USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 70
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discrimination, keen powers of analysis, thorough legal knowledge, and sound judgment in the application of the law, as well as prompt- ness and impartiality in the discharge of his official duties. The Judge began life with habits of industry, energy and good character, and from this beginning he has risen to a high station in life, hav- ing occupied a place among the business inen of his profession in the State for many years, and been identified with nearly all the important litigations in his section.
In politics he is known as a Democrat, and highly esteemed for his always moderate and independent course. During the war he did as much as any person in his part of [the State to unite popular sentiment in support of President Lincoln's war policy, without regard to men or measures.
E. C. Newell & Co., dealers in books, wall paper, tationery, etc., Saginaw City. This house began business Sept. 1, 1861, on Water st., remaining there until Jan. 1, 1866, when they moved to the Bauer block. In 1874 Mr. Newell bought his present fine store and moved it to his present location. He was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., April 17, 1830, and came to Michigan in 1838, locating first in Oakland county, near Holly, where he remained until December, 1851. He then came to Saginaw City, engaging in pile-driving on the river for one year. In 1854 he began the study of law, with J. G. Sutherland, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1857, practicing his profession until he became engaged in his present business. He was married Jan. 1, 1853, to Lucretia Hartwell, of Pontiac, Mich., a native of this State, who died in September, 1854. He was married again in May, 1857, to Mary E. Probasco, a native of New York. They have 5 children living -Frank C., Fred B., Flora B., Ernest and Nellie D., all residing at home. Mr. Newell was City Attorney for two years-from April 1, 1857, to April 1, 1859. He is Secretary and Treasurer of the Michigan Curtain Roller Co., and is at present Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars, of Michigan.
Geo. B. Noble, of the firm of Green & Noble, lumbermen, Sagi- naw, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1829. He was brought up on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He came to St. Clair Co., Michigan, in 1852, and to Saginaw in 1855, where he immediately engaged in lumbering as foreman for J. F. Rust & Co. He remained with his employers for five years, when he formed a co-partnership with H. A. Newton, and engaged in the same business. This he continued for about the space of five years, when they took W. S. Green as a partner, they after- ward buying out Newton's interests.
Mr. Noble owns large tracts of pine lands in this State, and is constantly engaged in taking off the pine. He was married in 1863 to Miss Harriet M. Simpkins, by whom he has had 6 children; of these 4 are living, viz .: Willy, Alice, Grace and Jessie.
Edward O' Donnell, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Saginaw City; was born in Ireland,in 1829; parents were Patrick and Elizabeth ()'Don-
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uell, the former of whom died March 7, 1853; the latter resides with her son; subject of sketch came to America in 1852, locating in Monroe Co., N. Y., and two years later in this county; has been Justice of the Peace of Saginaw tp. for 20 years; is its present Supervisor; was Treasurer four terms; had no property when he came to this county, but by steady toil and good management has accumulated a farm of 422 acres; was married Nov. 5, 1855, to Alice, daughter of Patrick and Anna ( Hughes) Fohley; wife was born in Ireland, in 1833. Of7 children sent to them, 5 are living-Elizabeth, wife of Robert Lynch; Alice, Martha, Rosa and Mary. The deceased are Susan and Mary A. Mr. O'Donnell and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. O'Donnell's portrait appears in this volume, on page 185.
Andrew Oliver, proprietor of the Turkish Bath House, Saginaw City, is a native of New York. He came to Iosco Co., Mich., in 1859, and engaged in lumbering and fishing. During the Rebellion he served in the U. S. army. He came to Saginaw in 1878, and took charge of the bath rooms, which had been established by Chas. G. Carrao. His baths are very curative in their nature, and have proven better than any medicine in hundreds of cases. Chronic diseases are speedily cured at his bath rooms. This bath consists of two epidarium rooms and one manipulating room, be- sides a large cistern or vat for plunge batlı.
Sylvester C. J. Ostrom, M. D., Saginaw City, received his medi- cal education at Rolf Medical College, of Toronto, Canada, and is a graduate of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor, and the Chicago Medical College. He came to Saginaw City in 1871, and has been practicing medicine since.
Alderman B. Paine, a prominent lumberman of Saginaw, was born in Orleans Co., New York, Dec. 11, 1838, and is a son of the next mentioned. He came with his parents to Calhoun Co., Mich., in 1842, who returned to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1843. He came to Saginaw in 1855, and worked with his father in the lumber- ing business. In 1861 he purchased the old Gordon and Packard shingle mill in East Saginaw, and the following year sank a salt well there, and built the old Kettle block. In 1863 he rebuilt it into a saw-mill, which he ran half a day when it took fire and was entirely destroyed, with no insurance. He then sold out to E. Briggs, and resumed lumbering with his father. In 1865 he had accumulated enough to purchase again, and this time purchased the Taylor Mill, which he ran one season and sold to Henry Thomp- son. In 1872 he repurchased the same mill, which he ran until 1873, when it burned. Mr. Paine met with severe reverses in 1873-'4 during the financial crisis, but has again risen, and stands among the wealthy lumbermen of Saginaw. He was married Dec. 27, 1862, to Miss Jennie Fraser, by whom he has had 7 children; of those, 6 are living, viz .: William F., Valorous A., Hattie, Bessie, Susie and Ralph. Mrs. Paine is an active member of the Baptist Church.
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Valorous A. Puine (deceased) was born in Otsego Co., New York, July 22, 1813, and was a son of Asa Paine, who removed with his family to the Holland Land Purchase, in Western New York, in 1817. In 1833 he went to Albion, N. Y., and clerked in the store of Alderman Butts, who afterward became his father-in-law. He afterward, in company with Mr. Clark S. Potter, bought Mr. Butt's stock of goods, and carried on the business for several years. He came to Albion, Calhonn Co., Mich., in 1846, but only re- mained one year, when he returned as far as Cleveland, Ohio, and located within 21 miles of that place, and sold goods in the same building in which Brown, the noted counterfeiter, once carried on his work of coining his bogus money; and be it to Mr. Paine's credit, le was the means of bringing that noted rascal to justice for the first time. Mr. Paine remained but a few months in that place when he removed to Cleveland, and there engaged in traffic for 10 years. He rented and operated tle elevators there during that time, and in 1848, in company with others, established a lui- ber yard there. It was the interests of the lumber trade that caused him to return to Michigan, which he did about the year 1850, locating in Saginaw, and followed lumbering until his death. He was married in 1835 to Miss Harriet Butts, by whom he had 3 children, viz .: Lydia B. (deceased), Alderman B. and Kittie. During the late war Mr. Paine took active part in favor of the Union, and spent much valuable time and large sums of money to support the war, and for the support of the soldiers' families. Al- though some of his political enemies have dared to accuse him of being a Southern sympathizer, a more unjust and willful falsehood could not have been perpetrated upon any one. But he was always a very unostentatious man, not caring to tell the world at large of his commendable traits and benevolent acts. He died March 6, 1867, loved and respected by hosts of friends and ac- quaintances. He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church, and an ever faithful and earnest Christian worker. Saginaw lost a valuable citizen in the death of Mr. Paine. The only living daughter, Kittie, married Major N. S. Wood, a prominent attor- ney of Saginaw, and a gentleman who distinguished himself during the late war, in the service of the United States. After the war he returned to his native State, New York, and was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in 1866, and the same year located in Saginaw.
Thomas Parker, farmer and manufacturer of brick, was born in Scotland, Aug. 22, 1819; parents were Isaac and Elizabeth Parker; subject of sketch came to America in 1849, and settled in Saginaw county; owns 140 acres of land in sec. 19, where he lias a brick- yard; turns out nearly 2,000,000 of brick per year, and gives em- ployment to 18 persons; was inarried in 1843 to Jessie Beard, wlio was born in Scotland in 1824. Two children were born to them- Mary and Elizabeth (deceased). Mrs. Parker died in 1849, and in 1857 Mr. P. married Ellen Garden, who was born in Scotland, Aug. 23, 1818. Mr. Parker has acquired his proprrty only by long years of energy and perseverance.
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Penoyer & St. John, book-sellers and dealers in school books, miscellaneous books, stationery and wall-paper, also in notions and fancy goods at the principal news depot of Saginaw. This house began business in September, 1868, on Hamilton street, and after- ward came to their present location on Court street in 1873.
Mr. Penoyer was born in Genesee Co., Mich., March 17, 1838, and came to Saginaw in 1852; received his principal education here, and at the opening of the war enlisted in the 23d Mich. Inf., Co. E, in 1862, and served till the close of the war in 1865. Dur- ing that time he was mostly on detached service. Mr. Penoyer was in business alone for three years, and at the expiration of that time he formed a co-partnership with Ledger St. John.
The latter is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., and received his education in his native State. When quite young he went to In- diana, and when the war commenced went back to New York and enlisted in Co. G, 114th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was made Sergeant-Major of the regiment, and subsequently made 1st Lieu tenant and assigned to Co. K. He served throughout the war, and in the fall of 1865 came to Saginaw City, where he has since been engaged in business. He married Addeliza Palmer.
Robert Pfuendtner, manufacturer of cigars, and dealer in cigars, tobaccos, and all kinds of smoking articles. He began business Dec. 27, 1874, on Water street, and remained there six months; then moved to Hamilton street, and to his present location in Au- gust, 1876. He was born in Leipsic, Gerinany, Dec. 1, 1844, and learned his trade in Germany. On Feb. 9, 1869, he came to America and settled at Buffalo, N. Y ., where he remained four years. He was inarried in 1871 to Paulina Naumann, a native of Werms- dorf, Germany. They have ] child. He came to Saginaw City in 1874, and has been engaged in business since. His trade extends over the entire Saginaw Valley.
M. C. T. Plessner, M. D., Saginaw City, was born in Striegau, Prussia, Oct. 20, 1813, and is a son of Henry Plessner, late Pro- fessor of the University at Breslau, who died in 1835. His literary education was received at the gymnasium, and his medical course at the University of Berlin. In 1849 he came to America, and arrived at Saginaw City Aug. 10, 1849, where he has made his home, excepting two years passed at Toledo, O. From 1852 to 1860 he was Justice of the Peace and Superintendent of the Poor. In 1859 he received the Captaincy of a Saginaw City com- pany of State militia, but resigned in 1860. He was President of the Board of Education for 10 years, and in 1868 was elected as a Presidential Elector. Dr. Plessner has been a Freemason since 1839, having taken all the degrees but one, and is the oldest prac- ticing physician in Saginaw county. He has also been connected with several different medical societies, and has always taken an active part in industrial enterprises. A carefully prepared address delivered by Dr. Plessner at the organization of the German Pioneer Society, at Saginaw City, in May, 1881, will be found on pages 219 -- 229 of this volume.
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Hon. Chandler E. Potter (deceased) was born in East Concord, N. H., March 7, 1809. The ancestors of the Potter family were among the early settlers of New England. Joseph, the father of Col. Potter, was born in Concord, N. H., Sept. 20, 1772. He mar- ried Miss Anna Drake, danghter of Thomas Drake, formerly of Hampton, N. H., April 25, 1793. She was born Oct. 25, 1774, and died very suddenly Ang. 23, 1844. Her husband died Feb. 1, 1853, aged 80 years. Their children were-Richard, born Oct. 3, 1793; Thomas Drake, Jan. 13, 1796; Jacob Averill, July 22, 1798; Chandler Eastınan, born as above stated. The latter spent his child- hood and early youth at home on his father's farm, and attending the district school abont ten weeks in the year.
While yet at home curiosity led him to visit places far and near, in the town, which had any traditionary interest. He explored the banks of the Merrimack river, scoured the plains, picked up Indian relics, and found, in repeated instances, the bones of Indians slain, as he believed, in the fight between the Mohawks and Penacocks. With this taste for the legendary and the cnrions, he aspired to a higher education than the district school furnished. Accordingly, at the age of abont 18, he went to the academy in Pembroke, N. H., and was fitted for college; entered at Dartmouth in 1827, and grad- uated in 1831.
After his graduation he taught select or high schools in Concord one year, and in Portsmouth two years; represented the latter town in the Legislature in 1835; again taught in the high school in Ports- month from July, 1835, to 1838; read law, while there, with the Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, and with Messrs. Pierce & Fowler at Con- cord from 1841 to 1843; began practice at East Concord; removed to Manchester in 1844; was editor and proprietor of the Manchester Democrat from March, 1844, to 1848; edited the Farmer's Monthly Visitor in 1852-'3: also the Granite Farmer and Monthly Visitor in 1854-'5; was co-editor of the Weekly Mirror and Farmer in 1864-'5.
Nov. 1, 1832, Mr. Potter married Clara Adda, daughter of John Underwood, Esq., of Portsmonth, who died at Manchester, March 19, 1854, aged 51 years. They had 3 children-Joseph Treat. Went- worth and Drown. Drown was killed at Garlick's Landing, Va. He was again married Nov. 11, 1856, to Miss Frances Maria, daughter of Gen. John McNeil, of Hillsboro, N. H. After his marriage with Miss McNeil he resided at Hillsboro, in the family mansion, the former residence of Gov. Benj. Pierce.
In physical development Mr. Potter was a marked man. six feet three inches in stature, large and well proportioned, weighing about 280 pounds; form erect, step firm and dignified; in conver- sation pleasing and intelligent. In public address his voice was, clear, well inodulated and distinct, and when kindled with emotion forcible and expressive. His taste led him chiefly into historical researchı. In Indian history he had no superior in New Hamp- shire, and in the military history of New Hampshire, no equal.
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In 1841 he was elected a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, in 1852 chosen first Vice President, and President in 1855-'7. He died suddenly in the city of Flint, Mich., Aug. 3, 1868, aged 61 years, 5 montlis and 29 days. His portrait appears on page 149.
Mrs. Francis Maria McNeil Potter. This lady is doubtless a descendant, on her father's side, of the ancient and noble family of McNeils of Scotland. The founder of the family in America was Jolını McNeil. He left Scotland in 1719 and took up his residence in Londonderry, Ireland, during which time he participated in the siege of tliat place. A few years afterward he came to America with his family, and we find them in 1725 located at Derryfield, now Manchester, N. H.
One of his sons, Daniel McNeil, and his family, moved from Manchester in 1771, to Hillsboro, N. HI., where he resided nntil his death. Daniel's son, John, was born in Manchester in 1756, and at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, enlisted as a private in Captain Baldwin's Co., which was of "Stark's" regiment. In the battle of Bunker Hill he assisted Captain Baldwin from the field when mortally wounded. He was also with Stark at the Battle of Bennington, and served with distinction throughout the war. He attained the rank of Lieutenant, and died at Hillsboro, N. H., Sept. 29, 1836, aged 79 years.
The son of the last named was also named Jolin, and was the father of the lady whose name heads this sketch. He was early educated to a military life, and is known in liistory as General Jolın McNeil. He served with distinction in the war of 1812, and was in command at Fort Dearborn, Ill., having his family with him at the fort when his daughter, Francis Maria Potter, was born. Gen. McNeil married Miss Elizabeth A. Pierce, at Hillsboro, N. H., in 1811. She was a danghter of Gov. Benjamin Pierce, of New Hampshire, and a sister to Franklin Pierce, who afterward became President of the United States. Thus it will be seen that the subject of this sketch was a daughter of a distinguished General in the U. S. army, grand-daughter of the Governor of a state, and niece of a President of the United States. As a result of snch con- nections and surroundings, the most eminent men and women of the day were numbered as her acquaintances and associates.
When Mrs. Potter was bnt four years old, her father, Gen. McNeil, was appointed Surveyor of the port of Boston, Mass., by President Jackson. Here she passed her time until she attained her 18th year. attending the best schools offered, and subsequently attending Madame Chegaway's Academy at New York, where she finished her education. During her nncle's, President Pierce's, administration, some of her time was passed at the White House, between whichi and the old Pierce homestead at Hillsboro (which she then owned) her time was fully occupied. In November, 1856, at Hillsboro, she was married to Hon. C. E. Potter. The follow- ing years were spent with her husband at the old home, during the
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time making frequent visits to Michigan and the Saginaw Valley, to attend to her property located in that section, consisting of tracts of land and other property belonging to the estate of Gen. McNeil. In August, 1868, Mr. Potter died very suddenly of paralysis, and two years afterward Mrs. P. disposed of her homestead to her cousin, Gen. Andrews, retaining all the old Pierce and McNeil relics, consisting of the sword used by her grandfather, Benjamin Pierce, in the Revolution, now on exhibition at Independence Hall, Philadelphia; also Gen. McNeil's sword, used at Lundy's Lane and Chippewa, and the rest of his military accoutrements.
A few years since Mrs. P. made the tour of Scotland, and visited the scenes of the lives of her ancestors and friends of the same name, among whom was Sir John McNeil, owner of Colonsay and Oronsay, being two Islands in the English channel, and consist- ing of 10,000 acres. A most delightful visit was made with this family. The ancient motto of the McNeils is "Conquor or die," and Mrs. Potter lias well established that the motto has not been forgotten or fallen into disuse, in at least one descendant of the family of the present generation, Mrs. Potter having for years superintended and given her personal attention to the inanage- ment of her business and landed estate. Thereby, as it is said by those familiar with her affairs, she has saved that which might have been lost without her individual efforts.
William Powell, Cashier First National Bank of Saginaw, is a native of Victor, Ontario Co., New York. His father, John Powell, was desirous to obtain for his son a thorough education, and therefore purchased a scholarship in the Hamilton college; but he died when the son was but 13 years old, and no benefit was derived from the outlay. Mr. Powell, however, succeeded in obtaining an education at Rochester University. From his 18th to his 29tlı year he was successively Librarian of the Public Library of Roch- ester, N. Y. and assistant bookkeeper and discount clerk in the Rochester City Bank. Mr. Powell has been connected with various banks for 22 years, among which are the bank of H. J. Perrin & Co., and the National Bank of Michigan, at Marshall, Michigan. He accepted his present situation in August, 1880.
M. Quinn, dealer in pine lands, was born in Canada, May 22, 1844. He came to Saginaw, Mich., in 1862 and helped lay the R. R. track between Flint and Holly. He then became a con- tractor for the building of railroads, building roads in Pennsyl- vania, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, and also some in Illinois. He returned to Saginaw in 1867, and engaged in lumbering for a short time; since whichi time he has been dealing in pine lands. He was married March 10, 1868, to Miss Remina Fordney, by whom he has 3 children-Thomas W., Francis Q. and Celia L. Mrs. Quinn died in 1875.
Geo. B. Rathbun, foreman in Swift's lumber and salt manufac- tory, was born in Otsego Co., New York, Jan. 23, 1845. He was brought up on a farm, and came to South Saginaw in 1863. He
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has remained in Saginaw ever since, except the winter of 1864 and '65, which he spent in his native State. He began to work in Swift's mill in 1867, and has assisted in making changes and improve- ments that have been made in it since that time. He married Miss Jennie Chisholm, by whom he has 1 boy, George. Mr. Rathbun is the present Alderman for the Fourth ward.
Mr. Remer, of the firm of Remer & Runnenberg, wholesale and retail dealers in Milwaukee lager and export beer, manufactured by Philip Best, Milwaukec, Wis., was born at Mecklenburg- Schwerin, Germany, July 21, 1844, and came to America in the fall of 1863, locating in Saginaw City. He was formerly engaged in the salt blocks, and worked in a saw-mill for nine years. In November, 1869, at. Saginaw City, he was married to Miss Sophia Riess, a native of Germany, who came to this country when four years old. They have had 1 child, now deceased. The other partner, Mr. Runnenberg, was born in Prussia Ang. 14, 1835. He came to America in 1866, settling first at East Sagi- naw, and in 1876 located at Saginaw City. Mr. Runnenberg was formerly engaged in the clothing business. The firm was estab- lished in May, 1880, and now do a large and flourishing business.
W. A. Richards, dentist, Saginaw City, was born at Barhamville, S. C., in 1857. He received his education at Canandaigua, N. Y., where he lived with his father and mother, Benjamin and Christina (Sheldon) Richards. His father was principal of the Ladies' Seminary of Canandaigua for 25 years, and died March 28, 1877, at Canandaigua, N. Y. He has associated himself with different dentists, of whom Dr. A. N. Chapman, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was the principal one. He began practicing in Saginaw City in the fall of 1877, and enjoys a large and steadily increasing business.
John W. Richardson, the pioneer of the saddle and harness busi- ness in Saginaw City, was born on the Island of Cape Breton, June 23, 1833. His parents removed to Boston, Mass., in 1835, and to Detroit, Mich., in 1836, and in December, 1837, to Saginaw City, where they resided until their deaths, his father's, Oct. 24, 1843, and his mother's, Dec. 24, 1868. The subject of our sketch can be truly regarded as one of the fixtures of Saginaw City, never liav- ing, from the date of his arrival until the present time, resided outside of its corporate limits. Hc may almost be considered as to tlie inanor born, having been reared, educated, acquired his pro- fession and gained his business experience and knowledge within its limits. In his 18th year Mr. Richardson, on Jan. 28, 1851, commenced his apprenticeship at the harness trade, and after completing his term, started business for himself Oct. 1, 1854, and has continuously carried on the same withont break or ripple until the present time. From a very small beginning of but a few hun- dred dollars, he has, by strict attention and personal management of his business, so increased it that it now runs into the thousands. Losing his father at the early age of 10 years, Mr. R. made his
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aged mother his special care during her life; he consequently re mained unmarried until after her decease. Some four years after the death of his inother, to wit, Oct. 9, 1872, he was married to Miss Mary Kelley, of Belleville, Ontario. Their union has been blessed with a son and daughter; the former was born Sept. 26, 1873, and the latter Dec. 30, 1879. Mr. Richard- son, as far as his circumstances would warrant, has always taken a deep interest in the prosperity and progress of the city of liis choice, and in a measure has contributed to her growth by the pur- clase of real estate and improving the same, being the owner of the block which bears his name and in whichi his store is situated ; also several dwellings and the homestead which he occupies at the present time.
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