My Genealogy Hound

Joseph E. Crosby, a prominent farmer of Oakland County, owning a fine property of 95 acres, located on Crosby Lake, in sections 35 and 36, Springfield township, and 80 acres in section 1, White Lake township, was born December 27, 1860, near Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and is a son of Enoch and Eliza (McDermott) Crosby, both of whom were born in Nova Scotia. The grandfather was also born in Nova Scotia and bore also the name of Enoch. He had a family of eight children, the third member being the father of our subject.

Enoch Crosby, Jr., was born in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, and died on his son’s present farm, in 1890, at the age of 68 years. He devoted his whole life to agriculture and make his own way in the world, beginning with no capital except health and industry and accumulating large means. In 1865 he removed from his home in Canada to Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts, within 16 miles of Boston, selling a farm of 200 acres prior to leaving Canada. In 1875 he came with his family to Michigan and settled on the present farm of his son, Joseph E. He was a man of Christian faith and a great student of the Bible, having real it through many times. His seven children were: David G., deceased; Hannah A., who died at Orion, Oakland County; Benjamin, deceased; Mrs. Susan M. Leach and Mrs. Elizabeth J. Halk, of Orion, Oakland County; Joseph E.; and Mrs. Margaret M. J. Burwell, of Bear Lake, Manistee County, Michigan.

Joseph E. Crosby being but five years old when his parents removed to Massachusetts, where they lived 10 years, received his education mainly in the Bay State. After coming to Michigan, he assisted his father in the cultivation of the present farm, which has been developed into one of the finest in the township. It is beautifully situated on the border of Crosby Lake, a fine sheet of water that may in time become very valuable in many ways. Successful farming and stock and cattle raising are carried on by Mr. Crosby, his annual crops usually running 500 bushels of potatoes, 500 bushels of corn and 500 bushels of other grain.

On September 14, 1893, Mr. Crosby was married to Alice Burwell, who was born in Manistee County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Peter Burwell. Five children have been born to this marriage, namely: Maggie M., Irene M„, William D., Thelma (deceased) and L. Ward. Mr. Crosby takes an intelligent citizen’s interest in politics, casting his vote uniformly for Republican candidates, but not seeking office himself. Fraternally he is a member of Knights of the Maccabees.