Benjamin F. Elwood,a prosperous banker and real-estate dealer of Pontiac, was born at Royal Oak, this county, December 1, 1837, and is the son of Daniel and Fannie (Clark) Elwood. He attended the district school up to 1850, when his father having died some years previously, he removed with his mother to Waterford Township. . Here he lived for some time, alternating his studies while working on the farm of his step-fatiier. He began teaching school in 1857 and continued in this work for two years at Waterford and Royal Oak. The young man then rented a farm near Pontiac and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and shortly after, coming into possession of a small place from his father's estate, he continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 1866. His marriage occurred December 4, 1861. He was then united with Louesa D. Rundel, of West Bloomfield, this county. Mrs. Elwood was called away from earth in June, 1866. At the time of her death, Mr. Elwood disposed of his property and removed to Waterford, where he located upon a farm and added to his business a trade in stock. In July, 1867, he married Harriet E. Moore, of Fairport, N. Y., daughter of the late Charles Moore, of Milford, Mich. Four children blessed this marriage, two of whom are deceased. Calvin R., who was born in June, 1870, has recently (1891) completed his first year in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor; Clyde B., who was born March 6, 1875, is a student in the High School in Pontiac. In 1871 Mr. Elwood purchased a livery business in Clarkston, this county, which he carried on for ten years with success. He has held various offices, at one time being Deputy Sheriff for about six years. While living in Independence Township he held the office of Supervisor and had previously held other offices in that township. In 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace. In 1881 he sold out his interests at Clarkston, and removed to Pontiac where he has since resided and where he has devoted his attention to banking. He was made a Director of the Second National Bank at Pontiac, in 1880, and held this position until 1885, when the charter of the institution expired and the Pontiac National Bank was organized. In this new institution he was raised to the position of Vice-President. He was one of its charter members and a large stockholder therein. The Democratic party embodies the political principles of our subject, and he is active in promoting its success both locally and abroad. Heat one lime served as Alderman of Pontiac, and while a member of the Concil was active in advancing the interest of the city and introduced and carried through many important measures, the most important of which was the introduction of a line system of water works for the service of the city. He was one of the principal promoters of that movement. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also belong to the Masonic order. He has a pleasant residence on the corner of Saginaw and Oakland Streets.