My Genealogy Hound

Edgar Brothers. One of the finest farms of Springfield township, Oakland County, is that owned and operated by George M. and Robert Edgar, consisting of 280 acres, located in sections 25 and 36, a part of which was taken up from the government by their father about 1845. They are sons of William and Ann (Kennedy) Edgar.

William Edgar was born in 1818 in Berwickshire, Scotland, and came to America about 1840. He spent some time in New York and then removed to Detroit, working at his trade of carpenter and joiner. About 1845 he came to Springfield township, Oakland County, and built a small log house on land which he purchased from a man named Colwell, and lived a bachelor until 1850, in the meantime clearing his property and getting it under cultivation. He married Ann Kennedy, who was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1824, and came to Michigan with her parents, Andrew and Jean Kennedy, in 1835, the latter of whom died in Detroit in 1836. Andrew Kennedy was a farmer and died at the home of his daughter, March 17, 1862, at the age of 73 years. The little log home, 20 by 30 feet in dimensions, was the home of the family a number of years and some of the children were born here. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar endured many hardships, a leading one being the want of transportation. Horses were an expensive luxury and the greater part of the work was done by the homegrown oxen, whose great strength and endurance were much needed in those days. Mr. Edgar upon some occasions walked the distance of 35 miles to Detroit to procure necessary comforts. Our subjects can recall their mother telling of her coming to Pontiac on one of the first cars, which was drawn by horses on a track of wooden poles.

George M. Edgar was born August 8, 1852, in Springfield township, Oakland County, and since the death of his parents has been associated in the ownership and management of the farm with his brother Robert, who was born September 3, 1854. The latter was married to Mary Miteen, who was born in Germany and is a daughter of Fred Miteen. They have one son, William. Robert Edgar and his wife belong to the Grange. In politics both brothers are identified with the Democratic party.

The Edgar Brothers have carried on general farming and extensive stock raising. They do much feeding of sheep and cattle, keeping 20 head of the latter; 50 head of sheep of the Hampshire variety; 20 head of Chester White hogs; and five work horses. A fair annual production of their farm is about 2,000 bushels of potatoes; 1,000 bushels of corn; 2,000 bushels of wheat; and 1,000 bushels of oats. They have a fine producing orchard of 100 trees and much small fruit. Their dairy business has also been considerable and they are constructing a fine new, modern residence.

Both brothers are thrifty, industrious and self reliant men, who thoroughly understand the science of farming. They are also most highly respected citizens and enjoy the good will of all who know them.