My Genealogy Hound

Henry C. Denison, a prosperous, enterprising farmer of Troy township, Oakland County, resides on his well cultivated farm of 160 acres situated in sections 7 and 8. He was born in Troy township in 1845 and is a son of William A. and Clarissa J. (Bailey) Denison.

William A. Denison was born in Cayuga County, New York, in 1817, came to Michigan when a young man and first settled with his parents in the northern part of Avon township, Oakland County, afterward removing to Macomb County, where they lived a number of years. In 1847 William A. Denison located on the tract of land that is now our subject’s farm, and entered upon a most successful career. He farmed there for many years and was prominent among the prosperous farmers and business men of the county. His death took place October 7, 1900, at the age of 83 years. Politically he was a stanch Republican and served as justice of the peace for several years.

He was a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, Clarissa J. Bailey, was born in Troy township, Oakland County, in 1824, and spent the greater part of her life in that township, dying March 14, 1903. She was a daughter of James and Dorcas (Pearsall) Bailey, who were natives of New York. James Bailey, who was a tanner, currier and shoemaker by trade, took up land in Troy township, Oakland County, at an early day and engaged in farming. Our subject’s father and mother were the parents of five children, namely: Jennie, deceased; Henry C., our subject; Clara, who married George A. Shannon, of Alpena, Michigan; William F., a resident of Alpena, Michigan; and Eva, who married Edmund J. Niles.

Henry C. Denison received his education in the district schools of his vicinity, and afterward attended the Pontiac High School three terms. He then took up farming on the homestead farm and began what has proved to be a most successful career. His shrewd business methods have placed him among the foremost business men of his township, and he is highly respected by all who know him. He is a Republican but takes no active interest in political affairs. He has never married.