Ezra E Darby, Jr.

WIKI

In 1832, Ezra Derby bought the tavern and land from the Simmons heirs and began establishing a settlement. Derby built a sawmill, store, mill, blacksmith shop and the first frame dwelling for himself. In 1834, a plat was recorded in Detroit with lots and a town square under the name Derby's Corners. In 1836, the name of the settlement was changed to Wayne, in honor of Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. Soon a small hamlet began to develop, which was accelerated by the arrival of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1838. The Chicago Road that ran through Wayne was paved with oak logs in 1850, becoming the Detroit and Saline Plank Road. In 1867 it was changed to its current name of Michigan Avenue. In 1869, Wayne was incorporated as a village with a population of about 800 people. (In 1960 Wayne officially became a city.)

Ezra Derby BIRTH Dec 1802 DEATH 30 Jun 1877 (aged 74) USA BURIAL Old Wayne Cemetery Wayne, Wayne County, Michigan,

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10030711/ezra-derby

Ezra Derby was an early settler and founder of the Western Wayne County area of Michigan, in what is now known as the City of Wayne, Wayne County, Michigan. He recorded the first plat of the community, and the area was called "Derby's Corners". In 1836 the area was changed to Wayne in memory of Civil War hero, General Anthony Wayne.

Ezra built the first school house.

In Berrien County he also owned the land where the old Chicago-Detroit military road was utilized before automobiles. The Derby or Darby family was considered high society for their time. Remnants of the old street marker can be found before the Fort St. Joseph bridge in Downtown Niles Michigan.

Spouses

Harriet Hawley Derby 1805–1851

Jane A. Stilson Derby 1811–1874

Children

Ezra E. Derby unknown–1864