My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN F. PIXLEY. Throughout the entire nation, southwestern Michigan has gained the reputation of being one of the finest fruit and berry sections of the United States. The peculiar adaptability of the soil to the cultivation of small fruits has greatly enhanced the value of property around St. Joseph, and has induced many of the prominent men to devote their farms exclusively to raising berries and fruits. One of the most successful fruit-growers of St. Joseph is the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch.

Born in Oneida County, N. Y., September 26, 1816, he is the son of William and Abigail (Lewis) Pixley, natives of Connecticut, the latter being the daughter of Nathaniel Lewis, a captain in the Revolutionary War. Our subject spent his early school days in Monroe County, N. Y., where for a time he attended the common schools. The education he there acquired was afterward supplemented by a course of study at Clinton Liberal Institute, in Clinton, N. Y. Meanwhile he aided his father on the farm.

In 1844, Mr. Pixley drove a flock of one thousand sheep to Janesville, Wis., coming across the country from New York and spending four months en route. Arriving in Wisconsin, he conducted sheep-raising for two years, when he sold out and embarked in merchandising at Janesville. For a time he carried on his mercantile business successfully, but later disposed of that enterprise and purchased a flouring-mill at Janesville, which he operated with success for a number of years. In connection with his mill he bought and shipped wool extensively and carried on a large business in that line. He remained in Wisconsin until 1864.

During that year Mr. Pixley removed to Chicago, where he conducted an extensive business as a wool merchant until 1871. That year witnessed his arrival in St. Joseph, where he purchased a fruit farm, consisting of ten acres and located in the suburbs of St. Joseph. He still resides on that place and is engaged extensively in the raising of grapes, pears, peaches and other small fruits. He is a man who brings to every detail of his business a well-balanced mind, keen discrimination and thoughtful observation, qualities which have largely contributed to his success.

A very important event in the life of Mr. Pixley was his marriage, which took place October 25, 1848, and united him with Miss Jane E. Lewis. This estimable lady was born in Augusta, Oneida County, N. Y., and is the daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Bowen) Lewis, natives of Boston, Mass., the latter being a daughter of Joshua Bowen, of England. He emigrated to this country and married Abigail (Smith) Williams, of Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Pixley were the parents of six children, but have been called upon to mourn the loss of two by death. The survivors are: Ann Jeannette, Frank Lewis, George Kemp and Jane, all of whom reside in St. Joseph. In politics, Mr. Pixley is a Democrat. In their religious belief the various members of the family are identified with the Episcopal Church and are active in the good works of that denomination.