My Genealogy Hound

Capt. Cornelius Losey, justice of the peace and clerk of the village of Oxford, Oakland County, is no doubt one of the most prominent and energetic citizens of the county. He was born in Orion township, Oakland County, near Oxford, February 4, 1840, and is a son of Philip and Mahala (Predmore) Losey.

Philip Losey came with his wife and family to Oakland County from New Jersey in 1836, and took up a farm and followed farming as a business until middle life was passed, when he sold his farm and spent his declining years in Oxford village; his death took place some 15 years ago. His wife died when her son Cornelius was about 18 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Losey were the parents of six children, as follows: Mrs. Mary Cole, deceased; Israel, who is farming in Oxford township; A. P., deceased, who was a resident of Oxford township; Cornelius, the subject of this sketch; Joshua P., who is conducting a livery business at Yale, Michigan; and George B., a musician, who travels a great deal in the East and about the world.

Capt. Cornelius Losey, our subject, received his education in the common schools of Oakland County and from an early date has led an industrious life, having farmed until 1887 in Oxford and Brandon townships, his farm lying in two townships. In 1887 he removed to the village of Oxford and in 1896 sold his farm. In 1888 he was appointed justice of the peace, and has served ever since. He is also engaged in the insurance business and is a notary and conveyancer. He has been clerk of the village for several years, which is a position that demands most of his time. He has never resided outside of the county except in the period of nearly four years when he was in the army during the Civil War, and for one year when he served as clerk at the Michigan State Prison at Jackson, Michigan.

Early in the conflict between the North and the South, Mr. Losey was one of the first to join the Northern Army, enlisting from Oxford in Company I, 14th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., as a private soldier. He served three years and nine months, being promoted several times for meritorious conduct, and was captain of his company when discharged, having filled that position for a year and a half. He was with General Thomas at Shiloh and other battles, and later was with Rosecrans and Sherman. At the last he was in the 14th Army Corps, of which the commander was Gen. Jefferson C. Davis. After the war, Captain Losey returned home and bought a farm.

Captain Losey was married to Marietta Howser, who was born in Brandon township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Henry Howser, who came to this region at an early day from New York State. Captain and Mrs. Losey are the parents of three children, namely: Henry, who resides near Otter Lake, Tuscola County, Michigan, and is engaged in farming; “Danny,” as he is familiarly known, who resides at Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan, where he is engaged in farming and dealing in real estate; and Willard, who died at Oxford when nine years of age. Captain Losey is a Republican and has always acted loyally in behalf of that party. In fraternal circles he is a Mason, being a member of the Oxford blue lodge and Oxford chapter; he was made a Mason at Oakwood and filled all offices in that lodge except that of master. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Captain Losey is a member of Frank Powell Post, No. 187, G. A. R., and has been commander of the post for several years. His office is in the Oxford Savings Bank building.