History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of their prominent men and pioneers.

DUPLAIN TOWNSHIP.

435

with a single horse and buggy, it sufficing to carry them
and their worldly effects. No permanent location was made
by them, but they changed their location as his occupation
of cooper -required. In 1853 he received the appointment of
light-house keeper at Mama Judee, on Detroit River; this
proved the laying of a foundation for future success. For
eight years he continued, his wife assuming the duties of
keeper, he finding employment at the cooper's trade. In
1861, Mr. Doty moved to Elsie, Clinton Co., and for six
years followed his trade. Previous to his coming he had
purchased a hundred acres on section 26, Duplain township. The village of Elsie was becoming a place of some

importance, and Mr. Doty decided upon opening a hotel,
and accordingly purchased a suitable location, disposed of
his farm, and on Christmas, 1867, his house was duly
opened to the public. Success attended him; the public
gave him a liberal patronage, and the genial host and his
lady are known far and near. In 1877 he purchased
seventy-seven acres on section 13, upon which a part of the
village of Elsie is located. In addition to the hotel he also
conducts the farm.
To Mr. and Mrs. Doty have been given three children,
of whom one only is now living, Charlie R., born Dec. 22,
1863.

LYMAN COBB.

MRS. LYMAN COBB.

LYMAN COBB.

Joshua W. Cobb was a native of Canaan, Conn. When
of age found his way west to Rochester, N. Y., and helped
to erect the first bridge across the Genesee River. It was
commenced in 1812, but not completed until 1814, the west
side refusing for some time to build their half. He also
purchased eighty acres of land now lying within the city
limits. Becoming disheartened on account of the unhealthy
location he, though having made a partial payment, abandoned the place, pushing on west to Sheldon, Wyoming
Co.; purchased eighty acres, which he afterwards sold, and
removed to Niagara County; remained there a short time,
then returned to Bennington, Wyoming Co., where he resided for a period of twenty years. He then removed to
Duplain, Clinton Co., and purchased forty acres on section 11,
where he resided until his death, which occurred in May,
1852, his being the first burial in the cemetery at Elsie.
Mr. Cobb was married quite early in life to Miss Susanna
Doty, and raised a family of nine children. At present all
are living, except one, a son, who died at Bowling Green,
Ky., while in the army. Mrs. Cobb is still living, at the
advanced age of eighty-eight, making her home among the
children, where she is ever made welcome.
Lyman Cobb was the sixth in the family, and born Aug.
14, 1826, at Bennington, N. Y.; came West with the

family in 1844, and when of age purchased eighty acres
on section 13, Duplain township, from an elder brother
residing in Oakland County, giving in payment two years'
labor. Payment being made, he returned and began the
improvements by which he has succeeded in making one of
the finest farms in that locality. For several years he labored single-handed and alone, but his better judgment
finally prevailed, and on April 20,'1853, he led to the hymeneal altar Susan, daughter of Oliver and Sally Hicks,
natives of Wayne Co., N. Y.; they removed to Cuyahoga Co.,
Ohio, where they resided nearly twenty years, and in 1852
removed to Elsie. Both have since passed away. Oliver
Hicks served during the war of 1812. The family consisted
of eleven children, seven living to maturity, Mrs. Cobb being
the tenth in number. Mr. Lyman Cobb united with the
church while yet a youth, and Mrs. Cobb soon after their
marriage. Both have been prominently identified with the
erection of the church building, and with the growth and
prosperity of the society.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cobb have been born six children,George W., Jan. 18, 1854; Susie M. (now Mrs. Davis),
born Sept. 16, 1856; Samuel R., July 3, 1859; Henry
P., Jan. 11, 1863; Dellie L., May 29, 1870; and Judson
L., born Feb. 24, 1875.