This old pioneer and esteemes citizen of Southfield was killed Aug 6, 1883, by being thrown from his buggy.

The deceased was born in chatham, Columbia county, New York, July 5, 1807, and had reached the ripe age of 76 years 1 month and 2 days. he was the second son and next to the eldest child of Rev. John and Wealthy Waters, his father being a Presbyterian minister well and favorably known through-out large portions o fthe State of New York and Illinois. Of this large family of fifteen children, twelve lived to manhood and womanhood, honored and respected whereever they were known.

Being of a restless disposition and impatient with the restraint of his quiet home, he ran away at the age of sixteen and entered the U. S. navy as a cabin boy on board the man-of-war "Constitution, " where he remained five years and three months, visiting the various parts of the world especially the West Indies and along the shores of the Mediteranean, yet seldom allowed to step on shore. He always looked back to this period of his life with regret, feeling Its evil influence upon all ills after life.

Discharged from the service July 5,1828, the same day that he entered upon his majority, he soon after returned to his paternal home where he remained some length of time and then left for the '“wilds of Michigan” reaching Detroit in 1820. Here he apprenticed himself as a blacksmith, serving three years. During some of this time he worked upon the engine and machinery of the old steamer Michigan, the first steamboat on the upper lakes. In 1830 he purchased from Joseph Dodd the farm on which he lived almost continuously until his death.

With money earned at his trade and by working over hours, he was able to make payments and some improvements upon his farm. The grain barn now in use, was built in 1833 almost entirely with money earned by extra work at his trade. In the fall of 1833, he returned to his friends in Oneida county, N. Y., working most ofthe time in Paris Hill, until March 27th, 1831, when he was married to Mary J. Allen, of Martinsburgh, N. Y, and a few weeks later returned with her to bear the privations of pioneer life.

Building a shop on his farm he found work at his trade, working almost day and night, either on the farm or in the shop for many years. About this time he began the study of law, reading Blacks'one as he blew the forge, when watching his burning log heaps or at any spare moment, until he became thoroughly imbued with the principles of law and in love with the profession, and had not circumstances prevented his giving all his attention to its study and practice, he would probably have taken rank with the best lawyers of his day In the State. His general intelligence on nearly all subjects made him a man of more than ordinary ability and information and a most interesting companion. His interest in the events of the day never slackened up to the day of his death, and he kept abreast with the times as few men of his age and physical condition would have done.

In November. 1837, he sold his farm at the earnest solicitation of his father, who had come with his family in a colony from the State ofNew York to Illinois, and moved to what was afterwards Galesburgh in the latter State. A large tract of land was deeded to him where that city now stands, but not liking the cold, bleak and boundless prairie, and Had finding the sale of his land in Michigan was not a good one, he threw up his claim to the land in Illinois and after an absence of thirteen months, returned to the farm which was ever after his home. Thisjourney to Illinois and back was accomplished by going overland with a team ot horses and covered wagon, taking family and effects with them.

From this time until 1852 no great events mark his history, but lie was improving his farm and the country around about him. He was largely identified with the responsible work of the first settlers of a country, in forming its social, religious and educational statusfor the future, and in this capacity his influence was ever on the side of education and morality.

In March, 1847, he was appointed notary public by Governor Greenly, one of his first official acts, and had continued in this office by re-appointment, to the time of his death. Hoping to increase his fortune for the benefit of his family, he went to California in January, 1832, returning in December of the same year, having, during his absence, suffered the most serious and prolonged illness of his life, passed through the dangers and vicissitudes of the long and perilous journey and sojourn, without success in the object which called him from home

Since that time he has worked steadily for the advancement of the interests of the community, the training and education of his children, and making provision for his declining years.

Through the voice of the people and in ways unsought, he has been called to positions of honor and trust, but unfortunately too often those that especially exposed him to unjust criticism. In common with other , public men who stand firm in their convictions whatever may come, he has been exposed to the bitter shafts of envy and the poisoned sting of slander; yet he has passed from the scene po action honored and respected by all who appreciated his virtues, and looked charitably upon his faults, and to those who knew him best and appreciated his noble qualities, both in mind and heart, his memory will be “as ointment poured forth.”

His funeral was attended from his late residence, Thursday, August 9, by a large concourse of people who came to pay their last respects to an old friend and early resident of the county. He leaves a widowed companion, with whom in a few months, he would have celebrated his golden wedding, had not death separated them. The remaining family consists of four daughters and one son all of whom were present at the last solemn service. Five sisters and one brother still survive him and deeply mourn the loss of an affectionate and genial brother.

To the immediate family his loss is irreparabie and the grief and shock too heavy to be borne, yet they are consoled by the thought that he was ripe with years, that he anticipated the near approach of death and to the last loved and planned for each one.

That he lived for his family is literally true and his children can most warmly and affectionately testify that a more loving and tender father never lived.