The fertile town, 5 north, range 10 east, of the United States surveys, received the local name of Oxford in 1836. The general character of its surface is an elevated plain, broken by hiUs in the east aad the northwest, with some lowlands in the southern tier of sections. Passing northward from these, the ascent of the surface is gradual but marked until it terminate in the divide or watershed between the Clinton and Flint rivers, in the northern part of the township. This is a well defined ridge, having a general northwest and southwest direction, whose highest altitude, as determined by the engineer corps of the Detroit and Bay City railroad, is somewhat over five hundred feet Nearly the entire area of these elevated lands is susceptible of cultivation, and there is comparatively little waste land in the township. The entire surface, with a few exceptional localities, was originally timbered, principally with oak, interspersed with pines. Sections 3 and 10 were originally covered with dense forests of white cedar, whose products have been very valuable to the township, furnishing thousands of rails. Almost the entire northern portion of the township has been fenced with this wood. The soil of Oxford is generally productive, and nearly all the grains yield rich returns. The township is especially noted for the production of wheat and apples. There are a number of small lakes. The largest of these, Stony lake, situated on section 16, covers about one hundred acres. It is a fine body of water, having firm, gravelly banks, sloping to a fine beach. The level of the lake is forty feet below the surrounding country. There is no inlet or outlet, yet its waters are remarkable for their freshness. They have lately been stocked with white-fish. Horseshoe lake, on section 10, received its name from its shape. A branch of the Clinton river is its outlet. It has a northeastern course, passing out of the town near the east line of section 3. This stream and Paint creek, in the western part of the town, afford the principal drainage. The latter stream rises on section 18, and has a southeasterly course through sections 20, 28, and 34 into Orion township. There is some marsh surface along the Clinton river, and the contiguous country is covered with a growth of cedar. Near Marl lake, in section 34, are extensive peat deposits.

In his able address before the Pioneer Society of Oakland County, Judge Drake credits Elbridge G. Deming with making the first entry of public land, in the present bounds of Oxford, in 1823. John Rossman, Fite Rossman, John Shippey, John Willman, and Samuel Axford made entries the year following, 1824. From this time until 1831, when the first settlements were made, considerable quantities of land were entered for speculative purposes, although it is somewhat remarkable that much of the finest soil of the township was passed by as unproductive, and the preference given to more heavily timbered sections, because it was thought they were more fertile.

Of whom there is any account was a New Yorker, named Avery Brown. He came into the country in 1831 for the purpose of trapping wolves. He built a shanty in the cedar swamps of section 4, where he varied that occupation by making shingles. Many of the surrounding settlers were supplied with shingles by Brown in the years following. About the same time John Barnes, also a New Yorker, located on section 8. He .did not find the country equal to his expectations, and remained but a short time. Neither of these men had families, and the honor of making the real

This belongs to Elbridge Gr. Deming, who brought his family and household effects in the spring of 1832. He settled on section 9, building a log house, breaking up some land, and making some other improvements. His place was for many years the best known in the township, and was selected for the first post ofiice. Mrs. Deming, who was the first white woman in the town, survives her husband, and is now a resident of Oxford village. John Rossman and his brother Fite came from New York the same year, probably a few months later. The former located on section 4 ; the latter on section 27, the year following. John built a good log house and sowed six acres of wheat, and a few years after built a frame barn.

In 1833, Samuel Axford and his brother Morgan united their fortunes with those of Deming and the Rossmans in settling the new town. They were natives of Upper Canada, and had come with their parents to Macomb county, Michigan, in 1823. Their land was on section 9, near Deming's. Morgan Axford died in 1839, but his brother Samuel still resides on the farm he began to clear in 1833, one of the oldest and best known citizens of the township. In a few days after the settlement of the Axfords, in April, Alanson Decker located on section 8. His native State was New Jersey, but he has lived with his father, Jesse Decker, in Orion township, up to this time. He was joined in June by Jeremiah Hunt, who located west of him on the same section. Mr. Hunt's name conveys the character of the man. He was a devoted follower of Nimrod, and performed some great feats, hunting down the wild animals which infested the country. Fite Rossman located on section 27, getting a patent for eighty acres, and soon added one hundred and sixty acres more. He built a good log house, which served as a stopping place for the land hunter. The first town meeting was also held there.

Harry Shelters, a native of New York, became a neighbor of Rossman that year, locating on section 27 in October, 1833. David Applegate, from Monroe county, New York, was one of the first to come in 1834. He settled on section 20, several miles from any house. He put up a rude shanty for his wife and the few household effects he possessed, and, leaving Mrs. Applegate all alone, started to Detroit for provisions. A better house was built that summer, and some years after a frame, which he still uses. He was not left long without neighbors.

The Van Wagoner family, with several grown up sons, located land north and west of his, and settled near him. Stephen and John Shippey, natives of St. Lawrence, New York, located on section 9, and Justin and James Bixby in the northwestern part of the town. Adam Rossman, of Genesee county, New York, located on section 22, just opposite his uncle Fite. He got a patent from the government for one hundred and sixty acres, on which the village of Oxford is now located. After improving his land to a considerable extent, he sold it to George Loucks in 1844.

In the spring of 1834, probably in May, Welcome and Hosea Campbell, natives of Oneida county. New York, cast their lot in the extreme northwest part of the township, being among the first to settle in that section. They located on government land, on sections 6 and 7.Otis C. Thompson settled on section 7 in 1835 ; John McKay, a Scotchman, on section 6 ; Hezekiah Killam and Peter D, Makely, New Yorkers, on section 24 ; and Joseph Ferguson on section 15. Hiram and James Travis, of Wayne county, Pennsylvania, located on sections 19 and 20 in 1836, being among the first in that region. They built log houses, roofed with bark, which had to answer until they could provide better material. Benjamin Reed and William Coates, natives of New Jersey, located on section 5 the same year ; and Joseph Tindall and William Tann on section 23, about 1837.

Grandy Earl, from Erie county, New York, located on section 1 the same year. He was among the first to settle in that part of the town. Had a neighbor by the name of Jenkins, who located about the same time. Among those who came at an early day, prior to 1837, but whose exact settlement cannot be determined, were Rufus K. Moore, Daniel W. Haines, Levi Smith, Daniel Ingals, Horace Hovey, Harlin Hollister, and Addison Orcutt. Other early settlers were Doctors Powers and Burdick, W. H. Powell, Jacob Wolf, John Thomas, and Harry Frink. The latter had come from Wyoming county. New York, to the State of Michigan in 1831, but did not locate in Oxford until March 13, 1839. He then settled on section 14, quit working at his trade, and cleared up a hundred acres. He has always lived in the township since that time, and has never failed to attend the annual meetings.

Samuel Wilson, a New Yorker, located on section 27, about 1835. He built a small frame house that year, which is now standing in the village of Oxford. It was, probably, the first house of this character in the township.

In the summer of 1834, both Alanson Decker and Elbridge G. Deming raised frame barns the same day. On account of the sparse settlements, hands had to be procured from Lapeer county, and one of the barns was raised in the forenoon, the other in the afternoon. Decker's barn was destroyed by fire in 1841. In the spring of 1840, Harry Frink built a frame barn for Lester Badger, that being the first one in that section. It is yet in first-rate order. Harry Shelters also built a frame barn for Samuel Rossman, about 1835. It was thirty-two by forty-four feet, and was used until 1868, when its timbers were employed in the construction of a new barn.

John Rossman planted an orchard in 1835. Most of the trees grew, and are yet bearing. Alanson Decker set out some apple trees in 1834, that grew finely, and still bear. Other settlers planted orchards as soon as trees could be pro- cured ; and Harry Frink raised one from the seeds, which is now one of the finest in the township.

John Thomas is a carpenter by trade, but having too strong a liking for the pleasures of farm-life to continue plying the hammer and saw, he resolved to be a tiller of the soil, and to farm better than most of his neighbors. With this purpose came a resolution that he would be the first to introduce blooded stock. Accordingly, in the summer of 1841, he purchased three head of Devons from E. P. Beck's herd in Wyoming county, New York. These proved so satisfactory to him that he secured three Durhams in 1844. Considering the Durhams rather more profitable than the Devons, he disposed of what he then had, and, in 1851, imported five head of Durhams from Canada. Almost the entire Durham stock and its grades, in the township and surrounding county, are traceable to Mr. Thomas' herds ; and there are now some fine herds of this blood in the township. Mr. Thomas also introduced the first Merino sheep, bringing a flock of twenty-four head in 1842. In 1851 he imported four Leicestershires from Canada, and raised a large flock of that breed.

In 1876, Harry Frink purchased two head of pure Jersey cattle from the herd of B. Barber, a breeder of that stock in Illinois, and brought them to Oxford. They were the first animals of that breed in the northern part of the county.

It is generally believed that the first mower brought into the county was a Ketchum machine. It had been consigned to a firm at Pontiac, without finding a purchaser for a long time. At last, John Thomas, of Oxford, bought it, and placed it on his farm about 1841. It was a great curiosity to the neighbors, who gathered round it, anxious to know whether it would work. Nor was this curiosity shared alone by the whites. A tribe of Indians passing by stopped to examine it. After commenting on its construction, in their language, they motioned to Mr. Thomas to drive ahead. The noise of the machine frightened one of their dogs so that he rushed in front of the sickle and had one of his legs cut off. This astonished them, and taking up the dog they bore him away, muttering in broken English, " Ugh ! noisy wagon ! no good ! no good !"

On one occasion, while visiting in New York, Mr. Thomas bought a revolving hay rake at Rochester, and shipped it home. No one knew, at first, how to adjust it : and it was only after much effort that they succeeded. But it worked capitally, and did the work of ten men. Mr Thomas was highly gratified, and expected his neighbors to share this pleasure with him. But they looked upon the new invention with very little favor, and some of them even predicted that he would lose his horses, on account of the gritty material which, they said, was raked up. Others said the curse of God would descend upon a man who would thus deprive the laboring man of his customary employment, haying. But Mr. Thomas continued to use it, and soon it was generally adopted.

The honor of using the first reaping machines is shared by John Thomas and Samuel Axford, who both purchased Seymour and Morgan reapers in 1844. The use of improved machinery soon became general, and Oxford farms are now noted for the fine machinery with which they are supplied.

The early settlers were often assisted by the Indians in haying and harvesting. Mr. Axford was always fortunate in getting help from this source. He remembered especially Squawne and Tipsyeo, who were excellent, faithful workmen, raking and binding as well as their white brethren, and fully as well behaved.

In 1835, William Wood built a cedar log shop at Deming's, where he manufactured excellent cow-bells, whose clear notes could be heard many miles. It is related of Mr. Wood that he laid a wager with one of his neighbors that he could make a cow bell which could be heard all the way to Pontiac, about fifteen miles. The bet being taken, Mr. Wood procured a mule, placed one of his bells around his neck, and getting another neighbor to accompany him, started for Pontiac. The conditions of the wager were literally complied with, the bell being heard all the way. Mr. Wood returned and claimed the money. He worked at Deming's about two years, then located at Van Wagoner's, where he associated George Ellison with him, and also did general blacksmithing.

Elbridge G. Deming opened his house for the accommodation of the newcomers as early as 1833, but he never paid special attention to the business, and gave entertainment simply because it could not be had elsewhere. About 1836 John Rodman fitted up his log house on section 4 as a tavern. It was a well-known point, and served as a stopping place in that region for many years. Soon after, Fite Rossman kept a public house on section 27, where the first town meeting was held in 1837.

Br. Pliny Powers came to the Deming neighborhood in 1837, seeking a location as a physician. At the solicitation of the settlers he took up his abode at Deming's, and became the first practicing physician in the township. His success induced him to build a house near Deming's in 1838, with a view of bringing his family into the country. This house still remains as built. He also associated Dr. E, Burdick, of Dutchess county, New York, with him. This partnership was continued until 1839, when Dr. Burdick located at what was then known as Oxford Corners. Dr. Powers removed to Detroit a short time after, and died at that place.

The first post office in the township was established at the house of Elbridge Deming in 1834 or 1835. Mr. Deming was appointed postmaster, and held that position until the office was removed in 1839. A weekly mail was provided from Rochester to points in Lapeer county, which was first carried on foot by a Mr. Hubbard. Subsequently, a Mr. Rose carried it in a cart. Upon the removal of the Deming post office to the village of Oxford, William H. Powell was appointed postmaster. The office has since remained there, and is now supplied with daily mails. The North Oxford post office was established at the house of John Rossman in 1840, and was continued there about fourteen years. John Rossman was the postmaster. In 1874, the Thomas post office was established, with Byron Knapp as postmaster. It now has daily mails

Amanda Deming was the first child born in Oxford, in 1833. She grew to womanhood and married a Mr. Lee. They are now residing in Lapeer county. Juliette Decker was born the same year. In 1835, Jesse Decker and Kinzie Hunt first opened their eyes to the sorrows of this mundane sphere.

A Scotchman, named John Stuart, who had come with his brother to improve a piece of land, died after a brief illness in 1835. His unmarked grave is now in a field belonging to Hoyt W. Hollister. Some years ago, a Mr. Jenkins, raiding in the northeastern part of the town, met with an accident which resulted in his death. He fell from a wagon loaded with grain, and the wagon passing over him injured him mortally. This sad affair was profoundly lamented by Mr. Jenkins' neighbors, who held him in great esteem. He was buried on section 12, where a short time previous an acre of ground had been set aside for one of the town cemeteries. A Mr. Badger was one of the first interred here, and shortly after Harlan Hollister also found it his last resting place. This cemetery is now chiefly used by the citizens of northeastern Oxford, and is controlled by the town board.

About 1838 an acre of ground in the southwest quarter of section 22 was purchased by the township for a cemetery. William Maxwell, a youth about nineteen years of age, was the first grown person interred there. Grandmother Rossman was the next. About 1871 the township purchased six acres of land as an addition to the cemetery. It has also improved and beautified the grounds, making it a very attractive spot.

Previous to 1855 the people of northwestern Oxford had no public burial ground. That year a lot was secured on the southwest quarter of section 6 for this purpose. An association was formed, charged with its care, and it has since been under its management. It is now known as the Oakwood cemetery.

The settler had hardly pitched his camp before the evangelist followed in his wake proclaiming the gospel. He belonged to that noble type of mankind which esteems all things else as naught if the Master's work can but be advanced. Hardships and trials are endured with patience, if the light of the gospel can be made to illumine the way of those whom circumstances have placed beyond the privileges and influences of churches. To this class belonged Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, the first preacher in the township. He traveled over the country on foot, and preached wherever opportunity offered; and he was a man who knew how to make an opportunity. Elder Ruggles was not long alone in his labors. In 1836, Elder Cannon, a Christian minister, preached at the houses of the settlers, and in the school houses as soon as they were erected. His efforts were crowned with success, and his name is ever spoken with gratitude as belonging to a self-denying, noble man. Elder Jackson, a Methodist, was also one of the early heralds of the cross and Elders Solomon Spyder and Fuller labored effectively in the pioneer ranks of the moral vineyard. Others followed and preached in school houses until the churches at Oxford were erected. Around these most of the church history of the township clusters.

The pioneers of Oxford were not unmindful of the intellectual interests of their children. Though wanting the comforts of life, they were determined not to deprive them of the greatest and richest boon, an education. Among their first acts, then, after the building of their own humble homes, was the erection of school houses, rude, and bare of the appliances now generally found in buildings of this class, but serving very well the purpose for which they were intended; and it must be recorded to the credit of the people of this township that, as soon as possible, they supplanted these uncouth structures with a better class of buildings.

The pioneer school house was built on section 9, in 1835, and was, like most of the buildings of that day, a log structure. Miss Maria Sherman had the honor of teaching the first school, probably in the summer of 1836. Her pupils were gathered from far and near, some coming from Lapeer county. The house was burned down in 1839, and in 1840 a frame building took its place, and remains to this day. The northwestern part of the town was first supplied with a school house in 1837. It was built on section 7, was destroyed by fire in 1842, and had a frame successor near its old site in 1843. In the northwestern part of the town the first school was taught in 1839, by Miss Betsy Howard. Some of the pupils attending were the Earls. Miss Howard received at first eight shillings a week ; and this was increased until it was estimated that her services were worth twelve shillings a week, and she was voted that princely sum. The first school house in the southern part of the town was erected about 1837, on section 22. In 1842 a frame building took its place, and was used until 1860, when the district got possession of the Oxford Institute building. Among the first teachers at the log school house were William H. Betteys, Samuel Wolf, and Elizabeth Pelton. The pupils were Orin Stone, Thomas Powell, Joseph C. Powell, O. E. Bell, David Bell, and others.

The Territorial road from Rochester to Lapeer was located through the township in 1832. It enters it on the south side, near the middle of section 35, and passes thence in a northwesterly direction to the northern line of section 16, when it deflects slightly to the northeast, and passes out of the township near the east line of section 4. It was a very important highway, and is yet the principal road in the town. Among the other early located roads was one west from the Lapeer road, on the line between sections 4 and ; also, one east from the Lapeer road, between sections 22 and 27. William M. Axford was the surveyor of these roads. In 1872 the Detroit and Bay City railroad was built along the general line of the Territorial road to the centre of section 9, whence it passes northwest to the west line of section 4, and into Lapeer county. It is a well constructed and finely equipped road, and has two stations in the township : Oxford, on section 27, and Thomas, on section 4. The construction of this road was a boon to the people of Oxford. Prior to this they had to carry their produce many miles overbad roads to market; now excellent markets are afforded at home.

Peter Stroud, a soldier of 1812, was born in New York in 1791. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted as a private in Captain Abram Mattison's military company of New York militia. He was appointed fifer, with the rank of corporal, and participated in the engagements at Black Rock and at other points. In 1852 he became a resident of Oxford, where he still lives, at a very advanced age. Adam Drake, a native of New Jersey, was also a soldier of 1812. He settled in the western part of the township, where he died in 1874, at the age of ninety-seven years.

In the fall of 1836 the citizens of tie town held a primary town meeting at Deming's school house, to petition the legislative council to grant them a separate organization. They were then a part of Oakland township. A committee, consisting of Samuel Axford, Otis C. Thompson, and John Rossman, was appointed to select a name for the new town. Mr. Thompson insisted that nothing could be more appropriate than Oxford, since nearly all the settlers had ox teams, and would have for some years to come. His suggestion prevailed, much to the chagrin of a patriotic Yankee, who strenuously opposed the adoption of any name that was so strongly savored with British life and customs as Oxford.

The civil organization was effected in April, 1837, when the first annual town meeting was held. The electors assembled at the house of Fite Rossman, on section 27, and after choosing Rufus K. Moore moderator, and Justin Bixby clerk, elected as Supervisor, Peter D. Makely ; Clerk, Daniel Haines ; Assessors, Samuel Axford, Daniel F. Ingals, and Harlan Hollister; Justices of the Peace, Daniel F. Ingals, Justin Bixby, Rufus K. Moore, and Levi Smith; Commissioners of Highways, Addison Orcutt, Rufus K. Moore, and Hezekiah B. Killam ; School Inspectors, Daniel F. Ingals, Robert McKay, and Samuel Axford ; Collector, Morgan Axford, Directors of the Poor, John Rossman and William Coates ; Constables, Adam Rossman and Horace Hovey; Pound-master, Joseph Furguson.

The principal officers elected for constitutional terms since 1837 were: Supervisors, Daniel F. Ingals, 1838-39, 1841; Elbridge G. Doming, 1840; William H. Powell, 1842-49, 1852; E. J. Bell, 1850 ; Robert W. Davis, 1851; W. Stark, 1853 ; Samuel Axford, 1854, 1858-59 ; Joel P. Toms, 1855-56 ; John Thomas, 1857 ; Joseph C. Powell, 1860-01, 1870-72 ; Loren L. Treat, 1862-64, 1873; John Moyers, 1865; A. Hagerman, 1866-69; Henry Groff, 1871; Thurlow L. Pierce, 1874-75; William J. Tunstead, 1876-77.

Town Clerks; William H. Powell, 1838, 1840-41; Daniel Haines, 1839; Samuel Rossman, 1842-43 ; Daniel F. Ingals, 1844; Samuel Phelps, 1845-46; Robert W. Davis, 1847 ; George H. Kilborn, 1848 ; Joel P. Toms, 1849, 1852 ; John E. Deming, 1853; Peter D. Morris, 1854; Lewis G. Clark, 1855; A. H. Hovey, 1856-57; 0. E. Bell, 1858-60, 1868; Alfred Hagerman, 1861 ; David W. Bell, 1862,1865; Isaac Kitchen, 1863-64; J. M. Dunlap, 1867,1876-77; Joel Wallace, 1868; M. M. Stanton, 1869; H. Baldwin, 1870; John Gardner, 1871; Levi W. Sutherland, 1872-73; Quincy A. Thomas, 1874; Lovett W. Stanton, 1875.

Justices of the Peace, Justin Bixby, 1838; Daniel Haines, 1839; John Thomas, 1840 ; Rufus K. Moore, 1841 ; David Applegate, 1842, 1846 ; Ambrose Clemons, 1843, 1847 ; Adam Rossman, 1844, 1848; Alfred Allen, 1849, 1853; Harry Frink, 1850, 1861; Edwin J. Bell, 1845, 1856; Joel P. Toms, 1851; W. Stark, 1852; William Hollister, 1854; Alphonso Baker, 1855; William H. Betteys, 1857; Lucius Fitch, 1858, 1862; Loren L. Treat, 1859; Newland C. Jones, 1860; O. E. Bell, 1863; Lovett W. Stanton, 1864, 1868, 1872, 1876; Squire W. Stark, 1865; Samuel Axford, 1866; Thomas N. Lomis, 1867; Andrew Sutherland, 1869, 1873; Henry Groff, 1870, 1874; Ralph Hunt, 1871, 1875; Payne Chappel, 1877.

of the first town meetings contain some interesting matter. In 1837 a bounty of three dollars was voted for every wolf killed within the bounds of the town. Five school districts were formed, and sixteen road districts established.

At the Congressional election, held in August, 1837, fifty-six votes were polled; and at the State election, in November of the same year, this number was augmented to eighty-two votes.

The entire expenses of the town, for 1837, were eighty-three dollars and fifty-five cents, of which sum the supervisor received fourteen dollars and twenty-five cents.

In 1842, the matter of restraining cattle was brought before the meeting. It was decided that they be restrained. Lemuel Van Wagoner was elected pound master; "and that his barn yard be taken for a public pound, and he is to have twenty-five cents for every creature he may pound."

Somewhere about 1845, there were a number of houses erected on the Brandon town line, on the southwest corner of section 6, and the northwest corner of section 7, in the townsliip of Oxford, and on the adjacent section in Brandon. The place was never platted for a village, but lots were sold from the farms of Hosea and Welcome Campbell ; and from the circumstance the place was at first called Campbell's Corners.

About 1848, Welcome Campbell built a tavern on the southwest corner of section 6. It was a commodious building for those times, and has been used for tavern purposes ever since. A short time after, Mr. Campbell built an addition to his house and put in a stock of goods. With the growth of the place came a change of name, and it is now known as Oakwood. It is delightfully located, in a rich farming country, and affords pleasant homes for about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. John C. Meacham conducts a hotel, on the Oxford side; James Douglas has a blacksmith shop ; James Weir a cooper shop ; and Daniel Fuller and Marcus Gregory have wagon shops. There is also a fine school house and about fifteen private residences in the same part of Oakwood

Soon after the building of the Detroit and Bay City railroad there was a demand for a station and village on this line, in the northern part of the township. In response to this desire, John Thomas platted eighteen acres on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 4, in December, 1873. The situation is extremely beautiful. It is on a high plain, overlooking the surrounding country, yet easily approached on all sides. The first building erected at Thomas was a grain elevator, in 1874. Its dimensions are fifty-six by twenty-four feet, and it has a capacity of fifteen car loads. It was also used as the first freight depot. In the fall of 1874, the Francis brothers erected a grain house, thirty-eight by forty-six feet, being the second building in the place. Early in 1875, John Thomas built a fine store house in the eastern part of the village, when L. D. Campbell put in a large stock of goods in the fall of that year. The same season a large hotel was erected north of the store. The main building is twenty-four by forty-eight feet; the wing, twenty-four by thirty-six feet. It is two stories high. Messrs. Knapp & Wilson erected a large store the same year. A handsome depot building was also put up in 1875. A steam grist mill was erected by Francis & Johnson Brothers, in 1876. The main building is thirty-four by forty-six feet, twenty-two feet high, with an addition of twenty-two by sixty-four feet. The machinery is first-class, three run of stones, and operated by a forty horse power engine. The capacity of the mill is seventy-five barrels of flour per day.

The growth of Thomas has been steady and continual, and it now has a population of about seventy-five souls, with the following business: cooperage, Francis & Johnson Brothers ; hotel, " The Sherman House," H. E. Bartholomew ; steam mill, Francis & Johnson Brothers ; general store, Knapp & Wilson; millinery, Misses Ewell and Widger; grain and lumber, Francis & Johnson Brothers ; clothing, A. M. Lewis ; boots and shoes, J. Eeles ; wagon shop, Nelson Whitbeck ; blacksmiths, Samuel Bradley and John Miller ; postmaster, Byron Knapp ; express agent, G. S. Maynard.

Thomas is noted as an important shipping point. In 1874, two hundred and sixteen car loads of wheat were shipped from this place.

This thriving and enterprising village is located on sections 22 and 27, on the Detroit and Bay City railroad. It is situated on an elevated plain several miles in extent, and, owing to its altitude, which raises it above malarial influences, is one of the healthiest localities in the State. The surrounding country is under a high state of cultivation, which conduces greatly to the prosperity of the place. It is noted as one of the finest trading points on the railroad. Its private and public buildings present a neat and handsome appearance; and there is an air of thrift and business activity which betokens general prosperity. The land on which the village is located is part of the original purchases made by Fite and Adam Rossman in 1833 and 1834. These also were the first settlers. The house erected by Fite Rossman in 1833, and which was afterwards used as a tavern, stood near the present "Oxford Exchange."

Henry Shelters settled Hear Rossman's in the fall of 1833, and was the first carpenter and joiner in the place. He has lived here since, and still follows his trade.

About 1837, William H. Powell settled at what was then known as Oxford Corners, and commenced building a frame tavern. It was not completed until 1839. It was then a good building, and is yet used as a hotel, being now known as the "Stanton House."

In April, 1839, Dr. E. Burdick removed from Deming's to Powell's, and helped the latter complete his tavern. They used home made lath, splitting cedar posts into thin strpes for this purpose. Dr. Burdick was the first practicing physician in the place.

Isaac Annice, the first blacksmith, located about 1838. He was well liked, and always spoken of as Uncle Annice.

Robert W. Davis was the first wagon maker, building a shop about 1840. In 1839, Hiram Gould came to the village, and worked at his trade, carpentry. Worthington Gay was the mason and plasterer. Daniel Haines was the weaver. He made plain cloths. No one could afford the luxury of a rag carpet.

About 1840, Daniel F. Ingals and Benjamin Knight built a small foundry at Oxford. They made plows, sleigh shoes, and repairs for farmers. Some of the citizens of the village desiring a gun to celebrate the nation's natal day, Knight & Ingals undertook to cast one at their foundry. Perry Ball made the model. The work of casting was easy enough, but it was found a somewhat difficult matter to drill the bore. It was finally accomplished by sinking the gun into the ground in an upright position, and then, by the aid of sweeping levers to which drills were affixed, carried round and round like the levers of a thrashing power, four men did the work, which occupied several days. After the work was done, they were afraid the cannon would burst if used. To test its strength they tied it to a stump, and putting in a heavy charge were gratified to see it equal to the strain. This novel piece of ordnance was used to announce the advent of the fourth of July, 1841, and has been employed on many similar occasions subsequently. It is yet able to belch forth the glad notes of America's independence, and was used to celebrate the centennial anniversary. It is now the property of Dr. Burdick, one of the original owners.

In 1842, Samuel Phelps opened the first store in the village. Money being scarce, most of the trading was done by a species of exchange called "dickering." About 1844, the Axford brothers started another store; and, in 1845, Joel P. Toms opened a good store in a building opposite Powell's hotel. The other firms had in the mean time retired from business. Ambrose Lake was the shoemaker, and a capital workman. About 1842, George Loucks built a small tannery near the village, but did not work it more than a few years.

In 1843, Benjamin Knight built the second hotel in Oxford. It was a frame house, just south of the log house built by Fite Rossman. It is still a tavern, and is now known as the "Oxford Exchange."

Until 1845 no plat had been made for the village of Oxford. What houses had been erected were built upon lots sold by the Russmans along the section line; and their number did not exceed fifteen. George Loucks having purchased Adam Rossman's land the year before, now platted four acres for a village, calling it Loucks' division of Oxford. What little growth the place had was in this quarter. But its increase was not remarkable, as will be seen from the list of business firms given by Dr. Stanton as existing when he came to Oxford, in 1862 : one store, two hotels, three blacksmith shops, and one wagon shop. The physicians were Doctora Burdick and Lawrence.

As soon as the railroad was projected through the village, improvements began to spring up on every hand ; and since its completion the growth of Oxford has been steady and rapid, without being abnormal. It has now a population numbering about eight hundred inhabitants. To accommodate this increase, additions were made to the original plat by Horatio V. Knapp in 1870, three blocks on section 22; Eber Denison, 18T1, five blocks on section 27; J. Ensley, 1873, several blocks on section 27; Joseph Powell, 1874, six blocks on section 22; and Albert Lincoln, 1877, two blocks on section 27.

Until January 13, 1876, the village of Oxford was unincorporated. At that time it adopted a charter, giving it corporate powers and the control over one square mile of territory.

The first election for village officer was held March 7, 1876, at which time one hundred and fourteen votes were cast. The officers elected were : President, John T. Stanton ; Trustees, B. L. Waite, H. C, Glaspie, Eber Denison, W. J. Tunstead, Alvin M. Titus, Harrison Baldwin ; Clerk, Jefferson M. Dunlap ; Treasurer, William Glaspie ; Assessor, Frank Kennedy ; Marshal, Andrew Sutherland; Street Commissioner, Linus E. Ober; Fire Wardens, Truman H. Rice, Silas T. Fenn.

At the second election, March 14, 1877, one hundred and eighty-six votes were polled, electing: President, J. Harvey McKnight; Trustees, T. H. Rice, John demons, Frank Kennedy; Clerk, Jefferson M. Dunlap.

Oxford Valley Mills, In 1869, F. C. Barber erected a building twenty-four by forty-two feet, which he used for some years as a planing mill. In 1871, he reconstructed the building for a grist mill, and added twenty-four by twenty-four feet to its original dimensions. It now contains three sets of burrs, having a grinding capacity of five hundred bushels per day. Messrs. McKnight & Seeley at present own and operate these mills.

Oxford Carriage Factory, John demons, proprietor, was established in 1865. The main building of the factory is fifty-five by sixty feet, two stories high, with a wing twenty-two by thirty feet. The manufactures consist of fine carriages, phaetons, and other light vehicles. Nine hands are employed

Oxford Agricultural Works, Mitchell, Williams & Co., Under the present management this has become an extensive factory. It absorbed a number of small foundries and shops in 1873, thus gaining control of this branch of business. The main shop has dimensions of thirty-four by forty feet, two stories high. The moulding room is twenty-four by forty feet. Employment is given to a number of hands in the manufacture of the Wiard, Williams, and Welling plows, harrows, scrapers, and general farm machinery. A specialty is made of Manley's eveners, the firm controlling the patent

Oxford Machine Works, established in 1876 by Nichols & Gushing. The firm does general job work.

Oxford Marble Works, This industry was established in 1873. It is at present owned by Brown & Morton, who give employment to six workmen. The shop is thirty-eight by fifty feet, and the work produced is noted for its excellence.

The Carriage Manufactory of McKenzie & Titus was established in October, 1876, in a shop thirty-five by one hundred feet. It is in a flourishing condition, and employs six hands. Platform wagons are a special product of this factory.

The Oxford Vinegar Factory is a new enterprise, dating its establishment in August, 1876. The products are pure cider and wine vinegar, manufactured on scientific principles. A. A. Stanton is the proprietor ; Adam Keiser is the foreman and the designer of nearly all the apparatus employed. The main factory is a two story building thirty by forty-five leet ; the store and press room is three stories high. Its annual capacity is ten thousand barrels.

Oxford Brewery, William Findon, proprietor. Erected September, 1876

Cooperage, established in 1872, by E. S. Marsh. Employs three hands in a shop thirty by forty feet.

Oxford Steam Planing Mill, Alexander Johnson, proprietor. Dimensions of factory, forty by fifty-two feet; built in 1877. Mr. Johnson employs four men.

Browiis Carriage Shop, erected in 1865, by J. F. Brown; building twenty by sixty feet. Employs several hands in carriage building and general work.

Blacksmiths, G. Davison is the oldest in the place, having been here since 1850. Augustus Hartwick also conducts a shop. Each employs several hands.

Furniture and Cabinet Shops, G. J. Whitcomb and H. Baldwin manufacture furniture and cabinet work. , The latter was established in 1859, and was the first cabinet maker in the township. Both are also general dealers in furniture, and undertakers.

The general business of Oxford is transacted by the following firms : agricultural implement dealers, Morgan Axford, A. D, Delano, Tunstead & Crawford; bakery and confectionery, Henry Morrison; barber, Warner Robinson; boots and shoes, B. W. Green, Hulick & Carpenter, G. Loeffler ; carpenter and joiner, George H. Crawford ; clothing, John Ryman, John Lenhoff, Max Lenhoff & Co.; dentists, P. R. Hovey, E. R. Jebb; dry goods, E. A. Bennett & Co., L. W. Sutherland, Charles Watson, George W. Alger, Larzelier & Hagerman ; drugs and groceries, D. W. Bell, C. G. Parkhurst & Co., L. J. Price; dress making, Mrs. Bull; harness, W. B. Green, W. H. May; hardware, F. C. Barber, W. J. Tunstead; hotels, "Stanton House," H. C. Stanton, "Sherman House," R. Kile, "Oxford Exchange," R. Kile; jewelry, W. H. Brownell ; liquor dealer, E. R. Clark ; lawyers, S. T. Fenn, L. L. Treat, H. E. Dikeman ; livery, Joshua Losey, Z. Edson; meat markets, Jefferson Dibble, Schooley & Porter ; millinery and fancy goods, Mrs. C. Ryman, Mrs. G. W. Alger, Mrs. E. C. Banker; milliners and dress makers, Mrs. Minnie Miner, Mrs. G. W. Alger, Miss Fulkerson & Co.; merchant tailor, John Ryman ; newspaper, Weekly Journal, Stoddard & Wait; notions, A. P. Glaspie ; Oxford Exchange Bank, Parkhurst & Co. ; physicians, E. Burdick, O. E. Bell, M. H. Bird, M. S. Bennett, J. T. Stanton, James Porter; post office, D. W. Bell ; real estate, E. E. Davis ; warehouse and grain elevator, Nelson H. Crawford.

Burdick Hall, Dr. E. Burdick, proprietor, is a fine three-story building, twenty-four by sixty-two feet. Can accommodate four hundred people.

There is a fine cornet band, of ten members, having William Johnston as leader. The organization is effective, and the music it discourses is of a high order.

Oxford Library, sustained by the Literary Union, has one hundred and seventy-five volumes of standard works. It is well patronized, and has created a healthy literary tone. The Literary Union was organized in 1875, and has now about seventy members. A. W. Tanner is the president, and Miss M. L. Bishop the secretary.

Oxford Lodge, No. 44, F, A. M., was chartered January 11,, 1856, with the following members: Erastus Spalding, Samuel Axford, David Ketcham, Jesse Elwell, Lewis C. Davis, Philip M. Parker, Horace Hovey, and Warner Churchill. Erastus Spalding was elected the first W. M. In November, 1857, the hall of the lodge was burned, destroying all its records, and necessitating the granting of a new dispensation. A new charter was granted January 15, 1858. From this time the lodge has enjoyed a prosperous career, and numbers at present seventy-five members. T. L. Pierce is the W. M.

Oxford Chapter, No, 94, was granted a dispensation bearing date September 25, 1874. On the 21st of January, 1875, it was chartered, having then the following twelve members: William J. Tunstead, J. T. Stanton, Alvin H. Green, T. N. Reynolds, A. L. Van Wagoner, Jefferson M. Dunlap, Monroe G. Dunlap, O. W. Lawrence, T. H. Bice, Alfred Hagerman, Charles Tunstead, and L. W. Stanton. W. J. Tunstead was elected the first High Priest. The chapter has forty-five members enrolled at present. Harry Groff is the Secretary.

Anchor Lodge, No. 281, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted May 29, 1877, by P. G. Weir, D. D. G. M., and had as charter members J. F. Davidson, George C. Brown, A. M. Winslow, Aimer Johnston, A. M. Titus, Max Lenhoff, R. W. Slayton, E. R. Jebb, J. D. Ford, M. H. Bird, Samuel Bradley. A. M. Titus was the first N. G. The lodge has now thirty-nine members, officered by G. C. Brown, N. G. ; R. W. Slayton, V. G. ; F. J. Jenkins, Secretary ; A. M. Winslow, Assistant Secretary ; and J. McKinzie, Treasurer.

Oxford Division, Sons of Temperance, was organized February 26, 1875, with twenty-two charter members. The present membership is thirty-five. J. W. Phillips is Division Deputy ; Mrs. M. Dove, W. P. ; and S. W. Heltiker, R. S.

Appreciating the advantage arising from good schools, the people of Oxford made provision for obtaining a higher education by establishing the above institution in 1857. A stock company was formed, which elected the following officers : President, Rev. Wm. H. Fuller ; Vice President, E. J. Bell ; Trustees, John Moyers, Hoyt W. Hollister, Philo Van Wagoner, Alfred Allen, Loren L. Treat, William Glaspie, Elbridge G. Deming.

This board issued a circular in 1857, stating that the necessary funds had been secured, making it possible to open the first term in Hovey's hall, on the 9th day of September, 1857 ; that they had secured the services of Rev. S. A. Taft, of the Rochester (New York) University, as principal ; and that a magnificent building, forty by fifty-two feet, Gothic style, two stories high, with four recitation rooms, and other rooms for apparatus, with sittings for two hundred pupils, was being prepared for use the term following. It was further announced, in an elaborate double sheet prospectus, that "we have spared no pains in the erection of our building, and we do not hesitate to say that our location is beautiful for situation, high and dry, and healthy. Send in your youth and we will educate them, or help them in educating themselves. Our object is not to make money, but to do good. For this we "have expended our money." The public were assured that the terms of tuition would be liberal, and that approved methods of teaching would be adopted: "Our system of teaching will be, first, the synthetical, then the analytical, methods of instruction. Synthesis first, analysis second."

The institution proved to be a good school, but not a paying institution. A few years' experience convinced the trustees that it would be impolitic to attempt to maintain it as a private school, and when the district made a proposition to buy the property, with a view of starting a graded school, it was looked upon with favor. Accordingly, in 1860, the institute was closed, and soon after the district school was graded, and its sessions held in the institute building. There are at present four departments, classed as primary, intermediate, grammar, and high school; each of these has three grades. They are at present taught by C. B. Hall, principal ; Miss Ada Crawford, grammar ; Miss Maria L. Bishop, intermediate ; and Mary Wickham, primary.

Among the first preachers in the township were some professing this faith, whose tenets are, briefly : 1st, to have no name but Christian ; 2d, to labor for unity among members ; 3d, to have fellowship with all Christians ; 4th, to recognize no creed but the Bible ; 5th, to heartily allow individual interpretation of the Bible.

But there was no church organization until 1862. On the 31st day of May of that year Elder Fifield organized a society, at the Crawford school house, consisting of Simeon and Eliza Crawford, Hannah Martin, Marvin S. Hutton, and James F. and Frances Bailey.

Simeon Crawford was chosen deacon and James F. Bailey clerk. In 1865 the meetings were transferred to the village of Oxford, and the church reorganized, receiving as additional members John B. and Martha Young, Hiram and Mary Roberts, John and Eliza Moyers, B. R. and Electa Gass, George G. and Mahala Mills, Robert R. Youngs, Irena Youngs, Louisa M. Philbrick, and William Verden. Marvin Hutton was chosen deacon and J. F. Bailey clerk. Elder John Cannon was then pastor in charge, preaching semi monthly. He was succeeded April 28, 1866, by Elder C. Dearing, who remained one year. At the regular fellowship meeting, held in May, 1867, four members were received. Elder S. Snyder and wife, having become residents of Oxford, were also received at the same meeting. He was unanimously chosen, pastor, and served them four years. The services during this period were held in the other churches of the village and the school house. Fourteen members were added in this period. For the following five years the society was without a pastor, and had no regular place of worship. In 1875 work was commenced on the present church edifice, and on the 10th of April, 1876, it was dedicated. It is an imposing brick structure (the only house of that material in the township), thirty-eight by seventy feet, with basement and a symmetrical spire. It has cost, completely furnished, six thousand dollars. The ladies of the society furnished the church as their part of the work, and have done it in a tasteful manner. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. N. Summerbell, D.D., of Ohio, assisted by Elders De Geer, of Holly, Youngs, of Romeo, and other visiting brethren. Besides those mentioned, the following have had ministerial connection : Elder Bartlett, four months, and Elder Mosher, eight months. Elder S. Snyder is the present pastor, and has sustained that relation since 1876, in which time fifty-two have united with the church.

Christian Sunday School, This school was organized in 1876, with twenty-five scholars. It has been very prosperous, and now has seventy-five members. D. McKnight is the superintendent.

Although among the first to send the pioneer missionary to the town of Oxford, and sustaining preaching at irregular intervals in different localities, no effort was made to organize a society of those professing the Baptist faith until 1859. At that time the church at Oxford was organized. Its history is thus given by the Rev. Milo Smith. When organized, on the fourth day of September, 1859, the church was constituted of the following members : William Betteys, Isaac Brown, Griffin Green, Squire Tanner, Frederiek Wicks, Sarah Tanner, Elizabeth Green, and Artemesia Brown. William Betteys and Griffin Green were elected deacons, and Squire Tanner clerk

The church was formally recognized by a council, called for that purpose July 2, 1862, consisting of delegates from the churches at Pontiac, Rochester, Oakland, Brandon, and Hadley. In August, 1862, it was received into the fellowship of the Flint River Baptist association. Rev. S. A. Taft was called to the pastorate of the church November 12, 1859, and closed his labors April 27, 1861. Monthly covenant meetings were held, and some additions made to the church, without a pastor, until January I, 1862, when the services of the Rev. Wm. W. Fuller were secured. Brother Fuller's labors were blessed of God and highly appreciated by the church and the community. His pastoral relation was dissolved January 2, 1864, and Rev. S. Hayden was called February 27 of the same year. He remained with the church until January 1, 186^5, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. Gardiner, who remained pastor until March 1, 1869. The meetings were held in the Methodist church and the school house until 1867, when, under the leadership of the Rev. S. Gardiner, the society "resolved to arise and build." The edifice was formally dedicated December 9, 1868. It was built at a cost of five thousand dollars, and has a seating capacity for four hundred. Rev. J. J. Gundy succeeded Rev, S. Gardiner in March, 1869, and served as pastor until May, 1871. Under his labors the church was blessed with a precious revival, and a goodly number were converted and added to the church by baptism. Rev. D. Gostelow settled as pastor December 3, 1871, and resigned May 4, 1873. His labors were blessed in the strengthening of the church and the conversion of many souls. Rev. J. M. Titterington became pastor in February, 1874, and tendered his resignation in September, 1 876. He came to the place in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Unsparingly he "cast his bread upon the waters," but did not wait for the complete fulfillment of the promise, "it shall return after many days." He garnered a few golden sheaves, and then sought another field, leaving the harvest here to those who should "enter into his labors." Then the veteran color bearer, Rev. Gardiner, came again to the front, to take up the work where Rev. Titterington left it, and to carry it forward in the strength of the Master.

In June, 1877, the Baptiste and Methodists united in a series of union meetings, which awakened such an interest that they were continued for many weeks. The churches were revived, and a deep religious sentiment pervaded the entire community. About this time a series of meetings were commenced in the Christian church by Rev. C. O. Brown, pastor of the Congregational church at Rochester. These the Baptists also attended, and, uniting their labors, such an interest was produced that hundreds cried for mercy, and many found peace by believing in Christ. Of this number thirty-five united with the Baptist church.

Rev. Milo Smith was called to the care of the church in April, 1877, and began his labors under encouraging auspices. The membership of the church is at present one hundred and twenty-five, united and harmonious, having every reason to "thank God and take courage."

A Sunday school was organized by the church in May, 1859, with the following officers: Superintendent, R. Crandall; Assistant Superintendent, G. G. Mills; Secretary, D. W. Bell ; Treasurer, R. W. Sutheriand. R. W. Sutheriand is the present superintendent. There are one hundred and fifty members, and a library of two hundred volumes. The school is prosperous, and its work is producing a good influence upon the community.

The history of Methodism in this section dates from 1834, and, in the absence of church records, is based upon the recollection of some of the oldest members. The Rev. J. F. Davidson has gathered some of these accounts, and from them the history of the church at Oxford is compiled.

In the spring of 1834, Revs. J. F. Davidson and John Kensar were appointed to the Farmington circuit, which then extended north beyond the bounds of the county. They had a preaching place at Paint creek, where the former organized a class of seven Methodists. In 1837, Revs. Earl and Britton, then on this work, organized a class at Oxford, composed of William H. Powell and wife; Peter Makely and wife ; Daniel Haines and wife ; Rufus Moore and wife ; and Daniel Ingals and wife. Peter Makety was chosen class leader.

Regular preaching was now maintained in the school house, with such good effect that in 1843 the class had increased so much that it was decided to build a church. At this time Salmon Steele had charge of the work. Accordingly, a board of trustees, consisting of W. H. Powell, Joseph Tindall, Daniel Ingals, David Applegate, John Clemons, John Stone, and Peter Tubbs, was elected, and the work was begun.

A frame edifice, thirty-two by forty-two, with twelve-foot posts, was erected in the village of Oxford ; and in this the society worshiped nearly thirty years. The increase of membership again obliged the society to build, and in 1867 a new board of trustees was elected to inaugurate and control the work. At this time Rev. William Taylor was the presiding elder. The trustees selected were Joseph C. Powell, John W. Phillips, Hiram Travis, Alfred Van Wagoner, David Applegate, Thomas W, Powell, and E. J. Boice. A fine location for the church was selected, and the work had so far progressed that the corner-stone was laid on the 24th of June, 1868. The present structure, an imposing frame building, forty feet wide by seventy in length, two story in height, and surmounted by a well proportioned spire, was erected and furnished at a cost of six thousand five hundred dollars. It has five hundred sittings, and is well adapted for the services of the church and the Sunday school.

Impressive dedicatory services were held by Dr. George B. Joslyn, president of Albion college, in March, 1869. From this time the interest in the work has been steadfast and increasing. The present number of members in good standing is one hundred and fifty-one ; the number on probation is thirty-four ; making the entire membership of the church one hundred and eighty-five The following is the pastoral connection since the formation of the first class in 1837 : 1838-39, Rev. John Cosart; 1840, Rev. William Motheisill; 1841, Hiram Law; 1842, Thomas B. Granger; 1843-44, Salmon Steele; 1845-46, John Gray; 1847-48, C. C. Woodward; 1849, F. Britton; 1850, Andrew Bell and S. Hendrickson; 1851-52, B. F. Pritchard ; 1853-54, L. P. Lee and John Gray ; 1855, T. Seeley; 1856, William Moon; 1857-58, Rufus C. Crane; 1859-60, Samuel Bessey 1861-62, Alfred Allen; 1863-64, J. R. Noble; 1865-67, John A, Mcllwaine; 1868, J. F. Dory; 1869, W. H. Benton; 1870-71, N. Green; 1872-74, J. O. Bancroft; 1875-77, J. F. Davidson.

A Sunday school is maintained by the society. The present membership of the school is one hundred and twenty. George C. Brown is the superintendent of the school, which is in a highly prosperous condition. One hundred and fifteen periodicals are taken, and a library of three hundred and sixty volumes is sustained.

Our thanks are due Hon. Samuel Axford, Alanson Decker, Hosea Campbell, John Thomas, Harry Frink, Doctors 0. E. Bell, J. F. Stanton, and E. Burdick, Adam Rossman, David Applegate, Hoyt W. Hollister, Grandy Earl, Rev. Milo Smith, Rev. Solomon Snyder, and others, who have rendered us valuable assistance by the information they have given us concerning the history of Oxford township.