USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Chronography of notable events in the history of the Northwest territory and Wayne County > Part 40
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On his return to Detroit he was elected City Clerk, which position he held until appointed secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners. He retained this position until his death. Henry Starkey was consid- ered the encyclopædia for all information relating to the proper methods by which the city and its inhabitants are supplied with water; the appli- ances, cost and dispensing were as familiar to him as the letters of the alphabet.
Mr. Starkey devised the present system of house numbering in Detroit, giving each twenty feet a number, whether occupied or not,
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and was recognized as authority on all matters relating to the municipal government, many knotty questions being submitted him to solve.
Mr. Starkey was a firm and steadfast friend, a warm-hearted, genial companion, and a high-souled, honorable gentlemen. His friends were legion, and he greatly enjoyed meeting them. He was a member of the G. A. R., of the Loyal Legion and of the Masonic order.
He departed this life October 28, 1888, leaving a widow and three children, Harry, who is one of the collectors of the Water Board, Miss Jenny, on the editorial staff of the Free Press, and Mrs. Wm. H. San- ford, besides several grandchildren.
BENJAMIN GODFREY STIMSON.
Benjamin Godfrey Stimson, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the son of Dr. Jeremy Stimson, and was born at Dedham, Mass., March 19th, 1816. His mother, as the christian name indicates, " Hope Still " Godfrey, was of Puritan descent.
In early boyhood Mr. Stimson attended the schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen went to Boston and obtained a situation in the house of a leading mercantile firm, with whom he remained two years, when, desiring to see more of the world, and fancying the sea, he in August, 1834, shipped as a sailor on the brig Pilgrim, bound for California. He had as a shipmate on this voyage, the author of the well-known work, "Two Years Before the Mast," Hon. Richard H. Dana, and the intimate friendship formed between Dana and Stimson continued during life, as is manifested and feelingly referred to by the former in a personal letter of condolence addressed to Mrs. Stimson after the decease of Mr. Stimson.
Returning to Boston in 1836, and finding the desire for further adventure too strong for his remaining, his inclination led him west, and in 1837 he came to Detroit and embarked in the mercantile business. He continued this business until 1847, and then engaged in that of commis- sion, and was also a partner in publishing the Detroit Tribune, then recently established. The same year (1851) he was appointed timber agent, with headquarters at Barbor, Wis. This occasioned frequent and long journeys through the west, which were mostly made on horseback. This experience enabled him to form a very correct know- ledge of the country west of Detroit, which was of great value to him, and to others who sought his advice in after life.
At the expiration of his term of office as timber agent, he purchased a warehouse and resumed the commission business in 1857. Being largely interested in vessel property in 1861, he sold his warehouse and
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devoted his time and efforts in that direction. At this time he was the owner of four large sail vessels, and also built the bark Henry P. Bald- win. In 1866 he sold his vessel property and purchased the dock at the foot of Shelby street, erecting thereon a large brick block, known as the Stimson Block, at the time, the largest business block in Detroit.
As far back as 1843, he had purchased five acres of land on Wood- ward avenue, and had erected a homestead (which his family still occu- py), and in 1869 purchased an adjoining five acres. This, as well as the rear of his first purchase he subdivided (opening a new street known as Stimson Place). He realized a fine profit from the sale of these lots, and after disposing of the Stimson Block in 1869, he bought thirty-six acres further out on Woodward avenue, which he subdivided into one hundred and forty-five city lots, and four broad avenues, Forest, Hancock, Warren and Putnam. These lots he sold on time contracts, but in all cases where the purchasers were unable to meet their pay- ments, instead of enforcing the conditions of the contract (forfeiting the sum paid) he returned the payments and took the lots back. During the time the present City Hall was being built, Mr. Stimson was Controller of the city, and it is due to him that many thousands of dollars were saved the taxpayers through the care and vigilance exercised by him during its construction.
Failing health compelled him to resign this position in 1870. The Common Council on accepting it passed a series of resolutions com- mendatory of his integrity in the management of the city's finances as Controller.
Mr. Stimson was a member of the Episcopal church, was Junior Warden of St. John's at the time of his death, from its organization had been officially connected with it, and was a large contributor of money and time towards its construction, as well as that of St. Luke's Church Home. The cause of education found him an ardent supporter, and organizations and associations for the improvement of the morals and the elevation of society found him a generous friend.
During the Patriot war he was commissioned lieutenant in the Brady Guards by Governor Barry, it being the first independent mili- tary company in Michigan.
Mr. Stimson was married twice. His first wife was Miss Lavina Turner, whom he married in 1840. She died in 1853. In 1858 he married Miss Cordelia Ives, who is still living. He left two sons, Edward Ives and Arthur Kissel Stimson.
His death occurred December 13th, 1871, from disease of the heart.
Thus departed from his family a kind and loving husband and father, and from among his fellow citizens a just, upright and enterpris- ing man.
The name of Mr. Stimson appears on the list of members of the Historical Society, which in April, 1871, was merged into and became the Wayne County Pioneer Society.
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FREDERICK WETMORE.
Frederick Wetmore, was a native of the State of New York, born in the village of Whitestown, Oneida county, on the 7th day of August, 1813.
His father, Amos Wetmore, and his mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Olmstead, were born in Connecticut, of English ancestry. They removed to New York soon after the close of the War of Inde- pendence.
Their marriage took place in 1802. They had six sons and three daughters. Amos Wetmore died in Whitestown, Oneida county, N. Y., June 1, 1845. Lucy Olmstead Wetmore, died at same place, May 22, 1840.
The father of Mr. Wetmore carried on a farm and also a grist and saw mill, this furnished the subject of this memoir with employment during the summer, and enabled him to attend school during the winter months. That he improved the opportunities afforded by the latter is evidenced in that at the age of sixteen he was prepared to enter college, but was prevented by a severe attack of illness, which so affected his health as to induce his seeking some avocation suiting his physical condition; and having a brother in the crockery trade at Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, at the age of seventeen he went as a clerk in his store. He remained with his brother seven years, and in 1836, engaged in the transportation business on his own account, until 1841, when, during a visit to New York he made the acquaintance of two English manufacturers of crockery, who induced him to engage jointly with them in the crockery business, and to fix upon Detroit as his location. This arrangement was carried out, they shipping the goods and he selling them. These relations between them continued until 1844, when he purchased the interests of his English partners, and conducted the business alone for about ten years, and then admitted his nephew, C. H. Wetmore, as a partner, the firm becoming F. Wetmore & Com- pany, until his death. So that for over forty-four years the name of Wetmore was a familiar one to the people of Detroit and throughout the State, as well in social, religious and moral enterprises as in busi- ness circles. Mr. Wetmore never entered the political field, he was as much averse to holding political office as Mr. Charles C. Trowbridge, whom he so closely resembled, both in address and physique, as to be frequently taken for him. He was connected with a number of enter- prises outside of his crockery business, and owned real estate in Detroit and Chicago. In church and social life he was loved and highly respected, kind and courteous in his bearing. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, at which he was a regular attendant.
Mr. Wetmore was married twice. He married for his first wife,
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Miss Cornelia P. Willard, at Albany, N. Y., in I845. She was a niece of the late Judge Platt, a former resident of Detroit. Mrs. Wet- more died in 1848, leaving one son, Edward P. Wetmore, who was for a time Professor of Chemistry and Philosophy in the Detroit High School. His second wife was Miss Anna Mary Curtenius, of Lock- port, N. Y., a lineal descendent of Peter B. Curtenius, whom history informs us "led the party which tore down the monument of George the IV. in Bowling Green, N. Y., 1774." They had six children, one of whom, Catharine Bruce, died in August, 1876.
He came to Detroit a stranger, but at his death, which occurred on the 25th day of March, ISS3, left a large circle of friends and rela- tives to mourn his departure.
Mr. Wetmore's name appears as a member of the Historical, since merged into and now the Wayne County Pioneer Society.
MARTIN BUTZEL.
The senior member of the firm of Butzel Brothers & Company, wholesale clothiers at 142 and 144 Jefferson avenue, Detroit, was born April 23d, 1828, at Burgellen, near Schesslitz, Kingdom of Bavaria. After receiving a good business education he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York in 1845, where he remained a short time, when he went to Saugerties, New York, on the Hudson, and in IS51 to Peekskill, and from thence he came to Detroit, where he has con- tinued to reside ever since. In 1867 he was married to Miss Betty Binswanger, of New York. She is a native of Binswanger-by-Augs- burg, Bavaria. They have two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Butzel is an energetic, keen, sharp business man, respected for integrity and honorable dealing, which together with the practice of frugality and dilligence has enabled him to acquire a competency.
The political convictions of Mr. Butzel are Democratic, and while active in promoting the success of his party he has not sought public office. As a citizen he is public spirited and takes a lively interest in all educational and benevolent enterprises. He was one of the original members of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Exchange and also was one of the original members of the Board of Charities.
MAGNUS BUTZEL.
Magnus Butzel, of the firm of Butzel Brothers, is a man of culture and refinement, as well as possessing superior business sagacity and foresight, which was recently recognized by the Merchants' and Manu- facturers' Exchange, of Detroit, in the fact that the Board officially
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endorsed his views upon the Torry Bankrupt Bill now before Con- gress. Mr. Butzel takes an active interest in all associations pertaining to education and matters of a literary character. He is at present vice- president of the Board of Public Library Commissioners.
Mr. Butzel differs from his brother, Martin, upon political matters, being an ardent Republican and a charter member of the Michigan Club.
Magnus Butzel was born at Burgellen, near Schesslitz, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1830. He enjoyed the benefit of the public school of his native town and may be considered, by careful reading and application of strong reasoning powers, to be a "self taught man."
Mr. Butzel learned in his youth the trade of his father, that of sash and blind making, but having a taste for technical drawing gravitated to the trade of stained or fancy glazing, for which, however, at the time of his arrival in the United States, in 1852, there was not demand enough to encourage him to follow it as a business. He therefore associated himself with his brother, Martin, at Peekskill, N. Y., follow- ing, for nearly ten years, the dry goods trade very successfully. In 1861 he followed his parents, who had meanwhile removed from Germany, to Detroit, and associated himself with Mr. E. S. Heineman in the wholesale clothing business, to which soon thereafter Martin Butzel also joined, forming the well known clothing house of Heineman, Butzel & Company, since very recently becoming Butzel Brothers & Company.
From 1881 to 1883 Mr. Butzel held the office of School Inspector, when a non-partisan board made a noble record as such, and introduced technical drawing in the existing form in our public schools, for the establishment of which he was the strongest advocate.
February 17th, 1869, Mr. Butzel married Miss Henrietta Hess, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have four children, all boys.
JOHN HULL.
John Hull was a native of the United States, was born at George- town, District of Columbia, on the 31st of March, 1812.
His ancestors settled in Maryland during the days of Lord Balti- more, and were among the first founders of that State.
His father having died when he was but a small lad, and being thrown for support upon his own labor, his opportunity for obtaining an education was exceedingly limited. He was apprenticed to a butcher at Georgetown, and worked at the business there until 1834, when he determined to "go west." He first engaged in his trade at Dayton
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and subsequently at Sandusky, Ohio, in partnership with his brother. His business at Sandusky not being successful, he was without a dollar when he arrived in Detroit in the fall of 1840, " a stranger in a strange land." No familiar face greeted him except that of his wife, but with that characteristic courage for which he was noted, and the practice of econ- omy, he was able to save a portion of his wages. This he judiciously invested and soon was able to start a business for himself. He located on the corner of the Campus Martius and Monroe avenue, which loca- tion he retained during life, and which is the present business site of Hull Bros., his sons. Being a man of strong mind, backed by a warm heart full of kindness to all, rich or poor, and unquestioned integrity, he soon became one of the most successful men in his branch of business in the city, and at the time of his death had amassed a large fortune as a reward for his industry and enterprise.
He was an earnest friend to all benevolent and educational enter- prises, giving of his time and money liberally to their support. From the time of its establishment until his death he supplied the Industrial School with all the meat it needed. He was indeed the "poor man's friend," as was attested by the hundreds of the poor men and women who attended his funeral to pay the last sad tribute of respect to the memory of their generous friend.
His funeral was the largest ever seen in Detroit prior to that time, and was numerously attended by all classes of its citizens, irrespective of wealth, party or church influences.
His death was occasioned by injuries received by being thrown from his buggy in the fall of 1864.
Mr. Hull was a Democrat, and was a strong and successful politi- cian. His kindness and liberality gave him great influence with the working classes, and being a logical but plain speaker, secured him the respect of the more wealthy.
He was twice elected alderman and had held various other posi- tions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he discharged with honor to himself and satisfaction to the public. At the time of his death he was chairman of the Board of Auditors for Wayne county, and the nominee for the State Senate.
In 1840 he married Miss Helen Mar Lorain, at Sandusky, Ohio. He left her and eight sons to mourn his departure.
His name appears on the list of members of the Historical Society (now Pioneer Society) when the Hon. Judge Witherell was president.
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WILLIAM J. CHITTENDEN.
William J. Chittenden, though not a native, made his advent in Michigan so early in life and has become so prominent as an entertainer to its citizens, besides being so closely identified with the many enter- prises which have promoted its growth and present prosperous condi- tion, that failing to recognize him as among the pioneers would defeat the object of the Society, viz .: to preserve a record of the men who have been the principal factors in making Michigan what it is to-day.
Mr. Chittenden was born in the town of Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., April 28th, 1835, was educated at the Jefferson County Institute, Watertown. In 1853 he came to Detroit, and became a clerk in the postoffice under Col. Thornton F. Brodhead, postmaster. Serving in that capacity two years, he returned to Watertown to accept a position in a bank at that place. He came back to Detroit in 1858, and from that time to the present his face and name have been familiarly associated with The Russell House.
. January 18th, 1864, Mr. Chittenden married Miss Irene Williams, a daughter of the late General Alpheus S. Williams, of Michigan. They have three sons and two daughters, Fred L., age twenty-two; Alpheus W., age twenty; Mary F., age seventeen; William J. C., Jr., age fifteen; Margaret, age nine.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The First Congregational Church and Society was organized at the house of Charles G. Hammond, on the 25th of November, 1844. Martin Wilson presided, and Messrs. Hammond, Baldwin, Barnard and Raymond, were appointed a committee to provide for the incorporation of the Society. The first meeting to perfect the organization was held on the 8th of December, 1844, at which a council was called for the 25th of the same month, and the church was duly organized on Christmas Day, 1844, consisting of the following members : Lyman Baldwin, Nancy Baldwin, James G. Crane, Mary A. Crane, Francis Raymond, Ruth Raymond, Robert W. Warner, C. A. Warner, William Cook, Marietta P. Cook, S. S. Barnard, Mary J. Hammond and Rhoda Cowles. Of this number, only Mr. and Mrs. Raymond, and Rhoda Cowles, are living. The first church edifice was erected on the corner of Jefferson avenue and Beaubien street, before its completion meetings were held at the State Capitol, City Hall and Circuit Court Room, and prayer meetings at private houses. The church was dedicated March 30, 1846. This building becoming too small to accommodate
.
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its congregation, it was sold, and that occupied at present by the Society, erected, on the corner of Wayne and Fort street West. This has recently been sold, and the Society have commenced the construc- tion of a new building on the corner of Woodward and Forest avenues. From this parent Society and Church, there have sprung in Detroit the Fort street Congregational, organized April 20, 1879, Rev. J. M. Robinson, pastor, on Fort street and Junction avenue; Fremont street Mission, corner of Fremont and Hastings, Rev. N. S. Wright, Super- intendent; Mount Hope Sunday School, Michigan avenue, near 25th street, Allan Bourn, Superintendent; Trumbull avenue Church, corner of Trumbull avenue and Baker, organized April 27, 1881, Rev. Albert T. Swing, pastor; Woodward avenue Congregational, corner Sibley street and Woodward avenue, organized March 17. 1866, Rev. Heman P. DeForest, pastor; all of which are in a growing condition, the membership being as follows:
First Congregational,
440
Fort Street Congregational,
II2
Trumbull Avenue,
230
Woodward Avenue, -
- 430
Total, - -
I212
The first pastor of the First church was Rev. H. L. Hammond, who officiated from its organization until June 30, 1847, when he was for a time succeeded by the Rev. O. C. Thompson, who was com- pelled to retire. The Rev. R. R. Kellogg supplied the pulpit for a short time, until the church board found a permanent pastor. Meanwhile the Rev. W. W. Atterbury was engaged for six months, when on the Ioth of July, 1848, the Rev. H. D. Kitchel was called. He accepted the call and was duly installed on the 6th of December following. He continued its pastor until the third of November, 1864, when he resigned at his own request. He was succeeded by the Rev. S. M. Freeland, who remained as its pastor until the organization of the Woodward avenue Congregational Society, April 3, 1866. The Rev. Dr. A. Ballard was next installed as pastor, October 18, 1866, and served as such until March II, 1872. The Rev. Zachary Eddy was called and accepted the charge as pastor, November 2, 1873, and discharged the duties as such until December 14, 1883, when he resigned, and was succeeded by its present pastor, the Rev. W. H. Davis, who entered upon his duties May 20, 1884.
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DAVID CARTER.
The true American is one who, against the disabilities incident to a lack of inherited wealth, or influential friends, reaches a position which commands the respect and confidence of all good men, and a competency to provide liberally for his family and the relief of the needy. Such has been the experience and such is the standing of the subject of this sketch.
David Carter is a native of Ohio and was born February 27th, 1832, in Ohio City, now West Cleveland. On the paternal side he is of French descent, the name being spelled Cartier. His father, John Carter, was born in Connecticut in 1800. The maiden name of his mother was Mary Louisa Davis. She was born in Canada July 18th, in 1812, and was of English descent.
Mr. Carter's father and mother were married in 1828. They had five children, three sons and two daughters, the subject of this sketch being the second son. His father died in 1840, leaving his mother and four young children somewhat dependent upon their own resources for support. David resided with his mother at Ohio City and in the village of Rockport (four miles west of Ohio City) until the second marriage of his mother in 1843, when he accompanied her and his stepfather to St. Clair county, Michigan. Here he remained working on a farm until 1845, when he determined to embark in life for himself, and tak- ing with him a courageous spirit, fortified by a correct sense of moral obligation, and a small bundle of clothing, he left his mother's home for Sandusky, Ohio, and found his first employment in a lumber yard owned by his uncle, Captain John M. Coyle. His uncle being the master of a vessel, he spent most of his time, during the season of navi- gation, away from home, and thus, for one so young, Mr. Carter was forced to assume grave responsibilities. He was able, during the winter, to attend school, and laid the foundation for a business educa- tion. At the age of sixteen, his health being somewhat impaired, he shipped on board a vessel, first as cook and then before the mast, regaining his health and acquiring a practical knowledge in managing a vessel. At the close of the season he obtained a situation as clerk and bookkeeper for the large lumber firm of Pritchard & Coyle, Sandusky. He remained with this firm until they closed up business, meantime passing through the cholera season of 1849, himself being attacked by it.
In 1851 he accepted the position of bookkeeper and cashier with E. Sheldon, then lessee and superintendent of The Mad River Railroad Company and of its docks, warehouses and elevators at Sandusky. He remained with Mr. Sheldon until his death, in 1852, when his relations with the company terminated.
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At this period the steamer Forest City was in process of construc- tion for the line between Detroit and Cleveland, and Mr. Carter was engaged as its clerk, and for the first time became a resident of Detroit, and identified with the steamboat enterprise which to-day is recognized as the most perfect and successful of any on the western waters.
Mr. Carter served as clerk on other steamers in this line for ten consecutive years; he then, in 1861, became the general agent at Detroit and has had the practical management of all its steamers and business since that date. The vessels connected with this line prior to 1868 were represented by individual owners. In May, of this year, the present Detroit and Cleveland Steam Navigation Compamy was incorporated, the several individual interests being consolidated. The Hon. John Owen was chosen its president and David Carter its secre- tary. Subsequently he became, and is at present, its general manager.
A brief review of the history of this line and the culmination of results favorable to the business and material, interests of Detroit, but illustrates the energy and enterprise, as well as integrity, of the men who inaugurated, managed and have conducted the enterprise to its present eminent success, and may prove of interest to the young men of coming days and show what true American inheritors of compara- tive poverty may accomplish by the exercise of pluck, industry and a due regard for integrity and good morals.
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