My Genealogy Hound

Richard Sands, a prominent farmer of Milford township, Oakland County, Michigan, and the largest land owner, possessing a magnificent property of 345 acres situated in section 6, was born in Milford township, November 25, 1839, and may be justly termed one of the pioneers as he was born in the year following the settlement of his parents in Milford township. They were Robert and Ann E. (Bamber) Sands, both of whom were born in Lincolnshire, England.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sands same to Oakland County in 1838. In England Mr. Sands had been engaged in farming and it was with the idea of increasing his opportunities that he came to this then unclaimed portion of the United States. He soon acquired a farm of 40 acres in section 6, Milford township, the same that is now owned by Jacob Stephens, but disposed of it and later purchased an 80-acre tract from Alfred Crawford. To this he made frequent additions, and at the time of his death owned 240 acres, as the result of his frugality and industry. His death took place August 4, 1892, He left a family which is now prominent in many parts of the county.

His children were as follows: Richard, Elizabeth, Robert A., Fannie M. and William A. All were carefully reared by a good and pious mother in the faith of the Church of England.

Our subject obtained his education in the early schools of Milford township, and assisted his father on the farm until 1861, when he made a trip to California. Mr. Sands from childhood has shown great taste in gardening and during his stay of five years in the Golden State devoted his time to work of this kind in the vicinity of San Francisco. In 1866 he returned to Michigan and purchased his present fine property, probably the best farm, as it is the largest, in Milford township. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising, in both branches meeting with deserved success.

In 1867 Mr. Sands was married to Ruth G. Weavers, and a family of eight children have been born to them, namely: William R., Nellie F., Hattie A., Faxon D., Jennie E., Stephen J., Lena M. and Leigh R. Mr. Sands suffered a great bereavement in the death of his most estimable wife, on May 20, 1896, at the age of 57 years, nine months and 18 days.

In politics Mr. Sands is a stanch Democrat and is a man of such responsibility and judgment that any of the local offices are at his command, but he has steadily refused to accept any township position beyond that of school director, preferring to devote his attention to his large agricultural interests.