My Genealogy Hound

Isaac Barwise, one of the extensive farmers of Oakland County, Michigan, who operates 244 acres of land in section 2, Avon township, was born in Cumberland County, England, April 7, 1826. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Cockton) Barwise, the former of whom died during the subject’s childhood, and the latter of whom lived to be more than 90 years old.

Isaac Barwise of this sketch, was educated in England and remained there until the age of 24 years. In 1850 he came to the United States and settled in Avon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and began farming. In 1854 he went to Trinity County, California; after mining there for a time, he took charge of a pack train which was operated between the mining camps and the trading post at Point Bar, and continued in this employment until 1861, during this time gaining much experience and enduring many hardships, and being able then to return to Michigan and become the owner of his present fine property. His first purchase comprised 140 acres. This land is situated very advantageously, only a half mile beyond the village limits of Rochester, with two trolley lines running on two sides of the farm, their junction being on the southwest corner and almost in front of our subject’s residence. Mr. Barwise has been engaged in farming and has raised cattle and sheep very extensively. He is one of the substantial men as well as one of the most highly respected citizens of the township.

In 1862 Mr. Barwise was married to Jane A. Underwood, whose people were early settlers of Avon township. She died in February, 1897, leaving a daughter and one son, the former, Eva, being her father’s housekeeper, and the latter, John C., being a traveling salesman for a St. Louis business house.

In religious belief Mr. Barwise is a Universalist. He has shown his interest in agricultural matters by joining the Farmers Club and the Grange. Until the Odd Fellows lodge was discontinued at Rochester, he was connected with it. Mr. Barwise has never sought political honors, although, on account of his intelligence, high personal character and business ability, he is eminently fitted for the same. He has seen many wonderful changes in Oakland County since he first came here and has had much to do with its agricultural improvement.