History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 53

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882

USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan > Part 53

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On the 8th of April, 1862, Mr. Greene was married to Miss Julia Lucretia Baldwin, daugh- ter of Mr. Goodrich Baldwin, of Raisinville, and in April, 1863, removed to Lansing, Michi- gan, where he engaged in the manufacture of chairs. Three years later he accepted the ap- pointment of overseer of a cane shop at the

311

BIOGRAPHIES OF PRESENT AND FORMER CITIZENS.

State Reform School. Here his aptness in the control of the unruly element of the school was soon recognized by the managers of that in- stitution, and the ensuing year he was appoint- ed its principal teacher, and soon after again promoted and became assistant superintendent. In this position, which he occupied several years, he became successful and popular in the government and discipline of the boys of the institution, a task requiring the exercise of much wisdom, patience and kindness. In 1871 he entered the office of secretary of state and assisted in the compilation of the census of 1870, which being completed he was tendered a clerkship in the auditor-general's office. Herc again his efficiency and close application to his duties brought him promotion, and he be- came chief of one of the divisions of that office -a position he still holds, enjoying the full confidence and respect of his chief.

He has been an active member of the Masonic fraternity since he entered the Order in 1865, and has filled with credit many of its offices. During four years, 1871-4, he was Master of Lansing Lodge, No. 33, F. and A. M .; nine years, 1874 to 1883, High Priest of Capital Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M .; one year, 1879, T. I. Master of Lansing Council, No. 29, R. and S. M .; nine years, 1877 to 1886, Prelate of Lansing Com- mandery, No. 25, K. T .; and in 1883 he was M. I. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Michigan. He has also been a member continuously, except one year, since 1880 of the finance committee of the Grand Chapter of R. A. M. of Michigan.

In politics Mr. Greene has always been a Republican. Reaching his majority in 1857 his first vote for Governor was cast for Moses Wisner, and his first vote in a presidential con- test was cast for Abraham Lincoln.

In religious association he is a Congregation- alist. He was actively identified with the formation and subsequent growth of the Franklin Street Presbyterian Church of Lans- ing, serving as an elder therein, and for a num- ber of years was superintendent of its Sabbath school.

He is greatly interested in the work of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, which is doing so much to preserve the history of the pioneers and pioneer customs of the early days of Michigan. He was elected its correspond- ing secretary in 1879, and his services are still

retained in that office, the society having annually re-elected him since that time to that position.

He was one of the five commissioners ap- pointed by Governor Luce to represent Michi- gan at the National Centennial Celebration commemorative of the first settlement of and the establishment of civil government in the "Territory North west of the River Ohio " under the ordinance of 1787, held at Marietta, Ohio, July 15, 1888.

He is proud of the fact that his family, in a long line of nine generations, beginning in New England but a few years later than the landing of the Pilgrims, has helped to make the entire history of this Nation; and that he, born three months before Michigan was admit ted into the Union, has participated in its entire history as a State.

MAJOR GERSHOM TAINTOR BULKLEY.

Among the many prominent New England- ers who came to Michigan in 1832 to engage in business in the rapidly growing Territory, was the subject of this sketch. The great resources of the country, the vast possibilities for manu- facturing and mercantile pursuits, made a deep impression upon his mind, deciding the question of a removal hither in a short time. Major Bulkley was the great-grandson of Rev. Peter Bulkley, D. D., who was one of the first clergymen of Massachusetts and Connecticut, coming from England to Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, in 1635. He was a staunch puritan, a coadjutor of Cotton Mather, and, like many of that liberty-loving racc, left England on account of the oppressions of the church -a non-conformist.

The families of this name in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut are all de- scended from Dr. Peter Bulkley.

Gershom T. Bulkley was born at Colchester, Connecticut, March 8, 1780, removing to Williamstown, Massachusetts, with his father's family when a young man. There, by careful and persevering attention to business, by adhering to the principles which were prom- inent in the character of his great ancestor, he attained an enviable distinction. He was actively engaged in farming and manufac- turing, and later in mercantile pursuits. He

312

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

acceptably served his district in the State legis- lature, and invariably received the approval of his constituency as an able and faithful public servant. Various civil appointments were also filled by him, and he was one of the staunchest friends of Williams College, aiding by his influence and private funds in its less palmy days, that now famons and prosperous institution.

In the War of 1812 he was among the first to volunteer his services in the defense of his State, and was commissioned a major of cavalry, which he held as long as the services of his command were needed.

In 1836 he removed with his family to Monroe, and at once engaged in business with his characteristic energy and enterprise. He was one of the commissioners of the Government works at the harbor of Monroe, and in con- structing the canal. In 1844, without solic- itation on his part he received from the Pres- ident of the United States the appointment of registrar of the United States Land Office, the duties of which office at that time were oncrous and complex, but which he discharged with faithfulness and ability . until the offices were consolidated. Mercantile affairs and farm - ing largely occupied his time and attention until the later years of his life. He was an extensive reader, well-informed upon all questions of public polity, and kept fully abreast with the leading current topics of his age, even to the last day of his life. His death occurred at Monroe, on October 16, 1862, in the eighty-third year of his age.

CHARLES WING NOBLE

Was born at Monroe, Monroe county, Michigan, on the 13th day of February, 1828. He was the son of Hon. Charles Noble by Eliza Wing Noble, of Monroe. He attended the Monroe district schools from the time he was four years of age until he went to Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1836, returning home in 1837, and then attending the Monroe branch of the University, under the Rev. S. Center, as long as that institution was in existence. He then had desultory teaching until he entered the University in 1842, from which he graduated in 1846. After graduation he in company with Charles J. Wood taught a school for a few

months in Monroe; after that was for a short period in the banking office of N. R. Haskell.

He then entered the law office of Noble & Grosvenor, where he remained in the study of the law until July, 1848, when he went to Cleveland. He entered the law office of Hitchcock, Willson & Wade. In 1849 he was admitted to the bar at Cleveland, and im- mediately formed a copartnership with Hulbert E. Paine, afterward a general in the Federal army during the Rebellion, sub- sequently for two terms a member of Congress from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, district, and since then a lawyer at Washington, D. C. This copartnership lasted about one year, when he entered into partnership with Jesse P. Bishop and Franklin T. Backus (1850), the firm becoming Bishop, Backus & Noble. Judge Bishop retiring at the end of five years, Mr. Backus and Mr. Noble continued a short time together, when the Hon. Rufus P. Ranney, who had been for some years a judge of the Supreme Court of the State, joined them, and the firm became Ranney, Backus & Noble. It continued thus until Judge Ranney was again elected judge of the Supreme Court of the State. Messrs. Backus and Noble continued together until the summer of 1865, when they dis- solved, and Mr. Conway W. Noble became partner with Charles W. Noble. This co- partnership only lasted a few months, as Mr. Noble then removed from Cleveland and went to Savannah, Georgia, intending to remain there, owing to the delicate health of his wife. His wife not being benefited he removed to the city of New York, was admitted there and opened an office, and was gaining a practice, when, owing to the health of his wife, he removed to Detroit, and went into partnership with his father and his brother-in-law, Geo. S. Frost, under the name of Geo. S. Frost & Co., in purchasing, locating and selling pine lands on commission. His father dying in 1874, Mr. Noble and Mr. Frost have continued in the same business and are still engaged in it.

He has been thrice married. His first wife was the daughter of the Hon. Geo. Mygatt, of Cleveland, Ohio. They were married at Cleveland in September, 1850. She died of consumption in April, 1852, leaving a daughter, Julia E. Noble, who lived until June, 1867, when she died at Mrs. Willard's school in Troy, New York.

Chausstable

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

313

BIOGRAPHIES OF PRESENT AND FORMER CITIZENS.

His second wife was the daughter of Hon. Evart Van Buren, of Penn Yan, New York, afterwards of Chicago. They were married at Penn Yan in May, 1854. There were no children by this marriage. The most of their married life was enjoyed at Cleveland, but her failing health cansed them to try Savannah, Georgia, and New York City. In May, 1867, they left New York City for Detroit, where she died in October of that year.

Mr. Noble's third wife is still living with him at Detroit. She was the daughter of Stephen A Martine, of New York City. They were married in July, 1870, and have had three daughters and one son, Stephen M. Only the daughters are now living, residing with their parents at Detroit, the son having died at Detroit in 1882.

Mr. Noble was during the early part of his life attached to the Whig party, but since 1864 has been a Democrat. He was nominated by the Democratic party for prosecuting attorney at Cleveland in 1865, but declined to run. He has several times been nominated for minor offices at Detroit, but generally without his consent or knowledge, and never made any efforts for election and was never elected.

He has been since 1858 a member of the Pres byterian church. He was one of the founders of the Wassonville Mission at Cleveland, Ohio, now the North Church. Was for the three first years of its existence superintendent of the Third St. Mission in Detroit, and afterwards superintendent of the Hamtramck Mission.

He was active on the Union side during the war, and when Kirby Smith threatened Cin- cinnati, went down with the " squirrel hunters " to Kentucky as a private. He was a member of the military committee at Cleveland during the war under appointment by Governor Tod, and as such rendered good service in raising and equipping troops for the Union army.

CONWAY WING NOBLE,

Son of Charles and Eliza Wing Noble, was born in Monroe, October 7, 1842, where he pursued his studies preparatory for entering college, and at the age of sixteen entered Michigan Univer- sity at Ann Arbor, graduating from the liter- ary department with the class of 1863 at the age of twenty-one. His standing in the

University may be readily inferred from the fact the highest honors of the class were awarded him, and he was one of the fifteen seniors designated as speakers on Commencement Day, having also been one of the principal speakers at the Junior Exhibition the year previous. Soon after his graduation he entered, in Cleveland, Ohio, the law firm of F. T. Backus & Charles W. Noble (an elder brother), then regarded one of the strongest and ablest firms in the city.

In 1864 the young law student promptly answered to the call of our President, and with enthusiasm enlisted in Company A, One Hun- dred and Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Haywood. The regiment in which he enlisted was the first to arrive in defense of Washington, when the capital was menaced by General Jubal A. Early, who during that year raided the valley of the Shenandoah. dashed into Pennsylvania, and by a number of defeats closely following each other and finally routed by our General Custer at Waynesborough, was deprived of his commission as a confederate chieftain.

When Mr. Noble's term of service expired, he returned to Cleveland, entered the Ohio State Union Law College, and was admitted to practice in 1865. The following year he and his brother Charles formed a copartnership, which was in a few months terminated by the removal of his brother Charles from the city. He soon after formed a copartnership with the Honorable Robert E. Mix. In 1872 John G. White, Esq., became a member of the firm, then under the name of Mix, Noble & White, one of the most successful firms and the oldest in the city. The admiralty practice of the firm was notably large, and engaged in nearly all cases, on one side or the other, pending in the United States Courts of the city. Seldom were the clients of Mix, Noble & White defeated in the trial of their causes.

Mr. Noble never to any extent took part in politics, in which he was known as a conserva- tive Democrat. His judicial qualities and legal ability was recognized in January, 1887, by Governor Foraker in appointing him judge of the court of common pleas, made vacant by the resignation of Judge Jones. His subsequent nomination in 1886 by the Democratic party, was by common consent while he was absent from the city. The acceptance of the nomina-

314

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

tion was under embarrassing circumstances, as there was a Republican majority of over 4,000 to be overcome and with as strong an opponent as Captain Gary. It was a notable feature of the campaign that none of the party organs or adherents of Captain Gary assailed the char- acter or qualifications of his successful oppo- nent. His term of office continues for five years, and thus far his decisions, rulings and charges have commanded the respect and ap- proval of the bar.

He married December 1, 1880, Mrs. Ida E. Joues, an accomplished lady of decided talent. Both are active members of the Presbyterian church at Cleveland. I take pleasure in giving a somewhat extended notice of one of our Monroe boys that has gained such prominence in life.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FIFIELD

Was born at Wheelock, Caledonia county, Vermont, July 19, 1809. He was at one time a copartner in business with Joseph C. Cole in groceries and provisions in Monroe; in 1842 a copartner of William C. Sterling in forward- ing and commission, with warehouse at the docks, and during the existence of this copart- nership purchased the steamboat General Wayne, then one of the largest steamers naviga- ting the lakes, of which Alonzo D. Perkins was captain. They built at Monroe the splendid steamer Southerner. The copartnership ter- minated by the death of Mr. William Sterling July 12, 1848. Mr. Fifield was elected treasurer of the county of Monroe for one term of two years, and was influential in introducing and building the gas works of the city. He then became the agent of the American Express Company, and thereafter the general agent of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company. While thus engaged, in returning home from St. Louis he died at the White Sulphur Springs. Ilis remains were brought to his residence on Washington street in Monroe.

He was married November 19, 1834, to Miss Harriet M. Cole of Detroit, who survived him. They had one son, James, now in business in the far West, and one daughter. who married Charles U. Thomas, one of the wholesale mer- chant princes of Boston, now residing in that city on Newburg street.

In personal appearance Mr. Fifield was an

uncommonly fine-appearing gentleman. He was popular in the county and city, which is apparent from the fact that he was elected county treasurer while the Whig party was in a large minority in the city and county.

HON. JOHN PACKARD HOGARTH.

John Packard Hogarth, youngest child of Julia Maria Seymour and Richard Hogarth, was born April 9, 1820, in Geneva, New York. His father was a descendant of the family to which belonged the famous artist and carica- turist, William Hogarth. His only brother was the Rev. William Hogarth, D. D., who died in Geneva, August 18, 1887. Mr. Hogarth was educated at Ovid and at the old Geneva Academy, graduating with the highest honors. He was also a student of medicine and the law.

At twenty-two years of age he went to New York, engaging in business there. Returning to Geneva some years after, he engaged in banking, which business took him in 1852 to San Francisco, California, where also he established a wholesale mercantile house.

Previous to leaving Geneva he married December 29, 1852, Miss Sarah E. Field, who died in 1856.

Mr. Hogarth came to Detroit in 1860, return- ing to New York in the fall of 1864. He established himself in business with W. W. Clarke and other well known business men.

November 29, 1864, he married Miss Sarah, youngest daughter of Harry Conant, M. D., of Monroe, Michigan. To them one child was born, Maria Conant, April 3, 1871, who died August 17,1872. The failure ofhis wife's health returned them to Michigan in 1870, since which time he resided in Monroe.

January 1, 1876, under the administration of General Grant, he received the appointment of United States National Bank Examiner. He continued in the performance of his duties as such until 1882, when against the earnest protest of the United States Treasury Depart- ment and bankers of Michigan he resigned, the conscientious discharge of his duties demanding frequent and prolonged absences from home. At the urgent solicitation of the bankers of Detroit, a new district, consisting of Detroit and Monroe, was created by the Depart- ment for him, which office he filled until his

315

BIOGRAPHIES OF PRESENT AND FORMER CITIZENS.

death. He had the special confidence of the Comptroller of the Currency, John Jay Knox, and many of his methods were adopted by the Department. His books were the perfection of neatness and order. He was a man of method. Careful of the reputation of the banks, he was at the same time unswerving in his ex- aminations and reports, by reason of which the national banks of Michigan gained rapidly in strength and reputation, and especially have the banks of the Detroit district attained the highest standing. Mr. Hogarth made an ex- haustive study of national banking laws, and his expositions of them and his reports, as re- ceived by the Department at Washington, were accepted as final, and acknowledged models.

With an extensive acquaintance elsewhere, no man in Michigan perhaps was more widely known than John P. Hogarth. His cheerful, polished, gentlemanly manners made him always a welcome guest, either in the office or the drawing-room. He was everywhere recognized as a man of high moral attainments and of firm religions principle, who, whether in public or private station, adorned life, and brought to society its most substantial achieve- ments. He was a man of rare intellectual ability, a connoisseur in art, a lover of nature, a reader of the best books in poetry, literature, science and theology ; a deep thinker, self- contained almost to a fanlt ; a delightful conversationalist ; always the courteous gentle- man. In his own home abounding in hospi- tality, his domestic life was most beautiful. He was a close attendant upon the services of the church of his choice, the Presbyterian, and one of its most active supporters. A man of elegant physique and magnificent health, he was stricken with peritonitis, and almost before it was fairly known outside his own home that he was ill the summons came and he was not, for God had called him to come up higher. The following, written on the occasion of his death, is taken from a local paper :

" A good man has been taken from us. In the most searching light, in the scrutiny that might be employed to discover the errors of humanity, we find so little that is not com- mendable that his name may hopefully be taken as a synonym for a life peaceful and pleasant. So modestly did he conduct himself, so free from ostentation, that none but those who knew him best were conscious of the

superior intellect that dominated his whole being. No better tribute of his intense and culminating powers could be tendered him than the united and freely expressed opinion, that when he rendered a report in his bank statement it was accepted as an indisputable fact, a conclusion beyond the slightest question of doubt. Probably few men have been en- trusted with the great amounts that were freely placed before him, and the trust was ever sacred in his keeping. He was a scholar and a scientist, and his fine rhetorical converse ever a pleasure to his friends. His taste was cul- tivated to the acme of perfection, and ex- emplified in so many channels that he seemed an artist in conception, a poet who had never put his thoughts in rhythmic words, a man who harbored no evil thoughts of his fellow men, because in him were blended the three elements that are potent and loyal for all good : The faith that open-handed has confidence in all that is best and noblest in the human race ; hope, that sheds a shining light to illuminate the pathway of the just man, and the blessed charity that covers with manly and tender protection the errors and foibles that are kindred to all ; a good man, the just deserving of whose merit embodies all that as friends, citizens and neighbors, we can truthfully say of him who has left us."

JOHN J. STEVENS

Was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, October 17, 1823, and came to Monroe over fifty years ago. He was a fine mechanic, and our public school buildings are monuments to his architec- tural ability, the new building erected last year being his last important work. He had been engaged in building and contracting many years, and his work can be found in nearly every part of the county. For several years he had also been engaged in the lumber trade, and at the time of his death was a member of the firm of Waters Brothers & Stevens. About ten years ago he engaged in the same business in Lincoln, Nebraska, but disposed of his in- terests and returned to Monroe.

He was a man of practical common-sense, sound judgment, and possessed of a large fund of general information, a courteous and affable gentleman. These qualifications, with his in dustry, integrity and honesty of purpose, won

316

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

him the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

He was in politics a Republican and was repeatedly honored with political preferment by his party. He served two terms in our State legislature, several terms as assessor, also as alderman of the second ward, and was at the time of his death president of the council.

When President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 men, Mr. Stevens was in partnership with the late E. B. Root in the sash, door and blind factory. He immediately retired from the firm and opened up a recruiting office, and soon had a company formed, of which he was elected captain. Governor Blair tendered him a commission as such, and the company was assigned as Company K of the Eighteenth Regiment of Michigan Infantry, which was mustered into the United States service August 26, 1862, Colonel (now General) George Spald- ing commanding. In 1863 Captain Stevens was assigned as the commandant of the mili- tary prison at Nashville, Tennessee. He was with his regiment three years, in all its battles and skirmishes, and was mustered out of the service June 26, 1865. He was a fine soldier, of martial bearing, high courage, good judg- ment, and was respected by all the officers and men. He was captain of the Monroe Light- Guards in the early days of the company, and was a member of Joseph R. Smith Post, G. A. R.

He was made a Master Mason March 30, 1855, and at the time of his death was a mem- ber of Monroe Lodge, No. 27.

He was twice married, and left three sons surviving him.

He was a member of the Protestant Episco- pal church.

His sudden death was a shock to the com- munity, as on the morning of the day of his death he stated to his partner in business, A. H. Waters, " that he never felt better in his life," but while riding with his friend, Hon. J. M. Sterling, complained of a pain in the region of the heart. They drove in great haste to Doctor Root's office, and within five minutes he breathed his last, the cause of death being neu- ralgia of the heart.

CHRISTOPHER BRUCKNER

Was born August 3, 1805, at Mainstockheim- on-the-Main, Bavaria. He emigrated to New

York in 1829 at the age of twenty-four, and remained there as a successful merchant until 1837, when he removed with his family to the town of Raisinville, in Monroe county, Michi- gan. There he purchased one of the finest farms in the county, called yet the " Bruckner farm," now owned and occupied by John Knaggs.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 53

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York, Munsell & company Number of Pages: 882

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882