Henrys father, Jacob, came to the U.S. in 1832, with brothers Phillip and Charles and sister, Mary Magdelene as very young children. Their parents, Charles C. and Maria Catherine Nadig came by sailing vessel, an ordeal of which our imagination is incapable. In the early 1830s German immigrants constituted a major portion of the stream of newcomers arriving in the U.S. How does one conceptualize the conditions in Europe, Germany in particular, which would prompt this family to make such a move, knowing one would never see their homeland again? Earlier religious intolerance was a prime factor. However during the 19th century economic and political strife provided valid reasons. This would be an opportunity for them and their children to own land on which a home could be built and prosperity was a possibility.
Jacob married neighbor Elizabeth Dorr in 1856. He was 34 and had purchased 120 acres in Section 22 of Genoa Township, bordering the east side of Crooked Lake. By 1875, 255 acres were in his name. As Henry and his siblings matured their names are noted as landowners. At the time that farmers were encouraged to name their farms, Henry owned 265 acres, much of it around the south end of Crooked Lake and Round Lake. Henry raised wheat and cattle; LAKE SIDE STOCK FARM was an apt title.
Altho there would have been marsh hay for cattle, land with water was not too desirable at the time. One must also remember that all these acres had to be cleared before the plow could go into the ground. Strenuous work. Henry married Ida Gangnuss October 24, 1894. (His brother married her sister and his three sisters married area neighbors.)
WW I resulted in changing economic conditions in the U.S. The automobile and graveled roads made it possible for City people to find a respite in the country. Henrys property became a major attraction. Astute developers purchased land in Section 22 and platted lots quickly sold. Before long cottages and homes bordered every inch of these lakes. In 1927 Burroughs Adding Machine Company purchased the remaining lake property and farmlands along Brighton Road, eventually totaling 600 acres. After many years of Burroughs family vacations, developers of Oak Point bought the Farms in 1981. Charles, Jacob and Henry would be astounded at the changes, which have occurred where they raised their cattle and crops
Compiled by Marieanna Bair from Early atlases, obituaries and Early Land Owner of Livingston County by Milton Charboneau. Also the writings of Bill Pless.