Martin V.B. Hosner, prominent among the residence of Oakland County are this gentleman and his estimable wife, who belonged to sturdy pioneer families. The grandfather of Mr. Hosner was Jacob Hosner, who was born in Clarkson, Monroe County, New York, and was of Dutch descent. The parents of Mr. Hosner were Thomas and Hannah (Batchelor) Hosner, who were married in Clarkson, New York. The mother was a native of Massachusetts and was a daughter of Consider and Susannah (Bathrick) Batchler, natives of Ashfield, Massachusetts. Thomas Hosner and his wife emigrated west to Michigan in 1833, and located in West Bloomfield Township, where they took heavily timbered land from the government, and were numbered among the first settlers. They ultimately sold his place and bought another farm in the same Township. The father, who was a hard worker, endured the hardships of pioneer life and did in immense amount of pioneer work, building a barn, sending out an Orchard and making various permanent improvements. He passed from earth in January 1845, and his wife survived him until July 14, 1854. Thomas and Hannah Hosner with the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are now living. They are both members. Of the free Will Baptist Church, and he was an old line Whig. M. V. B. Hosner was born February 5, 1835, and West Bloomfield Township. Fourteen years old he began working out on a farm, receiving seven dollars per month for seven months, and being in the of Edwin S. Harger, now the village of Commerce. He worked by the month or seven months.

M. V. B. Hosner was married October 18, 1857, to Miss Lydia C., Daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret C. (Longstreet) Dye, both natives of New Jersey. Mr. Dye was born October 30, 1806, and his wife June 6, 1809. They were married in 1829, and resided in New Jersey until 1831, when they can you Michigan and settled on 160 acres in Commerce Township, all unbroken land, Dean timbered openings. He built a log house and began clearing off his farm which was a permanent home with the exception of two years which they spent in New Jersey. At that time they were homesick for the East, and sold out and went back there. But they found out that after all their heart was in Michigan, whether they returned July 12, 1886, and bought back the former farm, where Mr. Dye resided until his death, March 21, 1888 when eighty-three years of age. His good wife was blind for over forty-three years. She was a lovely and devout Christian, a mother was so who was loved by everyone, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church, of Walled Lake. She departed this life March 19, 1891, at the age of eighty-three years.

Mr. Dye was a man who made no show but attended strictly and thoroughly to the business at hand, whatever it might be. He was the very first officer ever elected and Commerce Township, and at that time filled the position of Pathmaster. He was first a Whig and later a Republican, and was a member of the Baptist Church for a number of years. Mrs. Dye Was picking cranberries one day and was stooping as work when he was spied by a neighbor, who was out hunting. As she wore a brown dress he mistook her for deer, took aim and was about the fire when she raised her head in time to save her life. Mrs. Hosner was born August 13, 1836, and her mother becoming blind when she was ten years old, the duties of the household fell upon her.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hosner was Ezekiel Dye Sr., who was born a farm in Middlesex. Mrs. Hosner’s great-grandfather bore the name of Thomas Dye, and was of Scotch descent. Her grandmother’s name on her father’s side was Abbie Longstreet, and on her mother’s side, Lydia Bennet. Her maternal grandfather was William Longstreet, and her great-grandfather, Samuel Longstreet, descent from Dutch ancestry.

The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Hosner was in Commerce Township, 1 mile south of the village of Commerce. Here they resided for four years and then removed to the present location, where they own 167 2/3 acres, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. Hosner also owns a village property in Walled Lake. His residence was built about twenty-five years ago. He has given his whole attention to farming and a good business like manner, and has been successful.

Two of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Hosner are now living, namely: Eugene H., Born December 11, 1864, and Cary H., born April 8, 1875. Archie D., a law student of Mr. Patterson’s of Pontiac, died at the age of twenty-four years, after suffering from consumption for six years. He bore his trials with great fortitude and patience, and was a clear minded, honest and intelligent young man. For Two Years He Was Treasurer of Commerce Township, and was also Superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school of Walled Lake. Arthur L. was accidentally killed at the age of seventeen years by being thrown from a horse. Eugene H. Married Parley Nichols, April 29, 1890, and has one son, Archie N.; he now lives in Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon.

Mr. and Mrs. Hosner are members of the first Baptist Church at Walled Lake, of which he is been trustee and Treasurer. He is deeply interested in Sunday school work and is served as Superintendent for ten years, being also teacher of the young peoples Bible class. His wife has also taken an active interest in Sunday school work. He is a charter member of the Commerce Grange, number 328, and has held the offices of chaplain, lecturer and master. He is identified with the patrons of industry. He is president of the Cemetery Association of Walled Lake, and director of the local school board. He is always taken an active interest in politics and boats the Democratic ticket. He has been drainage Commissioner for three years. Both he and his wife are members of the temperance organizations. Mr. Hosner has abstained from liquor and strong drink from his boyhood, and has never used either T or tobacco. He looks back with great interest to the pioneer days of his boyhood and his recitals to the incidence of that. Our great interest. He remembers going to the homes of his neighbors to borrow fire before the introduction of matches, also recalls the introduction of the first corn planners, mowing and reaping machines, and other modern improvements.