Source: History of Oakland County, Michigan, By Thaddeus D. Seeley 1912

Vanatta, Roy Spencer

Conducting a first - class livery business in Pontiac, and taking a well justified pride in his line of endeavor; studying the requirements of his trade with close and intelligent attention, and laying all his resources under tribute to meet them ; believing it to be his duty, as it is his pleasure, to provide for his customers the best accommodation attainable in his line and with his facilities , and using all his powers to fully perform this duty; and, in consequence, providing for a very large and exacting patronage in a satisfactory manner, Roy S. Van Atta, of Pontiac, is one of the most progressive and useful citizens of the community. Mr. Van Atta was born in South Lyon township, Oakland county, Michigan, on March 18, 1879, and is a son of James A. and Jane (Murray ) Van Atta, the former also a native of South Lyon township, and the latter of Salem township. The father was a farmer in his native township until 1881, when he changed his residence to Waterford township, and there continued his farming operations. He is now living in Pontiac, retired from all active pursuits. He is a Democrat in his political faith and loyal to the core of his party. The mother is a daughter of William and Lydia ( Scott ) Murray, and one of a family of six children: Spencer, Walter, Mrs. Van Atta , Ann, Phebe and Clare. William Murray was also a farmer during his years of activity and successful at the business. His present residence is at Salem, in Washtenaw county, this state. James A. Van Atta and his wife are the parents of six children: Flora, George, Fred, William , Roy Spencer and Homer. Their son Roy Spencer obtained his education in the district schools of Waterford township, this county, and after leaving school turned his attention to the occupation of his ancestors for many generations and followed farming until he attained the age of twenty-three years. He then moved to Pontiac, where he has ever since been engaged in the livery business. This business seems to have fully met the taste and desire of Mr. Van Atta, for he has taken the deepest and most fruitful interest in it and produced results commensurate with the care and labor he has bestowed upon his work. He has the leading establishment of its kind in Pontiac, and one that is unsurpassed in this part of the state. His stables are noted for the high-class driving horses they furnish to the trade and the substantial, ornate and showy rigs that go with them. It is the proprietor's aim to have only the best of everything in his line, and he hits his mark in every way and omits no effort necessary for the purpose. On November 1 , 1905. Mr. Van Atta was united in marriage with Miss Grace Violetta Cheal, a daughter of William and Mary E. ( Bird ) Cheal. She was born in Pontiac on September 23, 1882, and was educated in a country school in Waterford township in the lower grades, after which she pursued a course in the Pontiac high school , and was graduated from it in 1902. During the next two years she followed teaching in Waterford township, then became the wife of Mr. Van Atta. Four children have been born of their union, all of whom are living: George William, whose life began on September 15, 1906; Kenneth Cheal, who came into being on October 17, 1907; James Roy, the date of whose birth was July 5, 1909; and Ruth Grace, who was born on September 29, 1910. Politically Mr. Van Atta is a Democrat, and while he neither seeks nor desires a political office of any kind, he is always loyal and service able to his party and its candidates. He is content to help in every way he can in promoting the welfare of his county and leave to others the management of its civil affairs. His wife is a member of the Congregational church .