USA > Michigan > Early history of Michigan, with biographies of state officers, members of Congress, judges and legislators > Part 27
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ANSEL W. WESTGATE,
Senator from Cheboygan and other counties in 1887, was born in Lenawee county, Mich., Aug. 24, 1941: he resided in Michigan twenty-three years: was educated at Hillsdale college. He then went to Massachusetts, where he remained until 1-79; then removed to Alpena and was pastor of the Congregational church in that city
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four years. He is at present a merchant and insurance agent; has been a resident of Cheboygan three years. Has been school inspector, county examiner and supervisor. Politically a Republican.
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THOMAS J. WEST,
Representative from Berrien county in 1873-4-5, was born in Willian- ston, N. Y., May 22, 1831. He received a high school education. In 1835 he removed to Michigan and settled in Charleston, Kalamazoo county. In 1864 removed to Berrien county and settled in Bain bridge, where he still resides. By occupation a farmer.
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LUTHER WESTOVER,
Representative in 1969-70, from Bay county, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., April 24, 1817, and received an academical education. In 1845 shipped a cargo of lumber to Connecticut, which proving profitable, he went to Canada and engaged in lumbering. Removed to Bay City in 1865: was engaged in lumbering until 1874; established the exchange bank, which in 1873 was merged into the state bank. He was active in the completion of the J., L. & S. railroad, and was three years a director. A Democrat until 1861, since a Republican.
HEZEKIAH WETHERBEE,
Representative from St. Joseph county in 1857, was born in Washing- ton county, N. Y., in 1802. By occupation a miller and farmer, in politics first whig then republican. He settled in Three Rivers in 1833, helped build the first flouring mill in that place, worked as a miller in that mill until 1536. when the Emery mill was built, where he worked for twelve years, and also one winter at the Hoffman mill. In 1836 he entered land five miles from Three Rivers which after- wards became his farm home. He was for fourteen years supervisor. Died in 1873.
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AMOS R. WHEELER.
Representative from Oceana county in 1973-4-5, was born in Caven- dish, Vt., Sept. 12, 1815. He received a common school education, emigratel to Kane coanty, Ill., in 1935, and in 1853 to Benoa. Oceana county, Mich. Has been coanty treasurer, and held several offices in town and county. By occupation a lumberman.
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MICHIGAN BIOGRAPHY.
CALVIN WHEELER,
Representative from Washtenaw county in 1851, was born in Living- ston county, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1806. He settled as a farmer in Salem, Washtenaw county, in 1830. He held every town office except con- stable; was postmaster at Salem several years, and station agent on the D., L. & N. R. R. for eight years.
HARRISON H. WHEELER
Was born at Hadley, Mich., March 22, 1839. He was brought up on a farm and attended school winters. Taught school winters from 1857 to 1861. He enlisted as a private in the 10th Michigan infantry. and rose to the rank of captain. He was wounded three times, the last crippling his left arm for life. He served in the army over three years. In 1867 he commenced the study of law with Judge Marston. at Bay City, and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He served as Sena- tor from Bay county in 1871-2-3. He then removed to Ludington. was appointed circuit judge in 1874, and was afterwards elected by the support of both parties. He resigned in 1878, and has since been engaged in the practice of law. In politics a Republican.
ISAAC P. WHEELER,
Representative from Jackson county in 1875, was born at Sudbury, Mass., Aug. 10, 1817. He received a common school education. In 1836 came to Michigan and located where he now resides, on a farmi in Pulaski, Jackson county. He has been supervisor seven terms. postmaster for twenty years, and held other township offices. By occupation a farmer.
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JAMES WHEELER,
Representative from Lenawee county in 1835-6, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., March 21, 1793. Later he lived in Wheeler, Steuben county, N. Y., a town named from the family. He settled in Tecum- seh, Michigan, in 1934, and was a justice from 1837 to 1841. 1 farmer, in politics a Democrat. Died at Tecumseh, February 20. 1854.
LYCURGUS J. WHEELER.
Representative from Barry county in 1993, was born in Wheeler, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1830. Hle came with his father to Washtenaw county.
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Mich., in 1835, removing to Woodland, Barry county, in 1842. He received an academical education, and taught several years. Served three years in the war, then located at Nashville as a merchant, and is still in that business, Has held several local offices. Politically a Republican.
- CHARLES W. WHIPPLE,
Representative from Detroit in 1835-6-7, and speaker of the House in 1837, son of Major John Whipple, of the United States army, was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1805, was educated at West Point, sub- sequently studied law, and began practice in Detroit. He was princi- pal secretary of the constitutional convention of 1835. He was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in 1838, and chief justice in 1848, and in 1852 was elected judge of the circuit in which the county of Berrien was then situated. Judge Whipple died while in office, October, 1855, after a continuous service of seventeen years on the bench. He was also a member of the constitutional convention of 1850, as a delegate from Berrien county. He was secretary of the sixth legislative council in 1835, was county register in 1836, a master in chancery, and school inspector in Detroit. Was a Democrat in politics.
HENRY L. WHIPPLE.
Auditor General of the state during a short interregnum in that office in 1842, was a son of Major John Whipple, born in Detroit in 1816. Ilis pursuits were official in connection with the state departments at Detroit and Lansing. He was connected with the auditor general's office after the removal of the capital to Lansing. He died in Detroit in 1849. His politics will be inferred as democratic from his official connection.
ALPIIEUS WHITE,
Member of the constitutional convention of 1835, from Detroit, was a native of Ireland. He was lieutenant of a company of which his brother was captain, which did gallant service in the defense of New Orleans, under Gen. Jackson. He became an architect, and in 1830 was a resident of Cincinnati. He came to Detroit in 1834, and the provision of the constitution giving suffrage to the then alien resi- dents of the state was the result of his efforts in the convention. HIe had command of the artillery arm of the Michigan forces during the Toledo war. He was a Democrat, and a devout Catholic, and was the founder of Trinity church.
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DARWIN O. WHITE
Was born Sept 8, 1835. He was a farmer, a Democrat, and resided at Southfield, Oakland county. He held the local offices of town clerk, treasurer, school inspector, and supervisor, the last several times. He was a Representative in 1869-70-1-2. Died July 8, 1885.
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FRANK G. WHITE,
Senator from the upper peninsula in 1871-2, was born in Massachusetts in 1832. Came to Houghton, Michigan, in 1853, and was engaged in mining until 1884. Since that time has been a resident of Leadville, Colorado. Politically a Republican.
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GEORGE H. WHITE,
Representative from Kent county in 1863-4, was born at Dresden, N. Y., September 9, 1822. Received a common school education, and was a clerk in Indiana until 1842, when he removed to Grands Rapids. He was a clerk there two years, and was, in 1844, elected register of deeds, and was also partner of Amos Rathbun. He conducted a store at Rockford for five years, returned to Grand Rapids; was a super- visor, and mayor in 1861-2. He was a lumberman from 1863 to 1865; then engaged in the manufacture of plaster. He has built, with Amos Rathbun, many stores, and has been a director of the G. R. & I. railroad, and of the Continental Improvement company. A Whig until 1854, since a Democrat.
JAMES E. WHITE,
Representative from Oceana county in 1981-2-3, was born in Kalama- zoo, Mich., April 8, 1839. He attended Albion college in 1857-S. He went into the army in 1501, as lieutenant in the 13th Michigan infan- try, and became a captain in 1863. After leaving the army was en- gaged in mercantile business at Wayland until 1575, when he removed to Pentwater, engaged in the hardware trade, and the manufacture of shingles. In politics a Republican.
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JAMES II. WHITE.
Representative from St. Clair county in 1879-81-2, was born at Whites- boro, N. Y .. April 28, 1822. He received an academical education: was in business in Utica two years, the same time at Ann Arbor,
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Mich , and at Yonkers, N. Y. In 1849 settled at Port Huron, and en- gaged in farming, insurance, banking and real estate. From 1855 to 1859 was sheriff, was an alderman four years, deputy collector of customs 1867 to 1876, and has held other offices. Politically, a Repub- lican.
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JONATHAN R. WHITE,
Representative from Lapeer county in 1855, was born in South Hadley, Mass., Sept. 10, 1806. By profession a lawyer; politically a Republican. He came to Michigan in 1831, and was commissioned a colonel of state militia in 1835 by Gov. Mason. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1850. Died July 12, 1881.
OLIVER K. WHITE,
Representative from Oceana county in 1877, was born in Clinton county, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1831, removing three months subsequently to Erie county, where he received a common school education. In 1852 he removed to Cattaraugus county, where for two years he held the positions of township superintendent of schools and justice. In 1857 he removed to Michigan and settled in Grant, where he still resides. He has been supervisor six years, and was sheriff of Oceana county during 1815-76. In politics a Republican.
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ORRIN WHITE,
Representative from Washtenaw county in 1842, was born in Pal- myra, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1796. He received a fair education, served in the war of 1812, and was for several years engaged in mercantile business at Palmyra. He settled as a farmer in the town of Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1824. He was a supervisor, judge, justice, and sheriff, also a member of the constitutional convention of 1835. He was a colonel of militia. Died in 1864.
PETER WHITE
Was born at Rome, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1831. and has been a resident of Michigan since 1835. He went to Marquette in 1849, before a tree had been felled upon the site of that beautiful city, still his home. He was five years register of the U. S. land office at Marquette;
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eight years county clerk and register of deeds; deputy collector of the port of Marquette six years; postmaster ten years; for many years assessor and treasurer of the union school; cashier or president of the national bank of Marquette since 1864; and has held other positions. He was a Representative from Marquette and Chippewa counties in 1857, and was Senator in 1875. He has been in all kinds of business, and hasalways been a leading man in the upper peninsula. In politics a Democrat.
SHUBAEL WHITE,
Senator from Mason and other counties in 1883, was born at Marshall. Mich., June 17, 1841. Graduated at the University of Michigan in 1864. Served in the war in the 28th Michigan infantry, and rose from a private to the rank of captain. Was a provost marshal in North Carolina in 1865-6. He graduated at the Albany law school in 1867. and engaged in law practice at Ludington. He was a circuit judge in 1873-4. Politically a Republican.
THOMAS WHITE
Was born in Royalton, N. Y., and his education was that of common schools. He emigrated with his parents to Novi, Michigan, in 1833. who settled upon a farm. The son engaged alternately in teaching and farming. In 1852 he settled on a farm in Northfield and was successful. In 1868 removed to Ann Arbor, and became secretary and managing director of the Washtenaw mutual insurance company. which he managed with great success. Politically a Democrat, then a Free Soiler, and eventually a Republican. He was a Representative in 1867. Died May 10, 1868.
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THOMAS W. WHITE,
Representative in 1844, was born in Ashfield, Mass., Nov. 15, 1805. He settled in Grand Haven in 1836, and was a lumberman by occu- pation. He was an active business man at Grand Haven for thirty years, when he removed to Grand Rapids. In politics first Whig. then Republican. Died Jan. 5, 1884.
WILLIAM E. WHITE,
Representative in 1865, was born June 29, 1814. By occupation a carpenter, in politics a Whig, then a Republican. Came to Kalama-
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zoo in 1835, lived there until 1862, when he removed to Wayland, Allegan county, where he now resides. He was sheriff of Kalamazoo county from 1858 to 1862: was a member of the constitutional con- vention of 1867; village trustee, marshal and constable of Wayland.
HENRY WHITING,
Regent of the University from 1859 to 1865, was born in Bath, N. Y., February 7, 1818, attended common schools until thirteen, was a clerk four years, then attended grammar school, and became a cadet at West Point in 1836, graduating in 1840. in the same class with Sher- man and Thomas. He was a lieutenant in the army until 1846, then resigned, became a resident of St. Clair, Mich., and took charge of an academy. In 1848 engaged in lumber business until 1851, and con- tinued in mercantile business until 1861. He then became colonel of the 2d Vermont infantry, took part in the first battle of Bull Run, and in 1862 commanded the Vermont brigade, and was at Fredricks- burg and in other battles, resigning in 1863, and again becoming a merchant at St. Clair. A Republican until 1876, then a Greenbacker. Deceased.
JUSTIN R. WHITING,
Of St. Clair, fusion congressman from the seventh district, was born in Bath N. Y., February 18, 1847. Two years later removed with his parents to St. Clair, Mich., which place has been his home almost continuously since. He attended the union school, prepared himself for admission to the State University in 1863. at the age of sixteen. He remained only two years in college. having decided not to study a profession. Has been engaged in the mercantile business since. In 1879 was elected mayor: in 1882 Senator, and declined a renomi- nation on account of business. Received the fusion nomination for congress in 1886, and was elected by 814 majority, his republican rival receiving 12,973 votes. He was a Republican until 1816, when he became a Greenbacker.
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LUTHER D. WHITNEY,
Representative from Lapeer county in 1857, was born at Granville, N. Y., March 13, 1810. He learned the trade of a mason and also preached occasionally. He came to Michigan in 1832, and was for fourteen years a Methodist minister. He then, from a bronchial affection, retired, studied medicine, and began practice at Commerce, Mich., in 1844. In 1849 removed to Hadley, Lapeer county, and con-
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tinued practice, sometimes preaching. A Whig, then Free Soiler, then a Republican. In 1875 he moved to Grand Blanc, where he died September 11, 1876.
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NATHAN WHITNEY,
Representative from Muskegon county in 1875, was born in Huron county, Ohio, November 11, 1821, removed to Michigan in 1849, and settled in Sparta, Kent county. In 1854 he removed to Muske- gon county. He received a common school education. He was supervisor of Casinovia for sixteen years. In politics a Democrat.
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WILLIAM H. WIGGINS,
Representative from Lenawee county in 1885, was born in Floy. N. Y., April 12, 1839. He came to Michigan in 1861. At first engaged in the patent medicine business, now a farmer and dealer in live stock. For eleven years town clerk. Politically a Democrat.
BUCKMINSTER WIGHT,
Senator from Wayne county in 1855, was a native of Worcester county, Mass., born in 1796. His education was that of common schools. He came to Detroit in 1832, engaging actively in the lumber business in 1837. He represented his, ward in the council, and was a candidate for mayor, but generally shunned office. He was a public spirited and useful citizen and amiable gentleman. In politics first whig, subsequently republican. He died November 28, 1879.
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STANLEY G. WIGHT,
Representative from Detroit in 1863-4, was born in Massachusetts in 1825, coming to Detroit with his father's family. His early education was academical. His active business life was passed as member of the lumber firm of B. Wight & Sons, and in the same business on his own account, 1848 to 1880. Since his legislative service he has declined all elective offices. He was alderman 1851-2, and a member of the board of water commissioners 1963 to 1868. He was an old line Whig, but became a Democrat.
MARK D. WILBER,
Senator from Allegan county in 1873-4, was born in Clinton, N. Y .. August 12, 1829. He received an academical education, and studied
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law in the law department of Yale college. In 1856 he was admitted to the bar. While a resident of New York he was a member of the assembly three terms. In 1870 he settled in Allegan, Mich. During the war he served in the department of the gulf, on the staff of Gen. Paine. He was vice-president of first national bank of Allegan. and vice-president of Wilber's Eureka mower and reaper manufac- tory, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was projector of the Poughkeepsie & Eastern railroad, a director of the same, and secretary and attor- ney until he came to Michigan. Was also president of the Pough- keepsie city railway. He returned to New York, and is now serving as U. S. district attorney in that state.
CHARLES A. WILBUR,
Representative from Livingston county in 1855, was in business a farmer and merchant and resided at Howell. where he died about 1867.
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ALBERT WILCOX,
Representative from Lenawee county in 1841, was born at New Marlboro, Mass., Nov. 15, 1805. His ancestors were engaged both in the French and revolutionary wars. He was brought up on a farm. and in 1818 removed with his parents to Guilford, N. Y. He received a common school education, and became a teacher. He removed to Wheeler, N. Y., where he was a partner of his father in farming and the making of wagons, and was a captain of militia. In 1835 he came to Michigan and took up a farm in the town of Bridgewater. In 1836 he enlisted as carriage maker in the U. S. arsenal at Dear- born, with the rank of orderly sergeant. In 1839 he settled at Cam- bridge, Lenawee county. In politics, whig and republican. Has been in the employ of the Lake Shore railroad since 1951, in various mechanical positions. He has held many local offices, including jus- tice and alderman. During the rebellion he had entire charge of the. water supply of 426 miles of railroad. Resides at Adrian.
ELLIOTT R. WILCOX,
Representative in 1869-70, and Senator from Oakland county in 1877. was born at Rochester, Mich., Feb. 24, 1538, where his father settled in 1824. He was educated at the Rochester academy and the Univer- sity of Michigan. As a young man he held many local offices, and was a justice. In politics a Democrat, by profession a lawyer. Was
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a farmer on a large scale. Was a member several years of the demo- cratic state committee. He rendered important aid in the building of the Detroit & Bay City railroad. In 1874 he built a large brick paper mill on his farm which is in successful operation.
MARCUS B. WILCOX
Was born born June 24, 1821, at Arkwright, N. Y. Received a good academical education and a pretty thorough knowledge of Latin. Removed to Pinckney, Michigan, in 1852. Read law and was admitted to the bar in 1854. In politics a Republican. Was elected several terms prosecuting attorney of Livingston county. Held minor offices, and was Senator in 1957-8. Was an able lawyer. Died in Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 8. 1868.
WILLIAM S. WILCOX,
Representative in 1865-7, and Senator from Lenawee county in 1871-2, was born at Riga, N. Y., April 25, 1819. When young he removed with his father to; Bergen, N. Y., where his father kept hotel and postoffice, and ran a stage line. He assisted him until 1836, when he became a clerk in the store of Ira Bidwell at Milan. Ohio, and removed with him to Adrian, Mich., in 1836. From 1840 to 1844 he was a part- ner, then commenced business for himself. which he continued until 1855, then went into the hardware trade, and has been the head of a leading banking house in Adrian for many years. He was clerk of Adrian in 1848: state prison inspector from 1569 to 1881; has been president of the Michigan state insurance company, and held many other local positions. He was mayor of Adrian in 1965, and a presi- dential elector in 1984. In politics a Republican.
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DANIEL G. WILDER,
Senator from Tuscola county in 1861-2, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., April 15, 1823. He removed from Massachusetts to New York, and came from that state to Michigan in 1848. He studied law, was admitted to the bar at Howell, and began practice at Vassar. He held town offices, such as justice, clerk, supervisor, treasurer, and school inspector, and was county treasurer, judge of probate, prose- cuting attorney, county clerk, and register of deeds. In 1872 he went into the mercantile business at Watrousville, where he resided until his death in 19-5.
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DAVID W. WILEY,
Representative from Allegan county in 1875, was born at Hanover, Ohio, June 27, 1838. He removed to Michigan in 1852, and to Doug- lass, Allegan county, in 1856. He has served as trustee of Douglass village, and held other municipal positions, and has been president of the Lake Shore agricultural and pomological society. He received a common school education, and is a farmer and fruit grower. In poli- tics a Democrat.
JEFFERSON WILEY,
Representative from Detroit in 1867, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1826, and was educated at Harvard college. Coming to Detroit in 1852, he first engaged in active business as a member of the firm of Jackson & Wiley, iron and brass founders. A term as inspector of the house of correction 1872-75, comprises his official life except as above. He is at present lumber agent for the Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad.
ALFRED WILKERSON
Was born in Ledyard, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1820. Removed with his parents to Dundee, Michigan. in 1836, where he now resides as a farmer. He helped organize the republican party, and is still of that faith. He was Representative in 1859.
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ROSS WILKINS
Was born at Pittsburg, Pa., in February, 1799, and was the son of John Wilkins, who served in the wars of the revolution and of 1812, and became quartermaster-general in the U. S. army. Judge Wilkins graduated at Dickinson college, Pennsylvania, in 1818, studied law, and was prosecuting attorney at Pittsburg in 1820. He was appointed judge of Michigan territory by Jackson, and opened his court June 17, 1832. In 1836 became U. S. district judge, and held that position until December. 1869, when he resigned, never having been absent a term in thirty-two years. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1835, and of the two conventions of assent in 1836. lle died May 17, 1572. He was an able judge. In politics, a Democrat in religion, a Methodist. but died in the Catholic faith.
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SAMUEL M. WILKINS,
Representative from Eaton county in 1879-81-2, was born in Baugh- man, Ohio, August 16, 1836. He was educated in common schools, and at Vermillion institute, Ohio. He was engaged in mining in Califor- nia from 1859 to 1861. He served in the 102d Ohio infantry. Since, studied medicine, and graduated at Wooster University, Ohio. Settled at Eaton Rapids in 1866, and engaged in practice, and has held vari- ous offices.
DANIEL S. WILKINSON
Was born in the state of New York in 1813. He came from Albion, N. Y., to Adrian, Mich., in 1834, where he resided until his death, May 24, 1875. His business was that of loaning money. In politics a Democrat. He was a Representative in 1849.
GEORGE WILLARD
Was born in Bolton, Vt., March 20, 1824. His ancestor, Simeon Willard, settled in Concord, Mass., in 1635. He came with his father to Michigan in 1836, and graduated at Kalamazoo college in 1844. After service as a teacher he became an Episcopal minister, and was rector at Coldwater, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. He resigned and became a professor in Kalamazoo college. In 1856 he was elected member of the state board of education for six years; in 1863 was elected regent of the State University, which he held until 1873: in 1866 was a Representative in the legislature; in 196; delegate to the constitutional convention; in 1872 delegate to the national republican convention, and the same year was elected a Representative to con - gress, and was reelected in 18:4, holding the position from 1873 to 1877. In office he has been a Republican. He has been editor and proprietor of the Battle Creek Journal since 1868, establishing a daily in 1872.
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ISAAC W. WILLARD,
Member of the constitutional convention of 1550 from Van Buren county, was born in Worcester county, Mass., Dec. 1, 1803. Ile received a common school education, and engaged in business at Rochester, Vt. He came to Michigan in 1527, and in 1528 engaged in the mercantile business with Gov. Barry at White Pigeon, and the firm had an extensive business in several counties, there being only
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