My Genealogy Hound

A. J. Wilders, one of the proprietors of the Ortonville Flouring Mill of Ortonville, Brandon township, and a prominent citizen of Oakland County, was born in Brandon township, one mile from the village of Ortonville, in 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Berington) Wilders, both of whom were born in England, the former in Leicestershire, and the latter in Nottinghamshire.

In 1848 Mr. Wilders parents came to Oakland County, Michigan, from their English home, and settled on the farm in Brandon township, a half mile north and a half mile east of Ortonville, where the father died April 9, 1888. The mother died at our subject’s home in Ortonville, January 13, 1893, at the age of 79 years, 11 months and 23 days, surviving her husband about four years. Thomas Wilders was an accomplished musician and traveled extensively, giving instruction in vocal music and conducting singing schools at various points. In politics he was identified with the Republican party. A family of four children was born to Thomas and Elizabeth Wilders, namely: James F., Mrs. Sarah Ivory, Mrs. Mary C. Shaver and A. J. James F., who is now living partially retired, owns a part of the home farm and also a home in the village. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting first in the 5th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf. His second enlistment in January, 1864, was in the 4th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav. He served faithfully until he was overtaken by serious illness which sent him to the hospital. His family consists of a wife and two daughters. Mrs. Sarah Ivory, of Hadley, Lapeer County, is the wife of a large farmer and land owner there; she has two children: William, supervisor of the township and a daughter who is living at home. Mrs. Mary C. Shaver is the wife of a Brown township farmer; they have three children at home and a married daughter in Canada.

Our subject was reared in Ortonville and remained at home until the age of 22 years when he entered the telegraph business in which he continued until November 13, 1874, when he purchased a drug store in Ortonville which he successfully conducted for 26 years. On account of failing health he disposed of this business and enjoyed leisure until he entered into his present partnership.

The present mill was built in 1858 by Amos Orton, the founder of the town, who operated it until 1866, when it was taken by William Algoe and W. K. Elliott, who conducted it until 1872, when it went into the hands of M. H. Filmore. Later Mr. Algoe took charge of it again, forming a partnership with his son and they conducted it until it was sold to Burt Brothers. They operated it about two years when William Neely took the property for a year, and then sold to the present proprietors, Sweers & Wilders, himself remaining as miller. Both partners are active in the business and have had charge of the plant since September 7, 1903. The business is rapidly growing under the new management and there is a very encouraging outlook. The capacity of the plant is 24 barrels of flour, besides other products, the feed department being one of importance. Flour is disposed of locally. The firm buys and ships all kinds of produce.

Mr. Wilders is one of the leading Republicans of the county and served as postmaster of Ortonville for 10 1/2 years prior to President Cleveland’s administration. He is chairman of the township committee, president of the village and a member of the county auxiliary committee. In religious connection, he is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wilders is unmarried.