Biographies - Elmira Township

Henry Hall Oliver, born in Rosshire, Scotland, in January, 1832, is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, whose family history is given above and whose settlement here is noted in the general as well as in the township history.

In 1837 he came to this county with them, but afterwards resided with his brother-in-law, John Turnbull for fifteen years. During this time he studied in the district schools and labored on the farm. In 1851 he entered the Presbyterian College of Macomb, studied engineering, and for two years followed this profession in the employ of a railroad company. In 1856 he entered the Monmouth College and took a scientific course. Also filled the position of tutor there, as he had previously done while attending the college at Macomb. His health failing, he was forced to forego the pleasures of college life, and the wide field of success in his profession, which appeared open to him, and so returned to Elmira and resumed farming or rather entered upon the agriculturalist's life in earnest.

In 1857 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Finley and Catherine (McLean) Murchison, whose history is given in that of Donald McDonald's family.

Of nine children born to this marriage, six are living, namely: David W., engaged in farming on the homestead ; Margaret E., a teacher in the Toulon Academy; Katie E., attending the Northwestern University; William H. and Charlotte J., students of the Toulon Academy, and Agnes B., residing at home. Mrs. Oliver is a member of the Highland or Canadian Presbyterian Church, and of this also her husband is a member and official. Since 1862

Mr. Oliver has been extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock as well as in stock-growing and farming. The home farm, which he inherited from his father, he has increased to four hundred acres, on which stands his fine residence. This farm is among the richest in this district of fertile lands, is fully improved and equipped in buildings, machinery and implements.

In politics he is decidedly republican; zealous, yet tolerant in religion, unostentatious and refined in manner. His home is a synonym for genuine hospitality. In official life, the testimony to his character is indeed substantial, as he has for twenty years been a school director; supervisor of Elmira for several terms, and also surveyor of the county.