USA > Michigan > American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men.: Michigan Volume > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
51
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
agreeable pastime. His intellectual traits and habits | Christian womanhood, is a daughter of Casper B. Cook, follow the law of descent, as he represents the fourth who was a Captain in the war of the Revolution. generation in our American annals, distinctly in the line of professional life; his grandfather, Rev. George Duf- field, having been Chaplain of the Continental Congress, and one of the prominent and eloquent advocates of liberty in the city of Philadelphia, during the war of the Revolution.
'MMONS, H. H., late of Detroit, was born in New York; and, after acquiring the rudiments of a good education at the common schools, he became an assistant in the office of his father, who was the editor of a paper. He studied law; was admitted to the bar of that State; and soon afterwards settled in Detroit, where his father was already located as a lawyer, and with whom he became associated in the practice of their profession, about the year 1840. In 1843 his father died, and, in the year following, Joseph A. Van Dyke became his law partner. Although devoted to his pro- fession, in which he had an extensive practice, he paid some attention to politics. He acquired distinction, during a period of commotion in Detroit, by defending the right of an American Protestant clergyman to preach against Catholicism, Irish repeal, temperance, or secret societies, or whatever he conscientiously believed to be injurious to the welfare-temporal or eternal-of his fellow-citizens. In 1853 his health became somewhat impaired by application to business, and he partially retired from active professional life : although his services were yet in frequent demand by the railroad companies of the State, whose business he had made a specialty. Early in 1870 he was appointed, by the President, Circuit Judge for the State of Michigan. He died in 1877.
DWARDS, WILLIAM SHERMAN, of Detroit, was born at Ephratah, Fulton County, New York, August 23, 1835, and is the third son of Henry and Elizabeth (Cook) Edwards. Ilis great- grandfather, Tallmadge Edwards, was the founder of the glove business, at Gloversville, New York, which has since reached great magnitude, and has resulted in the growth of a prosperous town, from which comes the chief supply of this article to the whole continent. His other great-grandfather, from whom he derives his name, was a Sherman of New Lebanon, New York, and a relative of Senator John, and General William T., Sherman. His grandfather, John Edwards, was a mem- ber of the Twenty-fifth Congress, which Benton ( Thirty Years' View, Vol. II., page 29) declared to be the ablest body of the kind that ever assembled as a Congress. The mother of William S. Edwards, a true type of a noble | Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, a specialty. He acts as
Henry Edwards, the father of our subject, was exten- sively engaged in farming, milling, and manufacturing, at Ephratah, and was known as the most prominent and successful business man in that section of the country. William Edwards attended school in his native village, improving every opportunity for study with a keen relish, until sixteen years of age; when, his father having become Director in a projected railroad from Troy to Utica, he engaged as Assistant Engineer. After the survey was completed, he returned home, with the intention of pursuing his studies further, contemplating teaching school to defray his expenses, but his father pursuaded him to remain at home, considering his services peculiarly valuable in assisting him to super- intend the details of his business; although he never received any remuneration for his services, and in all his subsequent career had to depend upon his own resources. He attended Union College, taking a Civil Engineering course; but, before completing his studies, his father met with severe losses by fire, and William, against his inclination, was compelled to return home to assist him in business. He still desired to renew his studies; and, his father having yielded to his wish, he was about to do so, when an application was made to him to defend a man for assault with intent to kill. This he performed ably, the result being an acquittal. The event suggested to him the idea of following the legal profession; and, in due time, he entered the State and National Law School at Poughkeepsie, remaining one term. He completed his studies at the Albany Law School, where he was admitted to the bar after an ex- amination before the Supreme Court. He removed to Hillsdale, Michigan, May 1, 1858, and there entered the office of Judge Wilson, for the study of common law practice; and, in August following, was admitted to practice in Michigan. He soon after formed a co- partnership with Judge Stacy, which continued for five years. For the next two years, he was in partnership with James S. Galloway, under the firm name of Ed- wards & Galloway. In 1865 he married Hattie J. Van Evra, of Canajohaire, New York. In 1873 he removed to Detroit, where he had already obtained a large prac- tice in the United States Courts and others, which soon required the services of several assistants. In 1874 he established a branch office at Grand Rapids, under the name of Edwards & Thompson; this continued two years, and was succeeded by Edwards & Doran, which firm is still in existence. In February, 1878, he formed a copartnership, in Detroit, with F. H. Chambers, ex- Prosecuting Attorney, under the firm name of Edwards & Chambers. He has made chancery, real estate prac- tice, and collections, throughout the States of Michigan,
53
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
attorney for some of the largest mercantile houses in | his prime; and the former class will mourn his death as the country, in claims aggregating hundreds of thou- sincerely as the latter. His history is largely the history of Michigan, for he was closely identified with many of its most important interests. His father, a farmer in moderate circumstances, gave him what was then con- sidered a good education in the New England schools. Ilis thirst for knowledge was remarkable; and, with commendable courage and thoroughness, he surmounted all obstacles. Ile always retained the habit of study; and during the most active part of his professional career was a constant reader. He removed to Detroit in 1822, being then twenty-three years old, and began the study of law with Judge Sibley. When that distinguished gentleman was appointed to the Territorial bench, Mr. Farnsworth was enabled to continue his studies with Mr. Whitney, who had been Judge Sibley's partner. Mr. Farnsworth became a very able lawyer; and, upon the death of Mr. Whitney, succeeded to the business of the office. His fame rose rapidly, and, when still a young man, his professional opinions were considered of great weight. Indeed, he was looked upon as almost infallible in legal matters. Ile reached conclusions by a process which those who knew him superficially called intuition; but he was an indefatigable worker, and never gave an opinion involving a difficult legal question until he had exhausted all available sources of knowl- sands of dollars .. Ile is a member of the Masonic Fra- ternity, and has been presiding officer in the Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery; and, in the State, has been District Deputy Grand Master, and Thrice Illustrious Grand Master. Ile was brought up under the influence of the Reformed Church, but has since become a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in which he is an active worker. He has held the official positions of vestryman, warden, treasurer, and secretary, and has been a delegate to the State Conven- tion for years. He has never held public office; but, being located in the banner county of the Republican party in Michigan, and having been Chairman of the Democratic County Committee many years, and a dele- gate to two National and several State Conventions, he has often been called upon to defend Democratic prin- ciples; and has always done it in a frank, honorable, and consistent manner. During the last campaign, he did effective work both in Michigan and New York; and wherever he appeared, his speeches received the highest commendations from the press, regardless of party feeling, because of the candid and fair presen- tation of the political situation. He has made the political history of the country the subject of much thought, pursuing it with the same zeal that a scien- ! edge. His extraordinary memory here stood him in tist does a favorite study. In the language of one of
, good stead, and his methodical habit of thought, which his friends, "he is a perfect encyclopedia of political' had been cultivated in early life, enabled him to ac- knowledge." He has an carnest and convincing de-" complish a large amount of work in a short time. In livery, and his speeches appeal directly to the reason and judgment. IIe is an enthusiastic admirer of Shakspeare, and takes much pleasure in reading to his friends selections from the great poet's works. Close application to business, an earnest and conscien- tious study of his clients' interests, and a methodical arrangement of all details of his practice, have been the secrets of his success, and entitle him to a position among the self-made men of his State. Ilis life illus- trates forcibly to young men what concentration of purpose, together with indomitable perseverance and pluck, will accomplish. In personal appearance, he is above the average height, of strong physique, sharply cut features, with a decidedly intellectual cast of coun- tenance, indicating strong will-power. 1830 he married Miss Blake, of Vermont. His first public position was as a member of the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan. His election to that office took place in 1834, when the Council held its sessions in the building now known as the High School. Shortly after the expiration of his term, he entered into partnership with Judge Goodwin, and the firm became one of the most extensive in the North-west. On the organization of the State Government, in 1836, Mr. Farnsworth was appointed Chancellor of the State; and served until 1843, when the precarious condition of his health obliged him to resign. Chancellor Kent, in the fourth volume of his commentaries, says: "The admin- istration of justice in equity in Michigan, under Chan- cellor Farnsworth, was enlightened and correct, and does distinguished honor to the State." His learning, interest in public affairs, capacity for government, and irrepressible activity, were qualities of too great value to
ARNSWORTHI, HON. ELON, one of Detroit's permit him to remain in retirement; and he was very soon prevailed upon, by Governor Barry, to take an
oldest citizens, was born at Woodstock, Ver- mont, February 2, 1799; and died March 24, appointment as Attorney-General. That office he held 1877, aged seventy eight years. Although be- two years. In 1839 he was the Democratic nominee for longing to a past generation, the name of Chancellor Governor. Some idea of the high esteem in which he Farnsworth was almost as familiar to the younger por- was held, may be formed from the fact that even the tion of the community as to those who knew him during , opposition journals paid him very high tributes. How
53
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
ever, partisanship was rampant then, as in later cam- | was appointed, and a suitable memorial presented. The paigns, and, though he made a gallant fight, William |following members of the bar constituted the committee: Woodbridge was elected by a majority of eleven hundred |Levi Bishop, Theodore Romeyn, Alfred Russell, Robert votes. Chancellor Farnsworth was ex oficio Regent of the University of Michigan from 1836 to 1843. He was Regent by appointment from 1846 to 1850, and by re-appointment until 1852, when he became Regent by popular election, remaining in the position until 1858. It will thus be seen that he held the office of Regent continuously from 1836 to 1858, except from 1843 to 1846, his whole actual service covering a period of nine- teen years. To say that he filled the office ably and faithfully is to acknowledge indifferently the value of his services to the University, and, indirectly, to the educational system of the State; now grown to such proportions as to engage the attention of European and even Asiatic countries. It was chiefly through his influ- ence that Doctor Tappan was called to the Presidency of the University. More than this need not be said in proof of his inestimable services. When the Michigan Central Railroad Company, was organized, in 1846, Mr. Farnsworth was chosen resident Director, in which capacity he served about twenty years. A significant circumstance in this connection is the fact that he was the only Director of that road who ever received a salary. He became President of the Detroit Savings
P. Toms, and A. B. Maynard. The following gentlemen spoke in warm eulogy of the deceased : Theodore Romeyn, Hovey K. Clarke, Alfred Russell, Sylvester Larned, G. V. N. Lothrop, Levi Bishop, and William P. Wells. After the resolutions had been adopted, the bar adjourned to attend the funeral in a body. Mr. Farnsworth was universally esteemed. By his immediate circle of friends he was well beloved and will be affec- tionately remembered. He was polished in manner, treating every one with consideration. He was neat almost to fastidiousness, giving scrupulous care to his dress. This did not grow out of vanity, for he did not possess this weakness, but was the result of a conscientious belief that neatness of person is a social duty. It was impossible to resist the genial atmosphere of his home presence. In every room he had builded an altar, and adored his household gods with a feeling of mingled love and veneration. The worth of such an example is incomparable; and, if Elon Farnsworth had left no other bequest, his exaltation of home would remain a lasting monument to his goodness and gentle- ness of heart. His aged wife and one daughter, Mrs. William F. Harrison, survive; his eldest daughter, Mrs. Bank in 1849, and held the position at the time of his General O. B. Wilcox, died several years ago.
death. Mr. Farnsworth visited Europe in 1855, having been sent thither by the Sault Canal Company to nego- tiate a sale of its lands; but the Crimean War affected the financial affairs of Europe at that time, and his mission was not wholly successful. He was a prominent FERGUSON, ERALSY, of Detroit, was born in Oneida County, New York. When quite young, he removed with his parents to Canada. In 1826 they removed to Monroe, Michigan ; and, after about a year, to Detroit. For several years, his father kept a small hotel on Woodward avenue, near the river, and Mr. Ferguson well remembers the crafts arriving at this port, among them the first steamboat, " Walk-in-the-Water," which plied between Detroit and Buffalo. A small sail-boat served as ferry between De- troit and Canada, and was called to and from each shore by a horn. This was succeeded by a horse-power boat, propelled by side-wheels, and used principally for member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church from the time of its organization. For several years he limited his work to the duties imposed upon him as President of the Savings Bank ; and these engaged his attention daily until about three months before his death. Despite advancing years, Mr. Farnsworth kept himself thor- oughly abreast of the literature and history of the times; and lost none of his interest in public affairs. He was fond of taking daily drives in and around the city, whose steady growth he watched with pleasure. He visited the Centennial Exposition in 1876. While in Philadelphia he took a cold, which hastened his death. Shortly after his return home, he was visited by a | ferrying teams. Besides this, a small craft, propelled renewed attack of a complicated disease of the kidneys, [ by steam, the hull consisting of two logs dug out and from which he had long been a sufferer; but his good : joined together, was used for passengers. This was the constitution, unimpaired by any bad habits, enabled beginning of the ferry business between Detroit and the Canada shore. . In 1829 his father settled on a farm in Oakland County, owned by Hon. James Witherell, who was then Lieutenant-Governor of the Territory of Michigan. After remaining with his father on the farm for two years, Mr. Ferguson returned to Detroit, enter- him to resist its force, and gave his friends encourage- ment to hope that he might be restored to his usual vigor. Changeable weather, however, affected him un- favorably, and a congestive chill suddenly overpowered him. He soon lapsed into a state of unconsciousness, and thus passed away. At a meeting of the Detroit ing the service of Hon. James Witherell, who resided Bar Association, in honor of his death, a committee | on the Witherell farm, near the bank of the Detroit
54
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
River. He worked upon this farm until about the year | continued the management of this business. In the fall 1838, reserving two or three months of each winter for of 1877 he became one of the proprietors of the Cass Hotel, with Mr. H. R. Johnson as partner. Mr. Fer- guson has always been a hard-working man, faithful and diligent in his services. By a wise management of his financial affairs, he has acquired a competency for himself and family. In 1837 Mr. Ferguson was com- missioned First Lieutenant of a militia company, by Governor Mason, the first Governor of the State. Dur- ing the " Patriot War," in the following winter and spring, his company was called into the service of the General Government to guard the Canadian frontier and the United States arsenal at Dearborn ; and, also, to subdue the "Patriots," then in rebellion against the Canadian Government. The troops were under the command of Colonel Brookes, of the United States army. Mr. Ferguson has been a Whig, and is now a Republican; but has never been a politician or office- holder. He was married at Detroit, in 1842, to Miss Nancy Canfield. They have four children. Mr. Fer- guson has witnessed the growth of the city of Detroit, attendance at the old Detroit Academy, situated on the north-west corner of Larned and Bates streets. About the year 1837, Mr. Witherell's farm, situated one mile from the City Hall, having a river frontage of twenty- five rods, and extending three miles in length, was sold for thirty thousand dollars. The purchasers were not able to make good their contract; and, after his death, in 1838, the farm reverted to Mr. Witherell's heirs. On the occasion of the sale, Mr. Ferguson, with the family of Mr. Witherell, removed to a house facing Campus Martius, on the site now occupied by the De- troit Opera-house, and remained with the family until after Mr. Witherell's death. Preceding this event, Mr. Ferguson had received from Mr. Witherell eighty acres of wild land, in Oakland County, in consideration of his faithful services during seven years. In the winter of 1839, he commenced the work of clearing it, but, after two months of hard labor, abandoned the idea of becoming a farmer, and returned to Detroit, where he engaged in driving teams. During the "hard-cider | from a village possessing a population of two thousand, campaign,"' of 1840, he hauled from the woods many or even less, to its present large proportions. Having spent his youth and early manhood in that city, he was associated with its Fire Department before a hand fire- of the logs used in the construction of the "log-cabin," on Jefferson avenue, near Randolph street, which served as the political head-quarters of the Whigs during that | engine had been secured-at the time when firemen campaign. In the following winter, he made three used the old leathern-buckets in extinguishing fires. Mr. Ferguson had frequently joined in line to pass buckets of water from the river to burning buildings. journeys, with his team and wagon, from Detroit to Chicago, conveying the passengers and freight saved from a Chicago-bound steamboat, which was partly After the introduction of engines, he was a member of wrecked on Lake Huron late in the season. Each of | the Fire Department for several years, and was foreman of the company formed, among the employes of the Michigan Central Railroad, to protect their property.
these journeys occupied from nineteen to twenty-six days. In September, 1844, Mr. Ferguson entered the employment of the Michigan Central Railroad as a night-watchman, receiving seven shillings per night for his services. At that time, the road was operated and owned by the State, the depot being where the City Hall now stands. Railroads were then in their infancy in Michigan, the western terminus of this road being at Kalamazoo. In 1847, the State sold the road, and the company extended it, that year, to New Buffalo; to Michigan City, in 1848; and to Chicago, in 1849. Mr. Ferguson, having served faithfully as night-watchman for a time, became, successively, baggageman, freight conductor, passenger conductor, as such having charge of the passenger train that ran into Chicago over the road ; and, finally, depot and train-master at Detroit, resigning the latter position January 1, 1875, after over thirty years' connection with the road. Some three years previous to his resignation, at the request of Hon. James F. Joy, President of the railroad company, he engaged in the truck transfer business, in the delivery of freights, which increased to such an extent as to
PERRY, D. M., of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Lowville, Lewis County, New York, in 1833. His parents, Joseph N. and Lucy (Mason ) Ferry, were of Puritan ancestry, natives of Massachusetts. Dexter Mason, the father of Mrs. Ferry, represented the Berkshire District, in the Legislature at Boston, for several terms. Joseph N. Ferry was a wagon-maker; he died in 1836; and, shortly after, the family removed to Penfield, Monroe County, New York. There Mr. D. M. Ferry commenced life, on his own account, in 1849. He worked for a farmer, at ten dol- lars a month, spending two summers in this way, while his winters were employed in studying at the district school. His desire to obtain a thorough, practical edu- cation induced him to secure a situation with a gentle- man of means, near Rochester, that he might avail demand his entire time. thus compelling him to retire | himself of the benefit of more advanced schools. In from the employment of the company. He has since | 1852, through the assistance of his employer, he pro-
.
-
. 7.
Dexter Cm. Ferry
UNIV.
55
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
cured a position in the wholesale and retail bookstore | of his engagement, Mr. Field entered into a partnership of S. D. Elwood & Co., of Detroit, where he was with Doctor Durham; but, owing to the ill health of advanced, from errand-boy to salesman, and, finally, to book-keeper. In 1856 he entered the seed business, on his own account, and was one of the organizers of the firm of M. T. Gardner & Co. After a few years, Mr. Ferry purchased Mr. Gardner's interest, and took his place at the head of the firm of D. M. Ferry & Co. By matchless energy and enterprise, Mr. Ferry has established, from a small beginning, an immense business, which extends into all parts of the Union, and furnishes employment to hundreds. Mr. Ferry is a member of the City Board of Estimates. He is one of the Directors of the Wayne County Savings Bank; of the Safe Deposit Company; and of the Ameri- can District Telegraph Company. He is also a Trustee of Harper Hospital and of Olivet College. He owns a controlling interest in the National Pin Company, each, the association was only continued for a few months. Doctor Field, whose health had failed from too close confinement to a dental laboratory, decided to seek a locality where he could practice his profession without too much confinement to in-door life. He went to the western part of the State; and, after visiting several towns, settled in Huntsville, Randolph County, remaining there a few years. Feeling convinced that the place would never be of sufficient importance to enable him to gain the practice he desired, he left Huntsville in the winter of 1857. His intentions were to go to Dubuque, Iowa, on a visit to some relatives; and, at the same time, to endeavor to secure an opening for the practice of his profession. Upon reaching Men- dota, Illinois, he discovered that he could proceed no farther on his journey, the roads being completely which he established in 1875, and is its President | blocked with snow. Not caring to return to Hunts- and Treasurer. This factory gives employment, dur- ing the entire year, to over seventy-five hands. His main object in starting this branch of industry, in De- troit, was to assist in giving impetus to the manufactur- ing interests of the West. Mr. Ferry is a Republican. He was educated in the Baptist faith, and united with that church when quite young. At present, he is a trustee of a Congregational Church. Ile is strongly opposed to extreme sectarianism. He has traveled extensively, in the way of business, through the greater part of the United States. In 1876 he made an extended pleasure tour, crossing the Rocky Mountains, and visit- ing California. Mr. Ferry is a practical man; he pos- sesses great force of character; plain, unassuming manners, and remarkable executive ability. His benev- olence extends to all worthy objects; and he especially delights in assisting those who are willing to help them- selves. The names of few business men in the North- west have become so familiarly and so favorably known. He married, on the Ist of October, 1867, Addie E. Miller, of Unadilla, Otsego County, New York. They have four children. ville, he concluded to go on to Chicago. There he re- mained several days; at the end of this time, his means were exhausted, and he had found no chance of enter- ing into business. He then decided to go to Detroit, to which city his parents had removed two years before. Wondering how he could carry out this plan, he sud- denly remembered the name of a gentleman with whom his father was acquainted; and, seeking him, introduced himself, frankly told him how he was situated, and asked and received the loan of ten dollars. He then returned to Detroit, after an absence of seven years. Although intending to remain only a short time, he was induced to engage there in the practice of his profession. He bor- rowed seventy-five dollars from his father; and, out of the amount, returned the ten dollars borrowed in Chi- cago. This left but sixty-five dollars to furnish an office, and commence business. His office was not such as would prove an attraction; the city was well supplied with competent dentists, and the populace was extremely conservative; but Doctor Field was young and deter- mined to succeed. By strict attention to business, and a thorough knowledge of the profession, he was soon enabled to gain the confidence of the people, and he has now a first-class practice, with one of the most com- pletely fitted and elegantly furnished dental parlors in the United States. Ilis income has reached several thousand dollars per year. Doctor Field takes a deep interest in the advancement of his profession, and has been a member of the Michigan State Dental Society for nineteen years,- having held all the prominent offices. He has been an officer of the American Dental
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.