USA > Michigan > American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men.: Michigan Volume > Part 6
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
by the Legislature, Mr. Brush was among the first ! Brush, are now the only representatives of this once named on this Board, and continued in it for upwards | promising family. Mr. Brush's death occurred very of sixteen years. Ilis services in this capacity have!
suddenly at his summer residence at Grosse Point. He been universally regarded as valuable; and his whole | never appeared better, or seemed more to enjoy life, career, as wise and judicious. Mr. Bush continued all' than an hour before his death ; and, after rallying a little through his life to watch closely our municipal politics and legislation, and was always ready to bear a part in
from a struggle occasioned by retarded action of the heart, he ran up stairs to his bed-room, where he laid all schemes designed for the common welfare; many public | himself down, never again to rise. Mr. Brush was abuses were effectually thwarted by his timely interference. ' widely known and esteemed, not only throughout the At the time of his death, he was still considering this | State, but throughout the country, and his death was subject, hoping to devise some plan by which the best lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends. It will citizenship could be, by law, commanded into the public | be long before his name and memory can be blotted service. It failed of practical maturity; but, had Mr. from the history and records of the city of Detroit. Brush been spared a year or two longer, there is little | doubt but he would have done something which would have greatly benefited the municipality. He wa. a friend to all projects for facilitating travel and trans- portation to and from the city, and devoted no small RUSH, ELIJAH, Lawyer, late of Detroit, was : born at Bennington, Vermont. His father was 'a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and took amount of time to the furtherance and development of our first railroad routes. The improvement and enlarge-
ment of the city incidentally enhanced the value of his | part in the battle of Bennington, where he was the first extensive real estate ; and, in the sale- made from it in late ! man inside the enemy's works. To complete his educa- year-, he compelled purchasers to erect substantial and tion, Mr. Brush was sent to Dartmouth College, where handsome buildings, the effect of which is now quite he graduated. He then began the study of law, and apparent on that portion of his farm which lies in the northern part of the city. Mr. Bush had some pecul- iarities in his way of doing business, but was never was duly admitted to practice. His father gave him one hundred dollars, and he at once directed his steps Westward. He settled in Detroit, Michigan, which was hard upon his tenants where they acted in good faith [ then a garrison villige of about five hundred inhab- toward him; and, it is said, never enforced a forfeiture. Through his long life, he retained, to a large extent,
itant-, and commenced the practice of hi, profession. Hle engaged in the first test case-involving the right to his early tastes and habits. He was not only a reader. hold slave -- that was ever tried in Michigan. In 1810 but a student and thinker on all public affairs. Not a the military force at Detroit consisted of United States partisan in politics, he was still a man of fixed and troops in garrison at Fort Le Soult,-previous to 1813 decided opinions. In conversation, he was instructive called Fort shelly, -and the volunteers which Colonel as well as entertaining, and enjoyed much the genial | Bra-h had organized into a battalion known as "The society of cultivated men. Where he gave hi- affections, " Michigan Legion." In the spring of 1812, General Hull they were strong and sincere, and he heartily enjoyed the ; sent his baggage by water, in advance of his march society of his friends and acquaintances. His attach to Detroit, which was delayed at Malden; and this ment to his own family was especially strong. He was was rendered more serious by the news of its seizure. happily married to Miss Eliza Cass Hunt, the accom -; But the movement served to warn the garrison and the plished daughter of General John E. Hunt, and a niece | inhabitants. Upon learning of the seizure of his bag- of Mrs. General Cass. By this marriage, five children were born to him, who all reached carly manhood and womanhood; but all of whom, save one, died before! gage, General Hull crossed to the Canada side in force, but soon returned. In the course of a few weeks, his command was increased by the addition of three Ohio their father. This one alone survives to bear and trans- "regiments, commanded by Colonels McArthur, Cass, and mit the family name. The carly deaths of these chil- | Findlay; the 4th United States Infantry, under Colonel dren fell like pitiless blows on the heart of their father, ! Miller; and the Ist Michigan Regiment of Infantry, who loved them intensely ; and it i, feared his grief under Colonel Brush, -the " Legion," previously com- contributed largely to hasten his own death. These manded by him, had been transferred, together with children were: Edmund Erskine, the eldest; Lillie, the ; detached companie-, to Major Witherell. This was the youngest; Adelaide, the eldest daughter, the wife of ; condition on the Ist of August, and the expectation of William G. Thompson; and Eliot Hunt Brush, the, an attack from the Canada side gathered strength every youngest son, who died within a year after his admission day. On the morning of the 10th, Colonels Cass and to the bar. The married daughter, Mrs. Thompson, | McArthur took up their line of march for the purpose leaves a young child, and these, with the widow of Mr. | of relieving Colonel Brush, who was reported to have
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KAPETANE KRINY
Yours Truly &Bull
Foruly
UNIV. OF
MICH
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
Harper Hospital. He has found leisure amid the cares of business to travel quite extensively through Europe and the United States. Mr. Buhl was married, in 1836, to Miss Beatty, of Butler County, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had five children. The eldest son, Cap- tain F. A. Buhl, entered the army on the breaking out of the civil war; he was wounded, and died at An- napolis, Maryland, in September, 1864. been attacked at the river Raisin. Having reached the | ment of the Life Association of America; Director of river Ecorse, they were ordered by messenger to return; the Second National Bank of Detroit; and Trustee of the expected attack had been made on Detroit. Early the following day, Colonels Findlay and Brush were ordered to take their commands to the edge of the woods west of the town, there to repel the Indians in the British service. Colonel Miller, in command of the 4th United States Infantry, which manned the fort and garrison, had suddenly been taken sick. To the amaze- ment and consternation of the Americans, the white flag was run up and the fort surrendered. Colonel Brush was sent to Quebec, in the following winter, as a pris- oner of war. Reaching Toronto,-then known as the town of York,-he met his brother-in-law, a British officer, through whose interposition he was paroled, and sent inside the American lines. In October, 1813, with General Harrison's troops, Colonels Brush and Cass re-entered Detroit, and, in the course of the following week, the former entertained his brother-officers, includ- ing Commodore Perry and others, by giving a celebra- tion dinner-party at the Brush mansion. Colonel Brush married a daughter of John Askin, of Detroit. He died in the winter of 1813, from exposure in attending the funeral of a brother-officer. Colonel Brush knew no personal fear, but was daring even to rashness. Many incidents might be related of his bravery in defending fugitive slaves and in conquering the Indians.
"ASTER, ELISHA E., Minister of the Gospel, Detroit, was born in Galen, Wayne County, New York, March 19, 1836. His father, Christopher W. Caster, was a native of Redfield, Oswego County, New York; but, when quite young, removed to Western New York, where he remained until 1850. He resided in Ohio from 1850 to 1851, and then removed to Oak- land County, Michigan, where he still lives. Elisha E. Caster is the fifth of nine children, all of whom lived to mature age. He attended the district schools and academies of New York and Michigan until he had reached his twentieth year. He was an attentive scholar, and especially fond of history. Following in the foot- steps of his father, he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and became a first-class workman. In 1853 he was converted, under the preaching of Rev. William Birdsall. Six months after, he received a license as an exhorter ; and, in 1856, as a local preacher. One year from that time, he entered the traveling connection of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1857 he was ap-
UHL, FREDERICK, Hatter and Furrier, of Detroit, was born in Western Pennsylvania, November 27, 1806. His parents were natives of Saxony, and emigrated to this country previous to pointed pastor of the. Methodist Episcopal Church at their marriage. Mr. Buhl is the second son in a family Byron, and was engaged, during seven years, at Corunna, Owosso, Bay City, and Marquette,-the discipline of the Conference, at that time, allowing only two years at each place. In 1864 he took charge of the Garland Street Church, at Flint, entering upon his duties with an ability and enthusiasm which resulted in a great increase of his congregation. In the winter of 1855-56, his labors were rewarded with a revival of more than ordinary interest, so that it became impossible to seat all who attended the services. From Flint he went to Lafayette avenue, Detroit, where he labored zealously for three years, and received into the Church more than two hundred converts. He next went to Jefferson Ave- nue Church, where he remained three more years, meet- ing with equally good success. From 1874 to 1876 he labored with the people at Romeo, during which time their new church was completed, at a cost of sixty of eleven children; he enjoyed very few educational advantages, owing to the irregularity of the schools in that then new country. When sixteen years of age, he went to Pittsburg for the purpose of acquiring a knowl- edge of the jeweler's trade, but ill health forced him to devote himself to other pursuits. In 1833 he came to Detroit, Michigan, where he formed a partnership with his brother, C. H. Buhl, and opened a hat store, the firm name being F. & C. H. Buhl, which remained in exis- tence twenty years. At the end of this time, his brother retired, `and Mr. Buhl continued in and increased the business until he became one of the largest shippers of furs in the country, as well as an importer and manufac- turer of every thing pertaining to furs. The firm is now F. Buhl, Newland & Co. Mr. Buhl has occupied many positions of trust and honor, having been Alder- man and Mayor of the city; Director of the State thousand dollars. He would have remained the third Bank; President of the Fort Wayne and Elmwood year, had he not been called, by a delegation, to the Railroad Company; President of the Michigan Depart- | church at East Saginaw. He went to that place, where
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
he has since been laboring with a zeal which has gained ' to the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton a large and influential congregation. He joined the Constitution; in opposition to the annexation of Cuba to Masonic Fraternity in 1Soo, and is a Knight of the Red the United States; and in favor of appropriations for the Cross. In 1865 he became an Odd Fellow, and is a construction of a -hip canal through the St. Clair Flats. member of the Encampment. He is a member both of He also made a vigorous protest against the character of the Good Templars and the Sons of Temperance. He the standing committees of the Senate, which, while that is a Republican, and has often been urged to make body was under Democratic control, were generally political speeches, but has refused. He has devoted composed of six Democrats and one Republican. Mr. much of his time, for the last four years, to lecturing on Chandler wa- re-elected in 1863, and again in ISog, and temperance and other popular subjects, and is a fine thus served in the Senate eighteen years. In December, speaker as well as a ready writer. For several years' isot, upon the motion of Mr. Chandler, after consider- he has been a correspondent of numerous papers and able discussion in Congress, a joint Committee on the journals. He possesses those powers of concentration Conduct of the War, consisting of three Senators and and fluency which enable him to preach without manu- four Representatives, was appointed; its first business script, and frequently without notes. He was married being to inquire into the causes of the defeat of the in June, 1853, to Miss Hattie I. Wilbur, a graduate of Union forces at the battles of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff. Spring Arbor, and a lady of fine literary attainment., The chairmanship of the committee was tendered to They have two daughters. Mr. Chandhr, who declined to accept, and nominated Senator Wade for the position. Thi, celebrated com- mitce, when fast organized, consisted of Senators Wade, of Ohio: Chandler. of Michigan ; Johnson, of Tennessee; and Representatives Gooch, of Massachusetts; Covode, HANDLER, HON. ZACHARIAHI, of Detroit, of Pennsylvania: Julian, of Indiana; and Odell, of New Og was born in Bedford, New Hampshire. December York. It was continued until after the close of the 10, 1813. He received an academical education. war, many charges taking place among its members In December, 1833, he removed to Detroit, Michigan, from time to time. Mr. Chandler remained on the com- where, shortly after, he engaged in the dry-goods hasi- mitter, but declined at any time to become Chairman, ness, and in a few years become a prosperous merchant, although he was the guiding spirit. As soon as the In 1851 he was elected Mayor of Detroit, and. in 1852. . Republicans gained ascendeney, Mr. Chandler was was the Whig nominee for Governor of Michigan. He made Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, and made a vigorous canvas and ran far ahead of his ticket : helt the position until the expiration of his third term, but the Democracy held unbroken sway in the State Match 3. 1875. He was one of the most earnest sup- until after the advent of the Republican party. In 1857 potbis of President lincoln's administration, as well as Mr. Chandler was elected to the United States Senate, a. of that of Pre bient Grant, and possessed the firm friend- a Republican, to succeed General Lewis das, Don erat, Ship, extrem. and confidence of Presidents Lincoln and and took his seat, March 4. 1857. Among the distin- Grant, and Mr. Stanton. Mr. Stanton was appointed to guished men in the Senate. at that time, were William P. the Supreme Bench upon the request of Mr. Chandier, Fessenden, Hannibal Hamlin, John P. Hale, Charles on the same day that the request was made. July 16. Summer, Henry Wilson, William II. Seward, Preston 1802, Mr. Chandler delivered his greatest speech in the King. Simon Cameron, Benjamin F. Wade, R. M. T. , Senate. It was in relation to the conduct of the war. Hunter, James M. Mason, David C. Broderick, Andrew ; Its most notable feature was his severe criticism of Johnson, John J. Crittenden, John Bell, Stephen A. ; General MeCh lan's military career as Commander of Douglas, Samuel Houston, Jefferson Davis, Robert the Army of the Potomac, which doubtless hastened Toombs, John Slidell, and Judah P. Benjamin. In, the transfer of General Grant to that command. From the House of Representatives were Anson Burlingame, i the time of his entrance into public life, Mr. Chandler Nathaniel P. Bank-, Francis E. Spinner. E. D. Morgan, ; was an active, prominent, and skillful politician, and, Erastus Corning, Reuben E. Fenton, Galusha A. Grow, when his advice was followed, party success was gener- John Covode, Henry Winter Davis, Charles J. Faulkner. ally assured. He has always been an advocate of pro- James I. Orr, Alexander Ii. Stephens, I. Q. C. Lamar, tective tiff for the encouragement of home manufacture. George H. Pendleton. Samuel S. Cox, John Sherman, He has carnesly advocated and often secured aid from Joshua K. Gidding, Horace Maynard, Schuyler Colfax, the Goverment in the construction and repair of E. B. Washburne, Owen Lovejoy, F. P. Blair, Jun., improvement, in rivers and harbors. He was among William A. Howard, and John F. Porter. The princi- the foremost of those who favored the overthrow of pal speeches made by Mr. Chandler during the admin- slave-power, the preservation of the integrity and honor istration of President Buchanan were those in opposition of the country, and the protection by law of all the
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were his intellectual ability, and that quality which is' of mind in extinguishing it brought him into favorable comprehensively described as superior goodness. His | notice, and he was no longer a stranger. Citizens special study was metaphysics, and his acquirements came forward to encourage him, and to seek his counsel. attracted the most scholarly men of Detroit to his shop, Doctor Chapin married in 1823, and, two years later, while his reputation with this class was as wide as the ' built a comfortable home for his family. Besides his continent. He collected a large library; on the abstruse professional labors, he gave due attention to the drug topics of which it mainly treated, one of the largest and and grocery store, which was the foundation of the best-selected in the country. He wrote much, although whole ale establishment now carried on by T. II. his modesty restrained him from offering his production. Hinchman & Sons, -the latter gentlemen are grand- to the public. The North-western University of Chi- ; sous of Dr. Marshall Chapin. In 1831, and again in cago, in recognition of his literary attainments, con- ferred upon him the degree of A. M., June 20, 1852. A religious man, and a communicant of the Methodist He was truly catholic in spirit and in heart. He was a
1833. he held the office of Mayor of Detroit. But it is as the good physician of that place in 1832, and again in 1534, that his name will ever be held in grateful Episcopal Church, he was never tinctured with bigotry. ' remembrance. During those years, when the cholera was so fatal to residents of Detroit, Doctor Chapin simple-minded, great man; and true greatness is alway - worked night and day at the bedside of the sick and wedded with simplicity. He died without reproach, dying. While the scourge la-ted, he seldom took more and without an enemy. His pa-tor. Rev. W. X. Ninde, than two hours' sleep in the twenty-four. He was one in a modest though touching cuolgy on the occasion of of the few successful physicians in staying the progres his burial, paid this tribute to the native graces of the of the disease; and hundreds of the poor looked upon good man : "We rejoice that our brother ha, entered, him as then preserver. Hle invariably refused all com- into rest. Heaven to him must have proved gloriously pensation for his services, from there not readily able to welcome. He always scemed out of place in this rade pay. His natarally delicate constitution gave way under world. So sensitive was hi, nature, so ethereal hi- [ the great demand made upon it : he was attacked by a spirit, that the world, with its strife,, its vain pursuit>, fever, which attected the brain, and it was many months its low ambitions, ever jarred painfully upon his feel- I before he taffiel. A year of rest and good nursing ings. Let us rejoice, therefore, in the triumph he has enabled him to enjoy three years of comfortable health. won, glorifying that God who gives to all souls their beauty and strength."
In 1838 the fatal symptoms made their appearance which ended a life of great usefulne-, and promise. He died December 26. 1535. Rich and poor crowded to pay their last respects to a man universally beloved and Limented. "A good name is rather to be chosen than į great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and
HAPIN, DR. MARSHALL, of Detroit, was born [ gold."
in Bernard town, Massachusetts, February 27. 17os. He was the son of Dr. Caleb and Many Chapin. His ancestors, for more than two hundred year-, had lived in and about Springfield, and the Connecticut : River Valley. Ile was one of a family of nine children. and was brought up in the frugal, industrious habits of those early times. His father owned a farm, and he'
ONANT, HON. SHUBAEL, Merchant, Detroit, Michigan, was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, August 1, 1783. He was apprenticed to the assisted in the work; obtaining such education as wa, business of watch-making, at North Hampton, and possible during the winter months. A removal, which became thoroughly familiar with that trade. When the family made to Caledonia, New York, wa, an twenty-six years old, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, experiment which succeeded only in scattering the boys and July 5. ISTO, came to Detroit with a stock of goods from home. Mr. Chapin attended a medical course at and opened a store on Jefferson avenue. Mr. Conant Geneva. He also studied some time with his uncle, remained in business there until the surrender of the Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, of Buffalo, New York, and gradu- city to the British in 1812. He was a sergeant in Cap- ated at the age of twenty-one. In iSig he established, with tain Solomon Sibly's company of militia at that time, the help of his uncle, the first drug store in Detroit, and was one of those who vigorously protected against Michigan, then a town of only five hundred inhabitants, , the surrender. Amid the confu-ion which ensued upon the occupation of the city by the British and Indians, business became very insecure, and, at the suggestion
He had medical care of the fort; and, soon after his arrival at Detroit, was invited to dine with Governor Cass. A fire broke out on the roof while they were at l of his partner, Mr. Conant packed and stored their stock dinner, and the young doctor's coolness and presence of goods, and left for New England. Ile remained there
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF MICHIGAN.
until the victory of Perry on Lake Erie, September 10, [ influential in shaping the affairs of the country. He 1813, rendered it evident that the American rule would married Miss Sarah Hill, an estimable lady of Ver- be permanently and securely established over the North- west. Mr. Conant returned to Detroit in 1813, and became connected with Colonel Stephen A. Mack, under the firm name of Mack & Conant. For several years this firm did as large a business as any house west of Albany, and contracted with the Government for supplying the different posts on the frontiers. In the prosecution of this trade, they made large advances to the Government, as well as to persons holding claims against it; and, owing to the delay and losses occasioned by the action of the Government in connection with these claims, they were finally compelled to make an assignment for the benefit of their Eastern creditors. Mr. Mack dying insolvent, the duty of paying the debts of the firm devolved on . Mr. Conant ; who, after years of toil and personal sacrifice, discharged every claim in full. After closing his commercial career, Mr. Conant acted as agent for the noted firm of Davis & Centre, of Albany, New York, in the purchase of furs. By his business skill, he managed to amass considerable means, and, at his death, left a large estate. He was the builder of the "Michigan Exchange" hotel, the block on Jefferson avenue, which bears his name, as well as other build- ings of less prominence. He was a firm believer in the Christian religion, and a member of the Presbyterian denomination. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1867, he was connected with the Fort Street Presby- terian Church, and, in his daily life, bore witness to the faith which he professed. mont. Judge Henry Chipman had a profound respect for his parents, and his whole career was influenced by |his father's teachings and example. It was his good fortune to receive a thorough education. He entered Middlebury College, and graduated in 1803, before attaining his majority. This college had already a high reputation, and Judge Chipman left with solid ac- quirements and scholarly tastes, which were a source of comfort and enjoyment through all his life. He was present at the commencement exercises of 1866, and was then the sole survivor of his class. On that occa- sion he received the degree of Doctor of Laws. Imme- diately after graduating, he began the study of law, and, in due time, was admitted to the Vermont bar. His unsparing devotion to study had been too much for his physical strength, and his health failed. In hope of amendment, he removed to the West Indies, and resided four years in Jamaica. During that time his constitution became so invigorated that the remainder of his life was more than commonly free from sickness. On re- turning to the United States, he first settled in Charles- ton, South Carolina. From-there he soon removed to Walterborough, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. The South Carolina bar was then, as since, eminent, and Judge Chipman became intimate with the leading lawyers,- Huger, Pettigrew, and their cotemporaries. His most cherished friend was James L. Pettigrew, a gentleman known throughout the United States, not only for his legal accomplishments, but for his unflinching love for the Union. This was unshaken by the trials to which he was subjected, first, during the nullification troubles, and, afterwards, during the more painful times of secession, when he stood solitary in his political fidelity. So long as they both lived, he and Mr. Chipman were strongly attached to each other. They found increasing pleasure in a frequent interchange of correspondence, upon affairs of mutual interest. As age crept upon them, and their circle of old friends became narrower, this intercourse became more and more valued; and, in the changes which party politics introduce all over the country, they found their harmony of sentiment very pleasing. Such lasting friendship is as rare as it is honorable. While settled in Walter- borough, Mr. Chipman formed the acquaintance of Miss Martha Mary Logan, to whom he was afterwards married. She was the daughter of John Logan, a wealthy planter of South Carolina, and was a remarkable woman. Her appearance was striking, and her intellectual and moral superiority made her respected and influential. She was warm-hearted and benevolent, of generous sympathies and strong attachments. She read much, observed care- fully, and was informed on public questions as com-
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