Troy in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Niles-Barnard House

Built circa 1837

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 7, 2022

1. Niles-Barnard House Marker

Inscription. In 1821 Johnson and Rhoda Niles relocated to Michigan Territory with their three young children. Niles expanded his small 1837 home to lodge potential settlers and plan Troy's future as a great city. A century later, a young paperboy named Norman Barnard learned of the ambitious Niles and set his heart on owning the home. Norman purchased it in 1940 and wed Harriet Kyser in the front parlor. The Barnards frequently welcomed guests into their home, including those who helped turn the quiet farming community into the City of Troy.

Sponsored by the Barnard Children

Erected by Troy Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 42° 34.657′ N, 83° 9.029′ W. Marker is in Troy, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker can be reached from West Wattles Road west of Livernois Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in the Troy Historic Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 West Wattles Road, Troy MI 48098, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Settler's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Township Hall

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Caswell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Poppleton School (within shouting distance of this marker); General Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Print Shop (about 300 feet away); Town Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Troy.

Also see . . . Niles-Barnard House. Page on the Troy Historic Village website that indicates "There is a reference in the 1877 History of Oakland County, plus structural and archeological evidence to support that the enlarged building was probably used as a public house or inn during the pioneer era. Later it became a private residence." The house was originally located near the southwest corner of Livernois Road at Square Lake Road, about 2 miles north of Troy Historic Village. See the Troy Corners marker for a photo of the house at its original location. (Submitted on June 15, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Niles-Barnard House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 7, 2022

2. Niles-Barnard House and Marker

View from the north near the log cabin.

Niles-Barnard House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 7, 2022

3. Niles-Barnard House

View of the house from the south (from the Troy Historic Village parking lot).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.