Canton Township Family Bio's
Early 1900's Residents
Frank Blocker migrated from the mountain region of Pennsylvania to Michigan just prior to World War I. He bought 10 acres of land along Michigan Avenue in Canton where he settled with his children, May and Eleanor Blocker.
His daughter, Eleanor, married John Flodin, the son of Archie Flodin and he quickly rose to prominent political offices. He was selected building inspector in 1953, and soon became the Township Clerk. He was the first fulltime employee hired by Canton Township, since it reached a population of 3,013.

Colburn V. Dennis Sr, was the first of three Dennis family members to establish a history in Canton Township. Dennis Sr was born in 1889 in the Thumb area of Michigan, and traveled southward toward Detroit in 1918. He purchased 60 acres of land at Beck and Hanford Roads, where he built his homestead.
By 1920, he had built a general store on Canton Center Road across from the Township Hall. In 1928, he and his son, Colburn V. Jr opened a second general store with gas station combination, north of Ford Road at 6104 Canton Center. His grandson, Colburn III carried on the business after the death of Colburn Sr in 1974. His daughter, Charlotte was also active in civic affairs and operated an antique store at Ford Road and Napier.

Henry Hauk moved to Canton with his wife, Mary from Dearborn Township and purchased 140 acres of land on April 1, 1919 on the old Potawatomi Trail. Henry cultivated his farm land, while Mary served as moderator of the Cherry Hill School for over 21 years. She was born in 1891 and continued to sell farm produce after the death of her husband, Henry in 1972.

Raphael Mettetal, the founder of the Mettetal Airport was born January 13, 1889, and was a builder with universal talents. He arrived in Canton in 1916, from Redford Township and purchased 100 acres of land from Warren Kennedy and Louis Kaiser. Mettetal helped contractors design and build the airport on the east side of Lilley Road, a greenhouse, a brick mansion, and 3 other houses for his children, Lewis, Esther and Marvin.
The airport opened in 1939.
The Mettetal's were active in church and civic affairs. His wife Stella(9-30-1889 to 1-4-1965), who had graduated from the Detroit Conservatory had inspired him to join the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth.
Upon retiring, Raphael moved to Drayton Plains, Michigan and donated land and helped build a church. He was an active Mason, being an honorary member and past Grand Master of the Plymouth Temple. He passed away December 26, 1961.
He and Stella had 10 children, most of whom were born in Canton Township. Their daughter, Esther later married Robert Scheppele and continued to live in one of the houses her father helped build. His sons, Robert and Marvin managed the Mettetal Airport.

Nicholas Sineveck, moved to Canton from Detroit in the 1930s, and purchased 120 acres of land from Sarah Wiles. He and his wife, Eva, had two sons, John and Nicholas Jr, all living in a landmark homestead at 1456 South Lilley Road.
Son, John and his wife, Helen were still living on the property on June 1, 1950, when a torando struck, and clipped off the corner of the home. No one was seriously injuried, however, the barn was toppled and crushed two of their automobiles.
The Sineveck's had 8 children, and moved into a house south of the old landmark home, which had been built in 1872.

Joseph Kubiak, settled on a 36 acre tract along Cherry Hilleast of Lotz Road in 1919, which he had purchased from Albert Clark. Living in this rich crop belt, he competed with other area farmers, such as the Truesdells, Dingledeys, Motts, Hixes, and the Buehler's. After his death, at the age of 79, his wife Hattie continued their agricultural tradition, and stayed on their homestead at 40105 Cherry Hill Road.

Another area greenhouse competitor, John Schwartz Sr, came from Detroit to settle where Lilley Road meets Joy Road. This area was considered the flower belt of Canton Township.
Schwartz had purchased 35 acres of land in 1921 from Otto Kaiser, and engaged in truck gardening. His son, John Jr built a greenhouse in 1946, and continued to operator the business. John Sr and his wife, Ida, had two other children, Jeanette and William all 3 were born in Canton Township on 8207 North Lilley Road.


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