USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests Volume II > Part 35
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Charles Toll was educated in the schools of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and for a time attended a select school at Ontario, Indiana, after which he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, graduating from the literary department in 1855, read law with the Hon. Elisha J. Mann, also with the noted law firm of Storer & Seagael of New York. He then took a law course at the Albany Law School, New York, graduating in 1854; after graduating he opened an office in New York City where he remained for some time. In 1858 he came to Monroe county, Michigan, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising for a number of years, then removed to the city of Monroe where he engaged largely in the sale of seeds and shipping, then to various cities of the United
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States and for a time was engaged in handling grain, buying and ship- ping over the Great Lakes and continued until he retired. In politics a Democrat, was alderman of the First ward for six years, was county coroner for two years, was elected city recorder and ex-officio mayor of the city of Monroe, was the first county superintendent of the Mon- roe county schools. In 1869 he was nominated for state senator, his opponent being George Pleas, was a member of the board of educa- tion for nineteen years, four years chairman of the same. As a Dem- ocrat he took a very active part in local and state politics, he has large holdings in real estate, he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Monroe Lodge No. 27, F. &. A. M., Monroe chapter No. 22, R. A. M., Monroe commandery No. 19, K. T.
Mr. Toll from his long residence in Monroe is well known and is one of the old residents still living who can relate many of the old inci- dents of the early days and reminiscences. His residence, which is a land-mark on East Elm avenue is a palatial brick, the grounds of which are extensively ornamented with elm trees and the sugar maple, with attractive grounds, thus securing an imposing and stately appearance. Here Mr. Toll is passing his declining years in comfort and quietude, he and his sister being the only occupants of the palatial home.
LEWIS C. KNAPP, M. D. There are many salient points which render specially consonant the recognition of Dr. Knapp in this history of his native county. Not only has he attained to high vantage place as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the county and as one of its influential and honored citizens, but he is also a scion of a family whose name has been closely and worthily linked with the annals of Mon- roe county since the territorial epoch in the history of Michigan. His maternal grandfather likewise was one of the sterling pioneers of this county, and the lineage on both sides is traced back to staunch German origin. In addition to controlling a large and substantial professional practice Dr. Knapp has other and important interests in his home city and county and is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen whose influence and aid are invariably given in support of measures and enterprises projected for the general good of the community. He is president of the Monroe State Savings Bank, one of the staunch finan- cial institutions of the county and has other capitalistic interests of varied character.
On the old family farmstead, adjoining the little hamlet of Raisin- ville, Monroe county, Dr. Knapp was born on the 28th of February, 1868, and he is a son of Frederick and Julia (Ruehle) Knapp, both likewise natives of this county. Frederick Knapp was born in Raisinville, in the year 1842, and passed his entire life in this county, where he devoted his active career to the great basic industries of agriculture and stock-grow- ing and where he gained substantial prosperity through his well directed endeavors. He was a man of ability and impregnable integrity and ever commanded secure place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, the while he was an influential factor in connection with civic affairs of a local order. He served in the Civil war in the Sixth U. S. Cavalry. His father, Ludwig Knapp was born and reared in Germany and immi-
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grated to America when a young man. This worthy pioneer came to the territory of Michigan in 1824, about thirteen years prior to the admission of the state to the Union, and he settled in Monroe county, where he re- claimed a productive farm from the forest wilds and where he continued to reside until his death. He was known for his energy, good judgment and sterling attributes of character, and his name merits enduring place on the roll of the founders and upbuilders of this favored section of the Wolverine state, to which he came after a brief residence in the state of New York. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Knapp was Martin Ruehle, who was born in Germany, and was a boy at the time of his immi- gration to America. After his marriage he came to Detroit and subse- quently to Parsonville township, Monroe county, and here he passed the residue of his life, a substantial citizen and prosperous farmer and a man who ever commanded high esteem in the community. The mother of Dr. Knapp was summoned to the life eternal in 1905 and the father is living. Eight children also survive.
Dr. Knapp was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and in the public schools of the locality he secured his early educational train- ing. In 1888 he entered the medical department of the great University of Michigan and in the same he was graduated as a member of the class of 1891. He received his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine and came forth admirably fortified for the work of his chosen profession. He has been engaged in active general practice in the city of Monroe from the time of his graduation, and his success has been on a parity with his fine ability and earnest devotion to his chosen calling. In 1895 he completed an effective post-graduate course in one of the leading institutions of New York City and during the long years of his active practice he has kept in close touch with the advances made in the sciences of medicine and sur- gery, as he has been an appreciated student of the best of the standard and periodical literature of his profession and has been active in his identification with various professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Monroe County Medical Society. No physician in Monroe county controls a more substantial and representative practice, and he has been the guide, counselor and friend to many of the families to which he has ministered in a professional way, so that he holds a secure place in the affectionate regard of the people of his native county.
In 1905 Dr. Knapp was associated with the organization and incor- poration of the Monroe State Savings Bank, and he has been from the inception a valued member of its directorate. Upon the death of Edward Dull, he was elected to succeed the latter in the office of president of this bank, and of this office he has been the incumbent since January, 1911. As chief executive he has shown much circumspection and con- servatism in the administration of the affairs of the institution and he has been from the start a strong factor in connection with the promotion of its interests. The bank bases its operations upon a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars and is recognized as one of the leading financial institutions of Monroe county. The Doctor is also a member of the directorate of the Monroe Binder Board Company, which represents one of the most flourishing industrial enterprises of the metropolis and
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judicial center of his native county. In politics, though never imbued with aught of desire for official preferment, Dr. Knapp accords a staunch allegiance to the Republican party. In his home city Dr. Knapp is affiliated with Monroe Lodge, No. 27, Free and Accepted Masons; Mon- roe Chapter, No. 22, Royal Arch Masons; and Monroe Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templars; besides which he is a member of Moslem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Detroit.
On the 24th of February, 1897, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Knapp to Miss Alida Kemmerling, who was born and reared in Monroe county, where her father is living. John Kemmerling established his home many years ago, his active career having been one of close and successful identification with agricultural pursuits.
HENRY C. KINSEY, who has for years been prominent in the agricul- tural life of Erie township, was born in that township, Monroe county, on December 14, 1856. He has carried on farming pursuits in section 5 of Erie township since 1895, and is now the owner of a seventy acre farm in one of the most prolific farming districts in the state. He has not always been identified with farming interests, however, although reared on the farm of his father and thus occupied until he reached his majority. Thereafter for twenty-two years Mr. Kinsey was actively engaged in the sawmill business and became well known through his connection with that industry. Mr. Kinsey is the son of Mannassas and Sarah A. (Blouch) Kinsey, and the grandson of David and Cath- arine (Rhodes) Kinsey. The family is of Scotch origin and the name Kinsey comes from the good old name Mackenzie, of Scottish fame. Mannassas Kinsey came to Monroe county in the fall of 1855, locating immediately in Erie township. There he made his home and passed the remainder of his life, both he and his wife passing away in the home they established in their young life. An interesting sidelight on the early experiences of these hardy pioneers is told by the subject, who in his turn often heard the story from the lips of his parents. When they came to Monroe county from Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, where Man- massas Kinsey was born and reared, they made the trip by boat to Toledo, Ohio. There was no railroad from Toledo to Monroe county, and the young people were disappointed in not being met by their friends, so set forth on foot in the direction of Monroe county. The subject's sister Mary was then an infant of about one year, and the father carried her the entire distance which they traversed on foot, a distance of about twelve miles. When they reached the place where Charles S. Choate now lives they encountered their friends, and the remainder of the trip was made in comparative ease and comfort. In their Erie home they reared a family of seven children, all of whom grew to years of manhood and womanhood. Mary became the wife of John Studer of Toledo; Thomas B. married Hattie Eighmey and lives at Milan, Michigan; Sarah A. and David are deceased; Elmer E. mar- ried Angeline Santschi of Erie; Frank married Phoebe Rang; Henry C., who was the second born of the seven children of his parents, was reared on the Erie township farm where he was born. He was edu-
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cated in the district schools and his advantages were not greater than those of the average country bred youth of that period. When he was but twenty-one years old he left the home farm and went to Kansas, there remaining for two years, and when he returned to his Michigan home he entered the sawmill business in Erie township, there con- ducting a sawmill industry for a matter of twenty-two years. When he finally gave over his interests in that enterprise Mr. Kinsey became en- gaged in farming, and became the owner of a fine farm of seventy acres, which he has since continued to operate with all success, winning as high reputation in farming circles as he did in the sawmill business, to which he devoted twenty-two years of the best part of his life. He is regarded today as one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Erie township, and ranks among the leading citizens of his community.
Mr. Kinsey has been twice married. In September, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Remkie, who was born in Indiana. They became the parents of two children: Cora, who married Albert Metty, is living at this time in Kansas City, Missouri; Grace died when an infant. In 1886 Mr. Kinsey was married to his second wife, Miss Barbara Kapler, who was a native of Indiana. Eight children were born to them, all of whom are living in 1912. There are five sons and three daughters, named as follows : Grover, Myrtle, Clyde, Mortimer, Samuel, Carroll, Ruth and Eunice.
Mr. Kinsey is without doubt one of the most popular and prominent men of his section of the county. He has been a leader in political and fraternal affairs for years. As a Democrat of influence, he has been active in the politics of the township and county for a great while, and for twelve years was chairman of the Democratic township committee. He is well read in matters of a political nature, and in every way fitted to be a leader. Some of the offices to which Mr. Kinsey was elected to and served in were : constable for several terms, elected as justice of peace but did not qualify, deputy under Sheriff Hilton for four years, and held the same office under Sheriff Rod for four years. Fraternal affairs have claimed a share of his attention, and he is a member of Lodge No. 19 of Monroe Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also a member of Encampment No. 190 and Melita Rebekah Lodge No. 55. He has been identified with much of the activities of these societies in Monroe county. He is past noble grand of the order in his locality and is a member of the grand lodge of the state of Michigan.
Mr. Kinsey is a man whose influence has been felt in many and varied spheres of activity in Erie township and throughout the county, and his lifelong residence there, together with his estimable character and ex- cellent habits of industry and integrity, have been sufficient to win for him a place of especially high order in the esteem of his fellow residents.
DANIEL E. LA POINT. Careful economy and continued, well directed industry are factors which have entered into the plans and purposes of most of the successful farmers of this country. Especially is this true of the subject of this sketch, Daniel E. La Point. He began operations on a rented farm. Today he is the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of well improved land, well cultivated and well stocked, and he
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and his family occupy a commodious and attractive residence in Erie, which he built in 1893.
Mr. La Point, as his name indicates, is of French descent. His parents, Louis and Monigue (Duval) La Point, were natives of Erie township, the former born March 4, 1827, the latter in August, 1826, both of Canadian parentage; and it was in this township, in July, 1854, that Daniel E. was born, one of a family of six children, of whom five are living at this writing (1912)-he and his four sisters, namely : Emma, wife of David Rowe; Maggie, wife of John Vice; Mary, wife of Knotte A. Berin, and Miss Florence.
Reared in a frontier community where there was plenty of work to be done and little opportunity for attending school, Daniel E. La Point's educational advantages were limited. He did farm work for his father until he was twenty-two years of age. Then he married and settled on a rented farm, and began operations on his own account, with the re- sult above stated.
It was on January 8, 1878, that he took to himself a wife in the per- con of Miss Elizabeth Cousino, daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Knaggs) Cousino. She was a native of Monroe county, born in Bedford township August 7, 1858. The children of this union are as follows: Alvin W., who married Bernise Villiquet; Addison C., who married Irene Pate; Lillie, wife of Milton Pate; Ada, wife of Oscar Robert; and Evaline, Clifford, Edna and Lorine, at home.
Mr. La Point and his family are devout members of the Catholic church, having membership at Erie, and, politically, he has always affiliated with the Democratic party, not, however, being active in pol- itics.
HENRY W. NISWENDER is a well-to-do farmer of section 7, Erie township, Monroe county, Michigan. Honest, pleasant to meet, the community holds him in high respect. He is much interested in church work, and besides being an active member is a trustee of the Evangel- ical church near his farm. As a Civil war veteran he is also a member of the Lawton Post 452 G. A. R. Although he is a Republican in poli- tics he has never taken much part in local affairs from that standpoint.
Mr. Niswender's father, Henry Niswender, was the son of Peter Niswender, whose wife was Miss Repp and who were probably of Swedish descent. Mr. Niswender came to Michigan in 1872 and settled in Erie township, remaining there until his death in 1886. His first wife, Henry W. Niswender's mother, died in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1851, and he was married again to Miss Bentsman. They became the parents of a large family, but of Henry W.'s own brothers and sisters none have survived. Benjamin died while serving the country as a soldier; Wilson died at home; Lucy, when her death took place, was the wife of Bina Harbrook ; Franklin died at the age of three years; and Catherine died in infancy.
Henry W. Niswender was born in Wayne county, Ohio, September 7, 1845, and was raised on the farm, receiving his education from the district schools. When he was sixteen years old he left school to help his father on the farm, but three years later, deciding his country needed him, stopped his work to enlist in Company G, Sixty-seventh O. V. I.
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entering the army October 1, 1864. His company was a part of the Army of the Potomac so that he was in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Ft. Gregg, Petersburg, and Richmond. He helped drive General Lee to Appomattox, and was present at his surrender. At the close of the war he was discharged at Richmond, and returned to Wayne county to work on the farm, where he remained until his marriage took place February 28, 1867, to Mary Walker. Miss Walker, who was born in Wayne county, June 3, 1846, was the daughter of James Walker, a native of Scotland, and Catherine Helsel of Pennsylvania Dutch par- entage. She was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Niswender left Ohio for Illinois, and then later Nebraska. Neither state suited them how- ever so that in 1871 they came on to Michigan and settled in Erie town- ship, Monroe county. They became the parents of ten children, six of whom are still living, Tillie, the wife of Henry Walters, Mary, the wife of William Hines of West Salem, Ohio, Hiram, who married Mattie Eaton of La Salle and lives in Wyandotte, Michigan, Ella, the wife of George Uckele of Erie township, Earl, who married Edna Hines of West Salem, Ohio, and lives in Erie township, and Roy, who married Ruth Hines of West Salem, Ohio, and living in Erie Township.
Mr. Niswender is a pensioner of the government and is the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of land in Erie township.
LEVI M. MILLER, of Erie township, Monroe county, Michigan, is a competent and able farmer, and is held in high esteem for his honesty and general honor in business dealings among his neighbors. He does general farming and is the owner of two farms, one of forty acres in Erie, and one of twenty-nine in Bedford township. He and his family take an active interest in the affairs of the Evangelical church, and are among the first to be called upon in any affair demanding time and judgment. Mr. Miller is also a member of the Samaria Grange. He has never taken much interest in politics although he ordinarily votes the Republican ticket. Besides his farming interests he has invested in life insurance, and holds a policy in the Bankers' Life.
Mr. Miller was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 16, 1871, one of three sons, the children of Noah and Margaret (Hosenton) Miller. Mr. Miller, Sr., who was a native of Pennsylvania, died recently in Clair county, Michigan. His wife, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, is still living in Erie township. Of Levi Miller's two brothers, one, George E. married Tressa Ruch and lives in Clair county, and the other, Charles H. married Daisy Cornpropel of Erie township.
Levi M. Miller was four years old when his parents brought him to Monroe county. He attended the district schools near his home until he was sixteen years old, studying in the winter and working out by the day in the summer. For the next ten years, until he was able to buy his own land, he rented a farm and worked it. December 25, 1897, he was married to Della May Rauch, who was born and educated in Bedford township. They have had two children, Edna M. born May 17, 1899, and Hazel Irene, born September 5, 1907.
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AUGUSTUS A. DOHM. Among the successful farmers and represen- tative citizens of Monroe county, Michigan, is included the subject of this sketch, Augustus A. Dohm, who owns one hundred acres of land in Bedford township and one hundred fifteen acres in Erie township, his home being on the latter tract, which was owned by his father before him, Charles Dohm.
Charles Dohm was a native of Germany. He came to America in early life, and in Michigan met and married Miss Jane Young, a native of Whiteford, Monroe county, this state. After their marriage they settled down to farm life in Erie township, where they lived until her death, following which he moved to Monroe, where he passed the closing years of his life and died. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, six of whom are now living: Samuel, of California; William of Toledo, Ohio; Carl, of Arizona; Wilmina, wife of Edward Schlotter of California; George S., of Toledo, Ohio, and Augustus A.
Augustus A. Dohm was born on his father's farm, November 30, 1860, and passed his youthful days attending district school in winter and in summer assisting with the farm work. At the age of eighteen he entered a commercial college in Toledo, Ohio, where he pursued a business course. The farm, however, held more attraction for him than the city, and he returned home and devoted his energies to general farming and stock raising.
June 30, 1889, Mr. Dohm and Miss Eva Adell Karr were united in marriage, and they are the parents of five children : Jennie B., Walter K., Eva Adell, Orval A. and Helen E. The eldest daughter is a teacher in the public schools of Erie township, as was her mother before mar- riage. Mrs. Dohm is a native of Erie, and was reared and educated here, also at Dundee, Michigan, where she attended high school.
The Dohm family are identified with the Presbyterian church of Erie and Mr. Dohm is one of its elders. Politically, he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in local affairs, and at this time being justice of the peace of Erie township. He has membership in Tent No. 813, K. O. T. M.
As an up-to-date, enterprising farmer, and as a citizen with the best interests of his community at heart, he is held in high esteem by all who know him.
JAMES C. POTTER. A veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars, and a pioneer of southeastern Michigan, James C. Potter's life has been one replete with interesting events. A detailed account of his experiences would fill volumes. In this connection, however, space permits only a brief resumé.
James C. Potter was born at Black Rock, Erie county, New York, March 5, 1824, son of Henry and Eliza (Lee) Potter. The Potter family originated in England, and it was there that Henry Potter's father was born, but Henry Potter was a native of Otsego, New York. The history of the Lee family is not traced beyond New York. Eliza Lee was born at Black Rock, New York, and her father was a captain in the War of 1812. In Erie county, New York, Henry Potter and Eliza Lee were married, and there they lived until after his death,
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which occurred in 1828. Subsequently she removed with her two chil- dren, James C. and Jennie Ann, now the widow of Thomas Mears, to Venice, Ohio, where she spent the rest of her life and died.
When the Mexican war was inaugurated, James C. Potter, filled with a spirit of patriotism and adventure, tendered his service to the United States, and as flag sergeant of Company C, Stockton's Battalion, showed his loyalty and bravery and proved that he was made out of the right kind of stuff. On one occasion, while his command was cross- ing the St. Gabriel river, and he was planting the American flag high up in a tree, he was shot in his right arm, and his hat rim was pierced in three places. Notwithstanding his wound, he continued with the army to Los Angeles.
At the close of the Mexican war, Mr. Potter returned to Ohio and settled down at Venice, his old home. Afterward he went to Sandusky, Ohio, where for several years he filled the position of superintendent of Oakland cemetery. While at Sandusky he organized a company and drilled it for service.
During the war, Mr. Potter was for a time a seaman on the brig "Columbia," under Captain Baker, and while there contracted cholera, The attack, however, was of short duration.
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