USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. II > Part 59
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HAMTRAMCK TOWNSHIP.
A township of this name was created in Wayne County within two years after it was organized. The bounds are not definitely known, but it in- cluded what are now several whole counties lying north of Wayne. On April 12, 1827, the boundary of the township was newly defined to include all of the present limits of both it and Grosse Pointe, and the first township meeting was to be held at the house of William Little on the last Monday of May, 1827. The township is named Hamtramck after John Francis Hamtramck, who was doubtless in command of this region when the township was first created. The house he occupied is still standing on the river bank near the city limits, and is one of the oldest in this vicinity. The township was con- tracted on April 1, 1848, by the creation of Grosse Pointe, and still further on March 3, 1849, by the enlargement of that township. It has also been reduced in its dimensions by the several Acts en- larging the City of Detroit. The records from 1827 to 1842 are missing. The officers since 1842 have been as follows:
1842. Supervisor, Louis Beaufait ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, J. Kerby ; Assessors, W. O. Rose, J. M. Mack, D. Shook ; Justice of the Peace, D. R. Rose ; School Inspectors, J Beaubien, A. Damitio, D. Shook ; Highway Commissioners, R. Vernier, W. B. Hunt, L. L. Beaufait ; Poor Direc- tors, M. Cadieux, R. Connor; Constables, D. Fisher, A. Payier, M. Cline, D. Juif.
1843. Supervisor, Anthony Damitio ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer and Collector, G. La- forge ; Justice of the Peace, W. B. Hunt; School Inspectors, W. O. Rose, J. M Mack ; Highway Commissioners, S. Hill, R. Vernier, E. Trembley ; Assessors, L. M. Moran, J. Fisher ; Poor Directors, L. St. Aubin, M. Cadieux ; Constables, J. Fisher, A. Payier, M. Cline, J. B. Fournier.
1844. Supervisor, William O. Rose ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, G. Laforge ; Justice of the Peace, J. M. Mack ; School Inspector, W. B. Hunt ; Highway Commissioners, J. Kerby, J. Cam- pau, L. L. Beaufait ; Assessors, G. Moran, F. Juif ; Poor Directors, L. St. Aubin, W. Lappin ; Con- stables, J. Fisher, A. Payier, L Gouin, E. Moran.
1845. Supervisor, George Moran ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran; Treasurer, G. Laforge ; Justice of the Peace, N. W. Wortley ; School Inspector, W. O. Rose ; Highway Commissioners, G. Martin, W. Lappin, S. Hill ; Assessors, L. M Moran, F. Juif ; Poor Directors, W. Lappin, L. Trembley ; Con- stables, A. Payier, J. Fisher, D Juif, R. Kerby.
1846. Supervisor, George Moran; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, G. Laforge; Justice of the
Peace, D. R. Rose ; Highway Commissioners, S. Hill, G. Martin, W. O. Rose; Assessors, R. H. Connor, J. M. Mack ; School Inspector, J. M. Mack ; Poor Directors, M. Dalton, L. Trembley; Con- stables, J. Fisher, M. Cline, H. Haney, H. Adams.
1847. Supervisor, Jed P. C. Emmons ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, J. Kerby; Justice of the Peace, S. Poupard ; Highway Commissioner, S. Hill for three years, W. O. Rose for two years, G. Martin for one year ; Assessors, L. M. Moran, L. L. Beaufait ; School Inspector, H. Adams; Poor Directors, L. Trembley, P. W. Ashley ; Constables, J. Fisher, M. Cline, C. Behr, A. Payier.
1848 Supervisor, Anthony Damitio; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, J. Fisher ; Justices of the Peace, J. M. Mack, W. B. Hunt, S. Hill ; High- way Commissioners, D Mckay, W. Lappin ; School Inspectors, J. M. Mack, W. B. Hunt ; Poor Direc- tors, A Campbell, B. Sweeney; Constables, A. Payier, C. Damitio, P. W. Ashley, M. Cochois.
1849. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, Louis M Moran; Treasurer, J. Fisher; Justice of the Peace, J. E. Delezenne ; Highway Commissioner, A. Sanger ; Assessors, L. St. Aubin, A. Damitio ; Poor Directors, A. Campbell, M. Cochois ; School Inspector, N. W Wortley ; Constables, A. Payier, N. Lamb, M. Cochois, J. Gerard.
1850. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran; Treasurer and Collector, C. Lee ; Jus- tice of the Peace, T. Lee ; Assessors, J. Fisher, T. Campbell ; Highway Commissioner, J. Davison ; School Inspector, J. M. Mack ; Poor Directors, A. Sanger, M. Cochois ; Constables, H. Fox, N. Lamb, J. Gerard, A. Payier.
1851. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, T. Lee ; Justice of the Peace, W. B. Hunt; Highway Commissioner, D. Mckay; School Inspector, J. L. Chipman ; Poor Directors, Wm. Hudson, A Sanger ; Constables, J. Davison, N. Lamb, A. Payier, A. Couchois.
1852. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, Louis M. Moran; Treasurer, J. Fisher; Justices of the Peace J. M. Mack, S Hill; Highway Commission- er, M. Couchois ; School Inspectors, B. F. H. With- erell. J. M. Mack ; Constables, N. Lamb, A. Melvin, J. Davison ; Poor Directors, W. Hudson, L. St. Aubin.
1853. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer, P W. Ashley; Justice of the Peace, B. F. H. Witherell; School Inspector, J. M. Mack; Highway Commissioner, J. Davison ; Poor Directors, W. Hudson, S. Tuexbery; Con- stables, J. Davison, E. Moran, C. Weyl, H. Fox.
1854. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, Thomas
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Lee; Treasurer, P. W. Ashley; Justices of the Peace, P. Desnoyer, J. Davison ; School Inspector, B. F. H. Witherell; Poor Directors, A. Sanger, J. Dubois; Highway Commissioner, L. Dalton ; Con- stables, H. Feldman, C. Weyl, C. Wilkison, W. Young.
1855. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, Thomas Lee; Treasurer and Collector, R. E. Walker ; Jus- tice of the Peace, S. Barret ; School Inspector, J. M. Mack; Highway Commissioners. T. Bacon, G. Chane; Poor Directors, W. Pallister, J. Dubois ; Constables, W. Young, C. Weyl, H. Feldman, J. Hogg.
1856. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, Henry Zender; Treasurer and Collector, R. E. Walker; Justice of the Peace, J. M. Mack; Highway Com- missioner, S. Barret; School Inspector, B F. H. Witherell ; Poor Directors, J. Dubois, M. Fisher ; Constables, C. Weyl, G. Young, H. Feldman, J. Hogg.
1857. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, An- thony Damitio; Treasurer and Collector, R. E. Walker; Justice of the Peace, T. Bacon ; School Inspectors, J. M. Mack, J. Davison ; Highway Com- missioner, M. Crimmins; Poor Directors, M. Fisher, A. Sanger; Constables, J. Davison, R. E. Walker, H. W. Deare, L. Dalton.
1858. Supervisor, John M. Mack ; Clerk, An- thony Damitio: Treasurer and Collector, R. E. Walker ; Justice of the Peace, P. Desnoyer; High- . way Commissioners, T. Bacon, T. Hepson; School Inspector, J. Davison ; Poor Directors, S. Barret, R. E. Walker; Constables, J. Davison, R. E. Walker, T. Stackpole.
1859. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, L. M. Moran ; Treasurer and Collector, C. Damitio; Jus- tice of the Peace, M. Hudson ; School Inspector, H. W. Deare; Highway Commissioner, J. Davison; Poor Directors, A. Fisher, H. W. Deare; Constab- les, W. Hudson, J. Moore, J. Whiting, J. Brinkman.
1860. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, Louis M. Moran ; Treasurer and Collector, C. Damitio ; Justice of the Peace, J. M. Mack; School In- spector, J. Davison ; Highway Commissioner, H. W. Deare; Poor Directors, T. Bacon, J. Davison ; Constables, J. Finn, J. Hardy. G. W. Mack, S. Wilson.
1861. Supervisor, John M. Mack; Clerk, An- thony Sellman ; Treasurer and Collector, C. Dami- tio ; Justices of the Peace, W. Thompson, L. Dal- ton; School Inspector, T. Lee; Highway Commis- sioner, J. Hardy ; Poor Directors, C. Damitio, J. Davison ; Constables, F. Noeker, C. Blonk, J. Finn, J. Hardy.
1862. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare ; Clerk, John M. Mack ; Treasurer, T. Bacon; Justice of the Peace, P. Desnoyer ; Highway Commissioner, A.
Salmon ; School Inspector, H. W. Deare; Poor Directors, C. Damitio, J Hardy ; Constables, D. Hiely, J. Finn, F. Noeker, J. Hogg
1863. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare ; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer, T. Bacon; Justice of the Peace, W. Thompson; Highway Commissioner, H. W. Deare; School Inspector, T. Bacon ; Poor Directors, C. Damitio, W. Thompson ; Constables, J. Finn, A. Bean, D. Hiely, S. Wilson
1864. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare; Clerk, John M. Mack ; Treasurer and Collector, C. Dami- tio; Justice of the Peace, J. M. Mack ; Highway Commissioner, D. Hiely; Poor Directors, F. Schroeder, W. Englehart ; School Inspector, H. W. Deare ; Constables, F. Schroeder, S. Wilson, J. Handy, J. Finn.
1865. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare ; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, C. Damitio; Justices of the Peace, L. Dalton, J. Davison ; School Inspector, T. Bacon; Highway Commissioners, J. Davison, N. Trombley ; Poor Directors, C Damitio, L. Dalton ; Constables, M. Bacon, D. Sullivan, S. L. Dekay, F. Schroeder.
1866. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare ; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, L. Dalton ; Justices of the Peace, P. Desnoyer, W. Finn ; School Inspector, C. Damitio; Highway Commissioners, T. Lee, S. L. Dekay ; Poor Directors, A. Baumgart- ner, C. Damitio; Constables, J. Campbell, M. May, S. L. Dekay, J. Langdon.
1867. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, L. Dalton ; Justice of the Peace, W. Finn; School Inspector, P. Lynch; Highway Commissioners, J. Campbell, J. P. Behr ; Poor Directors, L. Dalton, C. Damitio; Constables, J. Campbell, S. Wilson, P. Mertz, Jr., N. May.
1868. Supervisor, Henry W. Deare; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, J. Hardy ; Jus- tice of the Peace, J. M. Mack ; School Inspector, C. Damitio; Highway Commissioner, T. Stack- pole ; Poor Directors, C. Damitio, J. Hardy ; Con- stables, J. Campbell, H. L. Poupard, S. Wilson, W. Beahmer.
1869. Supervisor, Lawrence Dalton ; Clerk, John M. Mack ; Treasurer and Collector, J. Hardy ; Justice of the Peace, P. Lynch ; School Inspector, W. Davison ; Poor Directors, J. Hardy, P. Mertz ; Constables, J. Damitio, J. Lockwood, J. T. Mott, Jr., J. Campbell.
1870. Supervisor, Lawrence Dalton; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, J. P. Behr; Justice of the Peace, P. Scullin ; Highway Commissioner, E. Hayes; School Inspector, J. Hardy; Poor Directors, J. Holihan, W. C. Ma- honey; Constables, P. Desnoyer, F. Smith, J Campbell, P. Mertz.
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HAMTRAMCK TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. .
1871. Supervisor, John V. Ruehle ; Clerk, John M. Mack; Treasurer and Collector, J. P. Behr ; Justice of the Peace, W. Finn; Highway Commis- sioner, J. Campbell ; School Inspector, W. Davi- son ; Drain Commissioner, W. Finn; Poor Direct- ors, W. Mahoney, T. Stackpole ; Constables, B. Odell, T. Stackpole, F. Smith, J. Kief.
1872. Supervisor, James Holihan; Clerk, Charles Foley and James A. Visger, each part of a year ; Treasurer and Collector, P. Lynch ; Justice of the Peace, J. M. Mack ; Highway Commissioner, J. H. Heslinger ; Poor Directors, J. Holihan, W. Davis ; School Inspector, M. W. Field ; Constables, T. E. Greer, B. Odell, B. Hardy, T. Smith.
1873. Supervisor, James Holihan ; Clerk, James A Visger ; Treasurer, W. C. Mahoney; Justice of the Peace, J. Campbell ; Highway Commissioner, M. Kilcline ; School Inspector, P. McFarlane ; Drain Commissioner, J. Campbell; Poor Directors, C. Damitio, J. Reed ; Constables, A. Campbell, B. Odell, F. Smith, E. W. Pulsifer.
1874. Supervisor, James Holihan ; Clerk, Chris- topher Damitio ; Treasurer, W. C. Mahoney ; Jus- tice of the Peace, P. Scullin; Highway Commis- sioner, H. Holly ; School Inspector, R. E. Walker ; Constables, A. Campbell, F. Smith, B. Odell, R. Coon ; Drain Commissioner. J. Ryan.
1875. Supervisor, John Keveney ; Clerk, Chris- topher Damitio ; Treasurer, B. Youngblood ; Jus- tice of the Peace, J. A. Visger ; Highway Commis- sioner, W. Krause; Superintendent of Schools, H. Russell ; School Inspector, R. E. Walker; Drain Commissioner, L. O'Connor ; Constables, A. Camp- bell, J. Garrity, D. L. Bishop, F. Smith.
1876. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk, Christopher Damitio; Treasurer and Collector, J. Damitio ; Justices of the Peace, J. Keveney, J. M. French; Superintendent of Schools, H. Russell ; School Inspector, J. Holihan ; Drain Commissioner, J. Ryan; Highway Commissioner, M. Kilcline ; Constables, D. L. Bishop, J. Garrity, Jr., W. Robin- son, J. Ryan.
1877. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk, Christopher Damitio; Treasurer and Collector, J. Damitio; Justice of the Peace, J. T. Mott; Super- intendent of Schools, J. Keveney ; School Inspector, J. Holihan ; Highway Commissioner, P. Rivard; Constables, W. Greer, D. L. Bishop, C. Ryan, J. Garrity.
1878. Supervisor, James A. Visger ; Clerk. Christopher Damitio; Treasurer, A. Kalthoff ; Justice of the Peace, J. Scullin; School Inspector, J. Holihan ; Superintendent of Schools, J. Keveney ; Highway Commissioner, F. Rivard ; Drain Com- missioner, J. P. Behr ; Constables, E. Moloney, H. Warrington, J. Garrity, Jr., F. Smith.
1879. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk,
Christopher Damitio; Treasurer, A. Kulthoff ; Jus- tice of the Peace, W. Schweickert ; School Inspec- tor, P. Scullin ; Superintendent of Schools, L. D. Teall; Highway Commissioner, P. Lynch ; Con- stables, H. Warrington, J Garrity, E. Moloney, E. Sullivan.
1880. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk, Christopher Damitio; Treasurer and Collector, J. C. Fisher ; Justice of the Peace, R. Echlin; High- way Commissioner, P. Lynch ; Drain Commissioner, J. P. Behr ; Superintendent of Schools, W. J. En- right ; School Inspector, P. Scullin ; Constables, J. Garrity, Jr., H. Warrington, E. Moloney, A. Hens- ing.
1881. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk, Christopher Damitio ; Treasurer, J. C. Fisher ; Jus- tice of the Peace, F. Rivard ; Highway Commis- sioner, F. Smith ; Superintendent of Schools, R. H. Visger ; School Inspector, P. Scullin; Constables, H Warrington, E. Vercele, N. Newman, A. Hens- ing
1882. Supervisor, James A. Visger; Clerk, Christopher Damitio; Treasurer, C. V. Burnett ; Justices of the Peace, P. Scullin, J. T. Mott, Jr. ; Highway Commissioner, F. Smith; School Inspect- ors, J. Duncan, H. C. Engel ; Drain Commissioner, J. Sullivan ; Constables, E. Moloney, E. Klusman, Jr., H. Warrington, A Hensing.
1883. Supervisor, William C. Mahoney ; Clerk, Christopher Damitio ; Treasurer and Collector, C. V. Burnett ; Justice of the Peace, W. Schweickart ; Highway Commissioner, H. Hitchens; School In- spector, B. B. Allen; Constables, H. Warrington, J Smith, T. Priemer, J. Toomey.
1884. Supervisor, William C. Mahoney ; Clerk, Christopher Damitio ; Treasurer and Collector, E. Hayes ; Justice of the Peace, R. Echlin; Highway Commissioner, H. Hitchens ; School Inspector, W. J. Enright ; Drain Commissioner, J. Sullivan ; Con- stables, H. Warrington, F. Sullivan, J. P. Schneider, E. Moloney.
1885. Supervisor. William C. Mahoney ; Clerk, Christopher Damitio ; Treasurer, A. Baumgartner ; Justice of the Peace, R. Giff, Jr .; School Inspector, J. P. Visger ; Highway Commissioner, H. Hitchens; Constables, E. Moloney, H. Warrington, N. Kittle, J. Priemer.
1886. Supervisor, Henry Hitchens; Clerk, Col- umbus V. Burnett; Treasurer, A. Baumgartner ; Justice of the Peace, R. Lamb ; School Inspector, J. A. Visger; Highway Commissioner, D. How- croft; Drain Commissioner, G. Miller ; Constables, N. Gitzen, G. Cooper, H. J. Maas, T. Priemer.
1887. Supervisor, Roger Echlin ; Clerk, Colum- bus V. Burnett ; Treasurer, A. Piscopink ; Justice of the Peace, G. Voorhees ; Highway Commissioner, D. Howcroft ; School Inspector, L. Dalton; Con-
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HAMTRAMCK TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.
stables, H. Warrington, E. Moloney, H. J. Maas, N. Gitzen.
1888. Supervisor, Roger Echlin ; Clerk, Colum- bus V. Burnett ; Treasurer, A. Piscopink ; Justice of the Peace, L. Dalton; School Inspector, J. A. Visger; Highway Commissioner, D Howcroft ; Drain Commissioner, R. Murphy ; Constables, E. Moloney H. Warrington, H. J. Maas, N. Gitzen.
1889. Supervisor, Roger Echlin ; Clerk, Colum- bus V. Burnett ; Treasurer and Collector, J. Lynch ; Justices of the Peace, H. J. Maas, E. Filmore ; School Inspector, L. Dalton; Highway Commis- sioner, W. Boehmer ; Constables, H. Warrington, R. Kalthoff, E. Moloney, T. Furgison.
1890. Supervisor, Roger Echlin ; Clerk, C. Bur- nett ; Treasurer, John Lynch ; School Inspector, J. A. Visger ; Justice of the Peace, E. W. Fillmore ; Highway Commissioner, Wm. Bochner ; Drain Commissioner, R. Murphy ; Board of Review, H. Cooper, A. Baumgartner ; Constables, R. Kallhoff, E. Moloney. H. Warrington, Wm. Lynch.
The school report for the year ending September 3, 1888, showed that the township had two brick school-houses costing $5,500, and seven frame houses costing $10,600. They have a total seating capacity of 770, with an enrollment of 1,121, and an average attendance of 499. Five male and sev- en female teachers were employed. The popula- tion of the township in 1850 was 1,628; in 1860, 1,638 ; in 1870, 3,002 ; in 1880, 4,440. The valua- tion of the property was as follows: In 1840, $339,965 ; 1850, $112,886; 1860, $602,736 ; 1870, $877,866 ; 1880, $2,930,621.
The settling basins, engine houses, stand pipe and park connected with the water works of the City of Detroit, are located in the township, and form its most important and attractive features.
The Memorial M. E. Church.
The Memorial M. E. Church, located on the Pon- tiac Road about six miles from Detroit, was erected as a Union Church at a cost of $4,952, and dedi- cated on August 1, 1869. About 1875 it became a Protestant Episcopal Church, but within ten years they ceased to use it, and in November, 1883, it was purchased for $1,450 and given to a society known as the Memorial M. E. Church. It was under the charge of Rev. D. B. Tracy from November, 1883 until 1887, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. L. Houghton, and he, in the fall of 1888, by W. H. Benton.
LEESVILLE.
A village known by the above name, but not recorded, is located along the line of the Fort Gra- tiot Road, about a mile beyond the boundary of Detroit. It is named after Charles Lee, one of the
earliest settlers in this vicinity. Its principal indus- try is the manufacture of bricks, and in this line a very large business is transacted.
Methodist Episcopal Church.
This church, was organized about 1850. and in that year a brick church was built on a lot do- nated by Robert Lee. This building was torn down in 1882 and a new building erected. "It will seat about 100, and cost $1,400. Up to 1856 ser- vices were conducted by pastors from Detroit and other places. The regular pastors have been as follows : 1857, Rev. Wm. C. Way ; 1858-1859, Rev. Thomas Wakelin; 1860, Rev. Jason W. Kel- logg; 1861-1862, Rev. Thomas Stalker; 1863- 1864, Rev. Thomas G. Potter; 1865-1866, Rev. Squire E. Warren; 1867, Rev. J. W. Crippen; 1868-1869, Rev. Thomas Makelin; 1870, Rev. A. Allen ; 1871-1872, Rev. J. M. Truscott; 1873 Rev. G. W. Owen; 1874-1876, Rev. H. N Brown, 1877, Rev. J. H. Kilpatrick ; 1878-1879, Rev. J. M. Trus- cott ; 1880-1882, Rev. Isaac Johnson ; 1883, Rev. S. E. Warren; 1884, Rev. John Goodson ; 1885- 1887, Rev. L. L. Houghton ; 1888-1889, Rev. L. C. Lanning.
The Church of Our Saviour.
TheChurch of Our Saviour at Leesville is the out- growth of the Gratiot Street Mission of St. John's Episcopal Church in Detroit. The first services were held in 1870 in a school-house. In 1871 a Sunday School was established, and in 1874 the society was recognized as a parish. The church building was dedicated about June 1, 1875 It cost $4,500, and seats 240. The services have been chiefly conducted by the assistant rectors of St. John's Church of Detroit.
NORRIS.
This locality was formerly known as Dalton's Corners, after Lawrence Dalton, who bought land there in 1834. The site of Norris was subsequent- ly purchased by Col. P. W. Norris, and a village bearing his name was platted in 1873. It is on the line of the D. & B. C., and Grand Trunk Railroads, has several hundred inhabitants, and is the nucleus of what will be a thriving suburb of Detroit. For additional particulars see page 4, and for a history of the Orphan Asylum here located, see page 662.
The Bethlehem German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The Bethlehem German Evangelical Lutheran Church of this place was established in 1874. The pastor is Rev. Conrad Schwankovsky. Connected with the church there is a school with one teacher and forty-eight scholars.
Chry Damitio
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HAMTRAMCK TOWNSHIP-BIOGRAPHICAL.
The Presbyterian Church.
The Presbyterian Church was established as the Norris Union Mission. The building was dedicated June 22, 1887. The lots, valued at $150, were donated, and the building cost $1,300 and will seat
150. The property was held by five trustees, rep- resenting various churches. In March, 1889, it was turned over to the Presbyterian Church, and is now conducted by them with Rev. Wm. Sidebot- ham as pastor.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHRISTOPHER DAMITIO, one of the oldest residents in the eastern section of Detroit, was born in Alsace, France, in 1826, and is the son of Anthony and Catherine (Van Buren) Damitio. When but five years of age his parents emigrated to this country, landing in 1831. Leaving his family in New York, the elder Mr. Damitio pushed on into the interior, and after considerable travel finally located in Detroit, purchasing a homestead on the Gratiot road, and in 1832 it was occupied by the family.
From his eighth to his fourteenth year Christopher attended district school number one of Hamtramck. He then began to learn the wagon-making trade with his father, and at the latter's death in 1858, succeeded him in business. In 1848 he was mar- ried to Mary Voght, a native of Prussia. They have had ten children, five of whom are living, namely, Anthony, Catherine, Theresa, Thomas and Antoinette. Of those who died, John and Paul left families; the others died at an early age. During the years 1858, 1859 and 1860, he held the position of Town Treasurer, and in 1864 was elected Clerk of the town, in which capacity he acted until 1875. In 1872 he retired from business and went to live upon the old homestead in Hamtramck. In 1887 he was elected a member of the Board of Estimates. He was the third person elected to the office of Supervisor in his town, which position he held for many years, and he was also for a number of years a Justice of the Peace, performing the duties of that office in manner both honorable to himself and satisfactory to the people. He is now enjoying the fruits and satisfaction of an honest and honorable life, and by close attention to business and industri- ous habits he has acquired a comfortable income. His sincerity of purpose and integrity of heart has secured to him the respect of his fellow citizens, and his kindly manner and approachable nature have won for him a large circle of friends.
JOHN E. EDWARDS, Chief Engineer of the Detroit Water Works, was born in Carnarvon, North Wales, January 1, 1821, and is the son of John and Mary Edwards. His father died when he was thirteen years old, the family consisting of
four sons and two daughters. At this critical mo- ment an English gentleman named Samuel Hol- land, and a friend of his father who had taken a fancy to John E., sent for him, and asked him if he would like to learn to build engines and machinery. He quickly responded that he would, and shortly after his friend started him on his way to Liverpool to learn the trade of a machinist, and before leaving his friend gave him twenty pounds, but told him not to spend it except in case of real necessity. He also cautioned him to avoid bad companions, and to find his recreation in innocent amusements. " Be upright and honest," was his kind friend's parting injunction. He treasured up these injunctions, and by striving to his utmost to observe them, managed to successfully avoid the many temptations which a large city offers to a young and inexperienced boy from the country. Through the efforts of Mr. Hol- land's brother, he was placed in a large machine shop, and from there, in 1836, he went to Bombay, India, to assist in putting up some engines for the East India Company. On his return to Liverpool, he determined to go to America, and in 1839, by means of the twenty pounds which had been given him, he emigrated to New York, where he finished . learning his trade in the Phenix Foundry and Ma- chine Shop of that city. In the fall of 1843 he began sailing on the lakes, serving as engineer on various steamers. Under Gen. Charles M. Read he was Chief Engineer of the steamer "Queen City." In the latter part of the year 1852 he sailed as engineer of the "Yankee Blade " around the Horn on a voyage to San Francisco.
In 1854, when three hundred miles south of San Francisco, the steamer was wrecked on a rock, and Mr. Edwards was given much praise by the press for the courage and bravery he displayed amidst the terrible scenes incident to the wreck. In De- cember, 1854, he went to Racine, Wisconsin, where he married Eliza Evans, a native of North Wales. They have a family of four children, William, Mary, Jennie, and John. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Edwards came to Detroit, and engaged with the Michigan Central Railroad Company as engineer of the steamer " Plymouth Rock," and after the boats of that line were laid up in the fall of 1859,
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