USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Chronography of notable events in the history of the Northwest territory and Wayne County > Part 12
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Governor Barry appointed him Attorney General. This office he filled acceptably two years. It should be mentioned that in the fall of 1839 he was the Democratic candidate for Governor against William Woodbridge, Whig, but was defeated by a vote of 1, 100, against him. He was ex officio Regent of the Michigan University from 1836 to 1843, and by reappointment from 1846 to 1852, when he became regent by popular election. It was through his instrumentality that Dr. Tappan was called to the Presidency of the University. He was Resident Director of the Michigan Central Railway in 1846, and President of the Detroit Savings Bank in 1849.
In 1876, while attending the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia he took a severe cold from which he did not recover, and died soon after his return to Detroit. On the announcement of his decease, the Detroit bar, at a special meeting, appointed the following as a com- mittee on resolutions : Levi Bishop, Theodore Romeyn, Alfred Russell, R. P. Toms and A. B. Maynard.
Elon Farnsworth possessed the love, esteem and respect of a large circle of personal acquaintances, drawn to him by the genial atmos- phere which ever surrounded his personal presence. In the domestic circle, it is said of him, that in every room of his house, he had erected an altar-his household gods-whom he admired with love amounting to adoration.
He was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal church from the time of its organization. In 1830, he married Miss Blake, of Vermont. She survived his death but a few years. Two daughters were the fruit of their union. Mrs. General O. B. Wilcox, whose death pre- ceded his, and Mrs. William F. Harrison, who survived him.
A. D. FRAZER.
For many years the subject of this sketch was the "Nestor" of the Detroit Bar. He was a native of Scotland, and born near Inver- ness, the capital of the Highlands, January 20th, 1796. He acquired the rudiments of an education at the parish schools, and some knowl- edge of higher branches at Inverness academy. In the spring of 1813, at his own request, his father placed him in the office of a law solicitor, with whom he remained until 1814, when he went to Edinburgh, and in January, 1815, he entered the office of an attorney of the Supreme Court of Scotland as a student. During the same year he attended lectures on the Scot Law, delivered by Professor Hume, a nephew of the historian. He continued his studies at Edinburgh until 1819, when he took passage for America, landing at Savannah, Georgia, June 19; from thence he went to Alabama where he had relatives, was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in that State Nov. 10, 1819.
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After a residence of two years he left Alabama and proceeding north settled at Vincennes, Indiana, desiring to practice in Illinois as well as Indiana. He was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Illinois, March 24, 1821, and in June following was admitted to the bar at Vin- cennes. The fever and ague being too severe upon his constitution, in June, 1823, he decided to move to a locality where it did not prevail, and started on horseback for Detroit, where he arrived early in August, 1823. As the laws of the territory did not permit aliens to practice in the territorial courts, some time elapsed before he was admitted to the bar of Detroit. The courts of this period was Supreme Court of three Judges, and of County Courts where the counties were organized. The Supreme Judges were A. B. Woodward, James Witherell and John Griffin. The most important case in which he ever was engaged was that known as the "Railroad Conspiracy Case," in which he was retained by the prosecution. From that time he occupied a prominent position as a lawyer, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. He continued in active practice until 1856, when, while engaged in an important case before the Supreme Court, he instantaneously lost the sight of the right eye, after which he did no business. In the year 1829, he married Caroline May, the youngest daughter of the Hon. James May, the first Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Frazer had six children, all of whom died young, except Alexander, Jr., who died soon after his marriage to a young lady of New York, so that he had no descendants at his death, which occurred in 1877.
MICHAEL HENDERSON.
For 56 years the subject of this sketch has dwelt in Detroit, pursu- ing in an unostentatious manner his avocation in life, recognizing his obligation to his Maker, his family, and the general rights of his fellow men, and practising honesty, frugality and industry, has accumulated a competency for his family, gained the respect and confidence of the public, and possesses the conscious satisfaction of having kept his faith with God. Michael Henderson is a native of Ireland, and was born in Queen's County, in 1823. When he was but two years of age, his father, John Henderson, and Catharine Henderson, nee Bray, emigrated to America, bringing Michael with them. They settled first in Troy, New York, from whence they removed to Rochester, New York. They died while he was little more than 10 years of age. In 1834 he came to Detroit, beginning life for himself at the early age of 11 years. Detroit has been his home continuously from that to the present time. September 19, 1841, 'he married Elizabeth Kalnbach. She was born in the State of New Jersey, in 1826, and is of German descent. They have had eight children : Mary, William H., Harriette, Georgia, Clara,
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Fred., Kitty and Harry, only three of whom are living. Mr. Hender- son, during the last 20 years has been engaged in the construction of city sewers, as contractor. Among the sewers built by him are the Riopelle street, Hastings, Russell, Cass avenue, which was recently rebuilt, Fourteenth, Eighteenth and outlet of Eleventh, Twenty-fourth and outlet, also the extensions; Lincoln ave., Mckinstry ave., besides many lateral sewers. Mr. Henderson's son, William Henderson, is associated with him, and he now has the contracts for extending the outlet of Mckinstry sewer 250 feet into the river. When it is con- sidered that in order to retain the confidence of the city authorities, which he seems to have done for so long a period, he must have done his work honestly, and to their satisfaction, no further com- ments are necessary to establish his integrity and ability to perform what he undertakes. Mr. Henderson is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has ever maintained a consistent Christian life; has been a generous and active supporter of all reforms, charitable and educational, which have done so much to elevate and promote the moral growth of his adopted city. In politics, he is Republican, acting with that party earnestly and effectively, but has never sought or held a public office. As a citizen, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. While he has not accumulated a large fortune, he possesses a compet- ency.
WILLIAM S. HOSMER.
The subject of this sketch is a lineal descendent of Abner Hosmer, who was one of the two first who fell in the raid made by the British on Concord and Lexington from Boston. History records, that of the party stationed at the bridge near Lexington, two men were killed, one of whom was Abner Hosmer. Judge Hosmer, of Detroit, is also a descendant.
William S. Hosmer, the present subject, was born in the township of Monguagon, October Ist, 1822. So there can be no question as to his being recognized as a pioneer.
His father lived on the Army Trail, opened by Gen. Hull, and kept a public house. Also engaged in opening the Limestone Quarry, then owned by Mack & Sibley, being the first to ship stone and lime from that quarry to Detroit; was so engaged from 1819 to April, 1834. He also furnished stone and lime for the Dearborn U. S. Arsenal, 1832. During the panic on first appearance of the cholera in Detroit in 1832, a volunteer crew took a boat load of lime to Detroit for the sanitary commission.
April, 1834, the subject of this sketch settled on the farm in Huron, still occupied by him, attended the district school, partly supported by
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the rent of the school section 16. Such rent was the first income of the primary school fund in the territory. In 1841, taught his first district school, and engaged almost continuously teaching the winter terms until 1889. Taking an active part in the development of the county, socially and morally, and in education. Especially active in securing the Flint &. P. M. R. R. line through Wayne county.
The father of Mr. Hosmer (Artemus Hosmer) was a native of Massachusetts, and was born at Concord in 1788. On his paternal side, his family dates back to 50 years prior to the War of the Revolution, when they settled in the Province of Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire.
Artemus Hosmer came to Michigan July, 1818, and prospected on the Huron river in view of the first sales of land in October, 1818, when he entered the N. E. fr. 14 section 7, T. 4, S. R. 9 E., which he improved in 1823, moving on the farm in 1834. His family still occupy the homestead (1890). He occupied and worked the Sibley quarry from 1819 to 1834 ; was a contractor on the Maumee Turnpike in 1828, and on the Gratiot road, near Fort Gratiot, in 1832. In 1837 was engaged clearing right of way for the Michi- gan Central Railroad ; assisted to organize the township of Mon- guagon, in 1827; moved to the township of Huron in 1834, having built the first frame barn, raised April 5, 1832, which called together forty pioneers along the river from Flat Rock to Rawsonville. Here, with his usual energy, he helped open up highways, build bridges, establish a high grade of district schools, which yet remain, showing the results of an active pioneer. He died in 1844, leaving a large family with his widow, who was spared for 27 years to counsel and advise them. In 1819, he married Mary Dunn, daughter of James Dunn. She was born at Black Rock, N. Y., in 1800. The fruit of the mar- riage was the subject of this sketch, and four brothers and five sisters. The father, Artemus Hosmer, died in 1844, and the mother, Mary Dunn, died in 1871. Wm. S. Hosmer married Miss Helen Bloomer in 1844, at the town of Romulus, Michigan. She was the daughter of John Bloomer, and was born in Lyons, N. Y. The fruit of the marriage was six sons and two daughters. Four sons and the daughters survive (1890). The oldest, Artemus Hosmer, enlisted at the age of 17 in the 24th Michigan Infantry, and died in 1868.
JOHN f. GARRISON.
John J. Garrison, one of the early pioneers, long engaged in the wholesale grocery business, a man of frank, generous and independent character, whom the business community and the citizens generally held in high estimation for integrity and fair dealing, was born in
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Cayuga county, N. Y., August 11, 1808. When but nine years of age he came with his parents to Detroit, where he completed his education, engaged in business, succeeded in accumulating a fair competency, and died May 14, 1876, respected by all who knew him. His son Charles is a prominent citizen, and has held several important public positions, viz .: President Detroit Board of Trade, City Assessor, Alderman, and others.
WILLIAM C. HOYTE.
Independence in his opinion and views, and with courage to main- tain them ; integrity of purpose, aims and objects; abhorrence of all chicanery in their accomplishment, are some of the characteristics of the subject of this sketch.
William C. Hoyte was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., in 1816. His ancestry were of the old New England stock, distinguished for their loyalty to the Government established in 1776. His father was a man of culture and became eminent in Eastern New York, and was connected with a number of public and private enterprises tending to promote the development of that portion of the State.
Wm. C. Hoyte, the subject of this sketch, received a classical edu- cation, and read law in Buffalo, N. Y .; was admitted to the bar in that city, and in 1836 or 1837, came to Michigan, and engaged in the prac- tice of his profession at Milford, Oakland County. He remained there until 1853, when he removed to Detroit. While in Oakland County he was elected Judge of Probate, from which he derives his title of Judge. Immediately on reaching Detroit he opened an office, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. He also made some profitable invest- ments in real estate. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was a member of the Judiciary and other important committees in the House.
For several years Judge Hoyte had been an invalid, and he removed to Birmingham, devoting himself to quiet work in his garden and the society of his friends. Returning to Detroit in 1887, he still found his health would not permit him to resume the practice of law, and upon the solicitation of friends he returned to his native State, where he now resides.
Judge Hoyte has a brother who became eminent as a medical practitioner, and prominent as a Democratic Legislator, having been a member of that body a number of sessions. He resides near Walled Lake, Oakland County. The doctor has a son who is a leading physi- cian, practising in Detroit. He resides on Hubbard street. Judge Hoyte differs with his brother in politics, having been always a Repub-
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lican, for which he has the strongest regard. His religious convictions are of the Congregational order, of which church he is a regular attendant. He is a member of this Society, and we are indebted to him for the sketch of the Hon. Levi Bishop, and that on the "Early French of Detroit," both of which appear elsewhere in this compilation.
N. W. BROOKS.
Frankness, as a characteristic, is the opposite of selfishness, cowardice, arrogance, egotism and hypocrisy, and indicates, in the man possessing and practicing it, liberality, courage, plainness in speech and manner, the recognition of equal rights, and the free utterance of opinion and sentiment. Who that knew the subject of this sketch, but will consent that by his words and acts he exemplified his title to the appellation of a "frank man" ? Not only did he manifest this charac- teristic in a distinguished manner in his intercourse with men and the world, but he also exhibited his contempt for dishonesty in any form, and his regard for truthfulness and integrity.
Nathaniel W. Brooks was born at Castine, in the State of Maine, on the 27th day of August, 1808. He was the son of John Brooks, born at the same place, June 13th, 1785. His ancestors were English, and Cromwellian in sentiment. The maiden name of his mother was Phobe Perkins. She was born at Castine April 12th, 1787, and was of Huguenot descent. The parents of Mr. Brooks were married at Castine, State of Maine. They had six sons and eight daughters. They died at Columbus, in the State of Ohio, the former on Febru- ary 19th, 1869, and the latter on December 17th, 1864.
Nathaniel, the second son, and the subject of this sketch, must have had fair educational opportunities, as he gave evidence of familar- ity with literary subjects, and at one time conducted a newspaper as proprietor and editor. In boyhood he was the companion of the late Edward M. Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, and while in adult life they differed politically, they ever cherished a warm friendship for each other, and when the War of the Rebellion began, they were both of one mind, their regard for each other becoming strongly cemented, and of the most intimate character. (The compiler has spent many pleasant hours in listening to their exchange of early reminiscences). Mr. Brooks came to Michigan in 1836, first locating at Detroit, where he engaged in the grocery business in company with his brother-in-law, William M. St. Clair, and at one time as a member of the firm of Brooke & St. Clair, occupied one of the old Campau stores, foot of Randolph street. He removed to St. Clair in 1843, and associating with him William M. St. Clair, established the business of manufacturing lumber and dealing in pine lands, in which he continued until his death. About
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1856 he returned to Detroit as senior member of the firm of Brooks & Holland, and afterwards of the firm of Brooks & Adams. The firm of Brooks & Adams also owned extensive tracts of pine timber in northern Michigan and mills at Bay City.
Although not a member of any church denomination Mr. Brooks was a trustee and a regular attendant of the first Congregational church of Detroit, and never withheld in giving liberally towards its support; neither was he parsimonious in his gifts of time and money to advance the interests of all objects and enterprizes, of a moral, benevolent or educational character. He was an earnest Republican, and during the late Civil War his energies, time and money were devoted to the Government and its measures for the restoration of the Union. His earnest efforts in this direction brought him into confidential relations with President Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton, and made him prominent among the leading men of that period. He never sought, nor would accept a public political position for himself, but was regarded as a power in securing such positions for his friends. He was bold and fearless in asserting and maintaining his political convictions, but granted to his opponents the right to advocate theirs, providing they did not conflict with the law protecting public good, and the liberties of the people.
Personally, Mr. Brooks was genial, somewhat blunt in speech, generous to a fault, not a particle of vindictiveness in his nature; prompt in acknowledging a wrong act or word; full of sympathy for the misfortunes of others, and ready to relieve them to the extent of his ability; a faithful friend and a generous foe.
In 1838 Mr. Brooks married Miss Caroline Frances Jeffords. She was born at Columbus, Ohio, on the 12th day of May, 1818. She was ยท indeed a helpmeet and a woman of more than ordinary business capa- city, which she exercised and devoted to aid him in all the transactions of his life. That he fully appreciated her sagacity and judgment is evidenced by the provisions of his will, which placed all his large busi- ness interests under her sole control. Nathaniel W. Brooks died at his residence in Detroit, leaving a widow and one married daughter, Mrs. Wm. B. Morton, losing one son, Jno. W. Brooks, and two daughters, Mrs. Edw. P. Cressey, and Miss Margaret P. Brooks. Mrs. Brooks survived her husband 13 years, meantime conducting the extensive business interests committed to her charge by Mr. Brooks successfully, and leaving it at her death in a prosperous condition. Mrs. Caroline Frances Brooks departed this life October 25, 1885, at her residence in Detroit.
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THOMAS and FRIEND PALMER.
Thomas and Friend Palmer were so closely identified in all the relations of life that the story of one is that of the other, and for the purposes of this sketch relating to their experiences and incidents con- nected therewith, we use the plural.
They were born in the town of Ashford, Windham County, Con- necticut, Friend in 1787, and Thomas, February 4th, 1789. As farmers' boys they were taught to labor, and at such times as the work on the farm would permit, availed themselves of the educational advantages afforded by the public schools of their native town. When Thomas arrived at the age of 19, and Friend that of 21 years, the two set out to become merchants. They had heard their grandmother Barber relate the experiences of their grandfather, Thomas Barber, of Sunsbury, Conn., who was an early Indian trader in the Northwest, said to have been one of the first to contest the supremacy of the French ; who in 1765 bought a stock of goods, hauled them overland to Schenectady, N. Y., then purchased boats, and engaging boatmen, proceeded up the Mohawk, thence through Wood Creek to Oneida Lake, thence down its outlet to Oswego, up Lake Ontario to the Nia- gara river, thence making the portage over the Niagara Falls, up Lake Erie to Detroit. The English general, Bradstreet, had the year previ- ous concluded a treaty with all the Indian tribes hostile to the English, which thus opened up this section to English traders. Mr. Barber was one of the first New England men to avail himself of this new state of things, and his goods being suitable for the Indian trade, he soon was able to exchange them for valuable furs at a handsome profit.
Undoubtedly, the relation of their grandfather's success had much to do in determining the future course of the Palmer brothers, for in 1808, we learn they obtained a small stock of goods, a wagon and span of horses, and commenced as itinerant merchants, choosing as their field of operation, Western Canada. After encountering numerous hardships, and making many narrow escapes, but having been reason- ably successful, they decided to locate permanently at Malden as settled merchants, and just as the war of 1812 began, they were doing a thriving and profitable business. Although the declaration was made June 18th, 1812, the news did not reach the people of the Northwest until the Ist of July. Upon the announcement at Malden, all the Yankees at that place, some fifteen in number, including the Palmer brothers, were arrested and imprisoned. Some of them afterwards on taking the oath of allegiance to the British crown were released, but the Messrs. Palmer and five others refused, and were held as prisoners for five weeks or more, when they were run over the river and landed at Monguagon, and footed it to Detroit. Thus they made their first
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entrance into what subsequently became the seat of their future suc- cesses as well as misfortunes. Prior to their imprisonment at Malden, they had been permitted to pack and safely store their goods, and on the surrender of Hull were allowed to return to Malden on parole, when they unpacked and exchanged their goods for furs, making a good speculation. They then returned to Connecticut, when after a few months looking around, they fixed upon Canandaigua, N. Y., as a good point to start anew, it then being the most important town in Western New York. Neither Buffalo or Rochester were known as substantial settlements, Canandaigua being the centre of commerce for nearly the whole of Western New York, from Cayuga to Lake Erie. The firm of F. & T. Palmer enjoyed an extensive and lucrative trade. Peace between the United States and Great Britain was declared December 24, 1814, and in the spring of 1815, the firm found them- selves with a large stock of goods, which had depreciated in value, and it was decided that Thomas should go to Canada and dispose of a por- tion. Taking about $40,000 worth, he selected Bay of Quinte as his field of trade, where he disposed of his goods at a handsome profit, and on the 16th of June, 1815, Thomas came to Detroit with a large stock of goods, and commenced business for the first time in Detroit, under the firm name of F. & T. Palmer, Friend remaining in charge of the busi- ness at Canandaigua, and Thomas that at Detroit. In this way the firm continued a successful business until 1824, when there came a financial crash. Up to this time there was no more reliable house in the west than that of F. & T. Palmer, and their credit in New York and Boston was almost unlimited. It was unfortunate for them that the means of communication between the East and West were so limited, for in those days there were no railroads or telegraphs; had there been, the misfortune which befell them at this time would have been avoided. It was occasioned as follows : The firm had a note payable at the Ontario Bank, Canandaigua; H. B. Gib- son, was at that time the cashier. On the day the note fell due Friend called at the bank to know if it would make any difference if the note was not paid immediately, as he daily expected funds from his brother Thomas to meet it. The banker knew it would be taken up as promised, but he had his own rules for conducting the business in his charge. " No," said Mr. G., " it won't make any difference with the bank, but it will make a d-n sight of difference with you, unless it is taken up before the hour of closing." There wasn't much time to " skin." Indeed, " skinning " was not a common practice in those days, and the note went to protest. Thus they came to a commercial pause, or in other words, stopped payment. While their creditors in New York and Boston had full confidence in both their integrity and ability to cancel their liabilities, still their credit suffered a blow, which they felt in all their future undertakings.
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Congress had granted to the territory of Michigan 10,000 acres of land adjoining Detroit, for the purpose of building a court house and jail. The firm of F. & T. Palmer were awarded the con- tract. The building was commenced in 1823, and was erected where now stands the High School. By virtue of the contract 6,500 acres of the 10,000 acre tract was awarded them, together with other valuable land, which was subdivided into some 200 lots. The Eastern creditors of the Palmers, felt that these and their other assets, if time was given, would enable them to liquidate, and hence were lenient, and gave them their own time. Among these generous creditors were: David I. Boyde & Co., Boyde & Suydam, Lafferty & Gautly, Spafford & Filester, and others. Meantime Friend closed up their business at Canandaigua, joined Thomas in 1826 in Detroit, and aided as far as in his power in closing their affairs. But he died the following year, and the task of closing their affairs devolved upon Thomas. To such of the creditors as were importunate he turned over the lands acquired at their appraised value, and eventually paid the firm's indebtedness to the satisfaction of all, and had some means left.
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