Joseph Long, Is one of the large landowners of West Bloomfield Township and one of the old settlers here, having taken up his residence in 1854. His home farm consists of 308 acres, and he has 170 acres in another part of the Township. He carries on extensive operations and finds abundant occupation force waking hours in the management of his agricultural fairs and the duties he owns two home in society. He was born in County Queens, Ireland, September 12, 1810, and was reared in his native place, spending his boyhood days on a farm. His parents were John and Maria (Manifold) Long, natives of Queens and Kings Counties and residence in a County Queens during their wedded life. The family was a large one, including eleven children, and Joseph was the fourth in the order of birth. He received his education in the schools of his native land and under his father’s guidance learn how to carry on a farm.

in 1830 young Long crossed the Atlantic on the ship “Mongul,” an American vessel, consuming seven weeks in the voyage. He landed in New York City early in October and went direct to Newark, New Jersey and worked for uncle, Daniel Whitfield, in a tannery. He subsequently learned and worked at the Shoemaker’s trade, still making his home in Newark until 1837. He then came to this state and began to work in St. Joseph County, but was soon taken sick with fever and ague and becoming discouraged, started back East. He has first Detroit and then decided to remain there for several years he followed manufacturing and shoemaking in that city. Thence he came to this County and buying a farm in Bloomfield Township, he has remained here, Eddie to his landed this state and continuing to rise by his persevering exertions.

June 15, 1840 Mr. Long was married to Miss Agnes Watts, of Detroit, who died a few years later, breathing her last January 7, 1847. Of their union there were born four children, named respectively, Joseph W., Mary, Thomas and John. July 8, 1847, Mr. Long made a second marriage, wedding Miss Harriet and. Atwood, of Detroit. This lady was born in Athens County, Ohio, May 20, 1824, and was a daughter of John S. And Sarah (Kitridge) Atwood. She has become the parents of seven children who are named James, Sarah, Ann, Libby, Harriet, Maria, George and one that died in early infancy.
The first presidential vote cast by Mr. Long was for William Henry Harrison and alas from before this writing, 1891, was for another of the same family. This indicates his party affiliation, first with the Whigs and later with the Republicans. He was reared under the tenants of the Episcopal Church but now does a support to the Methodist Episcopal, though he is not form identified with the society. He holds the office of trustee for the church at commerce twitches wife and their family belong. Mr. Long is a great reader and having a wonderful memory is one of the best posted men to be met in the County. The bent of his mind is practical and he sees the application of facts gleaned from different sources and combined points learned in varied readings into one grand whole of more than ordinary intelligence.