My Genealogy Hound

William Dohany, the owner of a magnificent farm of 333 acres located in section 30, Southfield township, is one of the substantial and representative men of Oakland County. He was born November 7, 1837, in Farmington township, Oakland County, soon after his parents located here. He is a son of William and Katherine (Burke) Dohany, both of whom were born in Queens County, Ireland.

William Dohany came with his family to the United States in 1830, and secured work at Jersey City, New Jersey. He was a man of superior education and ability, perfectly competent to fill clerical positions and his capacity was soon recognized and he was made chief bookkeeper of a large contracting firm which employed 100 men. His training as a gardener assisted him greatly after he settled on his farm in Farmington township, Oakland County. He became well known both as a farmer and as a successful stock raiser. Although he supported the Democratic ticket and worked for the success of that party he was no seeker after office. In religious faith he was a Catholic, as was his most estimable wife. He died January 31, 1876, and was survived by his widow until 1883. A family of six children were born to them, as follows: Michael, deceased; Sarah, wife of Theodore Grace, of Detroit; John, of Detroit; William; Mary A., deceased, who was the wife of John Stanley, of Detroit; and Matilda, wife of Israel Beatty, of Detroit.

Our subject is a practical, successful farmer and stock raiser, one who thoroughly understands his business as is evidenced by his years of prosperity. His education was the best afforded in the schools of his time and locality, and Mr. Dohany has always taken his place with the leading men of his township. He has reared a family which reflects credit upon their parentage and home influences, and commands the respect of all who know him.

In 1866 Mr. Dohany was married to Bridget Eagan, who was born in 1844 in Southfield township, and is a daughter of James and Pamalpie Eagan. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dohany: John S., who is a physician in Wayne County, a prominent politician there and Representative in the State Legislature; Emmet E., who is principal of the Campbell School in Detroit; William D., who is chief engineer on the fire-boat “Detroit,” of the Detroit Fire Department; Theresa, who is engaged in the millinery business at Traverse City, Michigan; Frank H. and Charles E., who are associated in the practice of law in Detroit; and James Ambrose, Clara P., and Casper G., who are at home. In politics Mr. Dohany is a Democrat.