My Genealogy Hound

Howard C. Anderson was born on his present fine farm of 216 acres in section 27, Springfield township, Oakland County, Michigan, April 1, 1857, and belongs to one of the pioneer families. His father and grandfather killed deer where Mr. Anderson now harvests some of his finest crops. He is a son of John W. and Ann (Moore) Anderson.

Isaac Anderson, the grandfather of our subject, was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, and the family is of Scotch descent. Isaac Anderson was born in the city of New York, and lived in that state until he came to Michigan as one of the pioneers. He served in the War of 1812. His family consisted of these children: Mrs. Betsey Hubbard; Mrs. Hannah Goodrich; Mrs. Clarissa Tuttle; Mrs. Martha Boutwell; John W. and Sylvester E. He was one of the small band of pioneers who organized the Presbyterian Church of Springfield in 1859.

John W. Anderson was born July 17, 1814, in Genesee (now Wyoming) County, New York, and lived there until 1836, when he accompanied the family to Michigan. They provided themselves with tools and farming implements of the time, and brought along a team of horses and a strong ox team, driving the whole distance from their home in Genesee County to Buffalo. When they started out from Detroit to reach the land they proposed to settle on in Springfield township, they were delayed by the deep mud in the streets, and before they could proceed were obliged to unload their goods. Difficulties beset them all the way to Pontiac, and three days were consumed in reaching the vicinity of Springfield township. The Andersons took up some government land and also bought some from John Husted, the first settler, the Anderson family being the second, and for the following three years lived in log houses hastily constructed. The Anderson family gave the name to the settlement, where, in 1895, a post office was established. John W. Anderson was a successful farmer, cleared and owned 260 acres of land, and was one of the township’s most reliable and prominent citizens. As justice of the peace he settled many neighborhood difficulties, holding court in his own house, where he also performed many marriage ceremonies. He was married to Ann Moore, who was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, and was a daughter of Robert Moore, of Scotch and Irish descent. Six children were born to them, as follows: Julius, of Andersonville, Oakland County; Sarah A., who died in 1881; Mrs. Alice J. Foster, of Springfield township, Oakland County; George W., who died in 1877; Martha E. (Mrs. Curtis), of Saginaw County, Michigan; and Howard C.

Howard C. Anderson received his education in the local schools and at the Clarkston High School, and before settling down to farming taught school one year in Shiawassee County. Mr. Anderson’s farm is one of the most productive in the township, and under his excellent management produces large crops of wheat, corn, oats and barley. He is a noted stock raiser of his section, keeping 15 head of high grade Durham cattle, 75 Shropshire sheep, 15 head of Berkshire hogs, and a number of horses.

In 1886 Mr. Anderson was married to Minnie B. Newell, who was born in Holly township, Oakland County, Michigan, and is a daughter of George and Parmelia (Herrick) Newell, the latter of whom resides with her daughter. One son has been born to this union, George W., who lives at home.

In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He has served six years on the School Board, and is one of the intelligent and progressive men of the township. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Springfield, of which he is one of the trustees.