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Michigan Select Michigan Counties
This prophecy, made forty-five years ago, has been literally fulfilled, and the apathy complained of among the merchants of Detroit in reference to the building of this great central thoroughfare, exists at the present time among capitalists in reference to the building of tributary or side branches. This far-seeing statesman did not live to see the results of the improvements he was among the first (if not the first) to suggest and urge. The system of internal improvements which has developed the rich resources of our state to an unprecedented extent, is mainly attributable to Oshea Wilder for its early inception and advocacy. Beyond holding some unimportant town office the writer is not aware that Mr. Wilder ever held or ever desired political preferment. He knows that
upon being solicited by certain political busy bodies to be the candidate of the anti-masonic party for side judge, he replied, " The prosperity of the country requires harmony, and not discord-the selection of men qualified for the several offices, and not selected by party spirit." These wise words fitly illustrate his noble character. He was a frequent contributor to the press, but never in the role of politics. Under the unhealthy stimulus imparted to the monetary affairs of this state by the passage of the general banking law, Mr. Wilder started a bank at Singapore which, after a brief existence, failed. He had a large tract of land in Eckford which he improved somewhat, but with indifferent success. Among his books and in the bosom of his loved and loving family, he met the summons to depart hence, with Christian calmness and hope.
Charles Olin, a very much overestimated man, was an early supervisor of the town, held several minor offices, was one of our side judges, and for one term was a representative in the legislature of this state. He died many years ago.
Michigan Counties
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