 In about 1836, the Shelby road was opened to Frederick.Associate Judges Stevens, Harrington, and Conner lived in Frederick and sat with Judge Clemens 

Prior to the War of 1812 a sawmill was likely built in the town, another sawmill was constructed around 1826 by Job C. Smith.The town proper got its start when Horace Stephens, Detroit resident, purchased land in Frederick and laid out a village which he named in honor of his brother.