James T. Haddrill: Is a native of Orion Township, in which he resides, having been born September 21, 1846, in a log house, which was built by his father on a farm where he now lives. He is a son of Isaac Haddrill, who was born in England in 1812, and about 1840 he came to America and made his home in Orion Township. He was a drover in England. He had serious misadventures in crossing the ocean, being shipwrecked, and undergoing great hardships. He bought 40 acres of government land on section 21, where he made his home. He was very fond of hunting and fishing, and frequently killed bears and shot scores of deer. He probably caught as many fish as any man in Oakland County. The Indians were all around his early home, and a camped on the shores of the beautiful lakes near which he lived. He found in Indian burial ground on his farm, and has plowed up quite a collection of Flint arrows, skulls bones and all sorts of Indian relics. He served as Treasurer of Orion Township at two different times. He now lives in Lapeer County in the enjoyment of good health. His wife, Elizabeth Turk, was born in England in 1812, and died in 1880. Of their seven children, five still survive.

the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on a farm which he helped his father to clear. Many and day he drove three yolks of cattle in the breaking plow. At the age of twenty-one years he rented a portion of the old Homestead, and began farming for himself. In 1875 he purchased 100 acres on section 21, and he has also bought 40 acres adjoining the old Homestead, which he has acquired from his father by purchase.


The four children of our subject are Roy, born October 14, 1875; Maud, born may twenty-sixth 1877; Blanche, born November 1, 1878; and Stewart, born August 7, 1884. Mr. Haddrill is a Democrat in his political views. He is a happy possessor of 340 acres of fine land, and raises all kinds of stock, but takes pride in breeding standard horses, he has sold several fine steppers at a fancy price. He began life with very limited means, and by frugality and enterprise, has gained for himself and family a fine property.