History of Farmington, (Oakland County) Michigan United States of America

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Harley Ingersoll, merchant, of Lansing Michigan, was born at Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan, on January 31st 1829. He is the son of Erastus and Sally (Smith) Ingersoll, who were both natives of Massachusetts. His father was a farmer; and Harley, being the youngest of a family of twelve children, had the not very pleasant experience incidental to such a position in those days, -- having, as he expressed it, "to do the chores, wear the old clothes, and study in the old books." A common school education, gained in the intervals of freedom from farm work, was all that he received, except a year's private instruction from an uncle.

At the age of eighteen, he engaged as clerk in a mercantile store at Farmington; and, after three years, bought an interest in the business, -- the firm being Mead & Ingersoll. This partnership continued two years, when Mr. Ingersoll bought out his partner, and conducted the business alone four years longer.

In 1856 Ingersoll moved to Lansing and opened a store in a wooden building, on the site of the present palatial establishment he now occupies. He continued there a year or two, when he moved into a brick building in the vicinity. In 1866 he exchanged this for the lot on which he built his present store, -- undoubtedly the finest in the county, and one of the finest in the State, outside of Detroit. He does a very extensive business in dry goods and millinery, wholesale and retail. Every detail of his business is conducted under his personal superintendence; and his executive ability is of the highest order. He is popular with his employes, plain and unassuming in his habits, and of unquestioned integrity. His present position and influence he has attained entirely by his own exertions, and he is essentially a self-made man.

Mr. Ingersoll is an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Lansing. In politics, he gives his vote and influence to the Republican party; but has no ambition for political preferments, as his business claims all the attention not required by his domestic and other duties. He married, September 12, 1852, Chloe P. Arnold, daughter of Mark Arnold, a lawyer of Farmington, Oakland County. They have no children.

Albert T. Nichols, a cashier of the First National Bank of Corunna, Shiawassee County, was born in Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan, August 30, 1832. His parents were Truman and Hannah M. (Allen) Nichols. His father was born in Ogden, Monroe County, New York, in the year 1812; and his mother, in Clarkstown, of the same county, in 1814. They moved to Oakland County, Michigan, where they bought a farm of wild, unimproved land. They went to work with energy of purpose; and, in a few years, broad and waving fields gave evidence of their industry. Albert T. Nichols assisted his father in clearing and settling the farm. He received a thorough common-school education, attending during the winter, as was customary among the early pioneer families. He was not only diligent and faithful at school, but, even after the long and toilsome days of summer, he was often found at eventide with book in hand, trying to glean some useful information.

To complete his education, he was sent to the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he was fitted for a teacher, although he did not graduate. After one year's steady application to study, he accepted a position as teacher of the district school at his native place, in the very schoolhouse where he had learned his letters; and taught there two winters. In 1856 he bought a farm adjoining his father's land, and commenced agricultural pursuits on his own account.

In 1860 he engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted in connection with that of farming. While thus occupied, he was called upon to fill many offices of a subordinate nature. A man of such keen and brilliant business qualifications could not be allowed to waste his talents.

In 1871 he was elected Cashier of the First National Bank of Corunna, which position he now holds. In 1873 he was made Alderman of the city, and was re-elected to the office in 1876. He has always been an active member of the Board of Education; and, in all the capacities in which he has served, has manifested sound judgment, warm interest, and the strictest integrity. In all social relations, he is highly esteemed and respected; and those who meet him in the every-day walks of active business can not speak too highly of him.

Mr. Nichols was born and educated in the Baptist belief, of which church he was a regular attendant and supporter up to the year 1871, when he removed to Corunna. Since his residence in that place, he has attended the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a regular contributor and a trustce. Politically, he has always associated himself with the Republican party, manifesting a warm interest in all campaigns. He cast his initial vote in favor of J. C. Fremont. He is President of the Republican organization of Corunna.

Albert T. Nichols married Angeline E. Mills, April 22, 1856; she is a daughter of Peter Mills, of Farmington. This marriage has been blessed with two children, -- a daughter and a son. Ella M., the oldest, was born in Farmington, August 28, 1859; Harry C. was born in the city of Corunna, August 14, 1872. As a husband and parent, Mr. Nichols is kind and indulgent; and his genial manners, unvarying courtesy, and sincerity gain the warm regard of those who come into intimate relations with him. He has kept aloof from political life, except when holding municipal offices as the duty of a citizen required. He is now in the prime of life; and few men can present a record of a more honorable career.

History of Farmington, (Oakland County) Michigan

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