My Genealogy Hound

James B. Sinclair, deceased, was engaged in farming for many years in Lyon township, Oakland County, where nearly the whole of his life was spent. He was born in Seneca County, New York, November 10, 1832, and was a son of James and Nancy (Scott) Sinclair.

James Sinclair, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland, January 27, 1807, and came to Michigan about 1836, locating in Lyon township, and purchasing a farm which is now owned by Mrs. William Carpenter. By his first wife, Nancy Scott, he had two children, namely; James B., our subject, and Daniel, who owns a farm in Lyon township, and lives with his half-sister. By his third wife, James Sinclair had one son, George, who now resides with his half-brother Daniel. James Sinclair died July 31, 1887, at the age of 80 years.

James B. Sinclair accompanied his parents to Michigan and received his education in the district schools of Lyon township. He worked on his father’s farm until 21 years of age, when he returned to Ovid, Seneca County, New York, where he engaged at work by the month with different farmers. After remaining there three years, he returned to Michigan, having inherited a farm of 160 acres in Lyon township. He continued to cultivate this farm until 1899, when he rented it and removed to the village of New Hudson, Lyon township, Oakland County, where his wife purchased the home in which she now lives. Our subject was among the leading business men of his township and is long to be remembered in the history of his county as a true and honest citizen; he was a promoter of all enterprises of public moment and calculated for the good of the community. He was a member of the Republican party, but never took an active part in political affairs.

In 1856 Mr. Sinclair was married to Sarah Barnum, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Huff) Barnum. Lewis Barnum was a prominent farmer of Otsego County, New York, and died February 7, 1843, having reached the age of 53 years. He left his widow and 12 children, five of whom are now living. Our subject died January 1, 1902, at the age of 70 years. There were four children in the family, namely: Lewis B., born December 19, 1858, who was married to Carrie Harding, and now resides on the old homestead farm; Herbert S., born January 27, 1861, who was married to Zadie Rundel and has three children, — Lulu, Hazel and Scott, who died in infancy; Inez M., born February 13, 1877, who married Joseph Dickerson, a farmer of Milford township, Oakland County, and has two children, — Florence and Sinclair; and Rosabelle, who was born November 6, 1871, and died October 28, 1872.

Mrs. Sinclair, the widow of our subject, now resides in the village of New Hudson in the home which she bought when our subject retired, and is living a quiet and peaceful life. Her son, Lewis B., is now working and managing her farm, situated in section 13, Lyon township. She is a member of the Baptist Church and is known throughout the township, having countless friends who hold her in the highest esteem as a true neighbor.