My Genealogy Hound

Martin G. Fisher, one of the leading and substantial farmers of Independence township, Oakland County, living on a farm of 360 acres in section 35, which can scarcely be excelled in this county, was born in Independence township, August 2, 1847. He is a son of John and Ruth A. (Turner) Fisher, the latter of whom was born in the State of New York and was a daughter of James Turner.

John Fisher was a son of Adam Fisher and was born in Warren County, New Jersey, where he lived until he accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1832, being then 18 years of age. Adam Fisher and family drove the whole distance and upon reaching Independence township, Oakland County, he took up 320 acres of government land, the present farm being a part of the original tract. Originally a Whig, Adam Fisher in his last days affiliated with the Democrats. He was a generous, public spirited man and contributed the ground for the Sashabaw Church Cemetery. John Fisher, his son, became a large land owner, possessing 900 acres at one time. He was prominent in every way, one of the representative men who deserve to be remembered. He did much of the necessary surveying in Independence township and his accurate work prevented much trouble. Later he filled with the greatest capacity many of the township offices and always stanchly supported Democratic principles. Some three years prior to his death in 1867, he retired to Pontiac. His children were: Edward, John, Martin G. and Adam.

Martin G. Fisher was educated in Oakland County and attended the Pontiac High School, but with no intention of following any other vocation than that of farming. He has resided upon the old homestead all his life with the exception of a few years. Mr. Fisher is accounted a good farmer and raises upon his land annually about 1,500 bushels of potatoes, 6,000 bushels of corn, 1,000 bushels of rye; and 800 bushels of oats. He raises much cattle and stock, Hambletonian horses and the best grades of all kinds. He has also done considerable business in the buying of produce and hogs and shipping them to Detroit.

Mr. Fisher was united in marriage with Josephine Turner, who was born at Albany, New York, and is a daughter of George Turner. He is a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church as was his father before him. In politics he is a Democrat and has been elected to a number of the township offices. Mr. Fisher is well known and enjoys the respect of the old residents of the county who have known the family so long. Its wealth and sterling qualities have made the Fisher family very prominent throughout Independence township.