrick, Peter Fagan, John Fagan and Hannibal Vickery; 1833, Terrence IFagan, Thomas Fagan, Alonzo R. Rood and Vincent Runyon; 1834, Burnett Scott and Asa Beech (who kept a tavern
on section 12); 1835, Darius Austin, John Runyon, Matthew Moorehouse,
Jonathan T. Allen, Edwin Edwards, Alexander Galloway, George Mitchell,
John Forsyth and M\asten W. Richards; I836, William Young, Moses
Smith, William Haas, Robert Kennedy, Stephen Dains, John Dains, Ira C.
Alger, Edward B:ray, 11.   B. lartlett, Isaac Springer, Nicholas Yorton,
Isaac Taylor, Meshek G. Norris, Sr., Edward -lull, John Stringer, John
Stone, Sylvanus Bartlett and Filer Frost; 1837, David Ackerson, \Villiam B. l)ecker, W\illiam Bevens and \Villet C. I)ay.
F tIRS E'VEN TS.
The first town meeting held in the township of H:olly proper was
at the house of John Runyon, in April, 1838, and the following officers
were elected: Jonathan T. Allen, supervisor; Ira C. Alger, clerk; Willet
C. Day, treasurer; Peter Fagan, Daniel Donaldson, Edwin Edwards,
highway commissioners; Ira C. Alger, William Gage, John Stone, justices of the peace; Daniel Donaldson, Willianm Bevins, Calvin Herrick,
constables; P-eter Iagan, Edwin Edwards and the supervisor ex officio,
assessors.
The first hotel in the township was built at Stony Run, in 1834, bv
Smith Jenks and Thomas Irish.




390


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


In 1839 William  Young erected the pioneer blacksmith shop on
section 22.
The first road in the township was completed in 1834, being that
portion of the Detroit & Saginaw turnpike which crosses the northeast
corner, on sections I and 12.
The log schoolhouse, opened in 1833, on the line between Groveland
and Holly, was the first built in either township. Its teacher was an
Irishman named Hugh Dougherty, and his first class comprised twelve
pupils.
QUAINT ALONZO R. ROOD
Alonzo R. Rood bore the honor, for many years, of being the pioneer
settler of Holly township. He came from Genesee county, New York,
in 1822, and, with his wife and eight children, settled first in Bloomfield
township. Four children were afterward born to Mr. and Mrs. Rood.
In the fall of 1833 the family moved to section 26, Holly township,
where he resided to a very advanced age. Mr. Rood and his brother-inlaw, Vincent Runyon, came together, and the first timber cut in the
neighborhood went into his log house. About 1837 he erected a frame
dwelling, which is claimed to have been the first in the township.
Mr. Rood was still living on the land of his first choice in 1898, and
the following is an article published in the Detroit Journal which tells
the story of his life up to that time:
"The oldest living settler in Holly township, as well as one of the
most eccentric characters in the state, is Alonzo R. Rood, who resides
on his old farm ~about two and a half miles northeast of Holly village.
He is now a man of eighty-five years, and the story of his life as told
by himself is possessed of all the spirit of adventure of a novel. Although he has passed through a great many hardships, he is as hale and
hearty as a man of sixty years and can do a day's hard farm work as
easily as most men half his age. He is known for miles around for his
great hardihood.
"Mr. Rood was born among the beautiful hills of Orleans county,
Vermont, on April 19, 1812. When ten years old his parents caught
the western fever and prepared to follow the 'star of the empire' and
set out to seek their fortune in the new territory north of the Ohio.
Mrs. Rood and the children traveled from Buffalo to Detroit by water,
but the steamer was not large enough to carry the oxen and old Mr.
Rood drove them overland.
"'When we landed in Detroit,' said Mr. Rood, 'it was a straggling
little hamlet that could be put into a ten-acre lot, and here we waited
for father to come up with the cattle. When he arrived we immediately
set out for our new home-a piece of the wilderness near the present
site of Pontiac.'
"Ten months of the year Alonzo helped his father to reclaim the
forest and the other two months were spent at school. Here the scholars
were taught to read, spell and cipher. By great perseverance in home
study he got a fair education for those days.
"On attaining his majority Alonzo was given a yoke of oxen and a
cow. This made him rich, and in the fall of 1832 he decided to begin




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


391


life on his own hook. IIe struck an Indian trail and went several miles
further into the primeval forests and located on eighty acres in what is
now Holly township, and which was then a section of a vast territory
called Copmeconic. He built a rude hut to shelter himself and his stock
during the coming winter.
"Young Rood found the life a rather lonely one. He might ramble
for miles in any direction without seeing the face of a civilized being.
He was the only white man in that section, which was a wilderness. Yet
the young man was not dissatisfied.  He did not have time to fell
trees, so he girdled them and next spring he planted and raised his first
crop of corn in the shade of their leafless branches. The Indians stole
half of his crop before it was gathered, but they were inclined to be
friendly, and Alonzo did not kick. There were wolves in plenty, but
they did not cause the young man as much fear as did the wild hogs.
"Once or twice a year Rood would go to Pontiac with a grist or
two to pay his taxes. His father died and Alonzo became the possessor
of a herd of more than fifty cattle. He was now a rich man, indeed.
Other settlers were coming into his section of the wilderness, and becoming tired of his hut he determined to build himself what he called
a mansion. This consisted of a frame dwelling one and a half stories
in height, sided up with real sawed lumber. Its dimensions were fifteen
by twenty feet. In order to build this house Mr. Rood hauled logs
twenty-two miles to Pontiac and had them sawed into lumber which he
drew back. He acted both as architect and carpenter. Nails were worth
twenty cents a pound. Rood bought one pound with which to put his
doors together, and for the rest of his house he used wooden pegs.
"This house, more than sixty years old, yet stands. It has the distinction of being the oldest building in Holly township. The outside
boards are worn as thin as paper in some places from the action of the
elements.  Its most striking features are its windows which are six
inches wide and very high. It was necessary in the days when the
house was built to construct windows in this shape to keep the Indians
out while the family were in the fields. The house is a great landmark
and is being carefully preserved. His (laughter, who is married and
resides in Detroit, being desirous of securing possession of the old
homestead on her father' death, has entered into an agreement whereby
she is to pay him a certain sum of money each year as long as he lives,
and at his death the place descends to her. From the present indications she will pay dearly for the property, for if serious accident does
not befall him, the old man is certainly destined to see the century mark.
"\r. Rood has been married four times. His first wife died after
a few years of happy married life. 'My second wife,' said Mr. Rood.
'was young, and did not like my ways, and finally left me. A third followed in the footsteps of the second. Wives, you know,' continued the
old man, 'are somewhat like cattle —they like a change of pasture. So
I let them go. My present wife is the best of all.' _Mr. Rood believed
that a wife should remain at home all the time unless she was working
with him in the fields.
"Mr. Rood has one of the finest apple orchards in the county. The
trees all grew from seeds planted in the ground where they now stand,




39:,4-% 9.
O -,


HIISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and some of them are more than sixty years old. On the north and
west sides of the orchard are green walls more than thirty feet high,
which are formed by hundreds of fir, pine, spruce and hemiock trees,
which were planted as a wind break years and years ago.
"The orchard yielded one thousand barrels of apples last year, every
one of which was handled by the old man. He brought them into Holly
to be shipped.  Mr. Rood was in California for three years in the
fifties, and he spent a week at the world's fair at Chicago. These were
his longest trips away from home."
I)ESCENDANTS OF THE PI(ONEERS
Not long ago the venerable Thomas L. Patterson, of Holly, remarked to the writer that there were few localities in Oakland county
in which so many of the descendants of the pioneers still resided on the
old homesteads as in Holly township. In the following contribution to
this history he proves his assertion: "The record discloses," he writes,
"that Nathan Herrick took from the government the first patent for
land in the township on section i. Soon after, Mr. Gage located on
section 6. A little later Terrence Fagan also located as among the first,
as did also George Mitchell, who located on sections 9 and Io. Hugh
BIelford was also among the oldest.
"This reminiscence is not undertaken or given to individualize, b1ut
to show some of the work and the lessons taught by the early pioneers
that have been recognized and adhered to by their children, heirs and
kindred, and to estimate a percentage of the original locations that are
still kept in the families of the pioneers.
"The years 1835-1839, took all or nearly all of the government lands
in Holly. That is, the lands were mostly located and settled by pioneers
within those years. Of the lands located in the first five years of the
thirties, there are but eight of the locations so made by them that are
held by descendants in direct line, viz.:
"Land of Hugh Ielford, held bv his sons, Joseph and Hf-enry, on
sections 3 and 4.
"Land of John D. Parker, held by his son Henry, on sections 5 and 6.
"ILand of William Gage, held by grandchildren, in part, Mrs. John
Fagan and George White, on section 6.
"Land located by Morris -Green, held by himself and son.
"Land located by George Mitchell, held by his son, David Mitchell.
"Land located by Terrence Fagan, held by his grandson, William
Fagan, on section ii.
"Land located by iDarius Austin on sections o1 and 15, held by his
(laughter Nellie.
"Land located by Jonathan T. Allen. held by his granddaughters,
daughters of Mr. Ira Allen, Mrs. J. W. Mfothersill and.Mrs. T. S. Patterson, on section 35.
"There are now owned and occupied by the kindred of those who
located lands in the township in the last five years of the thirties, fifteen
families, viz.:
"Land located b1 Samuel Green, held 1)v himself, on section 4.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


393


"I and located by Patrick Cunnien, held by his two sons, sections 6
and 8.
"Land located by W. Traphagan, held by his son, Abram Traphagan.
on section 7.
"Land located by Daniel Minnock on section 9, held by his daughter,
Mrs. W. R. Smith and son, Michael Minnock.
"Land located by Elisha Marsh on section 12, held by grandson,
Elmer Marsh.
"Land located by Henry Lehring on section 14, held by Frederick
Lehring.
"Land located by Hiram Austin on section I5, held by Handy Austin.
son.
"Land located by Samuel DeCue on section 19, held by son, John
IeCue, and sisters.
"Land located by C. P. Quick, held by sons, John, Charlie and Williami, and a daughter, on sections 21 and 22.
"Land located by Moses Smith on sections 25 and 36, held by grandsons, Fred and Howard Smith.
"Land located by James Patterson, held by grandson, W. F. Patterson, section 28.
"Land located by A. 1-. Joslin, held by sons, James and John Joslin,
section 28.
"Land locatedl by C. F. -Ilarback, held by Charles Herrick, grandson,
section 30.
"Land located by Peter Fagan, held by sons, John, Thomas H., Edwin
and William, and daughter, Mrs. Spaulding.
"This statement is made from  facts which have come under the
personal observations of the writer since 1847, and from personal talks
with some of the very earliest settlers of the township, the writer having
been a resident of the township for sixty-five years.
"The percentage of estates of the pioneers who located homes in
Holly, as will be seen, is small, but a golden thread runs through time
and connects the homes of the early settlement of the township with
the present hustling and progressive population of township by kindred.
lBut few remain of the settlers of the last half of the thirties and the
whole of the forties, not to exceed seven, I think-among them, Morris
Green, C. F. Harback, Harrison Smith, David Mitchell, Mrs. John
Danes and the writer. Other descendants of the early pioneers are residents of Holly, but of a later generation. My estimate is that seven
per cent in number of the locators of the lands in Holly from the governnent are now represented )y direct descendants, an(l about ten per
cent of the acreage."
FOUNDIN(; OF HOII()l.Y  LLj.\(;1
The village of Holly owes its existence to the Detroit & Milwaukee
Railroad, which was completed to that point in October, i855. A small
settlement had already sprung up, Ira C. Alger having built a sawmill
and a grist mill at that point more than ten years before.
Mainly through the influence of Peter Fagan, a postoffice was es



394


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


tablished there in I846-the first in the township. The postmaster was
Marcus Young. As Mr. Fagan induced the government to call the new
postoffice "Holly Mills," the origin of the village name is readily understood.
The original plat of the village of Holly was laid out by James G.
Mitchell in 1855 and in 1858 he made an addition which was called J. G.
Mitchell's northern addition. Several other additions were made previous to its incorporation by act of the legislature in I865.
VILLAGE SCHOOLS
The first school in Holly village was taught by Miss Caroline Norris
in the winter of I845-46. The old schoolhouse stood on Saginaw street
and was used for various purposes.
The first Holly Union school building was begun in the fall of 1867
and completed the following summer at a cost, including grounds and
furniture, of more than $26,000oo. The Union school was organized
in the fall of I868 and the school census of that year shows an enrollment of three hundred and seventy-five pupils and an average attendance
of two hundred and fifty-five. The cost of maintaining the school was
$2,280.
The teachers for the school year of 1876-77 were: Principal, William Thomas; preceptress, Miss Alice Cooper; grammar department,
Miss Kate M1. Miles, Miss Ella A. Farnsworth; primary department,
Mrs. Amelia Norris and Miss Georgia Holland. The total annual expenses of the school, including the salaries of teachers, janitor's wages,
fuel, lights, etc., were more than $3,000. The first building was a
large brick structure, three stories in height, surmounted by a belfry,
in which hung a fine bell. The school was located in the eastern part
of the village, occupying the south half of the block bounded by Maple,
Center, East and College streets.
The Union school building being deemed inadequate for the proper
accommodation of the large number of pupils, a one-story brick schoolhouse was erected in the southwest part of the village at a cost of $I,ooo.
The teacher for the school year of I876-77 was Miss Ada Plummer.
The attendance at the Union school has kept pace with the general
growth of population, and in I912 was placed at about three hundred
and forty-the high school enrolling over ninety pupils.
NEW UNION SCHOOL
Holly has from the beginning been noted for her good schools, and
recent developments in the educational system of the town have further
advanced her prestige in that respect. For a considerable period many
have felt that the old buildings were no longer adequate to the demands
of the place, and agitation for a new building to house both high school
and grades has this year been brought to a successful conclusion. As
a result, there is now (July I, 1912) nearing completion in this enterprising town, a $30,00o Union structure, one hundred and twenty-five
by one hundred and fifty feet-a building so unique and so nearly per



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


395


fect for the purpose which it is to serve that we call attention to some
of its salient features, briefly.
First: The building being a one-story affair, all danger from fire
is avoided. There is no basement in which flames might spread before
discovery; there are no dangerous stairways; the corridors are unobstructed and open at both ends of the building; each grade has an outside room.
Second: The sanitary arrangements are as nearly perfect as is
possible to make them. An ample supply of fresh air is brought into
each room at all times without the necessity for a draft. Separate toilets
are provided on the main floor for the grades and for ihe high school,
instead of being put into a mischief-making basement, as is too often
done.
Third: The lighting scheme is ideal. Light is admitted from one
side and above, making dark corners impossible and doing away with
all need of artificial light.
Fourth: The high school and grade rooms have separate corridors
so that the younger pupils do not come into contact with those of the
high school while in the building.
Fifth: A fine aduitorium is provided, with a large stage which is
fully equipped in every way. Thus a place is provided where all literary
and dramatic functions of the school can be presented.
Sixth: The plan of the building is very elastic. As the school grows,
a room or rooms can be added at any time with slight extra expense and
without injuring the appearance or utility of the building.
The average attendance of the high school is ninety-two and of the
primary and grammar grades, one hundred and fifty-eight, making a
total average attendance of two hundred and fifty pupils. The schools
employ a teaching force of ten teachers.
TOWNSHIP AND N ILLAGE LIBRARIIES
The township library of two thousand volumes is installed in the
Union school. In March, 1911, the village voted to accept what had
previously been the Ladies' Library and in April the township followed
its action, a tax limited to two mills on the dollar being also voted to
maintain it.
The Free Public Library at Holly was the first to be founded in the
county and is second only in size to that at Pontiac. It contains three
thousand volumes; librarian, Miss Lillian Daisy, Durkee. The library
building was erected in 1893 and the institution has been virtually managed by the women of the place from the first. At present its board
of directors consists of five women and one man.
THIlE WATERWORKS
In 1899 the waterworks were built by the village and operated by the
Holly Electric and Power Company and the Holly Produce and Milling
Company. The electric company pumped the water from wells under
contract with the village corporation, the same arrangement still hold



396


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


0
i(^
cE
w
<:4






HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


397


ing good. The present plant was erected in 1909 and is operated under
the Harris air lift system. The pumping capacity amounts to two hundlred thousand gallons every twenty-four hours, and the supply goes
both to village consumers and the railroads. The waterworks had a
narrow escape -at the fire of December 17, I910, when the plants of the
milling and electric companies were destroyed at a loss of $5o,ooo. Many
of the pipes were melted and the supply was shut off for several hours,
but the pumps and walls were saved after a desperate fight by the firemen.
H LL Y NEWSPAPERS
The first newspaper published at Holly was the Register, established
by a Mr. Crawford in I865. E. Frank Blair, Henry Jenkins and others
were successive editors and proprietors previous to its disappearance
from newspaperdom. It is said to have been the first in the county to
adopt "patent" print.
In 1875 Thomas V. Perkins founded the Holly Times, a home print,
which hardly survived its infancy.
The third paper to be established still exists-the Oakland Adzvertiser-and was founded by Fred Slocum on the Ist of May, I877. It
was established as a monthly folio and, greatly improved in appearance
and expanded in scope, was continued by Mr. Slocum until March.
i897, when it was purchased by E. & F. Patterson. Patterson brothers
continued to conduct it until September, 1907, at which time Fred Patterson became sole editor and proprietor, as at present.
INDUSTRIES
The Michigan Manufacturing & Lumber Company was organized
in 1894 as the successor of the old Holly Manufacturing Company. At
that time the capital stock of the company was $15,0oo, which has been
increased to $55,00ooo common and $20,000 preferred. The firm is engaged in the manufacture of box shooks, wood specialties, floor trucks,
etc., and the annual output of the factory is something like $250,000.
They employ seventy-five people and the pay roll aggregates $3,000 a
month. The main building is a one-story frame, while a later addition
is a two-story brick affair. F. J. Barrett is secretary and general manager of the company, and it is to his careful and conservative direction
of the affairs of the concern that its continuous advancement and solid
financial status is due.
The Patterson Manufacturing Company of Holly, had its origin in
the Holly Wagon Company, organized in 1902, the latter named company being practically the founders of the village. The plant was not a
success from a financial viewpoint, and in 1904 it was sold at forced
sale, James W. Patterson, one of the original stockholders, buying. Mr.
Patterson interested the Brown Brothers of Detroit in the project, and
thereafter the business continued until I909 under the firm name of the
Patterson & Brown Brothers Manufacturing Company, Mr. Patterson
having personal supervision of the factory. In T909 he came into control of the entire stock of $50o,oo000 all of which is now owned bv him



398


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


self or his family, and the plant is doing a large business, which is
steadily increasing under his management and direction.
The plant covers four acres with floor space of thirty-three thousand
square feet, the building being a one-story concrete affair. It has ten
thousand feet of additional space in its power house and storage sheds.
The products of the Patterson Manufacturing Company are farm
wagons, bob-sleds, cultivators, land rollers, combination stock racks,
garden wheelbarrows, stone boats, and all kinds of gray iron castings.
The annual sales of the plant aggregate $65,000 and the annual payroll
is $25,000, with about an equal amount paid locally for material. Its
products find ready market in practically every state in the Union, from
coast to coast, and the concern is known for one of the highly successful
enterprises of Oakland county.
THIE~ CHURCHIEs
Holly first enjoyed the preaching of the Gospel by a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church in the spring of I856, when Rev. Ira W.
Donaldson officiated in that capacity. A class was organized on April
I, 1857, by Rev. Thomas Wakelin, then in charge of the Grand Blanc
circuit. Seven members comprised the class, as follows: William R.
Kendall, Sara E. Kendall, Fidelia P. Wightman, Elizabeth Wakelin,
Sophia C. Bird, Ira Wightman and Abynia Warren. In 1859 a substantial frame building was erected, which is still in use. In September,
I870, the spire was struck by lightning, and when it was repaired a large
bell was put in place, which was first rung for service on New Year's
day, I871. In the Holly charge are societies at Groveland, Goodrich
and Atlas. The pastors who have served since the organization of the
church here are as follows: Rev. Ira Donaldson, 1856; Thomas Wakelin, 1857; Isaac Crawford, 1858; John W. Crippen, I86o; Isaac C.
Cochran, I86i; L. C. York, 1863; William Taylor, 1869; Orlando Sanborn, i874; S. 1. Kimmel, 1875; William C. Way, 1878; N. G. Lyons,
1880-83; E. B. Bancroft, 1884-85; J. C. Wortley, 1886-88; C. L. Adams,
1887-90; D. Casler, I890-93; J. D. Halliday, I893-96; C. C. Turner,
1896; C. H. Rutledge, 1897; J. R. Beach, 1898-1901; F.. Dodds,
I901-04; A. A. Lancaster, 1904-05; F. J. Walker, 1905; E. F. Johnson,
I906; J. T. M. Stephens, I909, the latter being the present incumbent.
The first Presbyterian church of Holly was organized in the schoolhouse on Saginaw street, on July 7, 1859, with the following members:
Mr. and Mrs. William Stiff; Clarissa Stiff; William Johnson Stiff; H.
H. Palmer and Lucy Palmer, his wife, and Thomas and Martha Hadley.
The first pastor was Rev. George Winter.   The Sunday-school was
organized in January, 1862, with a membership of thirty. Their first
superintendent was A. 1P. Waldo, and Mrs. Plum; Thomas, John, Margaret and William Hadley were the teachers. The church was built in
I86I, and occupied for the first time on January I, 1862. In 1877 the
membership of the society was about one hundred and fifty. Following the ministry of Rev. George Winter, who served for one year, there
have been the incumbents named hereafter:   Rev. Thomas Wright,
I860-62; Rev. W. P. \astell, I862-65; Rev. George \Vinter, i865-66;




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


399


Rev. I. Sanford Smith, I866-68; Rev. W. A. Cutler, 1869-70; Rev.
Edward Dickinson, 1870-74; Rev. Joseph Swindt, 1874-1880; Rev. Edward Harvey, I880-I882; Rev. Richard H. Hookin, I882-I885; Rev.
Charles A. Evans, I886-I887; Rev. Thomas Fowler, I887-89; Rev.
Charles P. Bates, I890-95; Rev. William S. Buck, 1895-1901; Rev. F.
A. Kuder, I901-04; Rev. D. S. Carmichael, I905-07; Rev. James B.
Warner, 1907-09. On May I, I9Io, Rev. Charles D. Ellis became pastor
of the church, and is now occupying that position. Mr. Ellis is a worthy
gentleman, educated and cultured, and in every way fitted for his position in life.
The church has a membership today of about one hundred and thirty
members, and is in excellent condition, both spiritually and materially.
The First Baptist church of Holly was organized in 1839, at the
Jones schoolhouse in the township of Rose. Its first pastor was Rev.
Samuel Jobes. In I858 the congregation removed to Holly and held
services in the old schoolhouse on Saginaw street, under the leadership
of Rev. H. Stowitts. In I862 the present church was built, being at
first somewhat smaller than it is now. It was enlarged to its present
size in 1870, through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Morrison, then its pastor.
Ai Sunday-school was organized in May, 1862, with James E. Church as
superintendent. Mr. Morrison was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev.
A. A. Hopkins, who resigned in February, I878, and the subsequent
pastors of the church have been: Rev. C. VanDorn, supply, I88o; Rev.
J. H. Morrison, closed his second pastorate in April, 1893; Rev. 0. IM.
Thrasher, served from November, I893, to Septenber, I896; Rev. W.
G. Clark, 1896 to 1904; Rev. H. C. Tratert, November, I904, to September, I906; Rev. E. M. Blanchard, May, 1907, to February, I908 (time
of decease); Rev. T. J. Wright, April, I908, to April, I909; Rev. G. T.
Curtiss, May, 1909, to February, I9II; Rev. E. H. Harbridge, from
February, I9II, to the present time. Mr. Harbridge is a retired Congregational minister, who began his service in the Baptist church with
his Holly pastorate. The present membership of the church, including
non-resident members, is about fifty.
SOCIETIES
Mother Hur Court, No. 17, of the Tribe of Ben Hur, was organized
in Holly in May, I887, with a membership of about fifty. The first
officers were: Chief, E. H. Lake; past chief, Mrs. J. E. Benedict; judge,
Alice Smith; scribe, C. E. Humphrey; keeper of tribute, Elizabeth Pomeroy; teacher, Ida Joslin; guide, J. R. Fraser; captain, Lillian Melioken.
The present membership of the lodge is about one hundred and fifty,
with the following officers: Chief, Anna Burnham; past chief, Emma
Curtis; judge, Addie Bensett; keeper of tribute, Myrta E. Lakewood;
teacher, Olive Wheeler; captain, Lyle Tuttle.
The lodge is in a thriving condition and is one of the live spots in
the fraternal life of the village.
Subordinate Lodge No. 972, Independent Order of Foresters, was
organized at Holly, on January 6, 1892, with the following officers:
Court deputy, C. W. Mosher; chief ranger, Case J. Allen; past chief




400            HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
ranger, James C. Patterson; vice chief ranger, B. F. Jarrard; recording
secretary, S. W. Van Sickle; financial secretary, Charles H. Baird;
treasurer, C. H. S. Poole. The present officers of the lodge are: Court
deputy, B. F. Jarrard; chief ranger, William  R. Smith; past chief
ranger, Charles E. Smith; vice chief ranger, A. W. Curtis; recording
secretary, H. A. Horton; financial secretary, F. S. Beebe.
Subordinate Lodge No. I, Knights of the Loyal Guard, was organized at Holly, on March 25, 1895, with the following officers: Captain general, James B. Starker; senior captain, William A. Hart; junior
lieutenant, Perry Jacobs; junior captain, Charles Tharrett; junior lieutenant, William  H. Beardslee; recorder, Elmer J. Macomber.    The
present officers are: Captain general, James B. Starker; senior captain.
Charles Tinsman; junior lieutenant, James W. Clarke; junior captain.
Charles A. Best; junior lieutenant, James Reed; recorder, Caroline
Calkins.




CHAPTER XXVIII


AVON TOWNSHIP
JAMEs (;RAHAM\I., ORIG(; INAL SETTLER-THE HERSEY-RUSSELL-GRAIIAM
COIMBIINE —IEM()RIES OF THE OLD HERSEY [MILL-MILL STONES
FROM BOWLI)ERS-STONY CREEK VILLAGE-ROCHESTER PLATTEDPIONEERS OUTSIDE OF ROCHESTER-FIRST CORPORATION OFFICERSROCIHESTER  INDUSTRIES-WESTERN    KNITTING  MILLS-CREAMERY
AND FLOURING MILL-THE SCHOOLS-ROCHESTER UNION SCHOOL —
WATERWORKS AND FIRE PROTECTION-ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWERROCHESTER NEWSiPAPERS-THE CHURCHES-ROCHESTER SOCIETIESBIOLOGICALJ F\ARM, )P\RKDALE-FERRY SEED FARM.
According to the original act dividing Oakland county into two townships, approved June 28, I820, Bloomfield township embraced the
southern two-fifths of its area and Oakland township the northern threefifths; Avon, of the present, therefore was included in the old Oakland
township, and so remained until the 6th of April, 1835. As the first
settlement in the county was made within its present limits, it has generally been considered a miscarriage of historic justice that it did not
retain the name of Oakland itself.
JAMES G(RAIIAM, ORIGINAL SETTLER
These historic events are embalmed in the following statements:
James Graham, the bona fide pioneer of the county and the township,
was an Irishman who emigrated from his native country some years
before the Revolutionary war and settled among the Pennsylvania Dutch.
His neighbors are said to have pronounced his name as if spelt "Grimes,"
and at his death, or, at least, as his eulogy, Albert G. Greene, a Rhode
Island literary man and scholar who spent the later years of his life in
what was then the west, wrote:
"Old Grimes is dead, the good old man;
We ne'er shall see him more;
He used to wear an old blue coat
All buttoned up before."
James Graham raised a large family before he moved to Avon township, having- previously lived six years in Canada. His first location in
401




402


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Michigan was at Mount Clemens, Macomb county, which township his
son, Benjamin, assisted to survey in I8I6, under Colonel Wampler. On
the 17th of March, I817, which happened to be St. Patrick's day, the
elder Graham, his son Alexander and Christopher Hartsough, with their
families, arrived on the banks of Paint creek and proceeded to plant the
seed which has grown into the flourishing village of Rochester. James
Graham made a squatter's claim on the northwest quarter of section 21,
a short distance southwest of the present site, but he had already thrown
up a log shack at a point where it now stands, so that Rochester was
founded for all practical purposes. The original Graham claim was
the farm afterward located by Dr. William Thompson, and the sons,
AVON TOWNSHIP HALL
Benjamin and William, bought the southwest quarter of section 23 to
the east, to which the veteran and ex-soldier of the Revolution finally
moved to spend his last days.
Alexander Graham settled on the east side of what afterward became Main street, in the house built by himself and father, where was
born his eldest son, James, in I818. The latter was the first white child
born in the county. The proprietors of the village subsequently gave
the lot on which James Graham was born to him while he was still a
youngster, and he owned it until his decease.
Christopher Hartsough married one of the daughters of James Graham, the elder, and after stopping a short time with his brother-in-law,
Alexander, settled near Plymouth, Wayne county, where he died shortly
after.
THE HERSEY-RUSSELL-GRAHAM COM,INE
The first entry of land in the county was made by John Hersey, on
the 29th of October, i818, his claim being the south half of section Io,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


403


which embraced the northwest quarter of the present village plat of
Rochester. He paid $2 an acre for it, only the first quarter of the purchase money being made at the time of location. In the summer of I8I9
Mr. Hersey sold his claim on the southwest quarter of section IO (the
tract not included in the present Rochester plat) to Benjamin Woodworth, a hotel keeper of Detroit, and William Russell, who had but
recently located and built himself a log house. Mr. Woodworth never
resided in Rochester, although he invested considerable money in its
enterprises.
In the summer of I8I9 Messrs. Hersey. Russell, Woodworth and
Alexander Graham combined their skill and capital to build a sawmill
in section Io, on the banks of Paint creek. This was the first of Rochester's industries. The first sawing was done in October of that year,
and subsequently a single run of stone was added for gristing purposes.
The stones were thirty inches in diameter, were taken out near Stony
creek, and dressed by one of the Messinger family. The old Hersey
mill, as it was long called, stood near the site of the Eureka mills, erected
in I868 by Doctors Jesse and Jeremiah Wilson.
MEMORIES OF TIHE OLD HERSEY MILL
Fifty-five years after the building of the Hersey mill, Christian Z.
Horton, one of the first settlers of the township, tells the story of the
good uses to which his fellows put the big boulders of Stony creek and
vicinity, in the following:
"Over fifty years have passed away since the first sawmill in Oakland county was built by Mr. John Hersey, in the town of Avon, on
Paint creek, a few rods west of the mill of the Wilson Brothers. It
stood on a line parallel with Walnut street, perhaps a little west. In
this mill was placed a run of stone, manufactured by one Mr. Wood, a
blacksmith by trade, out of our common boulders, which abound in
this section. By the use of these stones Mr. Hersey ground the grain
raised by the farmers in this vicinity, and what flour was made was
bolted by a hand-bolt, also in the mill. No other mill was nearer than a
few miles this side of Mt. Clemens, on the north branch of the Clinton,
some twenty miles distant, owned by Mr. Tremble (pronounced Trombley), which was built some time in I818 or I820, or thereabouts. One
of the persons who assisted in working Mr. Tremble's mill, lived in
this village in 1842, named Joshua Sly.
"I will here relate an incident which was currently reported amongst
the early settlers of this part of Michigan in regard to this mill, before
there was any other mills in the territory, except windmills and a mill
in Detroit worked by oxen. The incident was this: John and William
Graham had occasion to take a large grist of wheat to be ground and
bags sufficient for the bran, and on the way they agreed to a course of
action in order to ascertain the means by which such large grists should
shrink so much by grinding, and especially a good sample of wheat,
which enigma had for a long time been circulating through the country unsolved. They drove to the mill, the grist was received but could
not be ground till late in the night. William had taken a good supply
Vol. 1-2 6




404


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


of buffalo robes and blankets, and resolved to sleep in the mill-making his bed near the hopper. Mr. Tremble wanted them to go to Mt.
Clemens for a gallon of whiskey. John, however, went while William
slept-one eye open. Mr. Tremble took the required toll. After John
returned, and the night rolled along-the mill ground slowly-the grist
needed another tolling, which was done; whereupon William arose from
his slumbers, replaced the last tolling and as much more. An hour or
so passed and a third tolling was done. The result was that William
arose again, replacing as before. Still the grist lingered, and another
resort of tolling was had, with the same result; and another until all
the wheat that William could find in the mill was dumped into the hopper. Then when the grinding was done, they (the Grahams) had not
bags enough to hold the flour, so they left the balance and the bran to
be taken at another time, which time has never come.
MILL STONES FROM BOULDERS
"My object in writing this sketch is more particularly to bring to
notice the use some of the boulders that have been promiscuously strewn
over this country were put to in an early day by the pioneers, and by
whom. I cannot give the precise date when Mr. John Shippy, then a
young man (since deceased), commenced manufacturing mill stones
from boulders, but think it was in 1824 or 1825. His first set was for
the late Mr. Nathaniel Millard of Stony Creek. The next set was for
Mr. H. Lathrop, which were put in the old mill, the frame of which
composes the upright of Barns and Brothers' paper mill. An incident
in the manufacture of this set of stones is worthy of notice: Mr.
Lathrop's hand, employed to assist M]r. Shippy on the stone, had left
and by request of Mr. Lathrop, Mr. Shippy employed his younger
brother, Mr. Smith Shippy; to assist him. He worked for him two
days, when, in using the hammer, his fingers became so cramped that it
was with difficulty he could unclasp them from the handle, besides being
fearfully swollen. Mr. Lathrop paid him the sum of two dollars for
his work-a bill on the bank of Ypsilanti-it being the first money he
ever received for work. He was very choice of it, intending to buy a
sheep with it. So laying it one side until a chance offered, some three
weeks passed, when he was told the bank had broken.
"Mr. Shippy manufactured a set of stones for Mr. Lyman J. Wilcox,
which did good service. After Mr. Wilcox built his new mill he sold
the set to parties in Lapeer county. It is supposed that Mr. Shippy
made a set for Mr. James A. Henry also. He also went to Grand
Rapids and manufactured one or two sets there. The set of stones
was taken from the mill of Mr. John Hersey to the Saginaw valley
by Mr. Williams, and what has become of the others I am unable to tell,
hoping, however, they are doing good service for the inhabitants of the
country."
STONY CREEK VILLAGE
The little settlement of Stony Creek, about half a mile northeast of
Rochester, had its origin in the locations and labors of the Taylors.




HISTORY  O OAKLAND COUNTY


405


Lemuel Taylor, a Baptist exhorter in broken health, with his five sons,
purchased a tract of two hundred acres. The land, which was divided
by the father among his sons, included a mill privilege, and in 1824
Nathaniel MIillerd, a son-in-law, joined the Taylors in the improvement
of the property. They built a sawmill and a gristmill of the usual
crude construction and furnishings, but as the elder Taylor died in
August, I827, he did not live to see the projects of himself and family
greatly prosper.
Lemuel Taylor was a chairmaker and a wheelwright by trade, and
very soon after coming to Stony Creek built a shop where he made
these articles, thus combining practical with religious affairs.
In 1824 Elisha Taylor, one of the sons, opened a blacksmith shop,
and Mr. Millerd (afterward Judge) exposed a small general stock of
goods for sale at his log residence. Soon after, a more pretentious
store was established by Elkanah Comstock, who had erected a small
building for the special purpose.
A postoffice was established at Stony Creek the year following the
coming of the Taylors and Mr. Millerd was appointed postmaster. The
latter continued to reside there until his death, and was locally honored
in every way.
In the spring of 1824 the Herseys, Rochester promoters, moved to
the vicinity of Stony Creek, John Hersey and Burton Allen building a
dam and sawmill some distance up that stream. This was shortly after
the Taylor-Millerd mill was erected. Mr. Hersey died in March, 1856,
his son, James A., afterward becoming a resident of Oakland township.
Stony Creek was laid out as a village in October, I830, by Nathaniel
Millerd, and Elisha and Joshua Taylor, sons of Lemuel. Mr. Millerd
made an addition in 1842, and in 1847 completed a gristmill. In 1867
the plant was remodeled by Johnson Matteson into a woolen mill which
was active for some years. But Stony Creek did not fulfill its early
promise, or the expectations of its founders.
ROCHIESTER PLATTED (1826)
The founding of Rochester has already been narrated.  In 1826
Governor Cass, Austin E. Wing and Charles Lamed, of Detroit, laid
out the original plat of the village. Nine small houses then formed the
settlement.  Previous to that year few settlers had arrived; besides
those already mentioned, John Shippy, the Jacksons and a Mr. Hill,
on the Clinton river. In I823-24 the flouring mill was built on the Clinton by Perrin & Mack and David Dort was the resident miller.
Seneca Newberry, Rochester's first merchant, came to the village
in 1827, being a cousin of the widely known Oliver Newberry of Detroit. He continued to do business in the village for many years, and
died therein May 13, I877, at the age of seventy-five.
William Burbank came to Rochester in I828 and, with his family,
was one of the original members of the Congregational church.
In September, 1830, Almon Mack, son of Colonel Stephen Mack,
founder of 'Pontiac, settled in Rochester, and opened the second store
in the village. He went to the legislature afterward and was esteemed




406


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


during his subsequent life one of the good and able men of the village
and the county. The post office at Rochester was first established in
I829, with George N. Shaw as postmaster. The mail was first brought
in on horseback, and afterward by stage, from Royal Oak.  e
The first hotel was opened in I828 by John AM. Mack in the house
built by Mr. Shaw in the previous year.
PIONEERS OUTSIDE OF ROCIHESTER
A number of prominent citizens of the township settled outside of
both Rochester and Stony Creek, some of them moving to the former
when it was evident that it was going to be quite a place. About I819
George Postal, Sr., came from  Ontario county, New York, with his
wife and seven children, and took a claim on section 20, along the Clinton river. There, in 1825, he erected a sawmill, and a number of years
afterward his son, Charles, built and operated a gristmill.
In the spring of 18I9 Dr. William Thompson located on section 8,
west of Rochester, but finally settled on section 2I, to the south (the
old Graham "squatter's" claim, of 1817). In I820 Doctor Thompson
built the first frame barn in the township.
Daniel LeRoy had settled in the spring of 189, but Levi did not
arrive until considerably later.
Roger Sprague, who was a man of middle age and an "Honorable"
when he moved his family from New York to section 27, about two
miles south of Rochester. He died in July, 1848, sincerely and generally mourned.
Others might be mentioned; but these are certainly representative,
and lack of space is the excuse for omitting a more extended list.
FIRST CORPORATION OFFICERS
The village of Rochester remained under the general government of
the township of Avon until April 12, I869, when the following officers
were elected of the new corporation: President, Jesse E. Wilson; trustees John H. Hutaf, William Newell, Daniel L. Jennings and George
W. Vandeventer; clerk, Marsden C. Burch; assessor, William J. Weir;
treasurer, Hugh D. Bitters; marshal, Herman Bennett. Mr. Burch was
also appointed city attorney.
On the Ist of February, 1847, Hosea S. Richardson and Isaac Adams
platted an addition east of the original, and subsequently Lysander
Woodward surveyed an addition on the southwest quarter of section
II (northwest quarter of the present village plat). Following is a good
description of this early Rochester: "The original plat is most eligibly
and beautifully located on a high plateau between the Clinton river on
the south and Paint creek on the north, the latter also winding its
sinuous way along the eastern side of the plat. The bluff sides of the
plat on the south show the former channel of Paint creek as in the
glacial days its much heavier floods undoubtedly cut its channel through
the moraine, seeking its present level. In this wearing-away process
it has left two or more conical mounds which, at first appearance, might




I —TISTORY' 01- OA\Kr.AND COUNTY          407
f
i~i~:.:
ff:::V::0::f
_                            XW


I
I




408


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


seem to be the handiwork of man, but upon closer inspection the architect stands revealed in the apparently modest creek that winds along
their base. The bluffs on the north and east side of the creek and along
the Clinton add picturesqueness to the otherwise beautiful prospect."
The site of Rochester, it should be added, is not only beautiful but
healthful.
During the past ten years three subdivisions at the north, south and
west have been added to Rochester and hundreds of people now occupy fine houses both in the outskirts of the village and elsewhere in
the township where, a comparatively short time ago, the land was devoted to farming.
ROCHESTER INDUSTRIES
The industries of the village were founded in the Hersey-Graham
mill in 1819; the flouring mill built by Colonel Mack on the Clinton
river in I823-24 (remodeled in I868 for the Barnes Brothers' paper
mill); the wagon and blacksmith shop of George M. Shaw and the
distillery of Griggs & Taylor, on Paint creek, which went into operation
in I826; the Norton sawmill on the Clinton, in operation from I825 to
I837; Johnson Niles' flouring mills, built in 1837, and transformed into
the Rochester Woolen Mills in 1869; the foundry of D. L. Jennings,
established in I859, and the "Eureka mills," erected in I868 on the site
of the old Willcox distillery.
The Detroit & Bay City Railroad reached Rochester in October,
1872. That line is now a part of the Michigan Central, and its completion was the commencement of the brisk and growing Rochester of
the present. Its business, manufactures and passenger travel have now
complete outlets through the Michigan Central and Grank Trunk systems, and the Detroit United Railway.
THE WESTERN KNITTING MILLS
One of the leading industries of Oakland county and the chief manufactory of Rochester is represented by the Western Knitting Mills,
manufacturers of men's goods, exclusively. The concern was established in I891 by C. S. Chapman, and while it was operated at first on
a small scale, the business under his management expanded gradually
and continually until it assumed its present large proportions.  Between two hundred and three hundred machines are in constant operation, and the annual output of the factory reaches the quarter million
mark. Lumbermen's socks, men's half hose, gloves and mittens are
the products of the factory, and their line is known to the trade throughout the United States.
Mr. C. S. Chapman, who founded the business in I891, was a New
Englander by birth, born in Proctorsville, Vermont, in I864. At the
age of sixteen he began his acquaintance with business life as a clerk
in a clothing store at Ludlow, Vermont, and later was in the employ
of the well known firm, Jordan, Marsh & Company, wholesale drygoods dealers in Boston, Massachusetts. When his parents removed to
M\Iichigan, Mr. Chapman accompanied them, and in Detroit was en





HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


409


gaged with Edson, Moore & Company, remaining in their service for
ten years. His natural resourcefulness and latent ambition prompted
him to make a venture in the manufacturing business, with the result
already set forth. Mr. Chapman was president of the company until
his death, which took place on May 5, I912. He was succeeded in the
presidency by Mr. W. H. Yankey. C. D. Joslyn is vice president.and
William C. Chapman, son of Charles S. Chapman, is treasurer and general manager of the firm. The concern was originally known as the
Western Knitting Company.
CREAMERY AND FLOURING MAILL
The Rochester Creamery Company was opened for business on September 30, I909, and is a cooperative affair, with officers and directorate
as follows: Henry Rewold, president and manager; William A. George,
secretary; H. J. Taylor, treasurer; George Switzer, John Tienken, Gust
Snitcher and Oliver Patterson, directors. The creamery has been operated at a profit since its opening, and is one of the solid institutions
of the county. The output for I9II was as follows: Total pounds of
butter fat, 63,654; total pounds of butter, 78,o27. Overrun, I4,370
pounds.
Rochester's flouring mill, run under modern methods and with up-todate machinery, is conducted by S. W. Barkham & Son.
THE SCHOOLS
The first school taught either in the township of Avon or the village of Rochester was opened in 1823 in the log house of Alexander
Graham.   In 1828 Gad Norton and William Burbank built the first
regular house for educational purposes on the lot now occupied by the
Congregational church, which had been donated for that purpose by the
proprietors of the village plat.  Miss Maria LeRoy was the teacher.
It was a small frame building, subsequently moved to the corner of
Main and Third streets and occupied by Dr. R. C. Sprague as a drug
store. In I850 it was removed to the opposite side of the street and
used as a blacksmith shop until destroyed by fire in I869.
The second schoolhouse was built in 1835 on Walnut street and
was also burned, in the spring of I843. From that time until I846 the
public school was taught in the basement of the Christian church.
During the year named the third schoolhouse was erected on Pine
street, subsequently moved to the east side of Walnut street, in I857
was sold to Henry Miller and still later was used as a town hall and for
religious purposes. It, also, was a victim of the flames a number of
years ago.
ROCHESTIER UNION SCHlOOL
In 1847 a building was erected for academic purposes and the socalled Avon Lyceum was opened by Professor Robert Kedzie. It attained a high standing as a private school, but in I857 ceased to exist
as such, and its property was transferred to district No. 5 of Avon




410


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY.,:                 I
I 00~ ~~ i


WATER WORKS W'ELLS


RESERVOIR UNDER CONSTRUCTION




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


411


township. As that district adopted the graded, or union school system, in September, 1865, it has since been known as Rochester union
school. The old Lyceum building was burned in I88I, and the following
year the handsome structure of brick and stone was completed which is
still occupied. The first cost of the building was $8,ooo, and in the
summer of 1907 a $6,ooo addition was erected to meet the demands for
better accommodations.
Professor F. W. Wheaton, who has been at the head of the school
for the past five years, is a most capable educator. He is assisted by
nine teachers, the 340 pupils being divided as follows: High school,
65; other grades, 275.
WATER WORKS AND FIRE PROTECTION
Rochester has a good system of water works operated on the gravity
plan. As coipleted, it is thus described in the souvenir number of
the Era issued in I907:
"About 1894 several Rochester gentlemen conceived the idea that
the village could be provided with water on the gravitation system.
On the farm of William Fox, two and a quarter miles west and north
of Rochester, is a spring, or rather a series of springs, I50 feet higher
than the village. A competent engineer was engaged who pronounced
the project of conveying the water from the springs to the village, feasible. After several weeks of agitation the question of waterworks was
submitted to the people and carried overwhelmingly. A plat of ground,
covering one acre, was purchased by the village and the work of developing the wells commenced. Since which time 23 acres more land
adjacent have been acquired by the village. A series of wells were sunk
in the springy soil to the depth of 60 feet or more, which were connected and run into a main 12-inch pipe, which was gradually reduced
to 8 inches. The contract for building the works was let to T. C.
Brooks, of Jackson, who employed home labor. Over six miles of pipe
was laid, and the pressure being sixty pounds gives the village one of
the finest plants in the country. All this at a cost of less than $35,000.
Additions to the pipe lines have been added until today there are io
miles of pipe and 375 water takers, with a revenue of $I,850 per year.
The analysis of the water shows a purity unsurpassed by any water in
the state. Rochester is proud of her waterworks system and well may
she be. A well equipped fire department of two companies is maintained
to still further protect the property of the village against fire. The first
public test of the system was July 4, I895.
"With the completion of the new reservoir at the waterworks the
system is on better footing than ever. The new reservoir was commenced in May, I906, and completed August 8, I907. The dimensions
are 225 feet long, Ioo feet wide and 22 feet deep, with a capacity of
2,000,000 gallons. The bottom, west and north sides, are of 6-inch
cement, four and one, the bottom resting on 555 piles. The south dam
is 26 feet high (four under level) and is 9 feet at base, sloping up on the
south side to an i8-inch top. This is made of 3 and I concrete and is
heavily reinforced with carbonized steel rods. Water is furnished the




412


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


new reservoir by springs from the bottom. A Io-foot driveway surrounds the reservoir, perfectly graded to a 6-inch slope from the inside.
The old reservoir is 12 feet higher than the new one and consequently
does not draw from the new until 12 feet of water have been exhausted
in the old."
The village has a volunteer fire department of some twenty members, divided into two companies, under a chief. It was organized in
I896, the year after the water works were placed in commission, and is
considered an adequate auxiliary to the protection afforded by the strong
water pressure.
ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER
Rochester has an adequate and well built electric light and power
plant erected by Ambro Bettes in 1897 and  900o sold to the Detroit
United Railway. Then it became an Edison concern and in I909 the
Rochester Electric Light & Power Company, its present owners, came
into possession of it.
ROCHESTER NEWSPAPERS
The Rochester Era was established May 22, 1873, by T. B. Fox, who
conducted it until his death in I893, and its editor and proprietor has
since been his son, W. A. Fox. It is a weekly and independent.
The next Rochester paper was the Star, which began to shine May
19, 1876, under the manipulation of Van Burget & Macoy. It has been
a "back number" these many years.
The Clarion (weekly), the second existing newspaper to publish
the good points of the locality and the county, issued its first number
August 19, I898. Charles S. Seed is its present editor and proprietor.
The Clarion is also independent.
THE CHURCHES
The Congregational church, of which Rev. A. G. Gates is pastor, was
organized on the Ist of July, 1827, and is therefore the veteran religious
society of Rochester. Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, of Pontiac, was most
instrumental, among the clergy, in forming the new society, and perhaps the most prominent laymen were William Abbott and William
Burbank who were chosen its first elders. The first services were held
in a little log cabin on the Burroughs farm, but were continued "from
house to house," until the erection of a church building about 1839.
Rev. Luther Shaw and Rev. A. S. Wells were the first.settled pastors.
During the eighty-five years of its history, the society has had some
forty-five pastors. The church edifice now in use was dedicated in
1854, during the pastorate of Rev. S. N. Hill.
The First Baptist church at Rochester was formed in the Stony
Creek Baptist church edifice on June I, 1854, and the following trustees
were elected: L. W. Cole, L. G. Tanner, N.oJ. Millerd, Lemuel Taylor
and Charles Copeland. At the annual meeting, January I, I855, trus



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


413


tees were again elected to fill vacancies and a building committee appointed. In I855 the society purchased the Christian church edifice
and completed it, which they occupy to the present day. It affords three
hundred sittings and is valued at something like three thousand dollars.
Zena Coleman was the first pastor and served from June, 1855, to I857.
He has been succeeded in the pastorate as follows: Elder E. Steele,
I857-59; Martin Coleman, 1859-61 (died in November, I86I); Elder
Snyder, supply from November, I86I, to September 4, I862; Elder
King, 1862, until he entered Civil war service, and again on his return
therefrom in 1865. During Mr. King's absence the society had no
pastor. Mr. King resigned October I, I866, and was succeeded by Rev.
E. Tenney, who supplied the pulpit from January i, 1867, to December,
I868; Rev. D. Gostellow, 1868-69; Silas Finn, February I, 1870, to
July I, 1871; A. M. Swain, October 29, 1871, to February, I874; Rev.
E. D. Daniels, supply from August I8, 1874, to April Io, 1875; R. S.
Chase, to September I, I875, when he was succeeded by Rev. T. S.
Wooden, who served from   1875 to July, I88I; E. Chesney, October,
I88I, to September, 1883; W. H. Miles, July, 1885, to December, 1887;
S. Hendricks, January I, I888, to 1889; John Shephard, May, 1889, to
May, I89o; H. Churchill, August, I890, to October, I891; George M.
Adams, April, 1892, to July, 1894; A. S. Forshee, November, 1894, to
November, I897; L. D. Dunning, November, I897, to December, I898;
H. N. Conrad, December, I898, November, I9OI; D. Q. Barry, April,
I902, to September, I903; C. L. Marriman, December, 1903, to December, I904; Rev. Ferris, October, I904, to August, I906; A. Rose, October, I906, to October, 1908; H. V. Gould, November, I908, to November, Io99; Rev. Wright, February, I9IO, to September, I9IO; Wilson
Whitney, March II, I9II, to the present time. The church has a present membership of one hundred and is enjoying a pleasing state of
prosperity in all its branches.
As early as 1858 a number of places were opened for Methodist services in the Oakland circuit and the pastor of that circuit was requested
to supply preaching for the various points. The size of the circuit, however, prevented the granting of the request. Application was made to
Rev. S. Calkins, presiding elder, who sent Rev. Daniel Birney, from
Canada West, to the new territory as a missionary. He held preaching
services at Mount Vernon, Stony Creek, Hubble's schoolhouse, Rochester,
Ewell's schoolhouse and other points, until the meeting of conference in
T859, at which time these points were formally organized into a separate
circuit, called the Rochester and Stony Creek circuit, and Rev. L. T.
Mitchell appointed in charge. The next year the Stony Creek circuit was
recognized, and Rev. Mitchell was appointed preacher in charge. At
the conference of I86o, a committee was appointed to purchase a parsonage at Stony Creek, which was done accordingly, and eighty-one dollars subscribed for repairs on the building. The entire cost of the building was five hundred dollars. In I86I Rev. Alexander Gee was appointed
in charge, and in 1862 conference united the Stony Creek circuit with
the Utica circuit, but in I863 disunited them. Rev. James R. Noble and
Rev. Francis W. Berry were the pastors of the united circuit. In 1863
Rochester was made one of the regular appointments of the Stony Creek




414           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
circuit, and Rev. W. J. Johnson was the preacher in charge. In I866-67
Rev. William Taylor was presiding elder and Rev. James E. Armstrong
pastor. On July 7, I866, the parsonage at Stony Creek was destroyed
by fire, and the lot was sold to pay the encumbrance thereon. As a church
edifice had been purchased in Rochester in I866 and as the greatest number of members in the circuit were located at this point, the name of
the circuit was changed to the Rochester circuit, and a church formally
organized as the First M. E. church of Rochester, on July 7, I866. Rev.
R. McConnell was the pastor this year, and the first trustees of the
church to effect a legal organization under the laws of the state were
Jonathan Hale, John N. Dewitt, Samuel G. Niles, William Newell, and
James Riggs. The church and lots at Rochester cost about six hundred
dollars, Rev. J. B. Varnum served from I867-69; Rev. H. Hood from
1869-70, and Rev. S. Johnson from  1870-71. In I871 a church was
built at Mount Vernon, costing two thousand dollars, and the parsonage at Rochester was commenced and completed in I872, Rev. Johnson
being largely instrumental in bringing about these changes. In 1872
Rev. A. B. Clough was pastor and Mount Vernon and Graham were
appointments of the Rochester circuit; during the last six nronths of the
year, however, the appointment of Graham was supplied from Troy,
and the numerical strength of Rochester charge thus lessened materially.
Rev. R. Bird was the pastor in I875-76, and John Armstrong succeeded
him in the pastorate in the latter named years. In 1876 a fine new chapel
was built at a cost of three thousand eight hundred dollars. It was
erected on the old site, and has a seating capacity of three hundred. It
was constructed with a view to rearing a main edifice in front of the
present chapel, should the growth of the society make that desirable,
and is a well equipped and convenient place of worship. Rev. Armstrong's pastorate lasted until 1879, and he was variously succeeded as
follows: Rev. William Way, 1879-83; Rev. J. P. Varner, 1882-83; Rev.
Eugene Yager, 1883-84; J. P. Frier, 1884-86; Rev. J. O. Robinson, I886 -89; Rev. R. L. Heirson, I889-I89o; Rev. J. R. Beale, 1890-91; Rev.
William J. Campbell, I891-95; Rev. D. C. Challis, I895-98; Rev. O. J.
Blackford, 1898-oi; Rev. C. H. Morgan, I90O-02; Rev. Thomas A.
Greenwood, I902-04; Rev. H. C. Whitney, I904-06; Rev. D. H. Yokem,
I906-Io; Rev. Fred Irving Walker, who assumed the duties of pastor
in I9IO is yet the incumbent of the charge, and is conducting the affairs
of the church with characteristic zeal and fervency. The present membership of the church is one hundred and seventy-five. The Sundayschool, which has a goodly attendance, is one of the most thriving
branches of the church work.
ROCHESTER SOCIETIES
Rochester Masonic bodies date their existence from the year I85o,
when the Stony Creek Lodge, the original Masonic lodge in Michigan,
was removed to Rochester and its name changed to Rochester Lodge No.
5, A. F. & A. M. The early history of Masonry in Michigan is of a
most interesting nature, the organization of the Stony Creek Lodge
being effected prior to the formation of the grand lodge of Michigan,




I-ISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


4 15


that lodge being granted its charter from the grand lodge of the state
of New York in the year 1826. The exact date of the organization is
not known, owing to the destruction of the records by fire in I868, but
among the original members of the lodge were a number of pioneers,
whose names were recorded in the memories of the younger generation
and thus their identity with the lodge established. Some of these are:
Jesse Decker, who was one of the earlier worshipful masters of the
lodge; Joshua Taylor, who was worshipful master more than eighty
years ago; Daniel B. Taylor, Peleg Elwell and Calvin Chapel.
The old lodge was the one and only lodge in the territory to keep its
lights burning during the reign of the anti-Masonic excitement which
endured from 1827 to 1840. The lodge members built their meeting
place on one of the summits that crown the heights of the hamlet of
Stony Creek. It was an octagon shaped room, and they named the site
Mount Moriah. Here, for twelve years or more, Joshua Taylor and
his confreres kept the lodge illuminated on the nights of its regular
meetings, and when at last the waves of passion and prejudice which
had assailed the mighty organization had subsided in some degree, and
the grand lodge of Michigan, after a long period of inactivity, returned
to the labors of the order, Stony Creek lodge appeared before the grand
lodge and received her charter as Stony Creek Lodge No. 5. The lodge
continued to exist thus until I850, when, as stated above, it was removed
to Rochester and its name changed to Rochester Lodge No. 5, A'. F. &
A. M.
Again in I868 the hall of the lodge was destroyed by fire and for a
second time the records were burned, thus rendering it impossible to
secure a complete list of those who filled the Oriental chair previous to
1853. Since that time the office of worshipful master has been filled
as follows: J. V. Lambertson, I853-68; Dr. J. C. Wilson, 1869; Samuel
Barnes, 1870-1884; William H. Jackson, 1885-87; Arthur E. Collins,
1888-89; Richard D. Watson, 1890-91; Arthur E. Collins, I891-97;
Alexander Ross, 1897; Richard D. Watson, 1898-99; A. L. Craft, I890 -I905; Joseph M. Flumerfelt, I906-07; Louis E. Becker, 1908; William
J. Fraser, I909; Richard D. Watson, I9Io-II; Philip E. Butts, 1912.
Present officers, other than worshipful master: William D. Mercer,
J. W.; O. J. Lasenby, S. W.; H. J. Taylor, treasurer; I. W. McCornoe,
secretary; William Tienken, S. D.; John F. Jackson, J. D.; H. F. Stone
and G. M. Thompson, stewards; H. F. Strong, tyler.
Rochester Chapter No. I37, R. A. M. was organized November 24,
1896, with officers as follows: P. C. Butts, high priest; D. B. Kressler,
king; C. G. Lomason, scribe; A. E. Collins, treasurer; W. W. Gifford,
secretary; A. E. Collins, C. H.; Edward G. Palmer, P. S.; M. L. MIcClure, R. A. C.; H. F. Jones, third veil; A. A. Griffin, second veil; A. L.
Mann, first veil.
The present officers are: W\. J. Fraser, high priest; 0. J. Lasenby,
king; F. L. Fisher, scribe; H. J. Taylor, treasurer; E. J. Lambertson,
secretary; H. V. Rabin, C. H.; J. At. Flumerfelt, P. S.; S. A. Newman,
R. A. C.; W. F. Skrine, third veil; C. W. Upton, second veil; W. A.
Fox, first veil; H. F. Stone, steward; G. M. Thompson, steward; Wil



416


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


liam Frenken, organist; F. C. Miller, chaplain; F. T. Taylor, sentinel.
The lodge has a total membership of sixty-four members.
Rochester Lodge No. 68, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was
instituted April 19, I866, by R. W. Dennis, grand master of Michigan,
and the first officers of the lodge were as follows: W. J. Weir, N. G.;
Dr. F. 1I. Wilcox, V. G.; C. S. Goodison, recording secretary; John H.
Hutaf, per. secretary; C. F. Cook, treasurer; L. Woodward, P. G.; H.
King, chaplain. Six candidates were admitted at the first meeting. The
present officers of the lodge are: H. Hotchkiss, noble grand; E. Louden,
vice grand; H. Bigger, financial secretary; G. Goodison, treasurer; A.
Steward, conductor; William Wood, warden. Present number of members about two hundred.
Rochester Rebekah Lodge No. 390, was organized on February 25,
I903, with the following officers: Worthy grand, Matilda Fisher; vice
grand, Gertrude Fox; recording secretary, Emma Drabner; financial
secretary, Louise Heinze; treasurer, Ann M. Goodison. The present
officers are: Worthy grand, Eda Goodison; vice grand, Carolyn Spaulding; recording secretary, Gertrude Fox; financial secretary, Eva Livingston; treasurer, Lena M. Bridges. The lodge has a Ipresent membership
of seventy-seven members.
B)IOLO(ICAL Ft\ARM, PAR\KD\LE
Close to the village of Rochester is situated one of the most unique
enterprises known to the country,-the Biological Farm  at Parkdale,
owned and operated by the Biological and Research department of Parke,
Davis & Company, wholesale druggists, of Detroit, Michigan. This progressive concern has for many years been deeply engaged in the study
of therapeutics and has given valuable aid to medical science through
their research department.
In 1908, in the furtherance of their work, it was decided best to purchase a suitable farm near Detroit where horses producing antidiphtheric
and other sera, cattle producing small pox vaccine, and other animals,
might be kept under the best possible natural conditions. After a great
deal of search it was finally concluded that the district around Rochester,
offered almost ideal conditions, the country being rolling uplands with
a certain amount of well drained river bottoms, thus offering a variety
of forage grasses throughout the grazing season.
The farm consists of three hundred and forty acres, located directly
east of and immediately adjacent to the corporate limits of the village
of Rochester. It is most excellently drained by Clinton river, which
crosses the farm from the west, and Stony creek, which crosses it from
the north, joining Clinton river on the premises. All low spots have been
drained by tiling. Clinton river and Stony creek are natural trout streams,
the water being clear, cold and swiftly flowing, their sources being in the
numerous springs in the gravel hills extending along their banks. In
those fields which are not supplied naturally by the streams, springs
have been developed and their waters conveyed into large cement troughs,
which insures that every field in which animals are kept is well supplied
with the best of living water. Special endeavors are being made to de



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


417


velop the natural beauty of the farm by conserving and adding to the
trees and shrubs growing upon it at the time of purchase. Private roadways have been laid and graded and trees planted along their borders
and about the buildings. The farm is bisected from west to east by a
roadway, which two years ago was carefully regraded by the state.
Near the center of the farm are located the two dwelling houses and
the barns that are used especially for farm purposes. The biological
buildings proper have been located, in order to avoid dust and arrange
for the most sanitary conditions possible, about eighty rods from the
highway on a commanding hilltop which overlooks the entire premises.
The beautiful valley of the Clinton river and Stony creek is spread out
like a map immediately in front of the buildings and offers an extremely
attractive combination of stream, hillside and woodland.
The buildings were all designed especially for the purposes for which
they were to be utilized, the simplest and most sanitary construction
available being employed. There are two large stables designed especially for horses, a commodious vaccine propagating building, which is
so located that the two floors may be entered from the ground at different levels. This building is most complete in its equipment and contains numerous specially constructed aseptic rooms for the handling of
biological products, sterilizing room for preparing glassware, boiler
room, dynamo, pump and various other types of machinery needed for
work of this kind. All the biological buildings are supplied with running water from an elevated tank which is kept filled by a power pumip
taking the water from a well about three hundred feet deep.
There are two hundred horses kept on the place, numerous goats,
sheep and other animals. In order that the animals may receive the best
possible attention, the resident superintendent is an experienced veterinarian as well as a biologist. The farm, for its management, requires a
force of about twenty men. All operations pertaining to the production
of the sera and vaccines are carried out with the most careful attention to sanitary requirements in keeping with the main biological laboratory located in Detroit. It is the aim to produce therapeutic agents of
the highest possible quality. The products are but partially elaborated
at Parkdale and shipped in bulk to Detroit for further attention. It is
believed that as time passes greatly increased facilities will be needed to
keep pace with the great developments that are being made in medical
and veterinary biological work.
FERRY SEED FARM
In December, 1902, the Ferry Seed Company which had formerly
conducted a farm near Pontiac purchased a half section of land (south
half of 36), a few miles southeast of Rochester for $50,ooo. This has
been developed into one of the greatest seed farms in the country, and is
widely known as "Oakview."




CHAPTER XXIX
OXFORD TOWNSHIP
CIVILLY ORGANIZED-FIRST SETTLERS OF THE TOWNSHIP-FIRST ROADS
AND RAILROAD-THOMAS-LAKES-OXFORD VILLAGE INCORPORATED
-SCHOOLS-OXFORD CHURCHES-NEWSPAPERS AND SOCIETIES-OXFORD INDUSTRIES-MICHIGAN     PRESSED  BRICK  COMPANY-C. L.
RANDALL & COMPANY.
Oxford is among the northern tier of townships and was cut off from
Oakland township in I837. It was named before it was born; which is
a somewhat remarkable circumstance. In the fall of I836 the citizens
of the territory who desired separate organization petitioned the legislative council to that effect, and a committee consisting of Samuel Axford, Otis C. Thompson and John Rossman, was appointed to select a
name for the proposed town. Mr. Thompson insisted that nothing could
be more appropriate than Oxford, since nearly all the settlers had oxteams and probably would hold on to them for some years to come. His
suggestion prevailed, although one of his associates, a rabid Yankee and
anti-Britisher, fought it quite savagely on the ground that the coming
generations, at least, would not understand the significance, but surmise
that the township was named after old Oxford, England.
OXFORD CIVILLY ORGANIZED
But "Oxford" the township was named, and in April, I837, a civil
organization was effected by the election of the following at the house
of Fite Rossman, on section 27, at the site of the present village: Supervisor, Peter D. Makely; clerk, Daniel Haines; assessors, Samuel Axford,
Daniel L. Ingals and Harlan Hollister; justices of the peace, Daniel F.
Ingals, Justin Bixby, Rufus K. Moore, and Levi Smith; commissioners
of highways, Addison Alcutt, Rufus K. Moore, and Hezekiah B. Killam;
school inspectors, Daniel F. Ingals, Robert McKay, and Samuel Axford;
collector, Morgan Axford; directors of the poor, John Rossman and
William Coates; constables, Adam Rossman and Horace Hovey; poundmaster, Joseph Furguson.
FIRST SETTLERS OF TOWNSHIP
At the time Oxford township thus assumed its body corporate, it was
only six years of age as a settled section of the county; for, although
418




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


419


Elbridge G. Deming, John and Fite Rossman, John Shippy, John Willman and Samuel Axford, had made entries for land in 1823 and 1824,
a New Yorker, named Avery Brown, was the first to come into the
township to live. He was a wolf trapper and a shingle maker and built
a shanty in the cedar swamps of section 4, in the northern part of the
township, where he plied both the trades of which he seems to have been
master. John Brown, another wanderer from the Empire state, resided
on section 8, for a short time; but as neither of these men had families
they did not "count" in those days.
In the spring of 1832 Elbridge G. Deming brought his family and
his household effects with him, building a house and breaking land on
section 9, where his descendants hold property. For many years his
place was the best known in the township, and in I834 was selected for
the first postoffice. Two years before Mr. Deming had thrown open a
portion of his house into a tavern, and John Rossman, who had settled
on section 4 in 1832, also fitted up his log house to the same end. Soon
after, Fite Rossman, a brother, who also came from New York a few
months later, and took a homestead on section 27 (now in the southern
part of Oxford village), opened the third tavern in the township. As we
have seen, it was here that the first township meeting was held.
In 1833 Samuel Axford and his brother, Morgan, Canadians who
had been ten years in Macomb county, united their fortunes and energies
with Mr. Deming and the Rossmans in settling the new town. The Axford properties were near Deming's on section 9. Alanson Decker appeared a few days after the Axfords, hailing from New Jersey, and
planted his homestead on section 8. Jere Hunt became a neighbor in
June, and in October Harry Shelters came from New York and settled
near Fite Rossman. In I834 David Applegate, of that state, settled on
section 20; the Van Wagoner family located north and west of him,
and Stephen and John Shippy established homes on section 9, further
to the north. In i834 Adam Rossman, of Genesee county, New York,
located on section 22, just opposite the place of his uncle Fite, securing
a government patent of one hundred and sixty acres embracing the site
of the present village. After improving his land to some extent, he
sold it to George Louks in I844. This same busy year of 1834 witnessed
the coming of the Campbells to the extreme northwestern part of the
township, and in 1835 Otis C. Thompson and John McKay became
neighbors-as neighbors were "computed" in those days. Further
south, northeast of the village, located Hezekiah Killam and Peter D.
Makely, New Yorkers, and Hiram and James Travis, Pennsylvanians,
settled in the western part of the township in I836. The year of the
township organization, I837, was marked by the arrival of Benjamin
Reed and William Coates, natives of New Jersey, to section 5, near the
present station of Thomas, and Joseph Tyndall and William Tann to
section 23, just northeast of the village of Oxford.
About 1835 Samuel Wilson, a New Yorker, located on section 27,
within the present village limits, and built the first frame house in the
township; as to frame barns, Alanson Decker and Elbridge Deming
were rivals as to priority, since each had a "raising" the same day in
1834. On account of the sparse settlement, hands had to be obtained
Vol. I-27




420


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


from Lapeer county; one of the barns was raised in the forenoon and
the other in the afternoon, but local history fails to record which went
up first.
FIRST ROADS AND RAILROAD
Means of travel and communication are always provided in a new
country before it can expect any decided influx of population. The
Territorial road, from Rochester to Lapeer, was the first convenience
of this nature furnished the pioneers of Oxford township, and was
located through their section of the county in 1832. Its route was from
a point on the southern line of section 35, in a northwesterly direction
to the northern line of section 16, thence slightly to the northeast and
out of the township near the east line of section 4. It was a very important highway, and still maintains that position.
Another of the roads located at an early day was the one running
west from the Lapeer road, on the line between sections 4 and 9, and that
east of the Lapeer thoroughfare, between sections 22 and 27. William
M. Axford was the surveyor of these roads.
THOMAS
In 1872 the Detroit & Bay City Railroad was built along the general
line of the Territorial road to the center of section 9, whence it was continued in the same direction to a point near the northern boundary of
section 4, then passing into Lapeer county. This is now a section of
the Michigan Central. Soon after the building of the Detroit & Bay
City road there was a demand for a station and a village in the northern
portion of section 4, and John Thomas platted the eighteen acres on the
west half of the northwest quarter of that section in December, I873,
which has since borne his name. The first building erected at that point
was a grain elevator in I874; it was also used as a depot. In the fall of
that.year Francis brothers built a grain house and early in the next
year Mr. Thomas completed a storehouse in the eastern part of the
village. The depot was built in I875, a steam grist mill in I876, and, at
various periods since, Thomas has threatened to become quite an important shipping point. One of the most exciting local events occurred on
July 3, I902, when by a cloud burst and consequent railroad wreck two
persons were killed at Thomas.
This is really the only settlement in the township outside of Oxford
village, unless we except Oakwood postoffice, although most of the houses
clustering around it are located in the adjoining township of Brandon.
LAKES
There are a number of pretty lakes in the central and southern townships of the county, such as Stony, Squaw, Davis and Powell. Sections
3 and Io were originally covered with forests of white cedar, whose
products furnished thousands of rails. The largest of the lakes is Stony,
located on section I6 and covering about o10 acres. It is about two
miles northwest of the village of Oxford and the township has purchased a tract of land on its shores and improved it as a park.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


421


OXFORD VILLAGE INCORPORATED
The village of Oxford was not incorporated until January 13, I876.
The charter which conferred corporate powers upon it gave it control
over one square mile of territory. Its original incorporation was by the
board of supervisors; its reincorporation, by act of the legislature, was
in I89I.
SCHOOLS
The northern and northwestern parts of the township were supplied
with schools before the southern-that is, the first two attempts at training the young ideas were made in that section. In 1835 a little log house
for that purpose was built on section 9 and in the summer of the fol

ON THE SHORES OF STONY LAKE


lowing year Miss Maria Sherman taught a class, a portion of which was
composed of pupils from Lapeer county. The building was burned down
in I839 and replaced by a frame school house in I84 —the first in the
township.
In 1837 section 7 saw the rearing of a log house devoted to educational purposes. It was also destroyed by fire in I842 and a "frame"
built near its site in I843. Miss Betsey Howard was the pioneer teacher
in the northwestern part of Oxford township.
The first schoolhouse in the southern part was put up in 1837 on
section 22, in the northern part of the village. The 1842 frame building which took its place was used until I86o, when the school district
obtained the Oxford Institute, which had been established three years
before by Rev. William H. Fuller and others.
Soon afterward the district school was graded, and it has since gone




422


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


right ahead. The Oxford Union school is now one of the best organized
in the county and is under the superintendency of A. D. Dewill. The
building also houses a good township library, of which Nina Sutherland
is librarian.
Besides its fully-organized Union school, Oxford has a well-planned
and well-built plant for supplying the village with water and electric
light. The former is based on the direct pumping system and the supply is drawn from four wells. A small volunteer fire department affords
adequate fire protection.
OXFORD CHURCHES
Baptists. Methodists, Congregationalists, Catholics, Christians (Church
of Christ), Christian Scientists and Seventh-Day Adventists are all rep

OXFORD UNION SCHOOL


resented by organizations at Oxford. The Methodists were first in the
field; that is, the Farmington circuit, which formerly embraced Oxford
and was cultivated by Revs. J. F. Davidson and John Kensar.
The Church of Christ was not organized at Oxford until I862,
although the preachers of that faith were among the first in the township. The Congregationalists also had an early organization, and built
a church about I876. The latter now -number about fifty, although at
last accounts (October, I912), they had no settled pastor. Neither have
the Catholics any regular local pastor.
THE METHODISTS
The history of Methodism in Oxford township dates from the year
1834, and is principally based upon the recollections of some of the old



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


423


est members. Rev. J. F. Davidson gathered some of these accounts
previous to 1877, and these, with later recorded events, have furnished
data for a more complete history of the church.
Early in 1834 Rev. J. E. Davidson and Rev. John Kensar were appointed to the Farmington district, which in those days extended north
beyond the bounds of the county. At Paint creek they held regular
preaching services, and there Rev. Davidson organized a class of seven
Methodists. Three years later Revs. Earl and Britton organized a class
at Oxford, numbering ten in all, the members being William H. Powell,
Peter Makely, Daniel Haines, Rufus Moore and Daniel Ingals, with
their wives. Peter Makely was chosen classleader. From that time on
regular preaching services were maintained in the schoolhouse, until in
1843 the church had expanded so.well that it was decided to build a
place of worship more fitting than they then possessed. A board of
trustees was appointed, including W. H. Powell, Joseph Tindall, Daniel
Ingals, David Applegate, John Clemons, John Stone and Peter Tubbs,
and under their direction, the work was begun.
A frame edifice, thirty-two by forty-two, with twelve foot posts, was
erected in the village, and in this house the society worshipped nearly
thirty years. In 1867 increased numbers again made further building
expedient, and a new board of trustees was elected to inaugurate and
carry out the work. The new board was composed of Joseph C. Powell,
John W. Phillips, Hiram Travis, Alfred Van Wagoner, David Applegate, Thomas W. Powell and E. J. Boice, Rev. William Taylor being
presiding elder of the circuit in which Oxford was controlled. On the
24th of June, I868, the corner-stone of the new edifice was erected, and
the present structure, a frame building, forty feet wide by seventy feet
in length, two stories high, was erected and completed at a cost of $6,500.
It has a seating capacity of five hundred, and is conveniently arranged
for the services of church and Sunday-school.
In March, I869, dedicatory services were held by Dr. George B.
Joslyn, president of Albion College, and the growth of the church has
been continuous since that time. A list of the pastors connected with
the church since its formative period in 1837 is here given: Revs. Earl
and Britton, i837-8; Rev. John Cosart, I838-40; Rev. William Mothersill, I840-41; Rev. Hiram Law, 1841-42; Rev. Thomas Granger, I842 -43; Rev. Salmon Steele, I843-45; Rev. John Gray, 1845-47; Rev. C. C.
Woodward, 1847-49; Rev. F. C. Britton, I849-50; Rev. Andrew Bell,
I850-51; Rev. B. F. Pritchard, I851-53; Rev. L. P. Lee and Rev. Gray,
1853-55; Rev. T. Seeley, I855-56; Rev. Wim. Moon, 1856-57; Rev. Rufus
C. Crane, 1857-59; Rev. Samuel Bessey, I859-6I; Rev. Alfred Allen,
1861-63; Rev. J. R. Noble, 1863-65; Rev. Johna A. Mcllwaine, I865-68;
Rev. J. F. Dory, I868-69; Rev. W. H1. Benton, I869-70; Rev. N. Green,
1870-72; Rev. J. O. Bancroft, I872-74; Rev. J. F. Davidson, 1874-78; Rev.
Orin Whitmore, 1878; Rev. David Casler, 1878-82; Rev. H. O. Parker,
1882-84; Rev. H. W. Hicks, 1884-86; Rev. C. M. Thompson, I886-88;
Rev. W. E. Bigelow, 1888-89; Rev. J. B. Whitford, I889-94; Rev. Norman C. Karr, 1894-97; Rev. C. C. Squires, 1897-98; Rev. James A.
Lowry, I898-900o; Rev. Samuel Jennings, 1900-1903; Rev. S. Morley




424


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Preston, 1903-06; Rev. H. H. Hough, I906-IO; Rev. Walter H. Smith,
I9IO, is the present incumbent.
The organized society is now seventy-five years old, this being one
of the oldest established church organizations in the county. The present membership of the church is one hundred and sixty-five.
THE BAPTISTS
Although the Baptist church was notably among the first to send the
pioneer missionary into Oxford, no effort was made to organize a society
of believers in that faith until 1859. At that time an organization was
effected, and the history of the society was given in detail by Milo Smith,
a minister of the Baptist church. Organization was effected on the 4th
day of September, 1859, with eight members, as follows: William Bettys,
Isaac Brown, Griffin Greene, Squire Tanner, Frederick Wicks and Artemesia Brown. William Bettys and Griffin Greene were elected deacons
and Squire Tanner clerk.
Formal recognition of the church as such was made by a council,
called for that specific purpose on July 2, 1862, consisting of delegates
from the churches at Pontiac, Rochester, Oakland, Brandon and Hadley,
and in August, following, it was received into the fellowship of the Flint
River Baptist Association. Rev. A. S. Taft was the first pastor of the
church, called on November 12, 1859, and he continued as pastor until
April 27, I86i. Monthly covenant meetings were held and some additions made to the church without a pastor, until January I, I862, when
Rev. William M. Fuller was called to the charge. His pastoral relation
was discontinued on January 2, I864. During this time the meetings
were held in the school-house and the Methodist church, but in 1867 the
society felt itself able to build a church home for itself, and accordingly,
on December 9, I868, the society formally dedicated a fine building,
erected at a cost of five thousand dollars. The church was built under the direction and leadership of Rev. S. Gardner, who was succeeded
in March, I869, by Rev. J. J. Gundy, who served until May, I871. Rev.
D. Gostelow succeeded him on December 3, I87I and resigned on May 4,
I873, and in February of 1874, Rev. J. M. Titterington became pastor,
his resignation going into. effect in September, 1876. The place thus
made vacant was filled by Rev. S. Gardner, who had previously served
the little company so faithfully in the days of its early struggles. June of
1877 was marked by the union of the Baptists and Methodists of Oxford
in a series of meetings, which awakened such an abiding interest that they
were continued for several weeks.  About the same time a series of
meetings were inaugurated in the Christian church at Rochester, and
these gatherings the Baptists also attended, lending their aid to such
good effect that hundreds were added to the church. In April, 1877,
Rev. Milo Smith was called to the church, and he began his labors
among the people amidst the most encouraging auspices. The Sundayschool was organized in May, I859, and has ever been one of the strongest factors of the church work.  Following the close of Rev. Smith's
pastorate in April, I879, the church was successively in charge of the
pastors here named:  Rev. W. H. Mills, I879-85; Rev. C. C. Miller,




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


425


January I, I886, to May, 1889; Rev. A. G. Cameron, November 3, 1889,
to October II, 1891; Rev. T. S. Woodin, January 3, 1893, to November I,
1897; Rev. F. B. Cutler, November 28, 1897 to January I, 1907; Rev. F.
Dewey Ehle, January I, 1908, to April I, 1909; Rev. Franklin Galloway,
April I, 1909, to October 30, I9IO; Rev. K. N. Morrell, December 4, I910,
and still pastor of the church.
In I906 the church society replaced the old building with a fine new
structure, suited in every way to the demands of the congregation. The
present church membership is one hundred and thirty-five.
NEWSPAPERS AND SOCIETIES
Oxford has two newspapers. The Leader is an independent Republican weekly and issued its first number April 12, 1879. Its proprietors
are now E. H. Congdon and A. B. Glaspie. John Cannon is editor and
proprietor of the Globe, a more recent addition to the list of Oakland
county newspapers.
Oxford is represented by a number of secret and benevolent organizations-Masons, Knights of Pythias, Knights and Ladies of Maccabees,
Order of the Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters. The Masons are so
strong that they are about to erect a $14,ooo temple, the building to be
given over to business purposes as well as to the accommodation of the
different Masonic bodies.
OXFORD INDUSTRIES
The development of the industries of Oxford form an interesting
recital, in view of its present substantial standing from a manufacturing and industrial viewpoint, and the early activity of the place in that
respect dates back to 1838. In that year Isaac Annice, a blacksmith, located in Oxford. He was the first man to establish a smithing business,
and was for many years the principal blacksmith of the village. In 1840
Robert Haines came to the village and built a shop, being the first wagonmaker to do business in Oxford.
In I840 Daniel F. Ingals and Benjamin Knight built a small foundry
at Oxford, where they made plows, sleigh-shoes and did repair work for
farmers. An interesting piece of work carried out in their little shop was
the making of a gun, which one of the local citizens wished to help celebrate the nation's natal day. Knight & Ingals undertook to cast one at
their foundry, and Perry Ball made the model. The work of casting was
sufficiently simple, but it was found a somewhat difficult matter to drill
the bore. It was finally accomplished by sinking the gun into the ground
in an upright position, and then, by the aid of sweeping levers to which
drills were affixed, carried round and round like the levers of a threshing
power, four men did the work, which required several days. After the
work was done they were afraid the gun would burst if used, and to test
its strength they tied it to a stump, and putting in a heavy charge, were
gratified to find it equal to the strain. This novel piece of ordnance was
used to announce the advent of Independence Day in 1841, and has subsequently been employed on many similar occasions.




426


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


There was a gradual growth of the smaller industries incidental to the
development of an agricultural center, and it was not until I869 that the
manufacturing interests began to locate in Oxford, since which time the
growth in that line has been constant and extensive. The Oxford Valley
Mills were established in I869, and were used for some years as a planing
mill, later being reconstructed and used as a gristmill. In I865 John
Clemons established the Oxford Carriage Factory, which has since done
a thriving business in the manufacture of carriages, phaetons and other
light vehicles. Mitchell, Williams & Company organized the Oxford
Agricultural Works, which absorbed a large number of smaller shops
and foundries in 1873 and gradually became an extensive factory. It
specialized in the manufacture of farming machinery. The Oxford
Machine Works were established in I869 by Nichols & Cushing. In
1873 the Oxford Marble Works came into existence, its proprietors
then being Brown & Morton. A carriage manufactory was established
in October, I876, by McKenzie & Titus. The Oxford Vinegar Factory was organized in 1876, and produced pure cider and wine vinegar.
The Oxford Brewery was erected in September, I876, with William
Finden as proprietor. The Oxford Steam Planing Mill was built in
1877 by Alexander Johnson. In 1859 G. J. Whitcomb and H. Baldwin
established a furniture and cabinet shop, they being the first cabinetmakers in the village; they also did a general furniture and undertaking
business. Most of these plants have disappeared, the flour and feed
mills, planing mill and carriage and wagon factory having been burned
within recent years. A pure food factory is also one of the recent industries which has gone up in flames and smoke.
MICHIGAN PRESSED BRICK COMPANY
The Michigan Pressed Brick Company is one of the substantial
enterprises of which Oxford has so many, and a branch of it has been
in operation here since I908, in which year W. O. Smith developed a
crushing plant. This was operated independently until the spring of
I9II, when his crushing plant and gravel interests, which he had acquired at Oxford, were consolidated with the Michigan Pressed Brick
Company (a corporation) of Detroit.  After that consolidation the
stone and gravel end of the business was brought to a more advanced
state of development, and is now doing a splendid business, furnishing
employment to about twenty men. The company manufactures Sand
Lime Brick at Detroit-hence the name of the company-the Oxford
end of the business being confined to the handling of stone and gravel.
Through the efforts of W. O. Smith, manager of the stone and
gravel department, and one time owner of the Oxford plant, which he
purchased from George S. Germain, has been developed the crushing
plant from a forty-ton daily capacity to a capacity of two hundred and
fifty tons of crushed granite and four hundred yards of A-I concrete
gravel,-a circumstance which causes this plant to be no small factor in
the industrial prosperity of Oxford.
The firm is composed of Frank W. Hubbard, president; J. H.
Schluchter, manager brick department, and J. T. Hadwin, secretary and
treasurer.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


427


C. L. RANDALL & COMPANY
C. L. Randall & Company, dealers in general produce, have been
identified with the business activities of Oxford for many years. From
I895 to I905 C. E. and Leon Randall, brothers, owned and operated the
old Oxford Creamery, organized some twenty-five years ago as a stock
company and operated by the stockholders for about seven years. About
three years ago the property was sold to the Ball Butter Company.
The C. L. Randall Company is composed of two brothers, C. L. and
Leon, and Philo B. Glaspie, and they are engaged in handling general
produce as previously mentioned; apples, potatoes, rutabagas, onions,
carrots, cabbage, beans and hay all claiming a share of their attention as
dealers. The firm operates but one elevator at Oxford, and has one at
Washington and one at Milford. Their operations are confined principally to potatoes, and they own potato cellars at more than forty stations in this district. Beans in this section have taken the place of wheat
and other grains, and last season something like $I50,ooo was paid for
navy beans at Oxford, and a similar or greater amount for potatoes.
Among the other industries of Oxford worthy of mention are those
included in the business of the Wolverine Sand & Gravel Company. The
enterprise embraces not only sand and gravel contracting, but furnishing
sand and gravel outfits.
Oxford has an organization of recent establishment which is doing
a good work among both business men and neighboring farmers-viz.,
the Mutual Fire Prevention Bureau. As its name implies, its object is to
prevent fires-to safeguard against destruction by fire.  It as really a
combination of the fire insurance companies of the locality and is part of
a general system, or organization, whose scope is rapidly broadening.
William Reed is secretary of the Oxford bureau.




CHAPTER XXX


ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP
ORIGIN OF THE NAME-GOVERNOR CASS "SEES FOR HIMSELF"-SETTLERS
OF I822-I826-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED-ROYAL OAK VILLAGE CORPORATION RECORD-ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS-CHURCHES SOCIETIESURBAN REST AND FERNDALE ROSELAND PARK CEMETERY.
The township of Royal Oak is the gateway to Oakland county. The
government surveyors laid out the road in 1819 over which the eastern
emigrants traveled from Detroit, with their families, and finally found
homes in this section of the state, after the slanders about the country
had been laid to rest by actual travelers and observers.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
Judge Drake furnishes the authentic explanation as to the origin
of the name in a speech which he delivered in I860. It runs in this wise:
"On the 5th of December, I819, Governor Cass, by proclamation, established a road, which had been previously run out by commissioners
which he had appointed for that purpose from a point in the city of
Detroit on Woodward avenue to the end of the road built by the United
States troops, thence westerly to a large oak tree, marked H, near the
Indian trail, thence westerly along a line run by Horatio Ball, to the
main street in Pontiac village, thence along that to the end thereof.
This was the first road established leading from Detroit to the interior.
The oak tree was near the line run by Ball, from Pontiac to Detroit,
and was probably marked H on that occasion. The tree stood on the
plains and the north and east side of the trail that was traveled from
Detroit to Pontiac, by the way of Chases, and a little to the west of the
line of the road from Niles corner to Detroit. After the issuing of
the governor's proclamation the tree commenced to be observed, and
being of some magnitude it was called the Royal Oak, and from the
tree the name was applied to the country about, and thence to the township at its organization."
GOVERNOR CASS "SEES FOR HIMSELF"
Among those who refused to believe the report of the early surveyors that all this part of the country was a morass or a wilderness
was Governor Lewis Cass, and soon after the road was surveyed he
428




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


429


decided to "see for himself."  He therefore set out from Detroit, accompanied by two or three friends, including Hon. Austin E. Wing.
For some miles out of that city, as they journeyed toward the northwest, their horses wallowed through marshes and bogs, but as they approached what is now Oakland county they commenced to get upon
higher ground, and finally encamped upon an open space under a large
oak tree. This had already been marked with the "H" by the government surveyors. It was this little party, headed by the governor, which
christened the beautiful and stately natural landmark as the Royal
Oak, after its historic prototype in Scotland. To be specific, the old
oak stood on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section I6,
a few rods northwest of the junction of the Crooks, the Niles and the
Paint Creek roads, not far north of the present limits of the village of
Royal Oak.
From the Royal Oak the governor and his companions continued
toward the west and the north, and in the course of their trip of about
a week named Wing lake, Bloomfield township, in honor of Austin E.
Wing of the party; Cass lake, to the northwest, in what is now West
Bloomfield; and Elizabeth lake, just north of the latter, after the governor's wife; but, better than all, they carried back to Detroit the
truth about the charming and fertile country through which they had
passed.
SETTLERS OF 1822-1826
L. Luther and D. McKinstry made the first entries in Royal Oak
township on the 6th of July, 1820, selecting section 33, just over the
present southern line, for their claims. The first settlements were made
on the same section by a MIr. White, a shoemaker, and Henry Stephens,
who became prominent in later years, both coming in 1822. In that
year Thomas Flinn also settled, directly on the "base line," south of
Mr. White; he also purchased some lands in Wayne county, so that he
could jump either way according to developments. He afterward chose
Wayne, but finally drifted to the village of Birmingham, where he died
in 1842.
Erastus Ferguson, from Oneida county, New York, also came in
1822, and made a settlement on the southeast quarter of section 9. He
is said to have been the first man in the county to drive a team of horses
through to Saginaw, being employed for that purpose by Doctor Little
who accompanied him, and they were compelled to cut their way as they
proceeded.
Henry O. Bronson settled, in the fall of the year, less than a mile
north of the present village, bringing his family with him and building a log house for their accommodation. He also opened a tavern,
the first in the township, which grew in favor as long as it existed, or
until 1828.
In 1823, Sherman Baldwin settled on the northwest corner of section
6, in the extreme northwest of the township; Josiah Goddard on section
I6; and Diodate Hubbard also on section 6, a young man who had been
in the employ of Mack, Conant & Sibley, of Pontiac, and was widely




430


'HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


acquainted in the county, in his later years becoming quite a prominent
politician.
In the spring of 1824 James Lockwood occupied the land adjoining
the village of Royal Oak (as now known) which he had entered in
1821, and built upon it a large double house of hewn logs which he
opened as a hotel. Within a few weeks of Mr. Lockwood's arrival the
Noyes brothers, Benjamin and Abraham, located on the southwest
quarter of section 9. They were bachelors. Others soon became residents of the township. Cromwell Goodwin, the first bricklayer, settled
on the southwest quarter of section 4, in the northern part of the township; his daughter Harriet died soon after, hers being the first death.
David Williams, who settled on section 3, became the father of five sons,
several of whom made records of some interest, George developing into
quite an Indian fighter on the frontier.  Joseph Chase (Uncle Joe
Chase) arrived late in 1824 from New York, settling on the northwest
corner of section 9; that locality became known, at a later day, as
Chase's Corners. Sections 5 and 8, in the northwestern part of the
township, had the honor of receiving, as settlers of 1825, the first carpenters-Jarvis Phelps and Erastus Burt.
James G. Johnson, John K. Keyes, Dennis H. Quick and Abraham
S. Hoagland came in 1825, the first named settling on section 4, and
in 1832 building on a little creek of Red run the only water mill ever
put in operation in the township.
Among the settlers of 1826 were William Worth and Daniel Burrows on sections IO and 15, the latter's tract covering the area of the
cemetery. Orson Starr, who purchased lands, in that year, on sections
9 and IO, came to have a national reputation as a manufacturer of cow
bells; their tinkle and fame even penetrated to the Pacific coast. And
the list of these earliest of the pioneers of Royal Oak township may
as well be closed with Orson Starr as with some less interesting character.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED
The two townships numbered I and 2 north, range II east (Royal
Oak and Troy) were on the i2th of April, 1827, set off together, erected
into a township and designated as Troy. This organization continued
for five years, at the end of which time town I of that range was detached from  Troy and separately erected as the township of Royal
Oak. The first supervisor was David Chase and the first clerk, Socrates
Hopkins.
ROYAL OAK VILLAGE
The original plat of Royal Oak village was laid out in the year 1836
by Sherman Stevens, who had purchased the land of Joseph Parshall,
the plat covering about eighty acres in the northeast quarter of section 21
and forty acres of the northwest quarter of section 22. No addition
was made to the original plat until 1875 when one was surveyed and
laid out by J. A. Phelps, covering about forty-four acres and adjoining
the Stevens plat on the north. Colloquially, this was called the north



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


431


ern extension, but was recorded as J. A. Phelps' addition to the village
of Royal Oak.
The village plat was laid out by Stevens, in anticipatioif of the completion of the Detroit & Pacific Railroad (afterward the Detroit & Milwaukee) and at the time when the plat was surveyed, virtually the only
buildings which stood there were the old blockhouse which had been
kept by Lockwood, and also by Talbot as a tavern, and the frame barn
belonging thereto.
BUSINESS HOUSES
The first business enterprises inaugurated in the village were the
building of a sawmill by the railroad company, in 1836, and the erection
of a hotel by Daniel Hunter in the same year. While engaged in its
construction Mr. Hunter lived with his family in the old LockwoodTalbot blockhouse. The hotel was completed and opened by him in the
spring of 1837 as a tavern and boarding house for the men employed at
the mill and on the railroad construction. Mr. Hunter remained in this
house for two years. The next hotel at the village was built in I839
by James B. Simonson. It was called the Railroad Exchange, and the
first of its landlords was a Mr. Balch. During the time when this was
the railway terminus, and in the succeeding years when the stages for
Rochester and points beyond made their connection there, these Royal
Oak village hotels drove a prosperous business, but such is not the case
in these later years. The palmy days of the railway-terminus and stage
coach connection have passed away and will never return to Royal Oak.
The village cannot boast the establishment of the first mercantile
business of the township, nor the first postoffice at Royal Oak. Both
these were first located at Chase's Corners, in the year I826, the first
postmaster being Joseph Chase, who held the position for twelve years,
when the opening of the railroad made it necessary that the office should
be located at the new village, the existence of which had never even
been dreamed of when Uncle Joe Chase received his appointment.
The first to become established in the merchandise business in the
village was the firm of Simonson & Fish, the latter being the agent of
the railroad company, and the senior member of the firm being John
B. Simonson, who had previously opened a store on the Pontiac road,
about half a mile south of the village, this being the second store in the
township. On removing to the village in the spring of I838, and entering into partnership with Fish, they opened up for business at the railroad depot with a very extensive stock of goods, which for many years
after took place as the largest and best stock ever brought into the village. In the same season, shortly after they opened for business, the
railroad was extended from Detroit, and ran by horse power for some
time as far as Royal Oak village, that place thereupon becoming at once
of considerable importance.
In I877 the village of Royal Oak contained the buildings of the
railroad company, a steam sawmill, three blacksmith shops, one hotel,
three general stores, one millinery store, two drug stores, two physicians,
four churches, the town hall and the handsome schoolhouse of district
No. 6. There was also a newspaper, a very small one, published by




432


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Rev. George W. Owen. It was called the Royal Oak Experiment, and
it proved to be of the nature indicated in its title. Local journalism is
now represented by the Tribune, founded in I902.
The town hall, still standing at the northwest corner of Main and
Fourth streets, was built in the year 1870 and accepted by the town on
the loth of September of that year. ' The price paid to the contractor,
one B. M. Knowles, was sixteen hundred and sixty-four dollars. It
was then a creditable public building.
CORPORATION RECORD
Royal Oak village was incorporated by a special act of legislature
of I891, approved on March i8th of that year. The following is a list
of village officers since and including the election of March 30, I89I:
President, John Scott; clerk, Charles F. Quick; treasurer;, Samuel J.
Wilson; street commissioner, Franklin Alford; trustees for two years.
Reuben Russell, Louis Storz, and Charles G. Merrill; trustees for one
year, Charles A. Allen, Richard J. Kenny and Henry Murray; assessor,
Linus D. Finn; constable, Lewis H. McDowell.
Election, March 14, 1892: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, Charles
F. Quick; treasurer, Andrew C. Campbell; assessor, Joseph Conrad;
trustees, Robert Rolfe, Julius Brown and Frank L. Knowles; street
commissioner, Franklin Alford; constable, Lewis H. McDowell.
Election, March 14, 1893: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, Herman Bartles; treasurer, A. C. Campbell; assessor, George Pan; trustees, Louis Storz, Jacob Erb and William Hilzinger; street commissioner,
Ed. Granger; constable, Richard Rose.
Election, March 12, I894; President, A. C. Campbell; clerk, Herman Bartles; treasurer, Charles F. Quick; assessor, Frank Leach; street
commissioner, Samuel Alger; trustees, Frank L. Knowles, Julius Brown
and A. W. Wilson; constable, Richard Rose.
Election, March II, I895: President, A. C. Campbell; clerk, Charles
A. Alger; treasurer, Charles F. Quick; assessor, Ira Barnum; trustees,
Louis Storz, Jacob Erb and Edwin A. Kidder; constable, Ernest Reibel.
Election, March I2, I896: President, A. C. Campbell; clerk, C. A.
Alger; treasurer, William Rolfe; trustees, George B. Hammond, A. W.
Wilson and Herman Bartles; assessor, Ira Barnum.
Election, March 8, I897: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, F.
H. McDowell; treasurer, Frank Leach; trustees, Henry Lavery, Jacob
Lawson and Louis Storz; assessor, Julius Brown.
Election, March, 1898: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, John
Baum; treasurer, Frank Leach; assessor, A. C. Campbell; trustees for
two years, A. W. Wilson, George B. Hammond and John F. Tillotson;
for one year, N. B. Hickey.
Election, March, I899: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, John
Baum; treasurer, Henry Lavery; assessor, A. C. Campbell; trustees,
Louis Storz, Frank Leach and G. A. Dewey.
Election, March, I9oo: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, Josiah
Heavener; treasurer, H. N. Lavery; assessor, A. C. Campbell; trustees, Albert Hapert, Gustavus Dondero and George B. Hammond.


A




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


433


Election, March, I9OI: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, Josiah
Heavener; treasurer, Jacob M. Lawson; assessor, Henry N. Lavery;
trustees for two years, Peter Serenson and Fred Lutz.
Election, March, I902: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, Josiah
Heavener; treasurer, Jacob M. Lawson; assessor, Henry N. Lavery;
trustees for two years, Gustavus Dondero, George B. Hammond and
Theodore Radka.
Election, March, 1903: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, J.
Heavener; treasurer, C. C. Alger; trustees, A. W. Wilson, A. C. Campbell and A. D. Kidder.
Election, March, 1904: President, Frank L. Knowles; clerk, John
Baum; treasurer, Frank Leach; assessor, Julius Braun; trustees for
two years, Peter Serenson, G. B. Hammond and A. D. Kidder; for one
year, C. G. Merrill.
Election,,March, I905,: President, Albert W. Wilson; clerk, George
A. Dondero; treasurer, William Beltz; trustees for two years, Edward
Roy; Louis Storz and Reuben A. Russell; for one year, Joseph Stauch;
assessor, Julius Braun.
Election, March, I906: President, Joseph Burgess; clerk, George
A. Dondero; treasurer, William Beltz; assessor, H. N. Lavery; trustees, Joseph Stauch, Frank Richards and John McClellan.
Election, March, I907: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, L. J.
Levamseler; treasurer, Thomas Alger; trustees for two years, Louis
Storz, Harry S. Gardner and Silas Brazington; for one year, William
Hilzinger; assessor, H. N. Lavery.
Election, March, 1908: President, Charles A. Allen; clerk, L. J.
Levamseler; treasurer, Thomas Alger; assessor, Louis Storz, Jr.; trustees for two years, Martin Severson, Charles A. Crane and Joseph
Stauch.
Election, March, I909: President, John A. Merritt; clerk, John C.
Mow; treasurer, John Landau; trustees for two years, Fred Lyons,
Louis Storz and A. W. Wilson.
Election, March, I90o: President, John A. Merrill; clerk, John C.
Mow; treasurer, John Landau; trustees for two years, Martin Severson, Harry F. Smith and C. A. Alger; assessor, William Hilzinger.
Election, March, I9I1: President, A. D. Kidder; clerk, J. C. Mow;
treasurer, J. F. Codling; assessor, M. R. Blair; trustees for two years,
Earl S. McEwen, William Wheeler and L. J. Levamseler.
Election, March, 1912: President, John C. Mow; clerk, Harry R.
Brace; treasurer, J. F. Codling; assessor, William Penny; trustees for
one year, Harry F. Smith, William Sullivan and Robert McClure.
Royal Oak has no police force, but has one village marshal, Alexander Lewless, who is also deputy sheriff. Protection against fire consists of one thirty gallon conical tank mounted on a truck and drawn by
hand on sidewalk; one truck, with five or six good extension ladders;
twenty-four fire buckets, five axes and three hand chemicals.
Royal Oak is well supplied both with water and electric light. An
abundant supply of water is obtained from wells sunk from eight to
twelve feet below the surface, the sandy soil being a natural and sanitary filter. The electric light is furnished by the Edison Company of




434


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Detroit, through the'local power house, at the same rates as prevail in
the former place.
Although the village has a fair local and country trade, it is, primarily, a residence community, several citizens of Pontiac making it
their home. The largest business establishments are the lumber and
coal yards conducted by J. M. Lawson and the Mellen-Wright Lumber
Company, the latter also conducting a large store which makes a speciality of hardware and painters' and builders' supplies.
ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS
The first school in the village was taught in the old log house built
by Josiah Goddard on the west side of the old Crooks road in section
I6, and soon thereafter abandoned, after which it was used for a school
UNION SCHOOL, ROYAL OAK
and as a meeting place for all religious denominations lacking a better
house. The next school was a frame building, but a few rods from the
site of the old one, in district No. I. Later one was built at Chase's
Corners, and others followed in other parts of the township.
At that time schoolhouses were built and schools taught in them
under the simple old plan, no different in Royal Oak than in other
parts of the country-that is, the universal method of raising the house
by a cooperation of labor on the part of the male inhabitants of the village, and afterwards a subscription per capita of pupils to raise the fifteen dollars per month required as the remuneration of a superior
teacher for the winter term. Many are the tales, both ludicrous and
pathetic, told by scattering pioneer settlers, still surviving, concerning
their experiences on the slab or puncheon seats of those rude temples
of learning, but all look back with a feeling akin to regret to the days
and scenes they can never see again.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


435


In 1877 the township had eight good and comfortable frame schoolhouses and nine schools in district No. 6, which embraced the village of
Royal Oak, two schools, a primary and a grammar school, all causing
a total annual expenditure of $2,950. No. 6 was by far the largest of
the districts, having an average attendance of about Ioo pupils and in
this district was the best of the school buildings. District No. 9 also had
an exceptionally good school building, built in place of one destroyed
by fire in I873.
At this writing (July, 1912) the average attendance at the union
school is 415, the high school embracing 65 pupils. Fourteen teachers
are employed. The curriculum is fully up to the modern standard, music
and drawing being included in the special branches. In I902 was erected
the substantial brick schoolhouse now occupied.  The expansion of
school population made a two-room addition necessary in I907-8, and
the overflow has also forced the erection of a small building on the
grounds (comprising about five acres). The estimated value of buildings and grounds is about $25,000. E. J. Lederley is superintendent
of the school.
ROYAL OAK CHURCHES
Royal Oak village supports churches of the Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, Catholic and German Lutheran sects. The first organization of the Methodists took place a short time before that of the Baptists in 1838. Their first meetings were held in the old schoolhouse
near the south end of the village. Among the first of their settled pastors was Rev. J. M. Arnold, and their first house of worship was completed in I843. The society now numbers about 200 members and the
church building in which it worships was erected in I894. In I9II
repairs upon the church and parsonage were made at a cost of some
$2,400. Since I876, or within the past thirty-six years, the following
have served the Royal Oak Methodist church as pastors: G. W. Owen,
S. E. Warren, L. H. Dean, H. N. Brown, Eugene Yager, T. C. Higgins, B. B. Rogers, D. M. Ward, W. H. Benton, Appleton Smith, A.
Wood, W. J. Clark, F. D. Ling, James Jackson, H. S. Shaw, Attree
Smith, O. W. Willits and H. H. Hough (present incumbent).
The Baptist church'of Royal Oak was organized under the charge
of Elder Stephen Goodman, of Troy, in January, I839, the original
members being Henry Stephens and wife, William Bettes and wife, Dr.
L. C. Rose and wife, Chester Morgan and wife and Amelia Nichols.
For some time previous to the organization these and a few other devout
ones had been accustomed to meet in the schoolhouses and sometimes at
dwellings, and there to hold religious worship under the preaching of
Elders Goodman, Buttolph, Keys, and such other preachers as from time
to time chanced to come among them. Mr. Goodman continued to labor
among them for several years. After him came Rev. Avery Dennison
and Rev. Samuel Jones of Grand Blanc. Then Mr. Goodman returned
and he was followed by the second pastorate of Mr. Dennison. Other
preachers who came later were Revs. Isaiah Fay, James Ward and 0.
E. Clark; Henry Pearsall, Chenowith and Silas Finn, the last named
coming to the service of the church in I87I. The first church edifice
Vol. 1-28




436


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was commenced immediately after the organization upon lots donated
by Sherman Stephens, at the corner of Third and Main streets in Royal
Oak village. It was built by Henry Stephens, as contractor, and he also
contributed most liberally towards the cost of the building, of which the
total was about $700. It was dedicated in August, 1839. Thirty-six
years later a new and larger church building having been decided upon,
the old one of I839 was sold to the German Lutherans, and the new edifice, the present Baptist house of worship, was erected on the west side
of the main street, at the north end of the village. For a time after the
sale of the old church the congregation, by an arrangement with the purchasers, continued to use it as their place of meeting, until their own
building was roofed in and they were able to occupy its basement for
that purpose. The church was dedicated in August, 1876. It was in
the form of a Greek cross, seventy feet in extent either way, and in its
erection, Rev. Silas Finn, the pastor, individually bore a very heavy partfully one-half-of the financial burden, which was by no means insignificent, the whole cost being about $4,000. In connection with the
church is the Sabbath school, which was organized many years ago during the pastorate of Mr. Pearsall, who was the first superintendent. The
church has had a rather checkered career. In the fall of 1907 it was
rededicated and again opened for divine services, after having been
unoccupied for many years. Rev. F. L. Swartout, who is the present
pastor, commenced his term of service in October, I9II.
The Congregational church was first organized in Royal Oak on the
13th day of August, 1842, by Rev. Ebenezer McDowell, the organization taking effect in the Baptist church in the village. Five people comprised the original membership, namely: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Merritt,
Mr. and Mrs. Levi Tootill and George Scongel. There were several
additions to that number very soon from the Presbyterian church at Birmingham, among these being Ezra Blackman, Lyman Blackman and
Joseph Quick. For a year and a half Mr. McDowell remained with the
church and he was succeeded by Rev. Charles Fairchild, whose ministry
covered a period of three years with them, and Rev. Steele followed him.
During Mr. Steele's ministry there occurred one of the most notable revivals in the subsequent history of the church, which brought large numbers into the new church. Of other ministers who guided the church.
further mention will be made later. Various localities have represented
the meeting places of this church in the years of its life. It first worshiped in the Baptist church, where it was organized, and early in 1843
the society moved to the Methodist church, just completed, in which it
continued to worship until it had erected a suitable building of its own.
The members secured the use of the Methodist church on the provision
that they hire their pews within it as if they were members of that church.
The first church building owned by the Congregationalists was built
during the pastorate of Rev. James Nall, and the lots on which it was
erected were donated by Mrs. Drake of Flint, Michigan. They then
purchased the old Presbyterian church, then vacated, for $300 and removed it piece-meal to the new site. There was no addition to the building nor any outward change in its appearance, and when completed it




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


437


cost the church about $I,800 in money, not including a large amount of
donated labor. It was dedicated on August 28, I867, a little more than
twenty-five years from the date of organization. That little church
served the congregation until I9II, when they erected a pretty new edifice on the corner of Center and Third streets, which was dedicated on
November 4th of that year.
In 1877 the church membership was 59, and the church roster has
both gained and lost in numbers through the years that have passed, the
present membership being between 60 and 70.
The pastors who have been identified with the history of this church
since the ministry of Reverend Steele are: Rev. Ezekiel Lucas who remained two years (I850-2); Rev. S. N. Hill, between three and four
years; Rev. O. C. Thompson of Detroit, one year; Rev. James Nall of
Detroit, seven years (I86I-8); Rev. O. C. Thompson, one year; Rev.
Charles S. Pettigrew, one year; Rev. A. W. Marvin of Clyde, Ohio,
about two years; Rev. Samuel Porter, two years; Rev. O. C. Thompson,
entered upon his third season of service in Royal Oak in May, 1874, remaining until I877; Rev. C. S. Cady, I877-79; Rev. Robert Havender,
1879-81; Rev. O. C. Thompson, I881-82; Rev. Nelson Green, I882-83;
Rev. Richard Vivian, 1883-85; Rev. Peter Barker, I885 to I888; then
followed a period of four years in which the pulpit was unoccupied;
Rev. Charles Cameron, 1892-93; 1893 to 1897 the pulpit was again unoccupied; Rev. Lincoln Ostrander, I898; Joshua Axtell, January, I899,
to January, 900o; Rev. E. C. Oakley and Rev. E. A. Spencer, until
April, I905; Dr. W. I. St. John, the present incumbent, began his labors
in the church on April I5, 1905, before his ordination, which took place
on October 25, 19I0.
The Catholic church edifice of Royal Oak is located in district No. 6,
in the northeast corner of section 15, on a quarter acre of ground given
for the purpose by Edmund Loughman, and the first building was erected
in the year I868 under the direction of Rev. Fr. George Mivels, then in
charge of the parish. In I877 he was succeeded by Rev. Louis Hendricks,
and the pastors who have had charge of this parish since Father Hendricks' time are as follows: Rev. Fr. John M. Schreiber; Rev. Fr. Jerome, 0. M. C.; Rev. Fr. Paschal, O. M\. C.; Rev. Fr. Aloysius, O. M. C.;
Rev. Fr. Edward Clark; Rev. Fr. D. P. Coyle; Rev. Fr. J. F. Muer;
Rev. Fr. Luke, 0.,M. C.; Rev. Fr. Capistran, O. M. C.; Rev. Fr. Fabian, 0. M. C.; Rev. Fr. Gaudentius, O. M. C.; Rev. Fr. John F. Needham. The present church building was erected in I889.
The German Evangelical Immanuel's church of Royal Oak was
founded in I880 by Rev. John Andres, who was pastor of the church
from that year until I883 when he was succeeded by Rev. Louis Bach,
who served from I883 to I885. In I885 Rev. Otto Keller assumed the
duties of pastor of the parish and he has continued in that position up
to the present time. In just what year the church was built is not clear,
but it is known to be the oldest religious edifice in Royal Oak, first being
owned by the Methodists, then the Baptists, then the Lutherans, and in
I880 became the property of the German Evangelical organization. The
church has a membership of 50.




438


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ROYAL OAK SOCIETIES
In January, I9II, a number of Masons formed a corporation to be
known as the Royal Oak Masonic Temple Association, and purchased a
building which was converted into a Masonic Temple. The building is
beautifully located on fine grounds consisting of six large lots at the
corner of Fourth and William streets. They then proceeded to form a
lodge. Birmingham released jurisdiction of the territory and granted
twenty-six members certificates of permission to aid in promoting the
new lodge, and on May Ioth of that year the Grand Lodge granted them
a dispensation under which they are now working, and it is expected that
the charter will be granted at the annual meeting on May 28, I912. The
following officers were chosen: Charles Hoodless, worthy master; Louis
A. Rickard, senior warden; John C. Mow, junior warden; Charles A.
Crane, secretary; and Harry R. Brace, treasurer.
Soon after the organization of the Royal Oak Masonic Temple Association, active measures were taken by the 0. E. S. members residing
in the village of Royal Oak to form a chapter, and on March 22, 1911,
twenty-six members who had petitioned for a dispensation met the grand
officers, Worthy Grand Matron Lizzie A. Harrison and Worthy Grand
Patron John Rowson, who granted them a dispensation and installed the
officers, with Nellie Blair, as worthy matron, and Maurice R. Blair, as
worthy patron. Twenty-nine members were added between the granting
of the dispensation and the charter, which was obtained on December 13,
9I I, being presented by Grand Worthy Matron Emma C. Boice, and the
present officers installed: Nellie Blair, worthy matron; James M. McVicar, worthy patron; Minnie Anderson, associate matron; Della Seigman, conductress; Lizzie McVicar, associate conductress; Marie Clark,
secretary; Catherine Erb, treasurer; Dora Lamb, Adah, Bertha Robbins, Ruth; Lettie Russell, Esther; Pearl Lamb, Martha; Annie Harvey, Electa; Louisa Patterson, chaplain; Flora Allen, marshal; Julia
Lakie, organist; Belle Welch, warder; Charles A. Allen, sentinel. The
present membership of the chapter is 60.
Royal Oak Lodge No. 424, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 3, I892,
by Grand Master John Northwood. The first elective officers were as
follows: Gilbert M. Newton, noble grand; Frank Norton, vice grand;
Thomas Bruce, recording secretary; John Tillotson, financial secretary;
George Geddis, treasurer; Richard Rose, P. G.
The present officers of the lodge are: Albert Willson, noble grand;
James Willson, vice grand; Henry Wheeler, F. S. and R. S.; Louis Storz,
treasurer; James Elsey, P. G.
Court Pride of the Oak No. 24 of the Foresters of America, was
organized on the 9th day of February, I892, at Royal Oak, with the following officers: C. F. Quick, chief ranger; R. M. McClure, sub-chief
ranger; George B. Hammond, secretary; Joseph Stauch, treasurer. The
present officers of the lodge are: Louis Storz, deputy; William Wheeler,
chief ranger; Fred Barnard, sub-chief ranger; Fred Puvogel, financial
secretary; Louis Storz, recording secretary; Frank Laish, treasurer;
John Schrandt, senior woodward; Fred Esoman, junior woodward; John
Laich, junior beadle. Court Pride of the Oak No. 24 has 94 members




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


439


and meets on the second and fourth Tuesday in each month in Storz
hall.
URBAN REST AND FERNDALE
About a mile southeast of the village limits of Royal Oak are two
pretty suburbs, or summer resorts, by these names. The former lies
partly in the southeast quarter of section 27 and partly in the southwest
quarter of section 26, and adjoins Ferndale to the southwest, which is
in the northeast quarter of section 34 on the Detroit United Railway.
Quite a collection of pretty cottages has been built within the past few
years, the owners including several citizens from Detroit and Pontiac.
ROSELAND PARK CEMETERY
Roseland Park Cemetery, rapidly developing into a beautiful home
for the dead and a charming and restful breathing spot for the living,
is located at the northwest corner of Woodward avenue and the Twelve
Mile road, Royal Oak township. It was originally a part of the estate
of John Benjamin and was purchased in May, I9o8. The cemetery is
about equidistant from the city hall in Pontiac and that of Detroit and,
lying as it does along Woodward avenue, is in direct line with the center
of growth from either direction, and is readily reached by electric transportation.
Looking up the central esplanade, which is a concrete roadway, from
the main entrance, there is a gentle rise to the undulating ground back
as far as the northwestern boundary and the landscape artist has taken
advantage of this to make the prospect one of beauty from any point
of view. Next the central driveway on either side is a row of low growing trees and shrubbery; a little farther stands a row of a class that
develop to greater size and still farther representatives of the tallest varieties, and the effect of the crescent sweep of foliage from the
tops of the tallest trees on one side down to the driveway and up to
the tops of the farthest row on the other side is decidedly creditable to
the landscape artist. The planting plan throughout is a systematic attempt to express similar appreciation of beautiful natural details and
the result as a whole is a harmonious, restful blending of art and nature
singularly appropriate to a park of final rest.
The cemetery gates, twenty-five feet high and six feet square at the
base, are of white Barre granite, and present both a beautiful and imposing appearance. The entrance as a whole represents an expenditure
of $20,00o. The public mausoleum is of reinforced concrete construction and is one of the largest in the country; further, the park cemetery
has complete water works and sewerage systems.
The authorized capital of the association is $300,000. Its stockholders comprise nearly four hundred well known people, with the following
officers: De Witt H. Taylor, president; Dr. Angus McLean, vice president; A. A. Hare, secretary; Horatio S. Earle, treasurer; and J. A.
Wendorph, superintendent.




CHAPTER XXXI


ORION AND MILFORD TOWNSHIPS
ORION'S FIRST SETTLERS AND EVENTS-A TOWNSHIP OF LAKES ORION
VILLAGE CHURCHES —MILFORD TOWNSHIP FORMED-THE RUGGLES
BROTHERS-PIONEER    MILLS-THE     PRESENT   VILLAGE —MILFORD
CHURCHES.
Orion is in the second tier of townships, directly north of Pontiac,
and was therefore a part of the original Oakland township, which, by
the proclamation of Governor Woodbridge of June, I820, included the
northern three-fifths of the county. It was one of the first sections to
be settled.
ORION'S FIRST SETTLERS AND EVENTS
Judah Church and John Wetmore made an entry of land on section
I9, in I819, and Moses Munson, Powell Carpenter, Jesse Decker, Philip
Bigler and others took up tracts in the eastern part of the township;
but actual settlement did not commence until 1825. In that year came
the leader of all the pioneers, the Jesse Decker mentioned; Munson located on section 24 and Decker on section 25 in the southeastern portion
of the township. The former built a sawmill, broke some ground and
planted the first orchard. Although Decker did not arrive until afterward and the two joined hands and fortunes, the latter proved the most
energetic and a splendid "stayer," and the result was "Decker's settlement," around which clustered the earliest associations of Orion township.
Mr. Decker was everything to everybody, as will be evident by a
casual perusal of the following brief record of the early events and
pioneers, prepared by William E. Littell for one of the first meetings of
the County Pioneer Society: "I find that the first entry of lands was
made in this township in 8I9 by Judah Church; the next by Samuel
Munson, in 1824, who in the following year built a sawmill on section
24. In the fall of the same year Jesse Decker, Philip Bigler, Jacob Bigler and John McAlvey settled in the town. Mr. Decker informed me
that at the time the timber was very scattering, being oak openings except in low places, so that he could look over the country and see a deer
run for miles.
"Elijah B. Clark and others settled in 1831, and a little later the
McVeans and others, and in I836 there was a heavy immigration in the
town.
440




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


441


"In 1820 the township was made a part of Oakland, which then comprised about three-fifths of the county. In 1828 it was made a part of
Pontiac township, and in 1835 was organized as a separate township and
named Orion.
"Jesse Decker was one of the assessors under the territory and had
to go clear to Saginaw in making his assessment on (here and there) a
settler. He was also the first supervisor of the town. There have been
twelve supervisors in all elected in the town, seven of whom are known
to be living (1879).
"The first general election in the town was held October 5 and 6,
1835, at which Stevens T. Mason received 36 votes and John Biddle, 7.
The first schoolhouse was built in the town in 1834; the first frame barn
in I830, by Jesse Decker, which the Indians helped raise. The first
store was opened in 1834 by John Hawkinson; the first postoffice in
1832, Jesse Decker, postmaster; the mail route was from Royal Oak to
Lapeer. Roxanna Bigler was the first person who died in the town in
I828. In I836 two persons were licensed to keep tavern in the townJesse Decker and A. Bernethy.
"In 1842 it was resolved by the electors 'to pay a bounty of ten
dollars for every wolf, half grown or over, killed in said township.' The
township expenses in 1835, the first year the town was organized,
amounted to $36.I4.
"Orion used to be a great place for lawing. Jesse Decker informed
me that while acting as justice he had issued as many as forty-two
summons in one day. So much lawing, and so independent was the
court, that it gained for the place the appellation of 'The United States
of Orion.' The first church edifice was erected in I854; the first gristmill in I836; the first railroad was built in 1872, since which time we
consider ourselves quite modernized."
As stated, Orion was separately organized in 1835. In I836 the
township was divided into four districts and log schoolhouses erected to
accommodate them. Later, the village of New Canandaigua (Orion)
built its first schoolhouse-quite a pretentious frame house for those
times (1844).
A TOWNSHIP OF LAKES
Orion is one of the great lake townships of Oakland county, the
estimate being that seventeen hundred acres are covered by them; when
to this area is added seven or eight hundred acres of low, or marsh land,
it is evident that considerable of the surface is untillable. But, as has
neen fully demonstrated in the opening chapter of this history, the pretty
lakes and ponds of any section have long since been figured as a valuable
asset for the people in the way of a basis for the settings, or prime
attractions, for summer resort improvements. What has been accomplished on the shores of beautiful Lake Orion has already been described.
Among other lakes well known and appreciated by lovers of the great
out-of-doors are Judah, Voorheis, Mill, Sixteen (in that section), Square,
Long and Buckhorn. The chain of lakes in Orion township stretches
generally from southwest to northeast, with Paint creek as a common




442


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


SCENES ALONG PAINT CREEK




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


443


outlet; little and big they number nearly thirty. One of them, Buckhorn, has no visible outlet.
The land surface of Orion township was originally covered with
timber, principally oak. This was quite heavy along the water courses
and lighter on the more elevated grounds, often terminating in openings.
Quite an area was also covered with pine. Generally speaking, the surface may be said to be broken by hills. A "spur" of Bald mountain projects into sections 35 and 36, in the southeastern part of the township,
and has an elevation of several hundred feet. Mt. Judah is in the southwestern part, about the middle of section 32, and, with the lake, a short
distance to the northeast, derives its name from Judah Church, who is
credited with having made the first land entry in the township, as has
been noted.
Lake Orion, formerly called Canandaigua lake, is the largest in the
township, and contains some seventeen islands from a few rods to about
forty acres in area. Their natural growth was of oak, pine and cedar,
and the beauties which nature lavished upon themhas been taken full advantage of by modern "promoters" of summer homes.
ORION VILLAGE
The original village plat of Orion is comprised of forty acres and
was laid out in 1836 by James Stillson, a traveling auctioneer. As the
lake was then called Canandaigua, he christened the place as "Canandaigua City." Although Stillson's paper town crumpled, the beauties
of the locality were not forgotten; and when Needham Hemingway
platted the east half of the southeast quarter of section 2, in I838, and
John Perry an addition to it, a few of the settlers commenced to be
drawn thither, especially as the surrounding country had quite a sprinkling of farms and the neighborhood trade was considerable. Thomas
Abernathy put up a frame building and opened it as a hotel, and David
Shadbolt established the "Orion House." In 1838 Robert Jarvis and
Paul Rice opened the first general store, the former being then postmaster of "New Canandaigua." In 1854 the name of the postoffice was
changed to Orion. Thus the name was fixed upon the map.
Orion was incorporated as a village in I859, but its charter was repealed by the legislature in I863, as during the previous year nearly the
entire town was swept by fire. Recovering from that blow, the village
was reincorporated in I869. Its charter was amended several times
and it was again reincorporated in I89I.
It is a pretty little village, on the Michigan Central Railroad,, and
depends for its local trade both on its considerable influx of summer
visitors and the productive surrounding country, which yields fair crops
of grain, fruit, potatoes and general farm produce. It has two good
banks, a well organized union and high school, and a firmly established
newspaper, which never fails to "push a good thing along"-meaning
Orion.  The Orion Review was founded in I88I and is published by
Neal & Wieland.
The first schoolhouse in the village was a frame building, erected in
1844. In I868 a substantial brick structure was erected at a cost of
$4,000.




444


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


ORION CHURCHES
The pioneer missionary made his first appearance among the settlers
of Orion as early as I825. Elder Warren, a Baptist, Elder Warren, a
Methodist, and Elder Earl, of the Protestant Methodist faith, are
remembered as being among the first to proclaim the gospel among these
sparsely-settled regions of the country, their meetings being held in the
houses of the most prominent settlers in different localities.
In 1831-32, Reverend Frazer, a Methodist minister of the Ohio conference, preached regularly in Orion: He was followed by Rev. L. Hill
of the same conference, who, in I833, organized the first,Methodist
class in Orion, at the home of Hiram Barnes. The class comprised fourteen members, they being: Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Barnes, Mr. and Mrs.
Job Sherman and their daughter Ellen, Thomas J. and Juliette Carpenter, Samuel Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Eaton and their daughter
Jane, William Merchant and wife and Elizabeth Wyckoff. The class
was regularly supplied from the time of organization, and services held
in the schoolhouse in the east part of the town.
In 1872, while the church was in charge of Rev. A. Laing, steps were
taken to build a Methodist church at Orion, and the corner-stone was
laid in June that year. On the I th day of January, 1873, while Rev. J. R.
Cordon was in charge, the lecture room was dedicated, and on June 14,
I874, the entire house was formally dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Ives of
New York. It is worthy structure, built of wood, thirty-eight by sixty
feet and thirty feet high, surmounted by a spire of one hundred
and four feet. It has three rooms below and a handsomely finished audience room above. The complete cost of the building was about seven
thousand dollars. In I877 the church had eighty-five members.
In 1870 the Methodists organized a Sunday-school, which met in a
hall until the completion of their church. Vincent Brown was the superintendent and the membership of the school at that time was one hundred.
The names of the pastors who have served in the church since its
organization in 1832 are as follows: Reverends T. Shaw, Ezra Brown,
William Sprague, Frazer E. Hill, Earl Britton, John Cogart, William,Mothersill, Hiram Lane, T. B. Granger, Solomon Steel, John Gray, C.
C. Woodward, F. C. Britton, Andrew Bell, B. F. Pritchard, L. T. Lee,
John Gray, Thomas Seeley, William McKibbon, J. G. Whitcomb, J. R.
Noble, A. Minnis, Samuel Bessey, C. T. Higgins, Samuel Bird, B. H.
Hedger, A. R. Laing, J. R. Cordon, D. Whitely, F. Wilkinson, Seyman
Barnes, Francis Berry, J. G. Whitcomb, L. N. Moon, W. M. Gifford,
G. H. Kennedy, R. N. Mullholland, E. Sedweek, Franklin Bradley, William H. Lloyd, A. J. Rice, C. E. Stedman and George E. Durr-the
last named being the present incumbent of the pastorate.
About 1833 the Congregationalists formed a society at the house of
N. Hemingway, then living in Oakland township. It was styled the
"Congregational Church of Paint Creek," and Rev. J. W. Ruggles was
its first pastor. This was the germ of the society organized at Orion
village in January, I853, by Mr. Ruggles, D. L. Eaton, P. R. Hurd, and
H. A. Reed. A church edifice was built in 1854 and the society, at times,
has greatly prospered.  At present (October, 1912) it is without a
pastor.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


445


OTHER STATIONS
Outside of the village of Orion, there is no settlement of any account
in the township. The only railroad stations are Eames and Cole, on the
Pontiac, Oxford & Northern line, the former in the southern part of
the township, and the latter just northeast of the center. Mahopac is
a little plat which has been laid out south of Mill lake in section 20.
MILFORD TOWNSHIIP FORMED
On December 30, 1834, the congressional township of Milford was
detached from Novi and erected into a separate body politic, Alfred
Hayes being its first supervisor and John Vincent, the first township
clerk.
REASON FOR NAME
The Huron river, which flows from a series of lakes in the adjoining township of Commerce to the east, enters Milford at about the
middle of section 13, passes northwest and west through the village by
that name, and thence, in a generally southwesterly direction into Kensington lake which stretches over the southern line into Lyon township.
Within the corporation of Milford, the Huron river receives Pettibone
creek from the north, which is the outlet of Pettibone lake in this and
the adjoining township of Highland. In its entire course through Milford township, the Huron is unobstructed by lakes, and has therefore
a strong and unimpeded flow; Pettibone creek is fed from the lakes
and highlands of the north, and the two streams were the means of furnishing such valuable water powers as to give both the village and the
township its name.
The first entry of land in Milford township was made by Amos
Mead in 1827. This was the west half of the northwest quarter of
section Io, and constitutes that portion of the village of Milford lying
north of the quarter line and west of Main street. iMr. Mead made the
entry for Levi Pettibone, from which fact originated the name of the
lakes and the creek.
THE RUGGLES BROTHERS
Elizur Ruggles purchased lands of the government in 1831 and in the
following year, with his brother, Stanley, located on what afterward
became known as the Armstrong addition of Milford village, in 1832,
Henry, the third brother, joining them  in the following year.  As
Elizur Ruggles was a bachelor and Stanley a widower, the two boarded
with a family named Parks, who moved into the township about the
same time. To accommodate them all a log house was built-the first
in the township.
PIONEER MILLS
In 1832 Elizur and Stanley Ruggles built the first sawmill at Milford, on the Huron river. They operated it until 1839, when it passed
into the possession of Stephen and John L. Armstrong. The Armstrongs retained and operated the plant until 1853, when, with the water
power, it was purchased by Major Hughes. The dam created so much




446      HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY




I


TYPICAL OLD GRIST MILLS




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


447


stagnant water that the people along the banks suffered year after year
with various complaints which could be directly traceable to the nuisance.
Finally it became unbearable and in 1856 the farmers of the vicinity took
matters into their own hands and, in 1856, while Major Hughes was
absent on a business trip, they leveled the dam to the mudsills. That
heroic measure ended the trouble, as far as the health of the community
was concerned, although it dragged its way through the courts for several years thereafter.
Luman Fuller erected the first gristmill in I836, and in the summer
of 1839 the Armstrongs built their flouring mill on the old Ruggles property west of the river, which they had purchased with the original sawmill. The Pettibone mills were put up by W. B. Hebbard in I846. Mr.
Hebbard and George Davis completed a woolen mill in 1850, this establishment turning out quite a line of "Kentucky jeans" at one time. In
I865 Joseph Vowles established his cultivator works for the purpose
of manufacturing his own patent, P. F. & D. W. Wells having been
engaged in that line many years before in a small factory opposite the
Pettibone gristmills. The Wells Cultivator Company was the successor
of the original enterprise, and the Milford Milling Company of the old
gristmills established by the Armstrongs and W. B. Hebbard.
The most prosperous period in the history of Milford was during
the years I850-1856. In the latter year the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad was completed and, in a large measure, drew away the trade of
the village to other points. From that time, also, it commenced to decline as an industrial center. It was not until I871 that the Flint & Pere
Marquette Railroad was built to the village, after which there was a
period of revival, but nothing of a permanent nature. For about twenty
years previous to 19oo the village virtually held its own at a population of some I,IOO; since then it has declined, if anything, the census
of 19IO giving it a population of 973.
THE PRESENT VILLAGE
The present village of Milford is a station on the Pere Marquette
Railroad, with a productive grain, produce and fruit country around it,
as is evidenced by its grain elevator, and general stores which deal largely
in beans, potatoes and apples, and the several houses devoted to agricultural implements. It has a substantial private bank; a graded union
school founded in 1869; electric light and water works; a library conducted by a ladies' association, and churches and societies for all. Religious bodies of the village and vicinity have been organized by the
Baptists, Methodists, Catholics and Presbyterians. Of the societies, the
Masons are in the majority.
MILFORD CHURCHES
The pioneer religious organization was a Methodist class formed in
1836, with Truman Fox as leader and Washington Jackson as preacher.
About that time a second class was formed called the "English class,"
from the fact that the preacher and all the members were emigrants from




448


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


England. The first house of worship was built in 1844, and the brick
church in 1875-76.
In the summer of I838 a Presbyterian church was organized, which
divided temporarily in 1841 into Congregational and 'Presbyterian
societies. In 1845 they reunited under the name of the United Presbyterian and Congregational church of Milford. The ecclesiastical relations
of the church have since been maintained with the Presbytery of Detroit. The original house of worship of the First Presbyterian church
of Milford was built in I845 and dedicated in I846 by Rev. Alson
Smythe. It was a small frame building with a stone foundation and a
seating capacity of three hundred and was completed at a cost of about
$3,000. In I900 a handsome brick structure was erected, complete in
every respect, with basement, dining rooms and parlors, at a cost of
$I5,ooo. Rev. A. C. Wilson, the present pastor, presides over a church
of 278 members. Among his predecessors since I839 have been Revs.
A. Worthington, S. Carey, Anson Smythe, E. S. Shepherd, W. P. Jackson, D. W. Shaw, B. F. Murdin, Henry M. Swift, Jasper W. McGregor and Rev. W. K. Ingersoll.
SOCIETIES
The Masons organized the first lodge (i65) at Milford in 1865, and
dedicated their first temple in 1869. The chapter (71) was organized
in 1870. In 1873 the Odd Fellows formed themselves into Pettibone
Lodge No. 208, and Knights of Honor No. 564 was instituted in 1877.
The G. A. R. had a post at a later day, and the Woman's Relief Corps
was organized in I888. The latter has a present membership of sixty,
and since its organization the following have served as presidents: Julia
Crawford, Eliza Smith, Mary Shelly, Lorena Babcock, Hattie F. Austin, Lena McCall, Belle Tower, Lelia Ormsby, Elsie Rexford, Addie
Bullard and Fanny Van Leuven.




CHAPTER XXXII


LYON AND FARMINGTON TOWNSHIPS
FIRST SETTLERS OF LYON TOWNSHIP-NEW HUDSON AND KENSINGTONVILLAGE OF SOUTH LYON-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-SOUTH LYON
INDUSTRIES-THE POWER COLONY FOUNDS QUAKERTOWN (FARMINGTON)-OTHER PIONEERS OF THE TOWNSHIP —DOCTOR WEBB ADDS
DISTINCTION-FIRST MILLS-RECOLLECTIONS OF P. DEAN WARNER
-VILLAGE OF FARMINGTON-SCHOOLS-THE CHURCHES —THE MASONIC LODGE-CLARENCEVILLE AND NORTH FARMINGTON.
The township of Lyon was detached from Novi and organized civilly
in 1834, its first meeting for that purpose being held at the house of
Eleazur E. Calkins on the 7th of April. Thomas Sellman was then and
there elected supervisor and Levi Wilson clerk, with a full complement
of assessors, commissioners of highways, directors of the poor, commissions of schools and constables. This initial meeting was held on section
21, near its southwest corner on the farm which has long been owned
by various members of the Blackwood family. The township was
named in honor of Lucius Lyon, at the time of its organization a member of the legislature. It narowly escaped the label of "Fruitland."
FIRST SETTLERS OF LYON TOWNSHIP
Lyon township commenced to receive straggling settlers about four
years before it became a civil body, the first to occupy the fertile lands
choosing the southeastern sections. Bela Chase located on the base line
of the township, in I830, and soon moved to section 27 where he spent
the remainder of his life on the farm he then opened up. This is now
known as the Samuel Carpenter farm.
In the same year the Deake farm, section 35, was opened by Robert
Purdy, of Seneca county, New York; John Thayer, also a New Yorker,
settled on the northwest quarter of section 36 (the Moore tract); Eliphalet Sprague, from Seneca county, took up the north half of section
36, a portion of which is still held by his descendants; Thomas Jones
made his home at the northwest corner of section 23, farther to the
north; and George Fawcett chose the northwest quarter of section 24,
to the east. Messrs. Sprague and Fawcett were arrivals of 1831, that
year bringing quite a colony of immigrants.
449




450


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


NEW HUDSON AND KENSINGTON
It was in the year 1831 that Russell Alvord and Daniel Richards settled on the site of the present station of New Hudson. Mr. Richards
erected the first log house thereon, although Mr. Alvord did not lay
out the village on either side of what afterward became the Detroit and
Howell turnpike until I837. A. I. Allen put up the first frame building in 1837, and the first brick house did not appear until I853, Lansing
Smith being its author. Dr. John Curtis and John A. Hand opened the
first store in a log hut during 1834, at which time the postoffice of New
Hudson was established by Uncle Sam. The New Hudson of today
is a small settlement on the Grand Trunk line. It is the center of a fair
produce country; has a small grain elevator and two or three stores,
and transacts what banking it requires at South Lyon, five miles to the
southwest.
About two miles northwest of New Hudson is another Grand Trunk
station and postoffice, Kensington, the site of which was also settled in
1832. It was once quite a village, and was especially well advertised
in the late thirties through the operations of a very wild-cat bank. In
1834 Joel Redway completed a sawmill on the Huron river. Mr. Redway sold his interest in the village site to Alfred A. Dwight and Enoch
Jones (of Detroit), by the former of whom it was platted in 1836.
From all accounts Kensington had a shady reputation both among the
financiers and merchants of the outside world in its earlier days.
VILLAGE OF SOUTH LYON
The village of South Lyon, a flourishing and progressive corporation of about six hundred people, was not incorporated until 1873;
but settlements were made upon its site as early as I832. For many
years it was known as "Thompson's Corners," from the fact that Widow
Thompson built a log house at that point, in the year named, and her
son, William, opened the first store in a little addition to their dwelling. In 1847 the village was named, as in that year the postoffice of South
Lyon was established.  The Thompson brothers also built the first
sawmill, operated by steam, on the site of South Lyon.
South Lyon was incorporated, under the laws of the state, in 1873,
its first election being held on the second Monday in April of that year.
Two years before, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern (now Pere Marquette) Railroad had been completed to the village and a depot erected
to accommodate its growing trade and travel. Its progress has since
been substantial. The village was reincorporated by legislative enactment in I89I.
South Lyon of the present is a thriving village at the crossing of
the Pere Marquette and Grank Trunk Railroads, in the extreme southwest corner of the county. It is surrounded by a productive farming
country, and is the shipping point for considerable grain, beans, pork,
apples and general produce. It has a number of general stores and industrial establishments, and is also a pleasant residence place.
The local business is accommodated by a well conducted State Sav



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


451


ings Bank and the farmers and householders of the surrounding country
also patronize it. The village and vicinity have an earnest and effective
newspaper organ in the South Lyon Herald, of which A. K. Pierce is
editor and proprietor; it was founded in 188I. A good union school
and several churches are added advantages to the place.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
The organization of the public school system of South Lyon dates
from 1876, when the west half of district 3 was formed into a graded
school, with Horace Johns as principal and Miss Aggie Clark as assistant. In that year a large frame building was also erected for the accommodation of the hundred scholars then in attendance. The present
union school, (including high school department), is in charge of R. W.
McCook.
The Methodists, Presbyterians, Free Methodists and Catholics have
organizations at South Lyon and, as is quite apt to be the rule, the firstnamed were the pioneers in the local religious field. In January, 1833,
a few weeks after Eleazur E. Calkins and Levi Wilson had settled a
short distance northeast of what is now South Lyon, an old Methodist exhorter, Jesse Jessup, reached the dwelling of the former, having
walked from Plymouth to see them. It was Saturday night and the result
of their conference was that the following morning the half dozen families-a congregation of about twenty-within a radius of four or five
miles, listened to a simple exposition of the gospel and formed the first
religious society of the township. In 1842 the Methodists built their
first church, and in 1859 their second. Rev. S. Schofield is pastor of
the present society.
The First Presbyterian church of Lyon was organized on May 17,
I858, and a quotation from the records of the meeting held on that date
indicates the nature of the proceedings: "We, the undersigned, agree to
associate ourselves together for the purpose of forming a religious society to be called 'The First Presbyterian society of Lyon.' Joseph
l'lackwood, Ira M. Olds, David Dunlap, James S. Rodger, E. K. Knowlton, Josiah Fitzgerald, William  Hannon, Robert Dunlap (first) and
J. Duncan." The trustees elected at this meeting were Robert Dunlap
(first) and Josiah Fitzgerald, one year; Joseph Blackwood and James
S. Rodger, two years, and William Hannon for three years. In March,
1859, a contract was let to one Adam Dean for the building of a church,
the contract figures being two thousand two hundred and sixty-four dollars. The edifice was dedicated in December of the same year, and continued in use until it was replaced by a newer and more modern building in I883. The various pastors who have served the church are: Rev.
Ira M. Olds; Rev. I. A. Clayton; Rev. Charles Dunlap; Rev. Maltby
Gelston; Rev. John Gourley; Rev. E. W. Childs; Rev. S. V. McKee;
Rev. James D. Spriggs; Rev. E. P. Clark; Rev. G. D. Sherman.  The
present membership of the church is I69.
The Free Methodist church of South Lyon was organized in 1872
and the church, which they still occupy, built in I874. The present memlership of the church is IT, and J. J. Morrish is pastor of the congreAol. I-29




452


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


gation. Some of the ministers who served since the organization of
the church up to the present time are:  S. W. Stone, Israel Mudge,
William Rennie, James Curtis, M. Cuthbert, W. G. Roe, A. E. Thomas,
W. E. Hosmer, Edward Steere, John Spencer, M. E. Howard and
J. J. Morrish (present pastor).
The Catholics of South Lyon and vicinity are also organized into
a society under the priesthood of Father T. J. Hennessy.
SOUTH LYON INDUSTRIES
As early as 1835 William and Robert R. Thompson erected a steam
sawmill on the lot later owned by Isaac Burnhunt, and operated it for a
number of years. Later Robert Dunlap and Robert Parks erected a
mill in South Lyon, the year being 1871. In 1877 the manufacturing
interests were largely controlled by Wilbur Jones and A. G. Barnes,
proprietors of a planing-mill and lumber-yard; Robert Dunlap and RobZ
ert Parks, steam sawmill; William Weatherhead, steam gristmill; John
Challis and Odell & Cooley, carriage and wagon shops; Richard Bridson and John Bay, blacksmiths; Robert Parks, cider mill.
Various other industries have become factors in the life of South
Lyon since those early days, and today the J. D. McClaren Company
operate one of the big elevators in this section of the country. It was
erected in I894 at a cost of about $5,000, with a capacity of eight thousand bushels. Grain and beans are handled in large quantities.
The Detroit Creamery Company has a cream station and the Keokuk Canning Company of Lansing, a salting station. There are also a
canning factory owned and operated by F. B. Herricks and two greenhouses.
THE POWER COLONY FOUNDS QUAKERTOWN (FARMINGTON)
The first settlers in the township of Farmington located at or near
the village by that name, which was originally called Quakertown from
the fact that its site was first occupied by a colony of Friends who came
from Farmington, five miles west of Canandaigua, New York. About
the Ist of February, 1824, Arthur Power and his sons John and Jared,
with David Smith and Daniel Rush-the latter in Mr. Power's employset out from that place to occupy certain lands which the head of the
little colony had entered the year before in Oakland county, Michigan.
The sleigh containing the party was drawn by a pair of good horses
and in two weeks their journey took them through western New York
to Niagara, and thence through Upper Canada to Detroit. There supplies were purchased, after which the Power colony took the old Saginaw
road to Royal Oak and Hamilton's (Birmingham) and thence, in rather
a roundabout way, to section 22, northeast of the present village site.
Mr. Power had promised one of his sons, Nathan (who had remained
at home on the New York farm to care for the family) that he would
make the first clearing on the northeast quarter section which he had
deeded to him. When the men therefore arrived at that locality, two
of the party left the sleigh and began the felling of the nearest giant of




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


453


the forest which soon lay prone on the ground-the first tree cut in
Farmington township. That event occurred March 8, 1824, and those
who brought it about were John Power and David Smith. A small
clearing was soon afterward completed, a log house built and, during
that season, nine acres of wheat and six acres of corn were prepared
for the harvest.
OTHER PIONEERS OF THE TOWNSHIP
Seven weeks after the coming of the Power colony, George W. Collins and wife appeared in the "clearing" and; while Mrs. Collins remained in camp to cook and make it homelike for the men, Mr. Collins
busied himself on his claim in the southwest corner of section 28, about
two miles away and also adjoining the present village limits. During
the year 1824 there also arrived Solomon Walker, who took up his
claim on the northeast corner of section 30, west of the Collins place, and
Samuel Mansfield, who settled on the northwest quarter of section 27,
which afterward became the northeast quarter of the village plat. About
the same time George Tibbets located on the town line in section 13;
Orrin Garfield, Sanford M. Utley and his sons on section 12, and
Robert Wixom, Sr., on the southwest corner of section 15. The last
named was in the exact center of the township.
As soon as Arthur Power had reared the log buildings and made the
promised improvements upon the land which he had given to his son,
Nathan, he proceeded to erect a large log house on the high ground on
the northeasterly side of the creek, opposite the present village. This
house he made his residence for about two years, when he built another
large, long log structure on his land in the northeast quarter of section
28, that tract being now the northwest quarter of the village site. The
exact site of this house was afterward embraced in a large orchard on
the farm of one of the sons, William.
DR. WEBB ADDS DISTINCTION
One of the emigrants of 1824 was also Dr. Ezekiel Webb, a Quaker
neighbor of Arthur Power. He built a large house near Mr. Power's,
and as he was the only physician in the township he conferred added
distinction upon Quakertown.
FIRST MILLS
From the time of his arrival Mr. Power had planned to build a sawmill, and after he had completed his log house on the north side of Rouge
river began to cut timber for the dam. This was thrown across the
stream nearly opposite the subsequent site of the Baptist church, and
thence the water was conveyed by a canal which was carried along the
west side of the river to the mill which stood a little distance below.
Much of this work was done by Gilbert Bagnell, who came with Mr.
Power from New York for the purpose. By the last of 1826 the mill




454


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


was in operation, but it never amounted to much on account of an insufficient water power.
In 1827 the first grist mill in the township was built by Edward and
Harman Steel in the southwest quarter of section 17, about two miles
northwest of Farmington. It has successively been known as the Steel
mill and the Hardenberg mill, and was famed throughout the entire
region.
The first grist mill at Quakertown was built by Arthur Power near
the dam which he had erected for his sawmill; but, although it continued
in operation for many years, it never attained the high standard of the
Steel mill.
The first postal facilities of the township were obtained in the fall
of 1825 through the efforts of Dr. Webb, who was himself appointed
postmaster, the office being kept in his log house at Quakertown.
The saw and grist mills of John H. Shackleton, located on the mill
stream a few rods below the center of the village. were well known
throughout the county. The water power at this point was first utilized
by Samuel Mansfield in 1833, who built a sawmill in that year. The
grist mill was afterward erected by Samuel Power at the same dam.
But neither Farmington village, nor the township, was destined to
flourish in the lines of industry. The fertile county surrounding it,
however, was settled by a prosperous class of agriculturists, and the
trade gravitating thither steadily increased.
RECOLLECTIONS OF P. DEAN WARNER
Among the numerous settlers of 1825 was Seth A. L. Warner, who
located on the northwest quarter of section 15, about two miles north
of the present village of Farmington. He was the father of P. Dean
Warner, so, prominent in the early public affairs of the township, county
and state, and the grandfather of ex-Governor Warner. The following
address of P. D. Warner, delivered before the County Pioneer Society
in I879, gives an instructive picture of the pioneer period partially
covered in the foregoing matter: "Mr. President: Nearly fifty-four
years have passed away since my father, Seth A. L. Warner, came with
his family into the territory of Michigan, and settled in what has since
been known as the township of Farmington. We were ten days in crossing the lake from Buffalo to Detroit. Our goods were taken from the
vessel, put on board of a scow, and floated down the river to the mouth
of the Rouge, and landed several miles up that stream, at a place then
called Bucklands. At that point they were loaded on to wagons that
had been sent down for that purpose by friends in Farmington, who
had settled there the year before. The wagons were drawn by oxen,
and accompanied by three or four strong and resolute young men who
had come around by way of Birmingham, the Pontiac road being the
only road leading out of Detroit at that time, except the road running
up and down the river. After the wagons were loaded and everything
ready for the journey, the young men started on ahead with their axes,
cutting the brush and small trees and cleaning out the road, and the oxen
and wagons followed on after them with my father's family and his..




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


worldly possessions, on a line, as near as could be judged, towards the
settlement at Farmington.
"These facts come to me from those who had the experience of that
journey, and were old enough to remember the incidents connected with
it, yet my first recollections are associated with that expedition. Having passed through the heavy timbered land on the route, we arrived
just as night came on, at an elevated ridge of land, with but few scattering trees, where we put up for the night, under the sheltering branches
of a large oak. The contrast between the low ground and heavy timber
through which we had been passing, which became still more dreary as
the night came on and the elevated country around us was so great that
the incident was thoroughly photographed upon my mind and the outlines of that scene are as visible to me today as they were on that eventful evening in the fore part of April, I825. The day following, we
reached the house of an uncle, a brother of my mother, in Farmington,
which was then known only as Power's settlement, or Quakertown. The
road then opened was the first one leading from Detroit in the direction of
Farmington, and the ox teams that brought through my father's family
and goods were the first teams ever driven over it. At Farmington we
moved into the house with my uncle's family, and before we had got
our own house built two other families came on from the state of New
York and moved into the same log house, which for a time constituted
a happy home for four families; and it was not a iarge house either,
presenting a striking and important contrast between the spirit of kindness and courtesy which universally characterized the first settlers of
our state, and some of those who have come after them.
"Nearly twenty families had settled in the town during the year
previous to our cominig-Arthur Power having been the first actual
resident, coming March 8, 1824, and others coming in about the following order: Geo. W. Collins, Benj. P. Wixom, Timothy Tolman, Judah
Marsh, Sanford Utley, Solomon Woodford, Robt. Wixom, Ed. Steele,
Howland Mason, Hiram VWilmarth, Wardwell Green, Leland Green,
Solomon Walker, Hezekiah Smith, Geo. Brownell and Matthew Van
Amburg. In I825 about the same number of families were added to
the population of the settlement, and among them  were those of
Samuel Mansfield, Ezekiel Webb, George Culver, Orange Culver,
Samuel Mlead, Amos Mead, Philip Marlet, Elisha Cooley, Elisha Dotv,
Jonathan Lewvis, Thos. Johns, Absalom Barnum, Constantine Wood and
my father. From this time Farmington began to have quite a reputation
as being a favorable locality in which to make a desirable settlement,
and large numbers availed themselves of the opportunity of buying and
occupying farms in Farmington.
"In 1827 the township was organized, and we had the privilege of
voting at home. Previous to that time the resident electors who desired to vote at any election were compelled to go to Pontiac in order to
enjoy that great privilege of American citizenship.
"Our nearest grist mill was at Birmingham until 1827, when Steel
& Mason got their mill running in Farmington. In I825 Arthur Power
built a sawmill on the creek in the village, which was a great public
convenience to the people in and around Farmington. The mill was




456


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


built at the foot of a large hill, and customers from the south were in
the habit of unloading their logs at the top of the hill and rolling them
down the bank to the mill. One day a large log was started from the
top of the hill as usual and rolling down with great rapidity went clear
through the mill without stopping long enough on the carriage to get
either barked or spotted, carrying the saw with it down the broad-way
on the opposite side of the mill, to the great delight of all who witnessed
the feat, except Uncle Arthur. Afterwards the old gentleman got a
grist mill running, and a customer being dissatisfied with the grinding
of a grist, thinking it did not turn out quite as well as it should have
done, told Mr. Power that he thought he did not always get what was
his due, to which the old man indignantly replied, 'if thee had thy due,
deacon, it would kill thee.'
"The store of one of our first merchants was broken into one night,
but on being examined the next morning it was ascertained that there
had been nothing carried away except a lot of pennies that had been
left in the money drawer. The thief was arrested a few days afterward, and when asked why he did not take something else besides the
coppers, replied that he found the goods marked so high he could not
do anything with them.'
"Fifty years ago this present winter, I had my first experience as
a pupil in a public school. There was but one school district in the
whole township, and myself and two elder brothers were compelled to
go over two miles to reach the schoolhouse, and many a night have we
gone home from that school, tired and weary, on account of the distance,
and full of fear and anxiety as the shades of night came on and wolves
began their hideous howling. It would seem to us in our inexperienced
and frightened condition, that the woods were full of wolves, and that
they were just ready to pounce upon and tear us to pieces, when in fact
there would not be more than one wolf perhaps within a mile of us.
From that time I began to realize more fully the condition of my surroundings, and to take account of passing events. I found the wilderness everywhere, and the habitations of man few and far between.
Going with my elder brother to visit the family of an uncle, who had
just settled upon a southwest quarter section in Oakland county, we
found in following along the base line, that our uncle lived some four
and one-half miles beyond the last settlement on the road: but the anticipated pleasure overcame the fatigue of the journey and we arrived
at our destination in season.
"But, Mr. President, those small openings in the forest marked the
wide beginnings of a more perfect civilization. The foundations of an
Empire were being laid by those heroic and courageous pioneers, and
on that foundation they have 'built better than they knew.' By the intelligence and industry of those brave men, roads have been opened,
schoolhouses built, churches erected, manufactories established.  The
forest has been transformed into cultivated fields, the comfortable farm
house, or the palatial residence, has taken the place of the rude cabin
of the pioneer, and the well filled barns and lowing herds attest the
wisdom and prosperity of the husbandmen, until a commonwealth has
arisen grand in its proportions, rich in its productions, and glorious in




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


457


its achievements, forming one of the brightest brilliants in the diadem
of our national Union; and the pioneers of Oakland have contributed
their full share to the consummation of these grand results.
"But where are those heroic men and women who toiled and sacrificed
along the shaded valley of poverty and privation during the early years
of our Territorial and State history, cheered on by the bright star of
hope which gave them promise of a brighter day in the future? Only
a few of them are here today to mingle with us in these hallowed associations. 'They have rested from their labors, and their works have
followed them,' but they have left behind them a few noble compeers,
and a numerous and worthy posterity to guard, protect and perpetuate
those great principles of civil government and religious freedom, which
have ever been the pride of our people, and the honor of our state."
VILLAGE OF FARMINGTON
The village of Farmington embraces within its corporate limits one
square mile of territory-the west half of section 27 and the east half
of section 28; its business center is one and a quarter miles south of
the geographical center of the township. It was incorporated in the
winter of 1866-67, its first charter election being held May 6, 1867,
and P. Dean Warner being chosen president of the village board. In
I876 a two-story brick building was erected for a town hall; and it is still
a credit and an ornament to the place. Prior to its completion the township meetings had been held at various public houses. Robert Wixom's
tavern especially popular, as it stood at the very center of the township.
The present village of nearly six hundred people is the center of a
large trade with the surrounding country, and is especially prominent
as the nucleus of one of the most extensive dairy interests in the westthose controlled by Fred M. Warner. It also has a large depot devoted
to the sale of agricultural implements, and an extensive house dealing
in lumber, coal and cement conducted by Amos Otis.
As stated, Farmington has never been a town of industries.  It
has some old and fairly prosperous roller mills conducted by Louis
Gildermeister, and a canning factory, established in I9II, which is
conducted by a cooperative company of farmers and business men. Its
local bank is old and solid. Of the enterprises at Farmington none are
more important to the well-being of the community than the car barns
of the Detroit United Railway which give employment to from seventyfive to one hundred men.
Farmington is a pretty place, located on high ground and therefore
on a healthful site. It has a modern Union school; a good water supply
drawn from two reservoirs (one for fire and one for domestic purposes), costing some $I5,000; an Edison light plant; a sewerage system
completed in I906; a creditable newspaper, the Farmington Enterprise,
founded in I886 and now owned and conducted by C. E. Ramsey. The
village is readily accessible, being on the line of the Detroit United
Railway.




458


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


FARMINGTON SCHOOLS
The first school in the township was taught by Nathan Power at
Quakertown (Farmington), in the year 1826. Its sessions were held
in a small log building that stood on the bank of a creek, at a point about
opposite where in later years was built the home of Deacon Adams,
well remembered in this vicinity. As late as 1830 this was the only
school taught in the town and during the winter of I828-29 it was still
in charge of its original teacher.
Thaddeus Andrews, late of Farmington Centre, and who was one
of Mr. Power's pupils, was wont to relate how one morning "the
master" met him with a rather troubled and thoughtful expression of
countenance. "Thaddeus", said he, "I lost one of my oxen last night;
UNION SCHOOL, F[ARaMIN(GI ()N
how does thee suppose I will manage to get another in his place?"
But as Thaddeus could not suggest any feasible plan to meet this unexpected necessity, the teacher explained to him that he had decided to
catch wolves enough so that the bounty upon their scalps would
supply the necessary means. The state bounty was then eight dollars
and the county offered an additional five dollars, and before the opening of spring the proceeds of the sale of wolves ears had reached an
amount sufficient for the purchase of another ox, while the duties
of the trapper-teacher had not been disturbed or neglected in any wise.
The female teacher who first wielded the rod of command during the
summer term was Polly Ann Mead, afterwards Mrs. Ladd. The terms
were short, and this school, like all the others, was supported by subscription, the public school system not going into effect until some
years later. The general law ordering the layin; off and numbering
of school districts in townships was passed in 1833.,.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


459


In 1877, ten years after the incorporation of Farmington as a village,
the schools of the township were ten in number, and in excellent condition. The houses were good,-several among them being noticeably
so. In District No. 5 (Farmington Village) there were two departments, a higher and a lower, respectively in charge of a male and female teacher. The terms aggregated forty weeks per year. The annual
salary of the male teacher in the village district was one thousand dollars, as compared with the woman teacher's salary of four hundred dollars. The other districts employed male teachers in the winter seasons
only, the summer terms being taught exclusively by females, the remuneration of the former ranging from thirty-five to fifty dollars per
month while that of the latter was from two dollars and fifty cents to
three dollars and fifty cents per week.
The school status of Farmington today, as against that of the town
in 1877, speaks well for the general advancement of the place. Today
the school system of Farmington embraces a primary, intermediate,
grammar and high school department, all of them being maintained in
accordance with the most advanced ideas in educational methods. The
primary department numbers fifty pupils; intermediate, forty; grammar, thirty-six and high school, forty-seven, making a total attendance
of one hundred and seventy-three pupils, with a corps of five teachers
in charge. It is interesting to note that the high school attendance is
almost as large as the primary enrollment,-a pleasing circumstance in
view of the general tendency to discontinue school with the grammar
grades, so noticeable in certain districts. In 1894 a modern school building was erected, complete in all its details, and in every way calculated
to meet the requirements of an up-to-date community.
TIE CHIURCHES
There is a very strong German element at and around Farmington,
the farmers, dairymen and even tradesmen being composed largely of
that nationality; and none could be better, or conduce more to the solid
growth of the village and the township. One of the results is seen in the
flourishing condition of the Lutheran churches. Although the Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists formed early organizations, in 1826 and
1827, and have been, at times, strong and growing, they have not shown
the development within late years which has been evinced by such an organization as the Salems Evangelical church. This was organized in
I875 by Rev. Baschet, with about twenty-five members. In 1882 Rev.
A. Schmidt took charge of the congregation, and during his ministry it
became affiliated with the German Evangelical synod of North America.
The church has today a membership of 178, with Rev. A. C. Stange in
charge of the parish.
The Farmington Methodist church, whose first regular class was
formed in I829 and whose first home was erected in I840, is in charge of
Rev. G. E. Gullen. The Baptist church, which effected a regular organization as early as 1826 and whose original building was completed in
I835, was for years one of the largest societies of the locality; the last
regular pastor of the church was Rev. W. R. Warner, in i886, since..".  i




460


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


which year the pulpit has been supplied on Sunday afternoons by clergymen chiefly from Detroit and Pontiac. By 1853 the Universalists of the
village had also gained sufficient strength to warrant the building of a
church; but they have had no society for years.
THE MASONIC LODGE
Farmington has still a flourishing Masonic Lodge (No. I51), which
was chartered January 13, 1865, with Oliver B. Smith as master, B.
Weiderick, senior warden and H. H. Jackson, junior warden. The
first place of meeting was the hall in the stone building of Worthy Master Smith, which was destroyed by fire, with all the records of the lodge,
in October, 1872. Meetings were then held for a time in the wooden
building of Norman Lee, and afterward in the hall in Warner's block.
There the lodge continued to have its home until the new Masonic hall
was dedicated in the upper story of the town hall, on the 27th of December, I876. Since 1872 the masters of the lodge have been James
Baldwin, R. W. Crawford, 0. L. Murray, H. A. Green, A. A. Murray,
William Harlan, Aaron Avery, T. J. Davis, J. E. Wilcox, Wallace
Grace, C. J. Sprague, John H. Thayer, A. J. Crosby, B. C. Northrop, F.
J. Lee, Isaac Bond, E. A. Drake, J. L. Hogle and A. F. Allyn.
CLARENCEVILLE AND NORTH FARMINGTON
A small cluster of buildings on the electric line, in the extreme southeast part of the township, a mile and a half from Farmington, is what
remains of one of the old settlements of the region. In 1836 Stephen
Jennings built a tavern at that point for the accommodation of travelers
over the old Detroit and Howell plankroad. He also opened a general
store, and this "sixteen mile station out of Detroit" became quite a favorite stopping place. But Clarenceville, as it was called, collapsed with
the discontinuance of the old-time stage lines.
In I850 a postoffice was established a mile south of the north line of
the township to accommodate the people of that section. Its location
was then at Wolcott's Corners, and Chauncey D. Wolcott was postmaster. At his death, about I865, the office was moved up to the town line,
in the northeast quarter of section 4. John H. Button, the last resident
postmaster of North Farmington, lived in that locality from 1831 to
1872, when he moved to Genesee county, Michigan, where he died four
years later.




CHAPTER XXXIII


ADDISON AND BRANDON TOWNSHIPS
LAKES OF ADDISON TOWNSHIP-LAKEVILLE'S EARLY PROMISE-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS-VILLAGE OF LEONARD
-BRANDON TOWNSHIP-ITS PIONEER SETTLERS-VILLAGE OF OAKWOOD-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION-VILLAGE OF ORTONVILLE.
Addison is the extreme northeastern township of Oakland county,
and was originally covered with a dense growth of timber, chiefly pine.
Most of this has been long since removed, and little is left, either, of the
fine groves of oak which abounded in the earlier days.
LAKES OF ADDISON TOWNSHIP
But the lakes and rich loamy soil are still in evidence, and the Addison township of today is a land of beauty and fertility, many of its central sections having partaken of the changes already noted, from farm
lands to improved residence properties. The natural drainage of the
township is good, and there is a depression several miles wide extending through it from north to south containing a beautiful chain of little
lakes. Lakeville lake is the largest. It is some seven hundred acres in
area, and covers a large portion of sections 22 and 27, just southeast of
the center of the township. The outlet of Lakeville lake is Stony creek,
which takes a southerly course for a short distance, then flows east along
the south line of sections 26 and 25 into Macomb county. There is also
a series of smaller lakes in the nothern part of the township.
LAKEVILLE'S EARLY PROMISE
All the early indications pointed to the locality around the southern
shores of Lakeville lake, at the Stony creek outlet, as the. site of the
trading and industrial center of the township. The first purchases of
land were made in that vicinity, during 1826-27, by Henry Connor, and
in 1830 Sherman Hopkins, an enterprising New Yorker, located a mill
site on section 27. His log house and sawmill were the first structures
raised on the site of the village of Lakeville. In the year of Mr. Hopkins' arrival also came Addison Chamberlain, a New York emigrant
with his family, and within a short time he had bought Mr. Hopkins' interests and commenced vigorously to improve the property. He built
a residence on one of the beautiful hills bordering the lake on the east.
461




462


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


He ran the sawmill "for all it was worth," in 1838 built a gristmill about
thirty rods south of it, and operated both until they were destroyed by
fire. The Chamberlain flouring mill, which was burned in 1846, was a
blessing to the housewives of the township, its product being considered
A No. i in every detail.
About 1838 a postoffice was established at Lakeville, with George
Larzelier as postmaster. At first, the mail route was from Royal Oak
to Dryden, in Lapeer county; mode of transportation, a small pony.
Soon afterward a stage was introduced, and routes were established
from Lakeville to Bald Eagle Lake and Beebe, now Lenox.
After the destruction of the Chamberlain mill, in 1846, Charles.W.
Chapel secured the mill site and in I847 erected a three-story and basement mill which long continued the fine record of its predecessor. Mr.
Chapel also opened the first complete general store of Lakeville, in 1851.
From that time until the building of the Pontiac, Oxford & Northern,
several miles to the west, Lakeville enjoyed a large trade; but that event
cut off its business, and was the making of the village of Leonard. The
village of Lakeville is now little more than a memory. It has a permanent population of less than a hundred, although during the summer
season this may be somewhat larger. It has a good school and a Methodist society, while its business and industries embrace several stores, a
small grist mill and a number of boat liveries for the accommodation of
summer visitors.  Lakeville transacts its trade through the Oxford
bank, and its shipments also go to that point, six miles west. Connection between the two is maintained by means of a daily stage line, which
also carries the mails.            /
TOWNSIIP' ORGANIZATION.\AN) DIS'RIzicT SCIi()()LS
The civil organization of Addison township was effected in April,
1837, when its territory was detached from Oakland township. It received its name in compliment to Addison Chamberlain, its foremost
citizen, and the first town meeting was held at his house. Lyman Boughton was then and there elected supervisor and William T. Snow clerk.
In the fall of 1838 the town was divided into eight school districts,
and the same year the first district house for educational purposes in
the southwestern part of the town was erected on section 27, about eighty
rods west of Lakeville. But the reader must not understand that during the six or seven years that children had been a factor in the township life they had been allowed to run wild as to their mental training;
far from it. As early as 1835 a shanty had been put up on section 23,
east of Lakeville lake, and Mariette Tedman had therein gathered about
a dozen children to see what she could do with their minds. In the
northeastern part of the town Sarah Gilbert, in 1836, had taught a little
class in Nicholas Ferguson's barn, and other like attempts were made
in dwelling houses until I838, when a small frame schoolhouse was built
on section 12. This was also in the northeastern part of the township,
and, with the schoolhouse put up near Lakeville, marked the real commencement of the district system of education.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


463


VILLAGE OF LEONARD
Leonard, now the chief center of population in Addison township,
was incorporated as a village in I889, and is a station on the Pontiac,
Oxford & Northern Railroad, to whose building it owes its existence.
Its original site was settled in i880, and several saw and planing mills
have been operated to advantage while the timber supply of the northern part of the township was still large. That industry is still represented in a small way. As the surrounding country is productive of
grain and fruit, a grain elevator and a fruit evaporator are also among
its establishments. For the past twenty years Leonard has had a population of about three hundred, but its merchants do their banking at
Oxford, about seven miles to the southwest. The village has two
churches-the Methodist Episcopal and the Methodist Protestant-and
its educational advantages are equal to those of other intelligent communities of its size.
BRANDON TOWNSHIP
Brandon occupies the center of the northern tier of towns and
although it has a number of lakes they are small and unimportant. Bald
Eagle lake, in sections 19 and 30, in the southwestern part is the largest,
its name being derived from the fact that it was once a favorite resort
for eagles of this species.  Cranberry lake, northeast of the central
part of the township, has had on its shores some very productive marshes
devoted to the raising of that fruit. The only stream of any size is
Kearsley creek, which rises about half a mile southwest of Cranberry
lake, takes a generally westwardly course to section I8, thence north
through the village of Ortonville, and out of the township into Groveland, over the line of section 6.
ITS PIONEER SETTLERS
Brandon township is not among the sections of the county which was
early settled. Its first land entries, in section 25, in the southeastern
portion, were not made until I831, and no actual settlements were made
until I835. In the spring of that year John G. Perry, a native of New
Jersey who had lived for some time in Oakland township, moved upon
the land which he had purchased two years before in section 35, east of
Seymour lake, and, after making a clearing on the plains, built a log
house and brought his family to it. In the fall of the same year George
P. Thurston, of Rochester, New York, located on sections 28 and 29, further to the west. After building a log house on his claim he returned
to Pontiac, where he had left his family, and a few weeks later reappeared upon the site of his dwelling with his wife, child and two friends
(with their families), who had intended to settle in the neighborhood,
only to find his house in ruins and its contents rifled. As there were
a great many Indians in the township at that time, especially around
Bald Eagle Lake, the outrage was laid to the redskins. But the Thurston party went on to Perry's, four miles east, where they were heartily




464


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


welcomed and where they remained until the men could throw together
a log cabin on the Thurston land for their shelter. Eight inmates
occupied the twelve-foot square house that winter, before the snow
melted another log cabin was erected for Vine Kingsley (a member of
the party), on land which he had purchased in section 33, and early in
the spring work was commenced for a frame dwelling which was soon
after occupied by the Thurston family.
In I836 quite a number of settlers arrived in the southern part of
the township, sections 28, 33 and 34 being especially favored. John
B. Seymour, a New Yorker, took up land on the south shore of the lake
which has since borne his name.
VILLAGE OF OAKWOOD
It was that year also (I836), which witnessed the coming of the first
settlers on the site of the village of Oakwood. In the summer Alexander
G. Huff, from Monroe county, New York, settled on his land in section
12, built a log house with two windows, and planted himself and family
on what became the principal part of the village plat. The settlement
extended over into Oxford township, the Campbell brothers locating on
the eastern side of the line about the time that Huff appeared on the
western, or Brandon side. As the former erected a number of houses
within the succeeding few years, the settlement took the name of Campbell's Corners. Small industries afterward sprung up, and in I854 a
steam sawmill was put in operation in Brandon township, this also being
Mr. Huff's enterprise. Unsuccessful attempts were made to start a
sawmill and a gristmill, and later a fairly prosperous foundry was established for the manufacture of plows, castings and general farm machinery; but not even the prospects ever seemed to be real bright for Oakland. All that is left of it is a straggling settlement, and what little
shipping it requires is done through Thomas, a station on the Michigan
Central, three miles northeast. Oxford, six miles southeast, is its nearest banking center.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
On the 3d of April, 1837, Brandon was separated from Pontiac
township, to which it had been attached for ten years, and became a civil
and political body. The first town meeting was held on that date, at
the house of John B. Seymour, and Oliver Draper was elected moderator and Enos Gage clerk. George B. Thurston was voted into office
as supervisor and Schuyler D. Johnson as the first regular township
clerk.
VILLAGE OF ORTONVILLE
Prior to the forties nearly all the settlers of Brandon township located
on the eastern and southern sections; the western districts developed
slowly, and before I848, aside from an occasional farm house, there
were no buildings at what is now Ortonville. In that year Amos Orton
built a dam across Kearsley creek, near the south line of section 7, and
erected a sawmill to work up the timber growing on sections 7 and 8.




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


465


This mill was operated with more or less continunity until I865, when
Messrs. Algor & Elliott replaced it by a larger and more modern plant,
which was kept busy for many years. In 1852 Mr. Orton built a small
feed mill near his sawmill, and in I856 erected a substantial flour mill.
The original property afterward passed into the ownership of M. H. Fillmore. Early Ortonville had the usual array of blacksmith shops, stores
and hotels. Its postoffice was established in 1855, and Mr. Orton was,
of course, postmaster.
In I864 a frame schoolhouse was erected in the village, which was
used until the district purchased the Seminary building. This private
school had been conducted since the winter of I867 by Professor Parker,
and along in the early seventies the property was taken over by District No. IO and a graded school formed. At that time the building was
deemed quite imposing, with its dome and pillared entrance.
In I866 Ortonville was platted by Hiram Ball, L. P. Miller, W. H.
Parker, Charles Herrington, George Wiggins, James Quill, William
Algor and N. K. Elliott. Its principal site is on section 7, with a few
blocks on section I8. In I902 it was incorporated as a village by the
county board of supervisors.
The village of Ortonville is a place of nearly four hundred people,
on the Flint division of the Detroit United Railway. It has several good
general stores, a flour and sawmill, and enjoys a fair trade with the
country around. Its banking is mostly done at Holly, ten miles to the
west, and its shipments through that place and Thomas, nine miles east.
The village enjoys the advantages of a graded Union school and of religious societies organized by the Methodists, Baptists and German
Lutherans.




CHAPTER XXXIV


INDEPENDENCE AND COMMERCE
SASHABxA\ W  PLAINS, INDEPENDENCE  TOWNSHIP-WATER      COURSESSETTLERS AT CLARKSTON    AND THE "PLAINS"-THE       PRIMITIVE
SCHOOLHOUSES-CLARKSTON UP TO DATE-COMMERCE LAKES AND
STREAMS-FIRST SETTLERS AT COMMERCE AND WALLED LAKECOMMERCE OF TODAY-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FIRST POSTOFFICES-WIXOM AND SWITZERLAND.
Independence is the center of the second tier of northern townships
in Oakland county, and was named at its organization, in I837, upon
the suggestion of Joseph Van Syckle, who came from the New Jersey
town of Independence, four years previously, and located in section 27,
or in the northwestern portion of the famous Sashabaw plains. Although Alpheus Williams, of Waterford township, made the first entry
of land within the present limits of Independence, in 1823, the first purchase settled by the original owner was that of John W. Beardslee,
whose entry was of 1826 and who settled on section 35, near Sashabaw
creek, in the summer of 1831.
SASHABAW PLAINS, INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP
The surface of Independence township is somewhat (liversified, being generally hilly in the northwest and center and comparatively level
in the south. The Sashabaw plains, on which many of the first settlers
located, extend north and south nearly three miles and east and west
about two miles and a half, in sections 26, 27, 34 and 35. A local historian says that the "name was derived from an Indian chief of that
name. There is a small stream of water flowing through the eastern
part of the plains which also bears his name. We know but little of
this chief's history. One day while hunting in the pinery where Mahopac
now stands he had an encounter with a monster black bear, was in close
quarters, and had to depend upon his knife, which failed him. The bear
hugged him to death and he went to the happy hunting ground by the
bear route."
There are several well-defined local elevations, Pine Knob, on the
northwest quarter of section 23, about a hundred feet in height, being
the most considerable. There are also hills on sections 17, 20, 29 and 32.
466




HISTORY 01O OAKLAND COUNTY


467


WATER COURSES
The natural slope of the country is south and west, with fine natural
drainage afforded by the Clinton river and its tributaries. The series
of small lakes, extending from the northeast corner of section 3 to the
middle of section 20, and thence south to the township line, has the
main branch of the Clinton river as its outlet-that stream  flowing
through Clarkston in its course southward. Sashabaw creek rises on
section 25 and flows west and south to the eastern part of section 35,
whence it leaves the township. The most important lakes, Deer and
Green's, are in the southwest part of the township, and, in connection
with Clinton river, produced the water power which laid the foundation
for the Holcomb and Clark improvements and the establishment of
Clarkston.
SETTLERS AT CLARKSTON AND ON TiHE "PLAINS"
The first white settlers were little more than squatters, mostly on
section 20, the site of the Clarkston of today. Linus Jacox, one of the
number, built a cedar-pole shanty on the southwest quarter of that section, planted a few potatoes among the trees, and then sold his claim to
Butler Holcomb for fifty dollars. James Cronk, another temporary settler, also sold out to Mr. Holcomb. In 1831 Marvin Greenwood and
Roswell Holcomb moved into the cabin built by Mr. Jacox and commenced making improvements for Butler Holcomb, the purchaser of
the property.
In the same year John W. Beardslee and wife came from Elmira,
New York, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 35, in the
Sashabaw plains. As stated by an old resident of the plains: "Mrs. B.
was truly a helpmate, for she built the first haystack in.the town, her
husband pitching the hay to her. It is also a fact that her son, Townsend, was the first white child born in Independence. Townsend raised
and was captain of Company D, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry in
the War of the Rebellion. He died from disease in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee." Townsend Beardslee located on section 26, where he
built a log house eighteen feet square, in the early part of the winter of
1832. Other members of the family settled on the "plains," and formed
the nucleus of a colony of considerable proportions which was increased
within the following four years by the arrival of these: William Stevens,
northwest quarter of section 25, in I831; Peter Voorheis, Joseph Abbott.
Peter Gulich, Leander Taylor, Archibald Ayres and Gamalial Truesdell,
on sections 36, 25, 26 and 27, in 1832; Richard B. Bray on sections 20
and 27, in 1833 and I834, Cornelius Voorheis buying the various tracts
of land originally taken up by Mr. Bray; Joseph Tindall on section 29, in
1834, selling out to John Maybee; the Stewart brothers, Elisha and
Charles, on section 36, in the same year; John C. H. Woodhull on section 35 and Rev. Oliver Earl on section 36. in the year I835. Mr. Earl
was the pioneer minister in this section, having resided in Pontiac for
a year prior to his coming to Independence; in that village he had taught
one of the first schools. Mr. Earl was a circuit preacher of the Methodist church, and his territory covered a large area. Naturally he was a
Vol. 1 —30




468


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


very busy man; for while his boys were young he cultivated his farm,
besides riding his circuit, preaching funeral sermons and solemnizing
marriages. He raised a family of eight children. In early days he helped
stake out the cemetery near the present church and preached the first
funeral sermon over the remains of Aaron Beardslee.
THE PRIMITIVE SCHOOLHOUSES
The first schoolhouse in the township was a small board shanty built
on section 26, in the spring of I834. Herein, the following summer
Eliza Holden taught the younger members of the Beardslee, Riker and
neighboring families who had located on the "plains." A log structure
soon superseded the shanty, on the southeast quarter of the southwest
quarter of the same section, near Marcus Riker's place and Bildad Phillips taught the little class gathered there. About 1837 the third schoolhouse was built on section 29, a small frame known as the "pinery
schoolhouse." "In the old schoolhouse," as described by one who was
there, "the writing desks were on the outside of the room against the
wall, with seats made of slabs, flat side up, to face the desks. The
pupil had to sit down on the bench and swing himself half around. Besides the day school, Sunday school, divine service, singing school and
all public gatherings were held in this log house (referring to the second on the 'plains') for many years."
CLARKSTON UP TO DATE
Returning to the original site of Clarkston, it is noted that in the
summer of 1832 Butler Holcomb brought his family from Herkimer
county, New York, and made his home on section 20. His property also
included portions of section 21 to the east. In I838 he sold all his interests, which had been much developed, to Jeremiah and Wilson W.
Clark, two brothers from Onondaga county, New York, who had located
six years before on section 7, about a mile to the northwest.
The Clark brothers at once commenced the building of a more substantial dam and of a gristmill and made other improvements; other
members of the Clark family built and conducted stores, and the settlement was called Clarkston even before it was platted. This was accomplished by the Clark brothers on section 20, in 1842. It was then
given its present name, and in I854 and I858 additions were made to
the original plat by M. G. Cobb and John Derrick. The village was incorporated by the county board of supervisors in 1884, and reincorporated in I889.
Clarkston village is the only important center of population or trade
in the township. For the past twenty years, or more, its population has
been under four hundred. A portion of its site adjoins the southeastern
end of Deer Lake. The village is ten miles northwest of Pontiac. Its
only industry is represented by the Clarkston Roller Mills, whose daily
capacity is forty barrels of flour and ten tons of feed and which are
operated by Holcomb Brothers, descendants of the Butler Holcomb, the
original founder of the settlement and the plant. Clarkston has a good




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


469


inion school, a library, a state bank, and two churches-Baptist and
Methodist- and the usual complement of general stores and tradesmen.
It is a pretty place and has all the requisites for a comfortable, if modest,
residence.
COMMERCE LAKES AND STREAMS
Commerce, in the southwestern part of Oakland county, is one of
those townships included in the "lake country," for which that section
of the state has become famous. The largest of these picturesque bodies
of water are Long, in the northeastern part; Lower Straits, in the
eastern; and Commerce, which extends from a point just south of the
village to near the center of the township. Walled lake, with the settlement by that name on its northern shore, is about one third in Commerce; the remainder, in Novi township to the south. The Huron river
and its branch, Hayes creek, flows in from the northeast, and takes a
generally southwesterly course out of the township, binding the northern lakes together on its way and forming the water power which gave
the village of Commerce its start.
FIRST SETTLERS AT COMMERCE AND WALLED LAKE
The first settler of the township was Abram Walrod, who came
from the state of New York in May, 1825, and located on section Io, on
the present site of the village of Commerce. He built a log house there,
and after living in it for two or three years moved to the western part of
the state.
The month after Walrod's arrival, Walter B. Hewitt came and located in section 34, on the north shores of Walled lake, thus becoming
the original settler of the little village by that name. He built the oldtime log house, but tired of the monotony and, after a few years, moved
to Ypsilanti. Bela Armstrong, who joined him as a neighbor in MIay,
1836, died in the following year. They were both New Yorkers. In
1829, Cornelius Austin, a New Jersey man, a soldier of the War of I812,
settled near the Novi township line, but after a year changed his residence to the north side of Walled Lake, where he lived for over half a
century. The first store at Walled lake was kept by the Indian traders,
Prentice and King; but J. J..Moore is credited with being the first regular merchant, who established himself in I833. Jesse Tuttle laid out
the original plat in 1836.
The first permanent settler on the site of the village of Commerce
was Reuben Wright, formerly of Orleans county, New York, who, in
the fall of 1832, took up one-eighth of section Io, and remained a resident of the place for half a century. But Jonas Higley, who came in
1835, acquired possession of most of the village site, his property being
purchased by Messers. Amasa Andrews and Joseph G. Farr, by whom
it was laid out into lots in 1836. That year also marked the erection of
the first frame house by Henry Paddock, who was Commerce's first
merchant. The first postoffice was kept by Richard Burt, in his tavern
which he built in I834; also the pioneer hostelry.
The first grist mill on the village site was erected by Crossman, Seymour & Hoover in 1838, and the second by Henry and Jerome Paddock




470


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


in 1843. The latter was burned after running a few months, and the
new mill erected by the same parties was converted into a woolen factory. It is said that the woolen mill was subsequently run by three or
four Methodist ministers, who did not prove to be good business managers, and the machinery was finally removed and the plant converted
into a cider factory.
COMMERCE AND WALLED LAKE OF TODAY
Commerce village of the present is pleasantly situated on both sides
of the Huron river, about half a mile north of Commerce lake. It contains in the neighborhood of two hundred people, and its nearest shipping point is Walled Lake, on the Grand Trunk line, two miles and a
half to the south, while its few merchants bank at Milford, seven miles
west. The Presbyterians and Methodists of the place and vicinity have
societies.
Walled Lake is, if anything, somewhat larger. It has several general
stores which carry a good line of goods and supports two churches, the
Methodist and the Baptist.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FIRST POSTOFFICES
By an act of the territorial legislature, approved March 7, 1834, the
congressional township of Commerce was detached from Novi, and on
the 7th of the following month a meeting was held at the house of
Henry Tuttle. Harvey Dodge was elected supervisor and Hiram Barritt township clerk.
The first postoffice in the township was established about i832, at
Walled lake, the route being from that point to Farmington. Deacon
William Tenny carried the mail on horseback. About the same time a
postoffice was established at Commerce village, Richard Burt being postmaster. The story runs that Mr. Burt carried the Commerce mail in
his pocket, while Deacon Tenny, requiring larger accommodations, used
his hat for the purpose.
WIXOM
Among the early settlers of what now constitutes the village of
Wixom were Lewis Norton, who owned and settled on what is now its
south part, in I830; Alonzo Sibley, who occupied most of the northeastern part, his property being originally purchased in 1831; and
Ahijah Wixom, the northern portion of it, in 1832. The village was
platted by Willard C. Wixom, son of Ahijah, in September, 1871.
Wixom is situated at the junction of the Grand Trunk and Pere
Marquette railways, in the soutwestern part of the township on the line
which separates it from Novi. The village has two or three general
stores, and the nature of the surrounding country is partially told by
the fact that several produce dealers are established in the place, as well
as a cider mill. There is also a small lumber yard. Wixon has a Union
school and the Free Will Baptists have long had a church organization.
The business of the place is transacted through the Milford bank, seven
miles distant.




CHIAPTER XXXV


SI.RINGFIELD AND HIGHLAND
SPRINGFItiUtn TowNs I TP OR(iA \NIZED-]-SPRI NGFIELDII ANI) AIEONSETTLEME —NTS-DA~visB',UR(G-HIGIJLANI)'S  P11iysJCA.L  FEATURES-FIRST
SETTLE~RS-I hIGIIL.\NDI)POSTOFFICE, AND STATION.~-VILLAGE OF CLYDE
-4METIODISMA IN TIlE- I7oWNSHIP.
Springfield is in the secofl( tier of townships in the northwestern
part of Oakland county, and (lerives its name from the fact that its territory abounds in fine sp)rings', which were wvell known and patronized
lby the Indians and early tradlers. The most notedl of these were Little
Springs. on the old Detroit and Saginaw trail, in section 13.
The name is saidl to hav~e lbeen originally lBestowe(I tulof the township by jeremiahl Clark, of Independence towniship, John J-. MAIerrell and
Akrza C. CrosbyN. The legislative authorities proposed to organize it as
Painsville towinship; but the residents refused to have it so, and it was
finally orgyanized, on A~pril 3, 1837, at the house of David Stanard, under
its app ropriate name. Mfr. Stanard was chosen moderator and John j.
Merrell clerk, the election resulting in the choice of M.\elvin 1)orr forsullervisor and Jonahi Gross for lpermanent towxnship clerk.
S11I~;1I~~oANM) A.NI)L-RSON SrloN
Seven \'ears before. the first land entry, had been made by Daniel
1LeRoy on section 13. [Hus purchase, which was concluded on the i9th
of June, 80 included the famed Little Springs, and soon afterward
A\sahel. Fuller occupied the land for him. M-\r. Fuller later owned much
of the original purchase, lbuilt a hotel, and was the father of a daughter,
A~nn. the first white child horn in the township. Th  ulr  oe   a
the commencement of the little settlement at Springyfield.
Jonahi Gross was the next lpermanent settler. [He was a MLassachusetts man andl, wvith his wife. (lauighter and three sons, made his home
on section io (luring the month of September, 1832. Mr. Gross wvas no
stranger to the country,, having, visited it and made his selection of a
homestead iin the previous spring. File died in 1858. About the time~
of M,~r. Gross' settlement, Gliles fHishop ilocatedl oil section 24, southeast
471




472           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
of the future Springfield plat, and it was probably in the following year
that John Husted and family located on the northern part of section 27.
The old Husted settlement grew up around them; but in 1836 Isaac
Anderson and his family came from Attica, New York, and occupied
the lands which he had purchased on sections 22 and 27. Various members of the family became so in evidence that the neighborhood was soon
known as the Anderson settlement, and the name was therefore attached
to the postoffice.
DAVISBURG
Davisburg, northwest of the center of the township, is the only
settlement which can be called a village. Cornelius Davis, of Ulster
county, New York, accompanied by his wife, five sons and two daughters, in the fall of 1836 occupied their homestead on section 20, now the
eastern part of the present site of the plat which has borne the family
name since the establishment of the postoffice in I854. The village lots
were laid out by John C., Cornelius and James H. Davis (father and
two sons), in 1857, and Michael G. Hickey, G. M. Lyon and others afterward made additions to the original plat. The completion of the Detroit
& Milwaukee railway to that point gave Davisburg its start as a permanent village; and it was John C. Davis who was mostly back of it.
He it was who opened the first store and erected the grist mill. The
Hickeys also accomplished much, William Hickey establishing a foundry
in I865 for the manufacture of agricultural implements. About the
same time Charles Weatherson erected a combination plant for the sawing of lumber and the (separate) grinding of plaster and feed.
Davisburg has now a population of perhaps two hundred people
and is a station on the Grand Trunk line and is located on the Shiawassee
river. Its feed mill and elevator, of Io,ooo bushels' capacity, is owned
and operated by Stiles Brothers, and it has a number of stores which
have a fair neighborhood trade. Its banking is done at Holly. The
Union school is under Miss Sara E. Maltby. The Methodists (Episcopal
and Protestant), have two societies, and the Masons are well represented
by members of both sexes. The local Order of the Eastern Star was
founded in June, I912.
The first school in Davisburg was established in I856 or 1857, the
first term of school being taught by Emma Mosey. In I858 a small
frame school house was built, and it is yet in use. In more recent
years,-about I89o-another room was added to the original structure,
sufficiently large to double its seating capacity. The school grounds
were purchased from John Davis, being a part of his farm. A few of
the principals who have had charge of the Davisburg schools since organization are here given: John Donovan of Bay City, one time representative; Marion Short, of Amy, Michigan; Mary Ogden, of California;
Elmer E. Hymers, of Pontiac; Anna Winn, Alma, Michigan; Sara E.
Maltby, of Davisburg, present principal, as before noted.
HIGHLAND'S PHYSICAL FEATURES
Highland is the middle western township of the county, and was thus
named at its organization in March, 1835, because its surface was then




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


473


supposed to be the highest land in the settled part of Michigan. Within
the limits of the township, the water courses run both north and south.
Pettibone creek heads in section io and runs south, and a branch of
Buckhorn creek rises in section 3 and courses north, the sources of
these streams being only about a mile apart. There are twenty-two
small bodies of water in the township, by courtesy designated as lakes,
the largest of which are Duck, Pettibone, Alderman, Highland, Woodruff and Kellogg.
FIRST SETTLERS
The first purchase of lands in what now constitutes Highland township was made by Naham Curtis on the 6th of September, I832, in the
east half of the southeast quarter of 36, or in the extreme southeast corner
of the township. He and his brother, Jeremiah, sold their property
soon afterward and left for Illinois with a colony of Mormons.
Among those who came in I833, Jonathan F. Stratton, an Erie county
(Penn.) man, was most prominent. He settled on the south half of
the northwest quarter of section 27, and was elected the first justice of
the peace of the tbwnship two years later. Michael Beach arrived from
Troy township, the next year (1834), and bought land just west of the
present village of Highland in sections 21 and 28.
HIGHLAND POSTOFFICE AND STATION
Probably as early as 1835 Zenas Phelps, George Lee and others settled on sections I9, 20, 29 and 30, in the southwestern part of the township, where a postoffice was established tenyears later, with George
Showerman as postmaster. This is now known as West Highland, or
Highland postoffice.
Other settlers located at various points in the township previous to
the platting of Spring Mills, in 1846, by Jonas G. Potter and Major F.
Lockwood, on the southeast quarter of section 22. In the summer of
that year the proprietors erected a sawmill. In 1857 a postoffice was
established here. Enos Leek was appointed postmaster and held the
office until January i, I874, when the name was changed and the office
moved to Highland Station.
On the completion of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, in 1871,
Highland village was platted by German St. John and Almon Ruggles
on portions of sections 22 and 27. As stated, the postoffice was moved
from  Spring Mills in I874. Although for some years afterward it
looked as though quite a village might spring up at this point, the promise
was not fulfilled. The postoffice is now at West Highland, about two
miles from the Station.
VILLAGE OF CLYDE
In the late thirties Morris Wheeler purchased some eight hundred
acres of land for Phineas Davis, a speculator, in sections I, 2, Io and
II, which included the present site of Clyde, the only considerable settlement in Highland township. John Wendell put up the first house




474


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and a few stores were opened before the Flint & Pere Marquette line
was built through the township in I87I. In June, 1875, the original
village plat was laid out by Julian Bishop, county surveyor, for Lyman
Johnson, the plot occupying thirteen acres of the east half of the northwest quarter of section IO; additions have since been made, so that the
site is now virtually the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of
the same section.
Clyde is a village of about two hundred people. It is the center of
quite a popular summer resort region, as there is good fishing in the
lakes to the south and east. Produce and fruit are raised in considerable quantities in the adjoining country, the soil being especially well
adapted to potatoes. Besides two good general stores there are also
several prosperous produce dealers and potatoe shippers, and another
firm does a considerable business in selling wire fencing and agricultural
implements. Further, Clyde has a large grain elevator owned and conducted by McLaughlin Brothers. Banking facilities are afforded either
at Holly, eight miles north, or at Milford, seven miles south, both on
the Pere Marquette line. The village has a good graded school, and a
Methodist church offers regular religious services.
M1IETHIODISM IN THI TowNSiHIP
The First Methodist Episcopal church of Highland was organized
in I835, with Elder Goodell as preacher and D. M. Lockwood as classleader. The original members were Mr. and Mrs. H. Scollard, Mr. and
Mrs. A. C. Taggett, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Lockwood, and Mrs. and Mrs.
L. Flint. At first it was as part of Milford circuit, but in 1848 was
transferred to the circuit of Hartland, and in I866 it became a part of
what is now Highland circuit. 0. Sanborn was then presiding elder
and H. Wood was the minister in charge. The following officers were
elected at that time: Stewards, H. Morgan, G. W. Glins; recording steward, J. Highfield; district stewards, G. Stratton, E. Chase and A. C.
Taggett. The trustees elected in 1866 were E. A. Law, G. W. Glins,
M. B. Lyon, G. H-lalls, J. Mills, D. McCroasan and A. C. Taggett, the
last named being chosen chairmarn of the board.
Immediately after the meeting of conference in i865, the Methodist
class became known as the Highland Center Class, that date marking
its first connection with the Highland circuit, as previously mentioned.
At that time the meetings were held in the schoolhouse of District No. 4.
In 1875 a Christian association was formed in this place (Highland),
composed of the members of the different denominations residing around
the station and holding services in the schoolhouse on alternate Sundays. In the year i881 a church was built under the auspices of the
association and was dedicated in February, 1882. This was practically
a Union church, services continuing alternately by the different denominations as in the schoolhouse. The Christian association services were
conducted by an undenominational pastor one Sunday and by the Methodist Episcopal pastor of the circuit the following Sunday."
The conference of 1882 sent Rev. G. MI. Lyons to this point, and new




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


475


life was infused into the waning congregation. Dissatisfaction was
shown as the Methodist Episcopal class prospered, which finally resulted
in about twenty-eight members withdrawing and forming a Congregational society, they controlling the church property.  The Methodist
Episcopal members held services in the church once in two weeks by
paying one-third of the expenses, together with interest. On December
4, 1883, a board of trustees of the First Methodist Church of Highland
was organized. The present church was dedicated November 4, I886.
The church at Clyde was first organized about 1855, the first meetings being held in a brick schoolhouse south of the village, and also in
the schoolhouse in Rose township about the same time. In 1857 or i858,
the old Baptist church at White Lake, four miles east of Clyde, was
used for a meeting place. In the early seventies a small church was
built at Clyde, on Wheeler's lot, where meetings were held. The meetings at White Lake were soon after discontinued, part of the congregation meeting at Davisburg and the remainder at Clyde with the new
church. Those who united with the congregation already located there
built the present church, this event taking place in 1885.
At Hickory Ridge, three miles west of Clyde, meetings were held in
the stone schoolhouse at an early date. In 1868-9 the present church
was built, where meetings are now held.
These three churches, Highland, Clyde and Hickory Ridge, are
united in what is known as Highland charge, and are served by one
pastor. The following pastors have served the church since its organization: J. M. Holt and A. B. Clough, I866; G. M. Lyon, I883; 0.
Sanborn, 1884; J. A. Rowe, i886; Henry King, 1887; Rev. Hubbell,
1888-9; Rev. Wood, I890-91; Rev. Samuel Graves, I892; Rev. O'Dell,
1893; Rev. E. P. Pierce, 1894-5; Rev. A. S. Tedman, i896-8; 0. J.
Perrin, I899; F. W. Ware, i9oo to the spring of 1902, Rev. H. Hindle
completing the year; Rev. L. B. Dupries, 1903-4; Rev. T. B. McGee.
I905; Rev. W. J. Coates, I906; Rev. R. E. Winn, 1907-09; Rev. W. J.
Bailey, I910; Rev. F. E. MAock, 1911 to the present time.
The present membership of the charge is seventy-five, as follows:
Highland, thirty; Clyde, seventeen, and Hickory Ridge, twenty-eight.




CHAPTER XXXVII
ROSE AND WEST BLOOMFIELD
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ROSE TOWNSHIP-ROSE CENTER, OR ROSE-WEST
BLOOMFIELD AS A LAKE TOWNSHIP-EARLIEST PIONEERS-SALE OF
INDIAN RESERVATIONS-FIRST POSTOFFICE-ORCHARD LAKE POSTOFFICE-THE POLISH SEMINARY.
What is now known as Rose township was originally included in
the township of Oakland, and was created by act of the legislature of
March II, I837. In that act the first township meeting was ordered to
be held at the house of David Gage, which was accordingly done on the
following 3d of April. John A. Wendell was chosen supervisor and
Henry Phelps township clerk.
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ROSE TOWNSHIP
The southern and southeastern portions of the township contain beautiful plains, the one in the southeast being an extension of White lake
plain. These were originally covered with a scattered growth of oak,
interspersed with roses. The water area of the township covers about
nine hundred acres and includes some forty-five lakes and ponds. Long
lake is the principal sheet of water; it is mostly in section 30, in the
southwest. The drainage of the greater part of the township is through
the various branches of the Shiawassee river, which, however, in this
part of the county are insignificant creeks.
The township is strictly agricultural, with a soil prolific of grain
and fruit. It has but one postoffice-that at Rose Center, or Rose, in
the center of section 22, which is also just southeast of the center of
the township.
The first entry of land in Rose township was made by I. N. Voorheis
and Daniel Hammond on June 8, 1835, and included a mill site on section II. But no mill was built and neither claimants to the site ever
appeared. The first improvements were made by John C. Garner, who
afterward lived in the locality for many years; but before Mr. Garner
settled Daniel Danielson located (I835). eighty acres on section 35, in
the extreme southeast, and built upon his land the first house in the township. His tract was then covered with timber and his log house stood on
476




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY'


477


the west side of the Indian trail, which subsequently became the White
Lake road. AMr. Danielson afterward moved to Holly, where he died.
ROSE CENTEIR, OR ROSE
In the year 1835 Benjamin Hicks, of Livingston county. New York,
brought his family from that locality to section 35. and soon afterward
his son, Benjamin C., returned to New York for his own wife and
family. Various members of both families became well kown in after
years throughout that part of the township. In 1836 several settlers
located further to the northeast: also on section 22 at and near what is
now Rose postoffice. Of the latter were John A. Wendell and David
Gage, both of whom became prominent men in the township. Mr. Gage


ON THE SHItAWASSEE RIVER


opened a "hotel" in his rude shanty, which was located on the White
Lake road leading to Shiawassee. With foresight, when he first located
he broke up a small patch of ground to potatoes, never before grown in
the township. He afterwards purchased the Buckhorn tavern, on the
mail route from Pontiac to Shiawassee. Subsequent to the organization
of Rose township, Mr. Gage had built a better tavern than he could keep
in his first rude log shanty, and it was here that the first township meeting was held in 1837.
As early as I838 a postoffice was established to accommodate the
scattered settlers in the vicinity of the lake by that name. It was at first
called Buckhorn, but was changed to Rose soon after the township was
organized. The village plat of Rose Center is a station of the Pere
Marquette railroad, and embraces perhaps a hundred residents. It has
a few stores and a small sawmill and feed mill. Its banking is transacted at Holly, four miles north.






478


H -ISTORY OF OAOT*KLAND COUNTY


WEST 1:BLOOMFIELID AS A LAKE TOWNSH-IP
West Bloomfield is, beyond compare, the most magnificent lake township in Oakland county, about one-fifth of its entire area being covered
by beautiful bodies of fresh, sparkling water-Orchard, Cass, Pine,
Walnut, Green, Union, Pleasant and Middle and Upper Straits. The
largest of these, Cass, discharges its waters through Pickerel and Timber
lakes and the Clinton river into Lake St. Clair to the east; the eastern
lakes discharge through small branches into the Rouge river; those lying
west of Orchard lake, into the headwaters of the Huron river. The
only stream of even moderate size within the limits of the township, with
the exception of the short channel that connects Cass and Pickerel lakes,
is a creek which rises in some small lakes southeast of Orchard and UpON TEII SflORES OF PINEI LAKE
per Straits, unites its two branches in section 26 and leaves the township
as one stream at its southeastern corner. The result of this marked
absence of water courses has been that West Bloomfield has virtually
never had an established mill, as it has no water power; but the beauty
and value of its lakes have been ample compensations for the denial of
these natural advantages, as the reader has learned ere he has reached
this point in the narrative, if he has considered the statements in the
chapter devoted to the development of the summer resorts and residence
properties of Oakland county.
EARLIEST PIONEERS
The territory of the present West Bloomfield township was early
settled. James Herrington, of Cayuga county, New York, made the first
entry of land in 1823. John Huff, of Orleans county, also in the Em



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


479


pire state, had commenced a clearing two years before on the northeast
quarter of section 13, a part of the tract bordering on the southeast
shore of Pine Lake. In 1824 he entered his land in a regular way, thus
abandoning his "squatter" claim, and in the same year built a large
house of hewn logs on the shore of the lake; but whatever plans he had,
came to naught in his death during the autumn of 1825, and the remaining members of his family, after a time, returned to their New York
homes.
In 1823 Benjamin Irish settled on section 23, half a mile west of
Walnut lake; in 1824 Peter Richardson located on the southwest side
of the lake; Morgan L. Hunter took lands in section 5, northeast of
Scotch lake; in June, 1825, Rev. Laban Smith, the widely known and
beloved circuit preacher chose the south shore of Pine lake for his home;
Edward Ellerly, an Englishman of means desirous of bringing a colony
of his countrymen to the locality, built a massive log house east of Walnut lake, on the town line separating Bloomfield, in which he had also
purchased large tracts of land, and when finished it looked so imposing
that he called it "Ellerly Castle-this in 1825, Mr. Ellerly's departure
being in 1835, with his dreams unrealized; John Ellenwood, who also in
1825, settled a couple of miles to the north in section I2, on the eastern
shore of Pine lake; James Dow, among the numerous newcomers of
1830, who was the first settler in the so-called Scotch neighborhood on
the isthmus between Orchard and Cass lakes; and others of a later date
located near the lakes, such as Hugh Cuthbertson, also a Scotchman who
located, in 1831, on the west shore of Orchard lake in section 9 and 1o.
SALE OF INDIAN RESERVATIONS
The Indian reservations, comprising 107 acres at the south end of
Orchard lake and Orchard island of 38 acres, in the middle of the lake,
were sold at auction by the government in September, 1827, and were
purchased at eleven shillings per acre by George Galloway, of Palmyra,
New York, an uncle of Captain Joshua Terry, who afterward kept the
public house between Orchard and Cass lakes.
FIRST POSTOFFICE
The first postoffice was established in West Bloomfield, during -1831,
and was called Pine Lake, on the eastern shore of that body of water,
John Ellenwood, who served from that year until his death in I856,
being the first and only incumbent of the office.
ORCHIARD IAKE,POSTOFFICE
Orchard Lake, on the eastern shore of the body of water by that
name, is now the only postoffice in the township. It was formerly the
site of the MIichigan Military Academy and at this point was afterward
located the Polish Catholic Seminary, its successor in the sense that the
buildings erected by the Academy were bought and utilized by the
Seminary. The history of the former will be found in the chapter de



480


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


FRONT OF ACADEMIC BUILDING


PORTIONS OF DORMTIORY AND POWER HOUSE   "CASTLE"






HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


481


voted to Pontiac's educational institutions, while the sketch of the Polish
Seminary follows.
THE POLISH SEMINARY
The Polish Catholic Seminary at Orchard Lake is one of the most
flourishing institutions of the kind in the country. It was formerly
located at Detroit, but in May, 1909, the church purchased the property
of the old Michigan Military Academy. When the grounds were bought
for that institution the Castle (a large brick residence then considered
one of the most pretentious structures in the county), was on the property thus acquired. This is now used by the Seminary as a chapel, for
the entertainment of guests and as club and billiard rooms for the
students.
Soon after the purchase of the property the Military Academy erected
the brick and wood barracks now used by the Seminary as dormitories,
the Academic building being put up in I889. Later appeared the gymnasium and power house. In the latter are a small natatorium  with
plunge and shower baths, and massage and dressing rooms. The administration building, a large brick structure, contains the official quarters
of the seminary, hospital, barber shop, storerooms for supplies, linen,
etc., and accommodations for the teachers and the smallest boys. The
professors of the faculty have a separate residence. Besides the general
dining room accommodating two hundred and forty in two divisions,
there are three private dining rooms, and in the same building are the
bakery, cold storage rooms and the kitchen-the last supplied with all
such modern conveniences as automatic dish washers and meat cutters.
The upper rooms of this building are given over to the servants' quarters, while for the better class of employees, such as the engineer, housekeeper and nurses, two frame cottages are provided. Within the present
year (1912), the seminary management completed what was intended
to be a riding academy, but on account of the rapid growth of the
school it has been diverted from its original purposes and has been remodeled into dormitories. Besides the buildings mentioned, those forming the seminary property comprise a general store, a frame house
(rented), and several barns and outbuildings. The one hundred acres
of grounds also include a good baseball diamond and several tennis
courts.
The Polish Seminary is attended by more than four hundred students.
Its official name is SS. Cyrillus and Methodius Seminary, and its faculty
includes the following: Very Rev. Witold Buhaczkowski, father rector;
Rev. Leo. S. Jarecki (logic, metaphysics, psychology); Rev. Jos. Ciarrocchi, D. D., Ph.D., U. J. D. (ethics, sacramentary, jus); Rev. Stanislaus Bortnowski, D. D., Ph.D. (Scripture) Rev. Albert Cipolini, D. D.,
Ph.D. (dogmatic and moral theology); Rev. C. Wyszynski (history
homiletics); Rev. W. Zadala (liturgy); Rev. A. Janczak (Christian
doctrine); Dr. J. Machnikowski (Hebrew). Professors in College department: Ignace Machnikowski, Andrew Piwowarski, Anthony Fijathowski, Thomas Palmer, Frank Walker, Joseph Walber and Anthony
Lobasa.




CHAPTER XXXVII


NOVI AND WATERFORD TOWNSHIPS
T.r1'H  NAME "NOVI"-THE COLONY OF I825-2 ---NOVI CORNERS, OR NovI
-WATERFORD TOWNSHIP AND ITS LAKES-COMING OF THE WILLIAMS' FAMILIES WATERFORD VILLAGE FOUNDED-SCHOOLS ANIT
CHURCHES-WATERFORD OF TODAY       DRAYTON PLAINS-OLD CLINTONVILLE.
Novi is in the lower tier of townships, the second from the west, and
is by no means "unknown," as its Latin name implies. When Farmington township was established by legislative act of April 12, 1827, its
territory was included therein, with the present towns of Commerce, Milford, and Lyon, but in the autumn of 1830 the voters of what is now
Novi held a meeting for the purpose of detaching themselves from the
jurisdiction of Farmington.
THE NAME "NoVI"
When the matter of a name came up for discussion, it was evident
that a short, simple one was most in favor; and when Dr. J. C. Emery,
at the suggestion of his wife, proposed "Novi," the idea so took that
the name was forwarded to the legislature. Notwithstanding some opposition from a scholarly and somewhat sarcastic member of that body,
who called attention to the English translation-"unknown," "not
known," "forgotten," etc.-the name was adopted by the state authorities,
and in the fall of 1832 the township of Novi was detached from Farmington. Its territory then included the townships of Commerce, Milford and Lyon, which were separately organized in 1834, thus cutting
down Novi to its present area.
In 1827, when what are now Novi, Lyon, Milford and Commerce
townships were attached to Farmington township for civil and judicial
purposes. Novi was called West Farmington and Lyon, Farmington, Jr.
TIIE COLONY OF I825-26
The first to settle in what is the present township of Novi came in
1825, Erastus Ingersoll being the pioneer of them all. On the twentieth
of September, 1824, he entered the southeast quarter of section 24 at
the Detroit land office, and April 26th of the following year reached his
482




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


483


claim, in company with his wife and nine children. John Gould had
made an entry nearly three weeks before that of "Deacon" Ingersoll,
but did not settle on his land (in section 36), until a month after the
Ingersoll family had established themselves.
Erastus Ingersoll, with the assistance of his oldest son, E. S. Ingersoll, had soon completed the first house in what is now Novi township;
some neighbors in Farmington town, six or seven miles away, also
rendered what aid was possible to put together the rough log shelter
for the Ingersoll family. Its members, John Gould, Joseph Eddy (of
Wayne county, New York), and Pitts Tafft, constituted the Novi colony
of I825, although during the year William Yerkes and Thomas Pinkerton, two young cousins from Seneca county, New York, appeared in
the locality searching promising pieces of land. They evidently found
what they wanted-Yerkes, in section 36 and Pinkerton, in section 25 ---
for in the following March they appeared to work their purchases, chopping timber for a clearing and fencing the choicest tracts. Mr. Yerkes
had already a family of several children, who followed him to their new
home, and formed a part of the colony of sixteen who came into this
western wilderness under the leadership of the young pioneers from
Seneca county. The Yerkes family became perhaps as well known as
any in the township.
NovI CORNERS, OR Novi
The only postoffice in the township (Novi), was formerly known as
Novi Corners; and it was most appropriately named, for the settlement
not only stood at the intersection of the old Walled Lake and the Detroit
and I-owell roads, but at the corners of sections 14, 15, 22 and 23. The
first inhabitant at the Corners was John Elmore, who came before 1830
and located on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 14. Immediately after, Apollos Cudworth and Benjamin Brown arrived in the
locality, occupying respectively the corners of sections 23 and 15. Upon
his corner Brown opened a general store, as well as one of the first two
business enterprises (Blanchard's tavern being the other), which formed
the nucleus of the village of Novi Corners. Asaph C. Smith soon
opened another store, and when the postoffice was established not long
thereafter he was appointed postmaster.
A town hall was erected at Novi Corners in 1876 to serve as an appropriate place of meeting for the township officials and for public
gatherings.  By this time the settlement had become quite a village,
with a steam sawmill, tile works, several good general stores, two hotels,
and two or three churches. But neither its industries nor the little sawmills built, at an earlier day. on the outlet from the southwest end of
Walled lake, ever amounted to anything.
Then, as now, Novi really depended for its sustenance as a settlement
upon the good farming country around it. At the present time its
population is put down at about three hundred, and its business is represented by several stores devoted to the sale of general goods and dealings in produce and grain. Two small sawmills are in the immediate
vicinity, and a little cheese is manufactured. But altogether the trade
Vol. 1-31




484


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


and business of Novi do not warrant the establishment of a local bank,
such facilities being provided by Northville, four miles south in Wayne
county. Baptist and Methodist societies meet the religious needs of the
community.
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP AND ITS LAKES
Waterford is the central township of Oakland county and derives
its name from the fact that so large a portion of its surface is covered
by water. The principal stream is the Clinton river, which takes a
tortuous course nearly through the central sections of the township, and
receives the surplus waters of most of the thirty lakes within its borders.
The largest of the lakes is Elizabeth, in the southern part, some four
hundred acres in area lying in sections 27, 28, 33 and 34. Its shores are
bold and clean and partly covered with timber, and furnish beautiful
building sites for summer homes. As elsewhere stated, the lake was
named by Governor Cass, its discoverer, in honor of his wife. Among
the other fine bodies of water in the township are Williams, Wadkins,
Scott's and Silver; and it was on the shore of the last named that the
settlement of the township was inaugurated by Major Oliver Williams
in I8I9.
Elizabeth lake, when discovered by Governor Cass and his party,
contained white fish in small numbers, and in the late seventies all of
the larger lakes of the township were stocked by the state. More recently many of the lakes have been stocked with bass from the hatchery
at Drayton Plains, which is in the very center of the lake region, between
Loon and Wadkins lakes.
COMING OF THE WILLIAMS' FAMILIES
What is now Waterford township was originally a part of Oakland
(afterward of Pontiac), and in 1834 was organized as a separate civil
and political body. Major Oliver Williams, a minor officer in the War
of 1812 who had been captured by the British at Mackinaw and paroled,
and who settled in Detroit with his Massachusetts family after the
war, and there engaged in mercantile ventures, made a journey into Oakland county in the fall of I818. Accompanying him were his wife and
married sister, Calvin Baker and Jacob Eilett, all on horseback and
under the guidance of a Frenchman. The two women are believed to
have been the first white women who had ever voluntarily visited the
region now known as Oakland county. The party found the country
very beautiful from Royal Oak to the present limits of Waterford township and literally alive with all kinds of game-beast, bird and fish. As
the women expected to live in this country with their children, their
husbands, in justice, accorded them the privilege of looking over the
ground themselves; and they enthuiastically approved of it all. The
party finally reached Silver lake, and after the present Waterford line
had been crossed, Major Williams selected lands in section 13, searching out the surveyors' lines and marking the corners. This charming
locality which he selected as his future home is where the sheets of water
now known as Loon, Silver and Upper Silver lakes come together. After




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


485


an absence of three or four days the party returned to Detroit, carrying
many specimens of the shrubs and flowers of the region, and early in
the year 1819, Major Williams formally entered the land he had selected.
On the 6th of March, I819, at noon, \Iajor Williams and his fanily,
consisting of his wife and eight children, arrived at the town of Pontiac,
which then comprised a little log house sheltering three families and a
few workmen. They took dinner on boards laid across some barrels,
but everybody was in hearty spirits and appetites were at a premlium.
The Williams family then went on, arriving at the site of their future
home on Silver lake at four o'clock in the afternoon.
WATERFORD VILLAGE Fou ND E )
The same year of the Williams' settlement on Silver lake also marked
the coming of Alpheus Williams, the Major's brother-in-law, and Captain
Archibald Phillips, a Detroit merchant, who settled at the place where
the Detroit and Saginaw trail crossed the Clinton river, or the site of
the present village of Waterford. Alpheus Williams also made the
first purchase of land in the township of Independence, section 33, adjoining his Waterford purchase on the north.
The Williams's were both prominent in the annals of the township
and the county. Before they came into this new country they were
Detroit merchants of established reputations, and continued to be known
in Oakland county as men of business ability and public spirit. Their
sons and daughters married into the old solid families of the region and
continued the substantial reputation of the family name.
In partnership with Alpheus Williams, Captain Phillips built a dam
and sawmill at Waterford on the Clinton river. They erected the first
houses there, and lived in the locality to the last. At the death of Mr.
Williams, in 1828, his property, including the sawmill, passed into other
hands, and finally was owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Windiate, whose husband, William T. W\indiate, had laid out the first village lots of Waterford in 1845. At that time the old paper town of "New Philadelphia,"
platted by Josiah H. Cobb on the northeast quarter of the northeast
quarter of section 5 in I836, had long since become extinct. About
1835, at the completion of the Detroit and Saginaw turnpike and the
establishment of a mail-route between these points, a postoffice was
established at Waterford. Captain Phillips, who had opened the first
hotel in I830, was appointed postmaster.
In 1844 Dr. George Williams (unrelated to either Oliver or Alpheus),
who was Waterford's first physician, built grist mills both at that point
and at Clintonville.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
In 1840 a school was taught southeast of the village, and subsequently
meetings were held in the schoolhouse by the Episcopalians. A frame
schoolhouse was built in Waterford in 1848, but it was not until 1872
that the two story Union brick house was completed.
The first religious meetings of any consequence were held in the
village ly the \Methodists as early as 1838. Previous to this time a




486


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


Presbyterian preacher named Ruggles held forth about once a year, but
that denomination held no regular meetings. The Baptists built a substantial brick church in I869. The Methodists and Baptists are still
well represented in the religious circles of the place.
WATERFORD OF TODAY
The Waterford of this day is a postoffice in the northwestern part
of the township, around which cluster a settlement of about three hundred people. It is a station on the Grand Trunk road and is located on
the Clinton river, eight miles northwest of Pontiac, its nearest banking
point. Waterford has two or three good general stores, which draw
their trade from the farmers and fruit growers of the surrounding district. Live stock is also raised to some extent. A modest flouring mill
is the only industry of the place.
DRAYTON PLAINS
The beautiful stretch of country northwest and south of the village
of Drayton Plains was settled at an early day; it is stated that about
1823 a man by the name of Foster, Jonathan Perry, and Harvey and
Austin Durfee, located on the site of the present village plat and postoffice. In 1835 Daniel Windiate came from England and settled just
west of the site of today. He formed a partnership with his son-inlaw, Thomas Whitfield, and the two built a dam and gristmill, in 1837,
and the Drayton Plains Hotel in 1839. They also put up a number of
residences. Mr. Windiate had operated the Drayton Mill in ol( I'ngland, and when he erected the one at this point he thus designated it.
The name Drayton soon spread to the "plains,' and the village also
adopted it long before the place was regularly platted in I86o. In that
year it was laid out by Lewis L. Dunlap. A small cluster of buildings
marks the location of the present postoffice of Drayton Plains, which is
of special interest only as being the site of the Michigan Bass Hatchery.
OLDn CLINTONV\IT LL
The first settler on the site of the old village of Clintonville, two
miles from Drayton Plains, was Samuel C. Munson, who came thither
as early as 1830, and built a gristmill and a sawmill on the Clinton river.
Israel and John Osmun arrived about 1836, the latter purchasing mill
property for his sons. They owned it until I844, when it was sold to
Dr. George H. Williams, who had settled at Waterford. There he
erected a gristmill and was engaged in building one at Clintonville at
the time of his death. In 1847 the village was laid out into lots, but,
although a few stores and houses were erected, the place never promised
to grow and had little trade aside from its mills. These are now almost
unrepresented, a small flouring mill being the sole survivor.




CHAPTER XXXVIII


TROY AND OAKLAND
THIE TROWBRIDGE FAMILY OF TROY TOWNSHIP-JOHNSON NILES AND
TROY-BIG BEAVER AND CLAWrSON-UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OF TROY-OAKLAND TOWNSHIP IN GENERAL-GOODISON'S.
Troy is in the second tier of southern townships, with Macomb county
to the east, and is therefore one of the old sections of Oakland county.
It is gently undulating, both its surface and soil being remarkably
uniform. As the Rouge river, which drains several sections in the northwestern part of the township, is the only stream worthy of the name,
and its current is slow and weak, the region has produced no industries
of note; but it is a productive agricultural portion of the county. and
favorable to the raising of live stock.
THiE TROW\VlRID(I;.i F\AMTILY, 01 F  RO  TOWNSlI[IP
Originally attached to IBloomfield township. when that civil division
embraced the south two-fifths of the county, Troy township became independent in 1827; its territory then embraced the present area of Royal
Oak township, which was set off in I836. At the first election held within the l)ounds of Trov. on the 28th of May, 1 827, Stel)hen V.. Trowbridge, an able New Yorker who had settled on section T8, in the fall
of 1821, was elected the first supervisor of Troy township. With Johnson Niles (of whom more hereafter), he was the most prominent of
the pioneers for the succeeding quarter of a century. He was a strong,
able, hospitable man, and served his state in public life as well as his
township. He was a member of the third legislative council, whose two
sessions covered the period from May 5, 1828, to November 5, I829.
Mr. Trowbridge died in 1859, and his children have honored the family
name by reaching high station in professional and business pursuits.
One of them, Rowland E., was a member of congress from Michigan,
in the Thirty-seventh and the Thirty-ninth congresses, from  I861-62
and I865-66, respectively.
JOHNSON NILES AND) TROY
The first land entries in Troy township were made in I819 for tracts
in sections 18 and I9, in its western part. From 1820 to 1822 a large
number of purchases were made both in the northern and northwestern
487




488


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


sections. Among the first to settle permanently was Johnson Niles,
who came from Otsego county, New York, and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres on the northeast of section 9, in the spring of I821. He
then returned to New York for his wife, two sons and daughter, and,
being a carpenter, found himself fully occupied that same year in the
erection of several buildings for George Postal of Avon. In 1822 he
built a log house on his own land, moved his family thither and in the
fall seeded several acres to wheat, from the crop of which he made the
first flour manufactured of the native-grown grain. Mr. Niles also had
the thrift to supply himself with trinkets, which he bartered with the
Indians for furs and products of the chase; later, he purchased a fair
stock of goods at Detroit and by I830 had quite a complete general store.
He also opened a tavern, and was appointed postmaster in I833, thus
giving the new settlement weekly mails from Detroit. Although Guy
Phelps and others owned portions of the subsequent site, Mr. Niles was
the real early promoter, and in 1838 platted sixteen blocks on the corners of sections 4, 9 and Io, which he called Hastings in honor of E. P.
Hastings, then president of the Michigan Bank. Until well into the
forties, Hastings, or Troy, promised to become a progressive center of
trade. It had several good hotels, and as it was on one of the most important routes of travel from Detroit to the northern part of the territory, or state, the village continued to grow as long as the old-time
thoroughfares and stage routes existed
The Troy Corners of today is little more than a postoffice in the
midst of a good farming country, on the Detroit United Railway. It is
nine miles east of Pontiac and seven miles northeast of Birmingham,
the latter being the nearest banking point.
BIG BEAVER AND CLAWSON
Big Beaver postoffice lies a mile east of the electric line and, like
Troy Corners, is chiefly interesting from a consideration of "what might
have been." The so-called village is at the intersection of the crossroads separating sections 22 and 23 and 26 and 27, and the place derives
its name from a large dam built by a colony of beavers across a little
brook near by; but both beavers and brook have long ago disappeared.
Ira Smith erected the first house at this point on section 27, in 1825,
and three years later opened the first tavern in that building  In 1834
Smith discontinued his inn and Benjamin Wooster opened a blacksmith
shop at the Corners; after which there was a "slump"' in building operations and new enterprises for over twenty years. In 1857 Mr. Smith
again appears as proprietor of a fair general store kept in a frame building. Edmund Gillett opened a hotel about the same time, a brick schoolhouse was erected, and "things looked up" awhile; but promises were
faulty and, although twenty years from then Big Beaver was a settlement of about one hundred people, it has not grown since and may have
retrograded. The postoffice still has a good country around it, but has
no transportation facilities to encourage trade to center at that point.
It is six miles north of Royal Oak and about the same distance north



HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


489


east of Birminghlam, either of which places afford banking accommodations.
The third postoffice and settlement in Troy township is Clawson, near
the southern line, four and a half miles southeast of Blirmingham, at
which its merchants bank, and itself located on the line of the Detroit
United Railway. At Clawson, or near it, are saw, grist and cider mills,
and it has a fair trade with the neighboring farmers and fruit growers.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TROY
The United Presbyterian church of Troy was organized in I850 in
the Troy schoolhouse, and Rev. Brownlee was the first pastor. Not
until I855 was a church built. After Rev. Brownlee's term of service
as pastor, the following ministers served the church in that capacity:
Rev. Smealie, Rev. Robertson, Rev. Patterson, Rev. L. P. Gibson, Rev.
John Sherard, Rev. A. H. Orr, Rev. M. B. Maxwell, Rev. J. W. Lood,
Rev. R. J. Pinkerton, and Rev. Wilson Reid, the present pastor.
In 1894 a part of the Troy congregation organized another body in the
town of Birmingham,. both congregations continuing under the one
pastorate. A beautiful house of worship has been erected and a flourishing congregation exists today in Birmingham. The pastors of the Birmingham church thus far have been Rev. A. H. Orr, Rev. M. B. Maxwell,
Rev. J. WV. Lood; Rev. R. J. Pinkerton and Rev. Reid, now in charge.
OAKLAND TOWNSIIP IN GENERAL
The original civil divisions of Oakland county, made in 1820,
through the proclamation of Governor Cass, allotted the upper three
fifths to Oakland township. In 1827, soon after settlements had actually
commenced, it was organized as a separate political body, although its
limits then embraced what are now the six northeastern townships with
the exception of Pontiac. In 1828 Orion was annexed to Pontiac; in
1835 Avon was set off as a separate town; and in 1837 Addison and
Oxford were organized, leaving Oakland township as at present.
The township is well drained in the west and southwest by its principal stream. Paint creek, a tributary of the Clinton river into which
it flows finally toward the south. Stony creek, to the east flows through
the more central sections, and connects a few unimportant lakes. Both
of these streams have good currents, and have afforded power for a
number of sawmills and gristmills.  Altogether the township is remarkably well drained and offers many advantages to the raiser of live
stock.
Most of the first land entries, in 1819-1825, and the first settlements,
which commenced in 1826, were made in the southern sections of the
township-33, 35, 29, 30, and 31, about in the order named.   Asa
Baker, Benedict Baldwin, Needham Hemingway, Josiah Dewey, Jeremiah Hunt, Joel Potter, Samuel Tower and James Coleman, nearly all
from Chili, AMonroe county, New York, are credited with being among
the first to actually locate, build houses and plant themselves as permanent citizens.




490           HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY
GOODISON'S
When Mr. Hemingway came into the country, in I826, he put up
quite a substantial house, instead of the customary log cabin. This he
used until the summer of 1827, when he erected the first frame house
in the township. In 1835 he built a dam across Paint creek, on section
28, and dug a race three-fourths of a mile to the east line of the
same section, where he constructed a two-story frame building for a
gristmill. A few years after it passed out of his hands. Among its later
owners was William Goodison, who enlarged it and made other improvements.
That gentleman's energy and public spirit were so evident that the
settlement around the mills became known as Goodison's, and in 1872,
when the Detroit & Bay City railroad was built through the township
it was made first a flag station, and afterward a regular stopping place.
In 1874 a postoffice was established. About all that is left of Goodison's, as the Michigan Central station is still called, is a general store,
a flouring mill, a little Methodist church and a few scattering houses
centered in a productive agricultural district.




CHAPTER XXXIX


SOUTHFIELD, GROVELAND AND WHITE LAKE
SOUTHFIELD TOWNSHIP'S FIRST SETTLERS-FRANKLIN AND SOUTHFIELD-GROVELAND TOWNSHIP-GROVELAND AND AUSTIN-ALMOST
A RAILROAD-WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP-OXBOW AND WHITE LAKE.
Southfield is in the southeastern part of the county, in the southern
tier of townships west of Royal Oak, and was originally attached to
Bloomfield for civil and judicial purposes. On the I2th of July, I830,
the legislature set it off as a separate township under the name of Ossewa; but this name was so distasteful to the majority of citizens that
only a weel passed before it was changed to Southfield. The township
is watered by the forks of the Rouge-East and West, and Lee's creek
-which with the main stream, drain virtually its western sections, and
Dry Run, which rises in the northeastern part of the town and takes a
generally southwesterly course, leaving at section 33, about the middle
of the south base line.
SOUTHFIELD TOWNSHIP'S FIRST SETTLERS
A few entries of land in the present township were made in I82I, but
John Daniels, who settled in the southwestern portion of section 4, was
its first permanent resident and householder. His family returned with
him from the east in the following spring. Also came Martin and
William Lee, who located on section I8; Edmund Cook on section 7,
and George White, near the lees on section 18. Mr. Daniels worked,
prospered and was long respected and honored, filling many public
offices in the locality previous to his death in I875. Dullucena Stoughton, Eli Curtis, Elisha Hunter, Moses Rodgers, Elijah Bullock and
others succeeded this first colony within the following two years.
FRANKLIN AND SOUTHFIELD
Mr. Bullock, with his sons purchased two hundred and forty acres
which included a large part of the present village, or postoffice, of
Franklin. Mr. Stoughton owned the balance of the original site. One
of the most noted residents of Franklin was Dr. Ebenezer Raynale, who
came in 1828, was the first physician in the township, the first village
postmaster (postoffice established in 1828), and a physician of high
standing. In the summer of I829 Mr. Stoughton built a brick house,
Vol. I-32
491




492


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


which was not only the first of its kind in the township but is said to be
the pioneer of the county.  The first store was opened by William
Houston, a New Yorker, in 1830; several hotels appeared within the
succeeding few years; Peter Van Every, Sr., settled at Franklin in 1837,
thence conducting several mills and a distillery over the line in Bloomfield township; Worthington & Pratt erected a grist mill in the village,
and in I85I Colonel Van Every established a steam flouring mill at that
point.  But when, one after another, all the railroads passed it by,
Franklin ceased to even hope for better things, and is now little more
than a postoffice for the farmers of the neighborhood.
What was once known as the village of Southfield, or Southfield
Centre, which was located on both sides of the road running from the
quarter-post on the east line of section 20 to the Rouge river, is now
SCENE ON THE ROUGE RIVER
not even a postoffice. In I829 Archibald H. Green made the first settlement in the northern part of the old village, and in I833 the number of
families who had located there and in the vicinity warranted the establishment of the postoffice of Southfield, with John Thomas as postmaster. He also ran the tavern and near it several stores were soon
started. In 1837 Sabin's gristmill was built on the Rouge a few rods
west of the village, and was one of the first causes which brought business to Southfield. The following year a flour mill was erected in the
village; but neither these industries, nor any other causes, were sufficient
to start the Thomas settlement, or Southfield, on an up-grade.
GROVELAND TOWNSHIP
Groveland township was organized, in I835, from a part of Pontiac,
and until 1838 included also the present township of Holly. The first




HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY                      493
land entries within its limits were made by William Roberts, Masten W.
Richards, John Underhill and E. W. Fairchild-Mr. Roberts in I829 and
Mr. Richards in I830. The two last named actually settled on the old
Saginaw trail, near the site of what afterward (1836), was laid out as
the Hadley Cemetery, in sections I8 and I9.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Calvin Herrick,
April 6, 1835, and Nathan Herrick was elected supervisor.
GROVELAND AND AUSTIN
In the early years Groveland township had two villages on the Detroit
and Saginaw turnpike which flourished for a time. About 1836 Philip
McOmber built a large log house on that new and important highway,
opened a hotel and travelers for a long distance came to speak of Groveland Cottage, as the inn was called, in glowing terms. In 1837, or thereabouts, when a postoffice was established at that point it took the name
of Groveland, although the old-timers insisted on calling the place Groveland Cottage. Its location was about a mile south of Stewart lake.
Still further south, near the township line, a hotel was built on the
Saginaw road, at which the stage teams were changed and travelers
refreshed themselves. This point was also deemed of sufficient importance to warrant the establishment of a postoffice about I846. It was
brought about mainly through the efforts of David Austin Wright, an
old settler of the region, and the postoffice was therefore named Austin.
For several years before, it was Austin Corners, and was popularly
designated as such, long afterward. Since the establishment of the
rural delivery system the postoffice has been discontinued.
ALMOST A RAILROAD
The people of Austin, Groveland and the township in general had a
temporary revival of hope in the late seventies over the possibilities of
the Michigan Midland Railway. Although the line was surveyed through
their territory in I868-69 that is as far as the project went; but the Detroit
& Bay City was put through, a few miles to the southwest, which was
a decided push backward instead of forward. It was a blow from which
the township never quite recovered.
WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP
White lake is in the middle tier of townships, the second from the
western line, and derives its name from the beautiful body of water which
it divides with Highland township to the west; its area in White Lake
township is about two hundred and fifty acres. Altogether, some thirteen hundred acres are covered by the various sheets of water elsewhere
within its limits, such as Cranberry, Oxbow, Long, Cedar Island, Round
and Cooley. The greater part of the township is drained by the Huron
river and its tributaries. These streams are small, and the only place
where the water power has ever been really utilized is at the point where
the Huron river issues from the southern shore of Oxbow lake.




494


HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY


OXBOW AND WHITE LAKE
In July, 1833, Erastus Hopkins, of Steuben county, New York,
bought two hundred and forty acres of land in that locality, and in
October of the following year moved his family thither. After he had
built his log house, he had less than a dollar in cash with which to commence the fight in the wilderness. That winter he killed several deer
and caught some fish, having already cleared some land for the spring
plowing. His wife died in less than four years, but Mr. Hopkins, who
married twice afterward, survived until I876.
The land thus purchased included a mill site on the Huron river,
where it emerged from Oxbow lake, and about I836 Mr. Hopkins sold
five acres to a Dr. May, who built a dam and built a little sawmill,
with which he cut timber for a hotel and a store. A more substantial
dam was afterward built by Mr. Hopkins. About the time that the first
mill was erected, the White Lake postoffice was established and Frederick
Hopkins, cousin of Erastus, appointed postmaster.  In I840 the postoffice was moved to White Lake settlement, on the northeastern shore
of the lake by that name, in section 6.
The settlement mentioned on White Lake, in the western part of the
township, originated in August, I833, when Jesse Seeley and Cornelius
G. Wyckoff erected their log cabins on section 6. In the following year
John Rhodes opened a tavern and not long afterward, when the stage
line commenced its operations on the old White Lake road two public
houses were doing a good business at the settlement. The postoffice,
established in I840, was first called Plainville, but afterward changed to
White Lake. But the rural delivery system has even absorbed that
relic of its former activities.




I
d~












I




V.,^..;  W...   It


A.   -    Z"..
*$








i




B
1,~
Ic
i:
i,
i ~.1::i
~I
ii
i-:
I
i
i~:
fi?
u