My Genealogy Hound

John Vincent, who owns one of the best improved farms of Springfield township, Oakland County, consisting of 190 acres in sections 1, 12 and 13, was born April 6, 1820, in the parish of Stockland, Devonshire, England, and is a son of Benjamin and Tabitha (Lane) Vincent, both of whom spent their lives in England, and reared a family of five children, namely: John; Benjamin, deceased; Mrs. Charlotte Mills, of Clarkston, Oakland County; George, who was lost on the Atlantic Ocean off the ship “City of Glasgow;” and Henry, a resident of Ohio.

John Vincent took passage from Liverpool for America on the sailing ship “New Brunswick”, leaving his home and parents on his 30th birthday. The voyage covered six weeks and two days, and he landed at New York in 1851 with his wife and two children. His brother was established there and the family enjoyed a visit with him for several months and then came on to their objective point, Groveland township, Oakland County, Michigan, where Mr. Vincent bought 80 acres. He resided there for three years and then located on his present fine farm in Springfield township. Of this large tract he has cleared all but 20 acres, and has shown the land to be as productive as any in the township, responding generously to good cultivation. He raises much fine stock and is one of the substantial men of the locality. When the family first settled in the wilderness, it was willing to live in a little house 16 by 26 feet in dimensions, the small residence later being replaced by the present comfortable one, which with an additional tenant dwelling and three large barns give evidence of the great yields of the fields. Mr. Vincent’s orchard is a very important adjunct of the farm, as he has 250 bearing trees, which his care keeps in good condition.

Mr. Vincent was married to Isabella Broomfield, who was born and reared a neighbor to our subject, and five children have been born to them, namely: Howard, a resident of Pontiac; Herman, who lives in Midland County, Michigan, and has four children; Mrs. Charlotte Mills, of Clarkston, Oakland County; Earl, of Springfield township, Oakland County, who has one daughter, Bernice (Mrs. Green), who lives in Detroit; and Herbert, who lives in Midland County, Michigan, and has three children.

Mr. Vincent for many years was an active Republican. He has honorably filled many positions in the township and has served as justice of the peace and adjusted many difficulties. He also belongs to the Grange, believing that movement to have benefited the farmers greatly. In religious faith, both he and his wife are Episcopalians. They are good citizens of their community and all who know them respect them highly. Although in advanced years, they are still active and interested in all that surrounds them and are the center of a very devoted group of children and grandchildren.