USA > Michigan > American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men.: Michigan Volume > Part 2
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: Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church. For a num- ber of year, preceding his death, Mr. Backus turned his attention to the collection of curiosities and relics of every description ; and is said to have had the largest private collection in the State. Among the specimens
ACKUS, WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, was born to be found in his cabinet, are a number of rare coins, September 22, 1836, in that portion of the town- said to be the oldest in the world; old papers, docu- ship of Springwell, now constituting the Ninth ments, precious stones, etc. On the Ist of February, Ward of the city of Detroit. He was of English de- 1Son, M. Backus married Annie Elizabeth Fox, of scent, and was able to trace his ancestry, in a direct line. Detroit, where father, David For, was a native of Hali- back thirty-one generations, to William of Normandy, fax, and one of the pioneers of Michigan. He died at This circumstance, while it never led him to boast of Bay City, in March, 1875, at the age of sixty seven years. his ancestry, doubtless had its effect, a- an inspiring : The foregoing brief outline embodies the principal events thought. in that chivalrous standard which was the rule , in the public Efe of Mr. Backus, and forms an honorable of his life, and the fortitude which sustained him during page in the record of worthy citizenship. Yet, honorable long years of suffering. In this connection, it is chiefly a, this is, his more private record was one of exem- important as an historical fact, that a known de-cendant plary goodness and true heroi-m, dining years of intense of the Conqueror has so recently lived in Detroit. His and almost constant suffering, caused by a rheumatic father, Judge Henry Tytus Backus, who died at Green- ; affection. This heroi-m wa, not merely of the negative wood, Arizona Territory, July 13, 15;7, was a man of | kind, which accepts with philosophical resignation or great force of character, combined with a genial dispo-grim in liference. It was of a more exalted type, not sition and a rare gift of pleasing, which endeared him I only accepting the trials which had been ordained. but to all who came within his influence. He held many . waging a manful, aggressive warfare against them. positions of honor and trust. He represented his di -- While thus fighting his hard battles, Mr. Backus found trict in the State Senate, during the term commencing ample time to strike many a goodly blow and bind up with January, 1861, and was chosen President, pro tempore, many a wound for others. Few besides those directly benefited had knowledge of the compassionate side of of that body. He also discharged the duties of Lieu- tenant-Governor during a portion of the term. In April, ! his nature. The poor found in him the thoughtful and 1865, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Chief. ; generous friend ; and the struggling never appealed in Justice of Arizona Territory : and, it is worthy of note, vain for that sympathy and forbeance which are the that the signing of this commission was the last oficial | best stimulants to sincere endeavor. Ilis genial nature act of Mr. Lincoln, as he was assassinated two hours 'always rose superior to the small annoyances of life; later. The wife of Judge Backus, who is still living, and, despite his almost unparalleled physical sufferings, was, prior to her marriage, Miss Juliana Trumbull Wood- he never abated his cheerfulness or hi- cordiality. The bridge. She was the eldest daughter of Hon. William grasp of his hand was as earnest, his face was as sunny, Woodbridge, second Governor of Michigan under the and his salutations were as hearty, as if he had never . State Government, and a Senator of the United States, [ known the pain from which he rarely had release. Ilis He died October 20. 1861, at the age of eighty years. nature was equally heroic with the knights who have Mr. William Woodbridge Backus was essentially a home | dared death in battle. Their deeds, however grand and man in his tastes, education, and habits. His only chivalrous, may not outshine the radiance of a life like school instruction was that received under the tuition that of William W. Backus,-a life so beautiful, so sug- gestive as an example for the future, that all must
of Moses II. Hunter, at Grove Ile. After leaving school, he took.charge of the extensive business affairs ; regard it with affectionate reverence. In the sacred precincts of his home, the attributes of his nature found their highest development. There, indeed, was an at-
of his mother, especially the landed interests in and about Detroit. During the civil war, Mr. Backus organ- ized a military company at Detroit, called the Robertson | mosphere of elevated domestic life; and there it was
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that he best demonstrated his capacity for enjoying and gan; and, two years later, was re-elected to the same imparting domestic happiness, by procuring every pos- office, retiring in January, 1877. He is an active worker sible means of comfort and pleasure for those who were in the Republican party; and, for a number of years, nearest and dearest to him. It was there, too, that he was Chairman of the Republican State Central Com- forgot his own grievous afflictions, and lived with the, mittee. He is quite liberal in his religious views, and least suffering possible in his condition. Mr. Backus is an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aims to was released by death, at his home in Detroit, on the i be able to hear and consider any new thought from 24th of June, 1877. His life was rendered happy, and, whatever source it may come, but is not bound by any his sufferings greatly assuaged, by the devoted attention creed or religious formula. He hold, in respect any
of his wife, who survives him.
and all religious opinions, believing that no one can I be injured by a fim adherence to a faith or denomina- tion. Ile was married, at Dubuque, Iowa, January 16, , 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary in Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational matters of the
AGLEY, HON. JOHN JUDSON, of Detroit, ex-Governor of Michigan, was born in Medina, " State, and in the establishment of its excellent system Orleans County, New York, July 24. 1832. His
of education. It was principally through his evertions father, John Bagley, was a native of New Hampshire: [ that the State University was founded. Mr. Bagley's and his mother, Mary M. Bagley, a native of Comme . family worst of seven children. As Governor of the S'ate, his administration wa- characterized by several important featare, chief among which were his efforts i to improve and make popular the educational agencies of the State, by increasing the facilities of the Univer- sity for more thorough instruction in technical studies; by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good-will; and by making a general change, which has manifested itself in many scattered primary district .. Among others, were an almost com- plete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition : the establishment of the system of dealing with juvenile offenders through county agents, which has proved of great good in turning the young back from crane, and placing the State in the attitude of a moral agent: in securing for the militia, the first time in the history of Michigan, a systematized organization upon a serviceable footing. It wa, upon the suggestion of Governor Bagley, in the earlier part of his adminis- tration, that the law creating a State Board of Health, and also the law creating a Fish Commission in the inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the State. The success- ful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhi- bition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov- ernor Bagley's administration.
ticut. Ile attended the di-nict school of Lock;at, New York, until he was eighteen years old, at which time his father removed to Constantine. Michigan, and ' he attended the common schools of that village. His early experience was like that of many country boy- whose parents removed from Fa-tern States to the newer portions of the West. His father being in very poor circumstances, Mr. Bagley was obliged to work as soon as he was able to do so. Leaving « hool when thirteen years of age, he entered a country store in Constantine as clerk, remaining there one year. His father then removed to Owosso, Michigan, and he again engaged as clerk in a store. From carly youth, Mr. Bagley was extravagantly fond of reading, and devoted every lei .- ure moment to the perusal of such books, papers, and periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847 he re- moved to Detroit, where he secured employment in a tobacco manufactory, and remained in this position for about five years. In 1853 he began business for him- self as a manufacturer of tobacco. His establishment has become one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. Bagley has also been greatly interested in other manufacturing enterprises, as well as in mining, bank- ing, and insurance corporations. He has been President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life| Insurance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 1867 until 18;2. He has been a Director of the American National Bank for many years, and a stock- holder and Director in various other corporations. Mr. Bagley was a member of the Board of Education two ALCH, GEORGE W., Commission Merchant, Detroit, Michigan, was born May 24. 1832, and is a native of Vienna, New York. He removed years, and of the Detroit Common Council for the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed, by Gov- ernor Crapo, one of the first Commissioners of Metro- "with his parents to Michigan in 1835, and settled at politan Police for the city of Detroit, serving six years. i Marshall, where they resided until 1848. In the winter In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michi- : of 1849-50, he removed to East Tennessee, where he
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at first engaged in the dry-goods business, and, subse- | of the State. He married Elizabeth Ingham, a member quently, in telegraphing. In IS51 he was appointed ; of a prominent family in that section of the country, Superintendent of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and and reared a large family of children. His public con- Augusta Telegraph Company, holding the position for one year; at the end of which time, he returned to Michigan, locating in Detroit, where he acted as mana- ger of the telegraph office. Removing to Chicago in IS53, he was manager of the telegraph office in that city for a short time, and afterwards Superintendent of the
tracts took him away from home, and his association with the leading men of the State made him feel the importance of giving to his children more than a com- mon-school education. He died, as he had lived, a consistent Christian, at the age of seventy-three years. Ilis wife survived him some years, and had reached the Southern Michigan Telegraph Company. In 1855 Mr. : same age at the time of her death. Of the large family Balch returned to Detroit, and, upon the reorganization : left, the subject of this sketch seemed to be the leading spirit. From carly youth, Mr. K. C. Barker possessed a personal magnetism which attracted all who came
of the telegraph lines and the formation of the Western Union Telegraph Company, during the latter portion of that year, he was appointed manager of the Detroit ' within the circle of his influence. Many of his youthful office. He continued in this position, and as agent for : attachments clung to him through life. Wonderfully the New York Associated Press, until 1862, when he was ; tenacious in friendship, his enmity was of equal strength ; made Division Superintendent of the Western Union ; and, while he could cheerfully overlook the faults of his Telegraph Company, in Michigan. In 1865 he became friends, he had no charity for the imperfections of his Assistant General Superintendent of the same company, , enemies. Thoroughly fearless and independent in his and removed to Rochester, New York. Upon the [ actions and impulses, he would ask no one to share with removal of the executive head-quarter-, in 1866, Mr. him the burden- of his misfortunes or mistakes. These Balch went to New York City; but wa, theace tran. early characteristics were developed and strengthened as ferred to Buffalo, in special charge of a division of the ' he advanced in years. He received the rudiments of an company's lines extending through Canada, New York, English education in the old red school-house of his Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, to Chicago. He sev. | native village. When fourteen years of age, he attended ered his connection with the telegraph company in a manual-labor school, in the town of White-boro, a short 1867, and returned to Detroit, engaging in commercial |distance from East Schuyler, where he paid for his board pursuits. He constructed the Detroit Ceattal Mill.
by working a certam number of hours each day. Ile which he operated four years ; after which, he engaged : labored and studied at this school for some time. After in the grain commission business, and other enterprises, leaving it, he entered a store at Frankfort, New York, In 1870 he was elected a member of the Detroj. Com- where he served as clerk for about one year. It was mon Council, and in 1871 was chosen President of the here that he laid the foundation of a business edu- same body. Hle became a member of the Board of Edu- "cation which seemed to be the key-note to his subse- cation in 1873; and, during the latter portion of the quent success. He then went to Utica, entering a store same year, was elected President, his term of service ; as clerk. Previous to this, he had felt a desire to try expiring in January, 1877. Mr. Balch is President of | his fortune in the comparatively new country on the the Detroit Electrical Works, and of the American | western borders of the great lakes; and, when eighteen District Telegraph Company; he is also connected with years of age, went to Cleveland, Ohio, where resided a various other enterprises.
distant relative, who was Postmaster ; here he found a home, a counselor, and a friend. He obtained employ- ment in a public warehouse, where hi- business ability was soon recognized; and he was often sent to New York in charge of a boat, or as supercargo on the lakes. While acting in this capacity, he became skillful in the management of sail-boats, which secured for him the distinguished honor of being elected Commodore of the
ARKER, HON. KIRKLAND C., Merchant, late of Detroit, Michigan, was born September S, 1819, in East Schuyler, Herkimer County, New York. Ile was the second son of Mason Barker, who Yacht Club on the lakes, holding the title during life. emigrated from the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts to Soon after his connection with the house in Cleveland, Central New York, in the beginning of the nineteenth ; he went into the tobacco trade as salesman, making his head-quarters at Logansport, Indiana, and his home in
century. He possessed the habits of industry and ready adaptability of his Puritan ancestors. He leveled the ! Detroit, Michigan. Having made a large acquaintance while traveling, he concluded to engage in business for himself. and, gathering together his credentials, with a
forests and built houses until a larger field opened to his energies in the construction of canals and railroads. Ile became extensively engaged in this work, and has "very limited capital, started to New York. At Utica, he left many evidences of his handiwork in various portion> called at a well-known tobacco house, and casually men-
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tioned his business to New York, when the proprietor ' death in Detroit River, on the 20th day of May, 1875. proposed at once to let him have all the goods he! It is supposed that he was struck with apoplexy while wanted on his own term-, at the same time suggesting sailing a small yacht opposite his residence at Grosse that he take into partnership a younger brother of one Isle. The boat capsized, and when he was taken out of the firm. This arrangement did not prove advan- 'of the water, life was extinct. He left a wife, two sons, tageous, as Mr. Barker was led into a disastrous move- and a daughter, to mourn his loss. He was buried in ment. In connection with the western house, they , charge of the Masomnie Fraternity, under an escort of opened one in New York, and also a factory in Jersey Knights Templar, having been an honored member of City ; but the latter having been consumed by fire, the ' the order. Mr. Barker was a man of generous impulses young firm was involved to the extent of several thou- | and deeds. Money had no significance with him except sand dollars. The partnership was then dissolved, and as a means for making others happy, and no worthy Mr. Barker concluded to start anew where he was best applicant ever appealed to him in vain.
known. He soon paid off the indebtedness of the late firm, and established the house of K. C. Barker & Co .. which has been a leading one in the United States for the past thirty years. In ISot he gave his brother, J. I. Barker, who had been traveling salesman in his employ- ment for a number of years, an interest in the busines .; and, subsequently, took his son-in-law, Charles B. Hall. into the firm. After the death of Mr. Barker, the busi- ness management devolved upon Mr. Hull ; and the well-
INGHAM, HON. KINSLEY SCOTT, late Gov- ernor of Michigan, and United States Senator, was born in Camillu-, Onandaga County, New York, December 16, 1Sos. His father was a farmer, and his own early lite was o meqventh devoted to agri- earned reputation of the house has not only been main- cultural pursuit ; but. notwith standing the di-advantages relative to the acquisition of knowledge in the life of a
tained, but steadily advanced. The firm is now composed of Mr. C. B. Hull, Mr. J. I. Bauker, and Mi -. K. C. farmer, he managed to secure a good academic educa- Barker. Although Mr. Barker was an active business tion in his native State, and studied law in the ofice of man, retaining the control of his affairs up to the time General James R. Lawrence, how of Syracuse, New of his death, he had resided, for the past eight years, York. In the spring of 1;, he married an estimable on Grosse Isle, a beautiful place at the mouth of Lake [ lady, who had recently arrived from Scotland; and, obey- Erie, about sixteen miles below Detroit. He selected 'ing the impulse of a naturally energetic and enterpris- this spot, because it afforded him the best opportunity ing disposition, he immediately emigrated to Michigan, to gratify his love for boating. He always owne I the . and purchased a new form, in company with his brother- handsomest and fleetest yacht on the fresh water ; and, in-law, Mr. Robert Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston a short time before his death, brought from New York. County. Hoe, on the border of civilization, buried in where it had been built for him, the finest and large st the primeval fue-t, oar late law student commenced yacht ever seen on the lakes. By his experience and the ardaon, tack of prepning a future home, clearing enterprise in aquatic sports, he gave great impetus to and fencing, putting up buildings, etc., at such a rate the yachting interests on the life coast. From early that the laund chosen was soon reduced to a high state childhood, Mr. Barker was an enthusiastic youit-man, 'of cultivation. Becoming deservedly prominent, he was and wished to elevate and ennoble the turf. He became elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and Post- the presiding officer of the Horse Association of America, master, under the Territorial Government, and was the and a member of the Board of Appeal. Hle owned a first Judge of Probate in the county. In the year 1836, large stud of the most improved imported stock, con- when Michigan became a State, he was elected to the tributing greatly to the improvement of horse stock in, first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and was the country. Mr. Barker had no taste for politic .; Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. and, although he served several terms as Alderman of ! In 1846 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, Rep- Detroit, it was not for emolument nor honor. He wa, resentative in Congress, and was the only practical elected Mayor of the city in 1864, and ran ahead of his farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the ticket. Ile was married, in 1847, to a daughter of interests of agriculture, and was, in particular, opposed Gilbert Bedell, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. At his de- I to the introduction of "Wood's patent cast-iron plow," lightful home, Mr. Barker loved to gather around him which he completely prevented. He was re-elected to congenial friends; and. to his accomplished wife, their Congre-s in 1848, during which time he strongly op- guests were indebted for a large share of their enjoy- posed the extension of slavery in the Territories of the ment under his roof. Much of his success in life can United States, and was committed to, and voted for, the be attributed to her early economy and subsequent man-
Wilmot Proviso. In 1854, at the first organization of agement in domestic affairs. Mr. Barker met an untimely ! the Republican party, in consequence of his record in
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Congress as a Free-soil Democrat, he was nominated | hausted all their capital, but without perfecting their and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in |title to the land located, which consequently passed out 1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his administration ; and, among other proofs of his zeal in
of their possession. In the spring of 1847, with F. W. Backus, he started the produce and commission house of Backus & Bissell. Two years afterwards, his partner their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the retired, and Mr. Biwell conducted the business alone establishment of the Agricultural College, at Lansing. until 1863. Meeting with a fair degree of success, in In 1859 he was elected Senator in Congress, and took 1850 he made his first venture in the vessel business, an active part in the stormy campaign in the election having purchased the brig "Alvin Clark." This having proved financially successful, he began to invest as largely in vessel property as his means would permit ; and, in the course of ten or twelve years, became one
of Abraham Lincoln. He witnessed the commencement of the civil war, while a member of the United States Senate. After a comparatively short life of remarkable promise and public activity, he was attacked with apo- ! of the largest ship owners in the city of Detroit. In plexy, and died suddenly, at his residence in Green Oak, October 5, 1861.
Is63 he retired from the produce and commission busi- news, and devoted his time entirely to the management of his vevels. He has built ten sailing vessels and two steamboat- during this time, and has sent six ships laden with grain, Inmber, and staves from the western lakes to Liverpool and return; one of them being the second
ISSELL, GEORGE W., Vesel Owner, Detroit. that made the voyage from Lake Erie to Europe. In Michigan, is a native of Ohio, and the son of 1872 he bec. me a member of the firm of R. A. Alger & Elijah N. and Florella 1. Bissell, who were born, Co., in the manufacture of long timber and lumber. in Torringford, Litchfield County, Connecticut. His: They are operating in Alcona County, owning large father was a farmer, and while a young man - after ' tracts of pine lands, where they are getting out long having married-emigrated, about the year 1815. to timber and logs, They have recently introduced there what was then called the "New Connecticut,"- after- the new system of logging by steam power, by means wards known as the "Western Reserve."-in Ohio, of a narrow-gauge railroad running into the woods for locating at Charleston, Portage County. Here, on Feb the transportation of logs to the lake shore. This has ruary 12, 1821, George W. Bissell was born ; the oldest son proved a successful system, inasmuch as it enables them of a family of six sons and three daughters, having twa to get out timber during the entire year, instead of being sisters older and one younger. When he was twelve obliged to confine their operations to a few months each years old, his father sold his farm ; and, purchasing a winter. Politically. Mr. Bissell has acted with the Re- tract of wild land near Ravenna, Ohio, removed thither, publicin party, but has refused to accept any political and began the work of clearing another farm; which, office, though he has been repeatedly requested to do so. by the aid of his sous, was effected when George Bissell | He has given his whole time and energies to his busi- reached the age of twenty-one. The education received ness, meeting with a reasonable amount of success as a reward. He was married, at Detroit, in December, 1847, by Mr. Bissell was limited to what the farm-boy in a newly settled country could obtain in the frontier district ; to Miss Eliza C. Sanderson, a niece of the late Colonel school, which he attended at intervals. After having ' Levi Cook, of Detroit. They have one daughter now attained his majority, he determined to seck other mean. living, who is the wife of James E. Davis, of the firm of Farrand, Williams & Co. of livelihood than those to be obtained on a farm, and left his home, and proceeded to the city of Detroit. Arriv- ing there in 1842, he entered the employment of Watkins & Bissell, who were in the produce and grocery trade,- the junior partner. A. E. Bissell, being his uncle. He remained some four years; and, in the spring of 1846. ATTLE, JAMES, of Detroit, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of that city, was born in . County Sligo, Ireland, July 19, 1830. His father, in company with several other gentlemen, made an ex- pedition to the Lake Superior regions to explore for
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