USA > Michigan > American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men.: Michigan Volume > Part 24
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proving financially successful. The story of these adven- tures, told to his grandsons, kindled in the minds of two of them, at least, a desire to seek their fortunes in the West. In the spring of 1812, Thomas Palmer, with his brother Friend, having brought a stock of goods from the East, opened a store at Malden, Canada, about twenty miles below Detroit. On the declaration of war, which occurred soon after, both the brothers were im- prisoned in Malden jail because they were American citizens; but were liberated after five weeks, and put ashore upon the American side near Monguagon, whence they walked to Detroit. They joined a company of volunteers, commanded by Shubael Conant, and were present at the surrender of Detroit to the British by General Hull. After the surrender, they were permitted by the British commandant to return to Malden and secure their goods. ,They then proceeded to Canan- daigua, New York, where they established a store, and continued business until after the close of the war. In 1816 Thomas Palmer returned to Detroit, and opened a store under the firm name of F. & T. Palmer, the brothers continuing their business under the supervision of Friend Palmer, at Canandaigua, and having a branch store at Ashtabula, Ohio. They also built and owned flouring-mills at Scio, New York. For a number of years the firm did a very large business. They took many contracts for public works, constructed many of the turnpike roads leading out of the city, and built the territorial capitol, the site of which is now occupied by the high school. For the building of the capitol, they received the ten thousand acre tract back of the city, and about five hundred central city lots. They also built and carried on potteries and asheries in the city, and entered large tracts of land in the Military Tract of Illinois. They built and owned a number of vessels, among which were the "Tiger" and "Young Tiger,"- the former commanded by Captain Blake, of lake fame, -and became largely interested in various kinds of busi- ness. During the financial crisis of 1824, they were compelled to suspend payment. Friend Palmer died shortly after, and Thomas Palmer closed up the affairs, paid all their debts, and left no stain upon the reputa- tion of either brother. Soon recovering from this tem- porary suspension of business, he branched out into other ventures; and, in company with the father of George Jerome, of Detroit, erected saw-mills on Pine River, St. Clair County. In 1828 he purchased the site of the city of St. Clair, then a wilderness; he erected saw-mills there, which were afterwards sold to Wesley Truesdail, and did a large lumbering business for many years. The place was called Palmer, until he sold out his interest there. From 1845 to 1847, Mr. Palmer was interested in Lake Superior ventures; but they did not
ALMER, THOMAS, deceased, one of the pioneer merchants of Detroit, was born at Ashford, Wind- ham County, Connecticut, February 4, 1789; and died in Detroit, August 3, 1868. He was one of a family of six sons and three daughters. His grand- father, Thomas Barber, annually brought goods to Detroit as early as 1763, hauling them from Hartford to Schenectady with oxen; freighting them by boats up the Mohawk; thence, via Wood Creek to Oneida Lake, and down the outlet to Oswego; and thence, by Lakes Ontario and Erie, to Detroit. Here he remained, trading with the Indians; disposing of his goods for furs, and |prove profitable investments. Though nearly sixty years
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of age, he coasted from Sault Ste. Marie to the head of | tered very tempestuous weather; and, to save the vessel, Lake Superior in a six-oared boat, and returned in the same. From 1849 until age rendered him unable to work, he transacted a land and insurance agency busi- ness. In social life no man was more genial and kind- hearted. Unobtrusive and modest, no one could claim more or warmer friends. He was of that type of pioneers who, though not achieving great financial success for themselves, by their energy and daring inade success possible for others. In every trial he acted the part of a true man; and throughout his life his conduct was irreproachable. He died poor. In politics, Mr. Palmer was a prominent Whig; but became
was obliged to throw a great portion of the cargo over- board, thus sacrificing the hard earnings of years. Not at all discouraged, he returned to Detroit, and started with another cargo, for Mackinaw, on Lake Huron. Hle exchanged his goods with the Indians, at different points on the coast, for furs and other commodities. He then settled, about the year 1844, on Sugar Island, and commenced the life of a farmer. He also estab- lished a general store, at a place known then and now as Payment's Landing. These enterprises he carried on for twenty-five years, with moderate success. He then disposed of his interests in that region of country, and a Republican upon the organization of that party, in returned to Detroit in 1874. He has since retired from the affairs of which he took an active interest until his | business, and removed to Bay City, where he now re- death. He never aspired to office, and never held any sides. Owing to his father's life among the Indians, R. public place save that of Alderman from the First Ward | C. Payment had few educational advantages. When of the city of Detroit. In 1821 Mr. Palmer married fifteen years of age, he attended, for three years, Notre Mary A. Witherell, daughter of Judge James Witherell. | Dame University, Indiana. Returning to the family She survived her husband, dying in 1874. They had home at Sugar Island, he took charge of his father's nine children, two of whom-Thomas W. Palmer, of | business, which he managed successfully until 1870. Detroit, and Mrs. Julia E. Hubbard- are living. Mary He then went to Sault Ste. Marie, where he remained W., wife of Henry M. Roby, now of Monroeville, Ohio, ! three years, engaged in the drug business. After sell- died in 1854, leaving one daughter now living, -- Miss; ing out his interest, he removed to Hancock, on Lake Mary W. Roby. Sarah C'. died in 1859. Mr. Palmer | Superior, and engaged in the same occupation. One and Miss Witherell were passengers on the " Walk-in-the- year later, he removed to Detroit, and, in connection Water," the first steamboat on the lakes, on her first ; with Mr. Dennis Robert Bogue, who belonged to an old trip, in 1819. They afterwards made their bridal trip in : French-Canadian family, opened a drug store under the the same vessel; and, on the return voyage from Buffalo, , firm name of Bogue & Co. Mr. Payment is now con- were wrecked the night of October 31st. Mr -. Palmer's ducting this business successfully. From 1864 to 1877, reminiscences of the incidents of the wreck are now on 'he held the position of County Treasurer at Sugar file among the records of the Buffalo Historical Society. : Island; and, in 1872, was Postmaster of Sault Ste. Mrs. Palmer was, for sixty years, a member of the ; Marie. His experience in traveling, during his life Methodist Episcopal Church. She wa, an active worker among the Indians, is of much interest. Ile was in various Christian and benevolent enterprises, and obliged to undergo many hardships in fighting with was one of the founders of the Detroit Protestant Orphan ' the savages, and met with severe commercial losses. Asylum.
Mr. Payment is a Roman Catholic, and is a member of St. Ann's Church. He has always felt an interest in. the Republican party, but has taken no active part in politics. In his business relations, he maintains a high
AYMENT, RICHARD C., was born in Detroit, | reputation for integrity, and is respected by all who Michigan, June 10, 1842. His mother, Catherine know him. Ile is genial and generous, ever ready to ( Ades) Payment, was born May 27, 1820. His, give assistance to those in need.
father, Michael G. Payment, who was born in Canada, January 20, 1814, was early thrown upon his own resources, with a limited education. From the age of fourteen to the age of twenty-four, he held a position ITCHIER, ZINA, M. D., late of Detroit, was born on the 12th of April, 1797, in Washington "County, New York. He was a son of Nathaniel Pitcher and Margaret (Stevenson ) Pitcher. His as clerk in a dry-goods store, receiving one dollar a month. In 1827 he went to Detroit, and found occupa- tion in the dry-goods house of Buchard & Co., situated on the corner of Woodward and Jefferson avenues, mother was left a widow with four young children, when he was only five years of age. His carly educa-
Here he made himself so useful to his employers that, in one year, they gave him an interest in the business; ; tional advantages were confined to those of the district and, at an early date, dispatched him with a cargo of goods to Lake Superior. On the voyage, he encoun-
school and county academy. At the age of twenty-one, Doctor Pitcher commenced the study of medicine,
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attending two courses of lectures at the Carleton School | magnificent book was added to the university library, of Medicine, in Vermont; and, in 1822, receiving the with much of the botanic lore which has proved the nucleus of that branch of science in the institution. As a practicing physician, his characteristics were acute- ness in diagnosis, with nice discrimination as to the condition and circumstances of the patient, and a clear, philosophical habit of mind in judging and applying remedies. Although educated in the old school views, and being a close student of his profession, he was not given to experimenting with new remedial agents; never using them when old and tried means were followed by satisfactory results. He was equally conservative in surgery, for which he always exhibited a special apt- ness. Though a bold operator, he never used the knife unless convinced that it was the only means of prolong- degree of M. D., from Middlebury College. Immedi- ately after obtaining his diploma, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon in the army, by President Monroe; which position he retained until the latter part of the year 1830, when he was promoted to the rank of Sur- geon, by President Jackson; his friend, General Cass, being Secretary of War. While occupying this position he was stationed on the Northern lakes, and among the Choctaw, Creek, and Cherokee Indians in the Arkansas Valley. He was thence detailed to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and appointed a member of the Army Medical Board, of which he was made the presiding officer in 1835. He was a frequent visitor at the "Rip Raps," in Hampton Roads, Virginia,-the retreat of General |ing life, or preserving an important member. Trained Jackson and family,-and was the medical adviser, and from early youth in the school of adversity, his sympa- thies in later years were drawn out towards those to whom fortune was more sparing with her favors. His ever friendly smile was even more kind and genial to those in straitened circumstances. In his practice, it was his wont to extend professional services to the poor and friendless, from whom no compensation could be expected, often giving them the preference over the rich and influential. Even during the last few months that he was able to be out, at the expense of much physical suffering, he would make occasional visits of this kind; frequently going long distances from home, while he felt at liberty to decline responding to calls which would have been remunerative. It was the spirit of Him who was the great friend of the poor, that in- spired the daily life of this noble man. When reminded that bills for such services were never paid, he would promptly answer, "That is a mistake; they are always paid, and by the best of pay-masters, the Lord himself." Ilis religion was not paraded before the eyes of men, like that of the Pharisee, but the record of his daily life proved its depth and sincerity. His health began to fail about a year previous to his death, and the closing days of his life were attended with the greatest physical suffering, which was borne with remarkable heroism. Satisfied that medical science might be advanced, and humanity benefited, by an investigation of the cause and working of the disease which had marked him for its victim, he requested his medical attendants, who were old and cherished friends, to make a post-mortem exam- ination of his remains. From this brief summary, it will be seen that Doctor Pitcher was intrinsically a broad man. Ilis integrity, probity, and faithfulness to every obligation, were proverbial. In social life he was ever the courteous gentleman; in religion, charitable to the views of others. Having served faithfully his genera- tion, he has left to society, not only the fruits of his good works, as the result of his intelligent foresight esteemed friend of the President. He was married, in 1824, to Anna Sheldon, of Kalamazoo County ; and, from this date, his interests became identified with the State of Michigan. They had one son and one daughter, who still survive. His wife having died during the summer of 1864, he was married, on the 26th of June. 1867, to Mrs. Emily I .. Backus, a granddaughter of Colonel Nathaniel Rochester, of Virginia, who was the founder of the city of Rochester, New York. They had one son,-Sidney Rochester, - who died when only five .. months old. Upon the adoption of the State Constitu- tion in 1836, Doctor Pitcher was appointed Regent of the State University, and held the office continuously for fifteen years, during which time the university was organized, and the medical department, through his efforts, established on a firm basis. In 1839 he served as a member of the Board of Visitors, at West Point. He held the office of Mayor of Detroit in 1840, and again in 1841, and 1843. It was mainly through his efforts, while occupying this position, that the enact- ment was obtained, authorizing the establishment of the public school system in the city of Detroit. From 1848 to 1867, he performed the duties of physician at St. Mary's Hospital, and also of surgeon of the United States Marine Hospital, at Detroit. In 1859 he was appointed Examiner of the Mint, by President Buchanan. At the time of his resignation from the army, he stood within three numbers of the head of the list of surgeons. Doctor Pitcher was elected President of the American Association, and contributed regularly to the medical journals; particularly to the Peninsula Journal, of which he was, for many years, an editor. He received gratify- ing tokens of respect and esteem from his friends in other States, by his election as honorary member of their leading academies of science, and medical socie- ties. He was always deeply interested in the natural sciences; an earnest botanist; and well versed in the habits of animals. In 1840, by his agency, Audubon's | and indefatigable energy, but also the bright and shining
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example of an earnest, Christian life. In closing this | he agreed to do only to please his father, as he imagined sketch with a record of Doctor Pitcher's death, which | he had no taste for such a profession, and was desirous occurred April 5, 1872, at the advanced age of seventy- five years, it can truthfully be said of him,- to engage in mercantile pursuits, fully intending to do so at the end of a year. Entering the law office of " Here was a man Fashioned to much honor from the cradle : He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one : Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading. Lofty and stern to them that loved him not, But, to those who sought him, sweet as summer And, to add greater honors to his age than man Could give him, he died fearing God." Backus & Harbaugh in 1856, he devoted himself earn- estly to the study of law, in which he soon became deeply interested. He decided to engage in it as a life profession ; and, being admitted to the bar in August, 1858, immediately began practice, which he has continued up to the present time, having acquired a large and lucrative business. In November, 1858, he was elected to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner for Wayne County, to serve two years, from January 1, 1859. In 1862 he was again elected, and was re-elected in 1864
RENTIS, GEORGE HOUSE, Lawyer, of Detroit, ! to the same office, having held it, in all, six years. was born April 28, 1837, in the township of La! This is the only elective office he has ever occupied, Salle, Monroe County, Michigan. His mother, having chosen to devote his time and attention to his Rebecca M. Gager, was born in New London profession, rather than to seek political honors. He County, Connecticut, in ISoo; was married in 1817; has always acted with the Democratic party, and has and died in 1844. She finished her education with Mrs. been at times actively engaged in the politics of the Lydia HI. Sigourney, between whom and her-elf there State. He was married, May 16, 1866, to Lavina C. existed a life-long and intimate friendship. His father, Griffin, of Cuba, New York, whose father, born in Ver- Eben Prentis, was a farmer. He was the son of Fben mont, in 1794, of Revolutionary ancestors, was one of Prentis, a Captain in the Revolutionary army, who died , the oldest residents of Alleghany County, New York, in Richmond, Virginia, about the year 1799, having and died there in September, 1877, in the eighty-fourth removed thither from New London, Connecticut, after year of his age. Mr. Prentis has been a laborious the close of the Revolutionary War. At his death, he ! student. is an energetic and successful lawyer, and has left three small children, - Eliza, Eben, and John. taken a high rank among his professional brethren of His wife was Elizabeth Shapley. Her mother being a the Detroit bar.
widow, and having lost all her property by the burning of her house in New London, at the invasion of Arnoldl. engaged in teaching to support herself and daughter. She had received an excellent education, and acquired a high reputation as a teacher, having instructed a class RESTON, DAVID, Banker, of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, September 20, 1826. Ilis father, Rev. David Preston, was a Methodist minister, who, for thirty years, was a member of the Erie Conference. lle died at East Conneaut, Ohio, in August, 1855 .. David Preston, having received a liberal education at the public schools, taught four years in Chautauqua County, New York; and, in the fall of 1848, entered the banking office of G. F. Lewis, of Detroit. After four years of service and discipline in this capacity, in May, 1852, he commenced business for himself, as a banker, in Detroit. Two years later, he opened a banking office in Chicago, in which he has been interested most of the time since. of young men in various subjects, among which was the science of navigation. Her maiden name was Harris, and her family settled in New London as early as 1651. Her brother-in-law, Captain Adam Shapley, was the only male member of the family. He commanded a company of militia at the invasion of New London, and, while assisting in the defense at Fort Griswold, in September, 1781, receive.l wounds from which he died, in February, 1782. His name is inscribed on Croton Monument, which was erected in memory of those who perished in the defense of New London. George HI. Prentis, the subject of this sketch, removed with his| parents to Detroit in 1843. received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of that city, and prepared ; Ile is at present senior member of the banking firm of under a private tutor to enter the Sophomore Class of | Preston, Kean & Co., of Chicago, and conducts a simi- the University of Michigan. About a month before'lar business in Detroit. From his youth, he has been a the commencement of the term, not desiring to take a member and ardent supporter of the Methodist Episco- collegiate course, which his father had planned for him, pal Church. He took a leading part in the erection of he induced the latter to allow him to abandon it. His, the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, of Detroit, one father consented only on condition that he would enter ; of the largest and most expensive in the State. He also a law office, and study law for at least one year. This : bought the site, and assumed the whole responsibility of
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raising funds to build the Simpson Methodist Episcopal | practiced alone, his business being one of the largest Church, in Detroit. He has, besides, given largely of and most successful in the State. He has never sought political preferment; but, in 1873, he was appointed, by Governor Bagley, a member of the Constitutional Com- mission of eighteen. He was one of two from the First Congressional District. his means to aid other religious and charitable enter- prises; his contributions to such objects, since 1864, amounting to nearly one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Preston's efficient labors in behalf of Albion College, located at Albion, Michigan, have secured a large addi- tional endowment fund to that institution. In the year 1870, he notified its trustees that he would be respon- sible for the raising of sixty thousand dollars, in small sums, from the people, if they would secure fifty thou- ULFORD, JOHN, of Detroit, Michigan, Colonel United States Army, and Brevet Brigadier-Gen- eral, was born in New York City, July 4, 1837. He is the seventh son of Edward and Sarah Lloyd ( Avis) Pulford ; the former a native of Norwich, and the latter of Bristol, England. They emigrated to New York City in 1833. In 1838 they removed to Essex County, Ontario, where they engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch received the educational advan- tages afforded by the public schools. When thirteen years of age, he went to Detroit, Michigan, and soon after began sailing on the lakes in the summer, and in the winter devoting his time to reading law. In 1854 sand dollars from not more than fifty men in the State. The trustees obtained the required amount by the aid of five thousand dollars from Mr. Preston; and, in 1872, he issued circulars and raised twenty-three thousand dollars from volunteer subscriptions. In June, 1873, he took the field in person, visited various sections of the State, held meetings, and secured subscriptions in fur- therance of the object ; and, in September of that year, paid over to the trustees sixty thousand dollars toward the endowment fund of that college. One week later, the financial panic of 1873 came on, and Mr. Preston was obliged, on account of the unusual demand for currency, to close his bank from the 25th to the 27th he became proprietor of a hotel in Detroit, and contin- of September. Upon closing, he published a circular stating the amount and character of his assets, assuring his creditors that, with these assets in his own hands, and under his own management, he could pay every dollar the bank owed, and have a surplus of a quarter of a million. Upon re-opening, with the assistance of his efficient partner, he soon made good this statement. By December 15, 1873, the bank had paid six hundred and fifty thousand dollars of its liabilities, and an- nounced its ability to pay all other indebtedness on ordered, with his regiment, to the front. During the demand. None of the customers of the bank lost a dollar, nor did it sacrifice one dollar on any of its bills discounted. Except three or four, during its two days of suspension, none of its checks were dishonored. Mr. Preston served two years as a member of the Common Council of Detroit,-the only public office he has ever held. Politically, he has always voted and sympathized with the Republican party. He was married, May 5, 1852, to Jane B. Hawk, of Conneaut, Ohio. They have seven children living.
COND, ASHLEY, Detroit, one of the most eminent and successful lawyers of Michigan, graduated & from Ann Arbor University, and was afterwards Professor in the law department, for several years. After his removal to Detroit, he formed a law partner- ship with John S. Newberry ; and, subsequently, with H. B. Brown. After Mr. Brown was appointed District Judge, this partnership ceased; and Mr. Pond has since
ued in this business until 1861. Upon the breaking out of the civil war, he and Edward T. Sherlock organized a military company, and tendered their services to the General Government. Mr. Pulford was soon after ap- pointed First Lieutenant in the 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He entered upon service, June 19, 1861, in a camp of instruction at Fort Wayne, Michigan, where he remained, drilling recruits and performing duties inci- dent to camp life, until September 11. He was then fall and winter, he aided in the construction of Forts Richardson and Lyon, and in the defenses of Washing- ton south of the Potomac. In March, 1862, he left with the Army of the Potomac for Fortress Monroe, Virginia, doing camp and picket duty in front of Hamp- ton. In April, 1862, he moved with his company and regiment to Yorktown, and assisted in the construction of earth-works preparatory to laying siege to the place. While here be performed important picket duty. At Williamsburg, Virginia, May 5, he participated .with his regiment in a charge on the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and captured the works and a number of pris- oners. In this charge, over three hundred Confederates were killed by the bayonet in front of his regiment. Soon after this engagement, he was promoted to a Cap- taincy. Hle took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, his company acting as skirmishers, and losing heavily. He was also engaged in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac in the seven days' fight before Richmond, including Peach Orchard, Charles City, Cross Roads, and Malvern Hill. When he went into action on the
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