USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Chronography of notable events in the history of the Northwest territory and Wayne County > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
In 1843, his father died, and the next year he formed a partnership with James A. VanDyke, one of the finest lawyers of his day, and the new firm at once took the highest legal rank in the Northwest.
In politics, Mr. Emmons was at first a Whig, with decided free soil tendencies. At the formation of the Republican party, in 1854, he joined that organization, and, with the exception of a brief digression into the ranks of the Constitutional Union party, in 1864, has ever since been a champion of its faith and principles.
The rapidly developing railroad interests of the west also developed a new and profitable branch of the legal profession, and Mr. Emmons became gradually known as one of the leading railroad lawyers of the day. Every one of the lines centering in Detroit employed him as their counsel-in-chief. He was attorney for the Grand Trunk, Great Western, Detroit & Milwaukee and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroads. In the midst of one of the most lucrative practices ever enjoyed by a western lawyer-estimated at from $30,000 to $40,000 a year-he accepted, in 1870, the appointment of United States Circuit Judge, at $6,000 a year, and performed its duties until within a few months prior to his death.
In his new capacity as Judge, he became even more distinguished than in the rôle of an advocate. His decisions have been marked with an exhaustiveness of comment and authority which, though voluminous, were always perfectly consistent and clear in their statements and con- clusions.
As a citizen, he never tried to become a popular or leading man, but his benevolent disposition often prompted him to perform acts of unobtrusive charity which were never recorded in the public prints. One winter, in which the roads leading through to the city had become impassable on account of rain, and wood had risen from $1.75 to $6.00
-367 -
per cord, he realized one morning that if the poor were not speedily relieved they would freeze, and instantly started a plan to provide them with fuel. The first man he met he accosted thus: " Are you around notifying ?" "Notifying what ?" replied the citizen. "The meeting in the United States court room to immediately procure fuel for the poor. It takes place at nine o'clock." "I had not heard of it, but will do what I can." " Very well," said Mr. Emmons, " tell everybody you see to come." He gave the same news to a number of others, and in ninety minutes the court room was filled to overflowing. Thousands of dollars were subscribed, and in an hour or two the immense wood piles of the Michigan Central railroad were at the service of the poor. The proceedings were published with great parade in the daily papers, but Mr. Emmon's name did not appear.
Since his elevation to the bench, Mr. Emmons was absent a considerable portion of his time in other States, attending to the duties of his judicial circuit, but the intervals were spent in the bosom of his family on his fine farm in Ecorse township, near this city. During his last illness he was an inmate of the house of his daughter, Mrs. Falconer, at the corner of Adelaide and Brush streets, in this city. Of his family, his venerable partner and four children still live. The names of the latter are: Mrs. Clara G. Collins, of Milwaukee, Mrs. Lillie W. Falconer, Miss Carrie Emmons, and H. H. Emmons, Jr., of this city.
His death occurred May 15, 1877.
The Judge had been afflicted for several years with the disease (cancer of the stomach), which finally carried him off. For the past six months he was confined to his room, but was able to give a few decisions in chambers. Two months previously, however, he aban- doned all judicial labors, his disease having entirely prostrated his physical powers. May 14th a change for the worse was observable, and Dr. Farrand, his medical attendant, expressed the opinion that he would not live through the night. Notwithstanding this, however, his remarkable vitality enabled him to see the sun of another day, and he peacefully expired at II:30 A. M., surrounded by his wife, family, relatives and friends, to each of whom he bade an affectionate farewell. He was in the full possession of his mental faculties till within thirty minutes of his death. Around his death-bed were his wife, his three daughters, Mrs. Collins, of Milwaukee, and Mrs. Falconer, and Miss Carrie Emmons, of Detroit, together with the husbands of the two former ladies; his son, H. H. Emmons, Jr .; his sisters, Mrs. John McNeil, of Port Huron, and Mrs. Sheldon and Miss Fannie Emmons, of Detroit; his nephew, Hal. E. McNeil, and wife; Rev. Dr. Worth- ington, of St. John's church, in this city, and Rev. Dr. Bolles, of Bata-
-368-
via, N. Y. The latter gentleman, who performed the ceremony of marriage between Judge and Mrs. Emmons, was passing through the city, and hearing of the Judge's critical condition, called to see him, and witnessed his departure.
The compiler has made copious extracts from remarks by Hon. D. Bethune Duffield in the foregoing.
HIRAM R. JOHNSON.
Tillotson says: "Though all afflictions are evils of themselves, yet they are good for us, because they discover to us our disease and tend to our cure."
The man who adopts this sentiment and accepts its teachings, and whether the ills be of a personal or physical nature, or of pecuniary losses, regards them in some way as being for his good, gets more satisfaction out of life, and is able to render greater service to his fellows, than he who sits down and repiningly broods over his misfortunes, making himself miserable and all around him unhappy.
The lesson taught by the foregoing has been and is practically illustrated in the life of the subject of this sketch. Hiram R. Johnson is a native of the State of New York, and was born in Oneida county, May 26th, 1815. His father, Elisha Johnson, was born in the State of Rhode Island. He served in the Continental army, and was severely wounded.
His mother's name was Mary Reeves. Her ancestors came from Devonshire, Eng. The celebrated Dr. Tappan Reeves was an uncle of hers. She was born at Flat Bush, L. I., in 1767. They were mar- ried at Flat Bush in 1787. Ten children were born to them, six sons and four daughters.
The father died at the age of sixty-five and the mother at the age of ninety-four, in New York.
Hiram R. Johnson has been twice married, first to Mary Lyon, who came from England with her parents, at the age of sixteen. They were married at Chippewa, in Canada. She died in 1858, leaving four children. His second wife was Mrs. Priscilla French, the widow of Samuel French, who came to Michigan in March, 1849. They have no children.
Mr. Johnson landed in Detroit in October, 1838. There are few men better known among the older residents than H. R. Johnson. In a business way he has been a noted public man, full of spirit, energy and perseverance; if one enterprise failed to succeed, he tried another. As a result he has accumulated a competency, and also has
-369-
the satisfaction of knowing that while he has been the loser in some enterprises, the public has been the gainer.
In 1849 he leased the large hotel on the present site of the Wayne, corner of Third street and Jefferson avenue, which was called the Johnson House, and was its proprietor. He was the first man to use gas in Detroit, he fitted the hotel with pipes and manufactured his own gas.
Mr. Johnson, after carrying on the hotel for a time, sold it to Czar Jones, who kept it for a year, and not succeeding, Mr. Johnson was obliged to take it back. After securing for it a liberal patronage he, in 1855, sold it to Messrs. Charles and Fred. Wormley, who changed the name to the Wormley House. They ran the house for a number of years, when they sold it to Mr. S. B. King, who was obliged to close it for some nine months, when Mr. A. S. Bagg re-opened it under the name of Bagg's Hotel. After running it some years Mr. Bagg sold it to Messrs. Sheldon and Graves. At the end of two years they sold it to the Tyrell brothers, who changed the name to the Cass Hotel. They managed it under this name for fourteen years, and then sold it to Mr. Earsley Ferugson, who associated himself with Mr. Johnson. This association continued a few years, when Mr. Johnson retired, and Mr. Ferguson remained sole owner until 1887, when the building was torn down, and the present Wayne Hotel was erected on its site.
Mr. Johnson has been engaged in numerous enterprises, all of which have tended to the material growth of the city. He has ever taken great interest in moral and educational improvements, and bring- ing his active, pushing powers to bear, has largely contributed to suc- cess in establishing them. He is the oldest member of Detroit Com- mandery Knights Templar.
He has now retired from active business, and enjoys the fruits of a well spent life, and the confidence and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
JOHN f. BAGLEY.
" A rarer spirit did never steer humanity. How few like thee, to enquire the wretched out."-Rowe.
" Actions, looks, words and steps form the alphabet by which we may spell character." -Lavater.
Adopting the foregoing to guide us, we simply seek to detail the most notable events incident to the life of the subject of this sketch, and in which he was the chief actor and participator, leaving future generations to " spell the character," and judge the man, as the present knew him.
-370-
John J. Bagley was born in Medina, Orleans county, N. Y., July 2.4th, 1832. His father, John Bagley, was born on the zist day of January, 18oo, at Durham, Greene county, N. Y., and his mother, Mary Maria Smith, was a native of Connecticut, and was born on August 15th, 1802. His parents were married on the 9th day of March, 1825. They had eight children, John being the third child.
Ilis father died May 3d, 1855, and his mother October 7th, 1855, at Detroit.
John J. Bagley's father was one of the wealthy men of central New York for many years, but financial reverses came to the family in a way that so many others have sadly experienced, from endors- ing the paper of friends, and they found what in those days was considered a fortune, suddenly swept away from them. Michigan had recently been admitted as a State, and John's father, hoping to regain what he had lost by coming to this new State, moved from Lockport to St. Joseph county, Michigan. When but thirteen years of age, John entered a country store at Constantine, and on the removal of his father to Owosso, Michigan, he again engaged as clerk in a store, where he continued until 1847, when he came to Detroit, and secured employment in the tobacco manufactory of Isaac N. Miller. He remained an employe until 1853, when he commenced the manufacture of tobacco on his own account, establishing the house of John J. Bagley & Co., as well and as favorably known since that period, as any similar manufacturing establishment in the United States. He was also inter- ested in other manufacturing industries, and in insurance and mining; was president of the Detroit Safe Company, and of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, being one of the original incorporators. He was a director in the American National Bank from its organization, and was a director and stockholder in various other corporations. He was a member of, and a liberal donator to, all the benevolent and chari- table institutions in the city. His name will also be found connected with all educational enterprises in the city, as well as in all reformatory movements calculated to elevate society. In his religious views he was liberal, and a regular attendant at the Unitarian church. He respected the religious opinions of all, and believed that no one could be injured by firmly adhering to a faith or denomination.
In politics he was an active Republican, was a member of the Board of Education, was one of the first commissioners of the Metro- politan Police Board and served six years as such, and was a member of the Common Council for two years.
In 1872 he was elected Governor, and again re-elected in 1874, retir- ing in 1877. In all the public positions held by him he discharged the duties they imposed, upon the principle that they should take precedence of all personal or business interests, otherwise he ought not to hold them. This principle governed his actions during his whole public life.
-371 -
As Governor, he was responsible for the impovement of our edu- cational system, and the agencies for a more thorough education of the poor which it provides. He almost revolutionized the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State. He urged the legis- lation making more liberal appropriations for the State University and the Agricultural College, in order to give more facilities for the scientific and technical studies, securing thereby the good will of the public, and placing these institutions on a par with those of other States. The sys- tem for the treatment of juvenile offenders, male and female, is due to his wise head and kind heart. His forethought secured for the first time in Michigan, a systematic organization of its militia upon a ser- viceable footing.
The law providing for the protection of the fish in our inland waters, by the creation of the Fish Commission, was suggested by Governor Bagley. Michigan at the Centennial made a remarkably successful representation and did honor to his administration.
Governor Bagley was a member of the Wayne County Historical Society, which was merged into the Pioneer Society.
Almost the last act of Governor Bagley was an exhibition of loving and kind regard for the necessities of the poor, and the public generally, in providing for the erection of a fountain, where friendless humanity, as well as brutes, may freely quench their thirst.
He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, January 16th, 1855, to Francis E., daughter of Rev. Samuel Newbury, a pioneer missionary of Michi- gan, who took an active part in promoting the early educational system of this State. She was born at Rutland, Meigs county, Ohio, on the 4th day of March, 1833.
Governor Bagley took his departure from this life at San Francisco, Cal., on the 27th day of July, 1881, leaving a loving wife and seven children to mourn, and the people of his adopted city and State to sor- row, for his absence from among them.
ROBERT DOWNIE.
Robert Downie is probably the only man in Detroit who signed the first petition for the abolition of slavery. This petition was addressed to the British Parliament and asked that slavery be abolished in the West Indies. This act of his in the interest of humanity indi- cates the character of the man, which his subsequent life has demon- strated : "That all men are endowed, by their Creator, with certain inalienable rights, amongst which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." To life, because it is the free gift breathed into him by the Almighty, elevating him above the brute, that he may work out
-372 -
the glory of his Creator. To liberty, because without it he cannot exercise the powers bestowed by God, as his representative on earth, and therefore is unable to enjoy or pursue that course which will confer happiness upon himself or his fellows, as designed by the law of his creation.
Robert Downie was born in the celebrated shawl manufacturing town of Paisley, Scotland, March 21st, 1823. His father was a shawl manufacturer, and educated Robert for a business life. After reaching his majority, on the 16th of January, 1848, he was married to Miss Margaret Curry, of Dumbartonshire, Scotland, where she was born in September, 1828, and pursuant to previous understanding, a few months subsequently, they took passage on the American bark, Warren, for New York. They landed in New York, July 24th, 1848. Remaining but a short time they started for the west, via the Hudson river, Erie canal and steamer on Lake Erie, reaching Detroit, August 9th, 1848, where they have had born to them four sons, John, James, Robert, Jr., and William, all of whom are associated in business under the firm name of Robert Downie & Sons, wholesale and retail dealers in meats, groceries and provisions at 117 and 119 Michigan avenue, 411 and 413 Woodward avenue and 769 Fort street West. Their two daughters are Mrs. William Livingston, Jr., and Mrs. Henry Shaw Smith.
From comparatively small beginnings Mr. Downie, by frugality, industry and the practice of strict integrity, has secured a competency, and rearing his sons to the observance of the same habits, the firm of Robert Downie & Sons stand among the first in the city of Detroit for probity and pecuniary responsibility.
When Mr. Downie landed at Detroit he says he was in debt to his father $ISo (which he afterwards paid). He at once found employ- ment with Messrs. DeGraff & Kendrick and continued with them and their successors, (The Detroit Locomotive Works), until he went into the grocery business in 1862, in which he is now engaged. William Livingston, Jr., his son-in-law, was for a time associated with him in the latter business.
As a matter of historical interest, Mr. Downie made the trial trip on the first iron steamer built on the Clyde, the Fairy Queen, built by Joseph Neilson, a brother of the inventor of the hot air blast furnace, by which iron could be smelted with sea or anthracite coal instead of charcoal.
Mr. Downie is a frank, plain, intelligent Scotchman, independent in his views, but ready to be convinced when wrong, allowing the same liberty to others which he demands for his own, never obtrud- ing his opinions nor seeking to enforce them in an arrogant manner.
His political affiliations have always been Republican, he has not sought nor enjoyed political preferment, but has always been ready to
-373-
extend aid for the promotion of party success. He has educated his sons in the belief that application and the practice of honesty in legi- timate business is a surer way to wealth and honor than any public office or political emoluments.
REV. GAMES HENNESSY.
Rev. James Hennessy was a native of Ireland, born in Waterford county, March 17, 1824, on St. Patrick's day.
His father, William Doocey Hennessy, is said to have been a man of education, and the coincidence of his son's birth being on the same day of the same month as that of Ireland's patron saint may have influenced the dedication of Father Hennessy to the ministry.
Father Hennessy received his education to prepare him for holy orders at Waterford, and was ordained sub-deacon in that town in his twenty-second year. He was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and had conferred upon him the order of deacon.
He then came to Detroit, and on the 27th of September, 1847, was ordained a priest, and went to Ann Arbor as assistant to the Rev. Thomas Cullen. He not only officiated at Ann Arbor, but also at Marshall, and in 1852 became the settled pastor of St. Mary's church at the latter place.
He remained in charge of that parish until 1855, when he came to Detroit and officiated in the cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul as assistant. The parish of St. Patrick having been established, he imme- diately began preparations for the construction of the present St. Patrick's church edifice, which he superintended, collecting and dis- bursing the money used in its building, and when completed, was for- mally assigned to its charge, which he retained until called to a higher and holier one.
For a short time during the period that St. Patrick's church was in process of construction, he officiated at Dexter, and it was there that the compiler first made his acquaintance. The many pleasant hours, and the associations connected therewith, laid the foundation for a personal friendship which continued during his life.
Father Hennessy was retiring in his manner, exceedingly modest, but ever kind and full of sympathy for the afflicted. He was devoted to his parishioners and they to him. His physical disability sometimes made him seem of gloomy temperament, yet none but strangers would question his hopefulness.
His death occurred in October, 1875, regretted by all who knew him, and by the Catholic community generally.
-374 -
Although Father Hennessy was not a member of the Wayne County Pioneer Society, he was nevertheless a pioneer; and the good work he did, not only for Detroit, but for all localities in Michigan where he officiated, makes it desirable that his memory should be pre- served and cherished with that of others who have contributed in pro- moting the present prosperous condition of the city and State.
B. HODGKINSON.
" Good nature, or beneficence and candor, is the product of right reason, which of necessity will give allowance to the feelings of others."-Dryden.
Maintain your own views, and hold them, but do not seek to obtrude them in an arrogant manner.
The physiognomy often indicates the characteristics of the man. Those who have met the subject of this sketch will allow that the sentiment expressed by Dryden is not misapplied as indicative of his characteristics.
B. Hodgkinson was born in England, May 20, 1815, removing to Michigan in the fall of 1837.
His father was a currier and leather dresser, of the town of Pres- ton, Lancashire, England, and was able to give his son fair educational advantages; at least he exhibits the fact that his early training was better than ordinary.
During his service as Secretary of the Wayne County Poor Asylum, he has so systematized its business as to secure his repeated reappointment under the different commissions, each board, whether Democratic or Republican, expressing a desire to retain his services.
Mr. Hodgkinson enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens generally, and has held a number of positions of honor and trust, and has discharged the duties they imposed to the satisfaction of those who were subjects, or interested in their proper performance.
In June, 1842, Mr. Hodgkinson married his cousin, George Brad- shaw Cook's widow, (her maiden name was Alice S. Cornell. She was born in the year 1809 in New York. She belonged to the old Quaker family of Cornell). They had three children, one daughter survives, and is the wife of Charles H. Cady, Supervisor of the town of Nankin, Wayne county. He also has three grandchildren, of whom he is very proud. Mr. Hodgkinson's wife, Alice S., died in April, 1876, after toiling together some thirty-four years.
Mrs. Hodgkinson's younger sister became a widow about this time, losing her husband, Thomas Carpenter, a Quaker, of West- chester county, N. Y., and in the month of July, 1877, he married his
- 375 -
wife's sister, and is at the present time residing in the village of Wayne. He is an Episcopalian, but his wives were of good old Quaker stock, and he is now almost a Quaker himself. He has been Master of Wayne Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons a number of years.
ROBERT HOLMES.
Robert Holmes, of Detroit, is a native of Canada, having been born at Toronto, December 15th, 1817.
The father of Mr. Holmes was born in 1776, at Boston, Mass., and died at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1836.
His mother's maiden name was Hannah McDougall, and was the daughter of Major John McDougall, for a long time paymaster in the British Army. On retiring he became a farmer, and died near Toronto at the age of ninety-six. She was born in Toronto in 1802, and died in Detroit in 1852.
Owing to the limited means of his parents, his opportunities for acquiring an education were meager, and at the early age of fourteen he apprenticed himself to a tin and copper smith. After completing his time, he came to Detroit October 10th, 1838, and worked at his trade as a journeyman for ten years, when he engaged in business for himself. Subsequently he was induced by Du- charme & Bartholomew, his old employers, to take charge of that branch of their business. He continued with them for two years, and then in connection with a Mr. Dudley, bought out this branch, and continued the business under the firm name of Dudley & Holmes, until 1857. The financial crash of that year so crippled him that he was obliged to suspend, and the business passed under the name of his brother, John Holmes, he becoming its manager, until 1861, when he again took charge of it, and carried it on alone until 1863, when Mr. Edwin E. Webster became a partner. The partnership of Holmes & Webster continued until 1881, when Mr. Holmes sold to the latter and retired from the firm, removing to Wisconsin to be near his married daughters. He remained with them four years, and again returned to his old home in Detroit, where he at present resides.
Mr. Holmes has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Isabella Erdell, who died in 1855, leaving him the care of three daugh- ters. He then married Elizabeth Warren.
In politics Mr. Holmes has always acted with the Republicans. As a citizen he never withheld his support from any enterprise tending to
- 376-
promote the educational, moral and material growth of the city. In business matters he has always been recognized as prompt and of unquestioned integrity.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.