History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I, Part 99

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I > Part 99

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949

TITTABAWASSEE TOWNSHIP.

Nahum W. Capew, sec 21, Nov 29, 1836 Thomas Wiard jr., sec 26, Oct 12, 1836 Hugh Quin, sec 26, May 26, 1837 Thomas Crickale, sec 26, May 9, 1837 Obadialı Crane, sec 26, Feb 13, 1837 George Young, sec 26, Dec 2, 1836 John McGregor, sec 27, May 19, 1834 William C. Baker sec 27, Aug 26, 1836 Charles H. Carroll, sec 22, June 22, 1836 Wm T. Carroll, sec 27. June 22, 1836 Duncan Mckenzie, sec 27, May 20, 1835 Silas Wiltse, sec 27, Sept 1, 1851 Peter A. Cowdrey, sec 28, Oct 23, 1835 Joseph Busby, sec 28, May, 25, 1833 A. M. C.Van Vasold,sec 28, May 27, 1850,

May 8 and 11,1854, and Aug 3, 1863 Joseph Ray, sec 28, Jan 8, 1855 Ferdinand Beythan, sec 23, Sept 9, 1852 Ferdinand Bock, sec 28, Sept 9, 1852 William Ray, >ec 29. Jan 8, 1855 Whiting Rexford, sec 29, April 11, 1855 F. & P. M. R. R., sec 29, Dec 1, 1862 Josialı G. Leech, sec 30, Oct 17, 1836 Curtis C. Gates, sec 30, Oct 17, 1836 C. H. Wisner, sec 30, Nov 7, 1854 C. A. Harrington, sec 30, April 20, 1866 C. H. Wilkinson, sec 30, March 10, 1870 Waterman Baker, sec 30, Aug 28, 1863 George Nelson, sec 30, June 19, 1869 Joshua Blackmore, sec 30, Aug 3, 1863 Wm. M. Burtis, sec 31, Nov 2, 1854 John G. Gibson, sec 31, Jan 2, 1852 Jolin Jelly, sec 31, Jan 5, 1855 Saralı Jelly, sec 31, April 19, 1854 Edward McCarty, sec 31, Dec 19, 1853 Thomas McCarty, sec 31, Dec 19, 1853 J. B. Passmore, sec 31, Nov 7, 1854 James Parker, sec 31, Dec 9, 1854 Chas. H. Miller, sec 31, Dec 20, 1854 Sam'l A. Godard, sec 32, Aug 26, 1836 Fred. H. Bailey, sec 32, July 10, 1866 David P. Cramton, sec 32, April 16, 1866

Reuben Wirkham, sec 32, April 21, 1866 Willis W. Owens, sec 32, April 28, 1866 Willis W. Owens, sec 32, Feb 24, 1869 Augustus Vasold, sec 32 Aug 17, 1863 Ferdinand Beytlian, sec 32, Sept 15, 1873 Henry Beytlian, ser. 32, Sept 21, 1863 Albert H. Stoley, sec 32, Sept 15, 1863 Joseph Benson, sec 32, Sept 15, 1863 Alex. McDonald, sec 32, Aug 29, 1863 Thomas M. Howell, sec 33, Aug 24, 1836 John Thompson, sec 33, March 15, 1854 John Benson, sec 33, Oct 12, 1850 Arthur Shields, sec 33, Feb 15, 1856 Ferd. Beythan, sec 33, March 12, 1855 Francis Andrews, sec 33, Oct 12, 1850 Volney Chapin, sec 33, Oct 12, 1850 Wm. G. Thomas, sec 33, Dec 12, 1855 Stephen B. Thomas, sec 33, Dec 12, 1855 James P. Hayden, sec 33, April 14, 1854 F. & P. M. R. R., sec 33, Dec 1, 1862 Hiram Ackerman, sec 34, Nov 4, 1854 Joseph Halden, sec 34, May 8, 1834 John Thompson, se: 34, May 19, 1834 Francis Anderson, sec 34, Sept 4, 1834 Robert Thompson, sec 34, May 19, 1834 William Mitchel, sec 34, May 28, 1834 Benj Brown, sec 34, July 14, 1836 Thos. M. Howell, sec 34, Aug 24, 1836 James P. Hayden, sec 34, Jan 30, 1854 John G. Wickham, sec 34, Feb 3, 1853 Silas Wiltse, sec 34, Oct 17, 1850 Joseph Wickham, sec 34, March 14, 1854 Sam'l H. Fitzhugh, sec 35, Jan 31, 1837 John Smythe, sec 35, July 11, 1836 Thos. McCarty, sec 35, March 14, 1836 Wm. C. Baker, sec 35, Aug 26, 1836 Peter A. Cowdrey, sec 35, Oct 23, 1835 Thomas P. Pierce, sec 36, Jan 2, 1854 Alexander Russell, sec 36, Jan 1, 1839 Christopher Hackett, sec 36, Oct 21, 1850 Barnard Hackett, sec 36 Jan 31, 1837

Many of the names given in the foregoing record of patentees, appear on the records of the county, both of the past and the present. It is true that a number of the pioneers of Tittabawassee have passed to the better land; yet enough remain to prove of " what stuff they are made," to continue in the service of their country, and particularly of that county which they call their home. They have witnessed great changes since their coming here, and if spared to this world for a few more years, they will witness still more important changes, grander enterprises, even a greater people.

PERSONAL.

In the following pages the personal sketches of many old set- tlers and prominent men of this ancient township, are given. As they made the subject for its history, so also will their biog-

950

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

raphies lead the reader to a true conception of all that courage, energy and industry have done to lift np the country from its primitive condition.

Horace S. Beuch is one of the oldest and most respected pio- neors of Saginaw county. He was born at New York city, Jan. 16, 1806, and his boyhood was mostly passed in Delaware. At the age of 15 years he went to Livingston Co., N. Y., where he sub- sequently taught school for 12 or 14 years in different counties. He came to this county in 1837, and the same year taught the first school in Saginaw City under a certificate or by a certificate. He was a surveyor, and was engaged in that business more or less until 1855. He moved to his present farm in 1849. He cast his maiden vote for John Quincy Adams, but of late years lias been a firm advocate of the principles set forth by the Republican party. He has been elected to fill several different offices in Saginaw tp. and city, and in 1842 and '44, served his fellow men as county Register of Deeds. He was married at Saginaw City, in 1840, to Catherine F. Malden, who was born in Newfoundland, in 1818. Her father came to this county in 1834, locating on sec. 34 of this tp., on land bought of Government. Nine children have been given to Mr. Beach and wife, 4 of whom are living-the remainder having all died under 12 years of age, except Minnie. who was 19 years old at date of her departure from this earth. Two sons served in the late war, both of whom still survive. The children are M. Mal- den, a farmer of Isabella Co., Mich .; Charles, a captain, Theodore J. and Horace F., both farmers. Theodore J. was born Nov. 10, 1851. He was educated in the public schools of Saginaw City, and has spent considerable time in saw-mills, etc .; was sailor on the lakes for some period; was also in the employ of the Tittabawassee Boom Co. for four seasons; is Republican in politics; was married Jan. 1, 1879, to Eliza, daughter of James Major, and a native of Michigan.

Henry Beythan, farmer, sec. 28, was born in Germany, in 1839; parents were Ferdinand and Barbara (Linchman) Beythan, mother died in Germany; subject of sketch received his education mostly in native land; in 1852 accompanied father to America, locating in this tp., where he has since resided ; by hard labor has succeeded in accumulating a nice farm of 100 acres; is a Republican and member of the Lutheran Church; was married in 1864 to Jennie Crosby; of their 6 children, 3 are living-Lillie, Henry and May; wife is member of the Baptist Church.

W. A. Crane, farmer, sec. 24, is a life resident of this county. He was born in Saginaw tp. in 1835. His parents were Obadiah and Mary (Chichester) Crane, the former of whom settled in Sag- inaw county, in 1830, when only one building was erected on the site of the present city. His parents were both natives of New. York. W. A. was educated in an academy at Rochester, Mich., and has taught school for 25 successive winters, only missing one.

951

TITTABAWASSEE TOWNSIIIP.

Mathematics is his favorite study. He owns 180 acres of land, 110 of which are well improved. His residence is valned at $3,000, and is heated by a furnace in the cellar. Mr. Crane was married, in 1857, to Miss S. E. Purchase, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1841, and was the daughter of Erastus and Laura Purchase (Griffin). Six children have come to cheer their home-William E., Riley L., Ambrose, Mary, Milo and Franklin. Mrs. Crane is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Crane former- ly, lived in Kochville tp., where he was Superintendent of the schools. He moved upon his present farm in 1862. He is Repub- lican in politics.

Hugh Garrett, farmer, scc. 31, was born in Ireland in 1831; is a son of Hugh and Mary ( Williams ) Garrett, natives of Scot- land; subject of sketchi received his education in his native land and Canada; came to this county in 1863, and now owns 140 acres of land; is a member of Democratic party; was married in 1852 to Mary Thurlow, 9 children have been sent to bless thiis union, 4 daugliters and 5 sons; subject and wife are members of Wesleyan M. E. Church, of which body he lias officiated as Steward. Wife died June 21, 1881.

James Gifford, farmer, was born in England in 1831; is a son of Jolin and Charlotte ( Cole ) Gifford; subject of sketchi received his education in England; came to this county in 1865; was employed in saw-mills for 20 years; since then has been engaged in farming; owns 60 acres of land, and is a member of Democratic party; has been twice married; first wife was Salenia Allum, who bore him 1 child; wife was drowned in Lake Michigan, in 1863; second wife was Mary Marshall; they were married in 1867, and have 2 children.

Edward F. Gould, merchant, Freeland Station, was born in Canada, Feb. 20, 1840; is a son of Setli B. and Julia A. ( Crandle ) Gould, natives of New York, who emigrated to Canada at an early day; subject of sketchi was reared in his native land, and in 1860 located at Midland, Mich., as general superintendent of John Larkin's lumber business, remaining in such position 14 years; was in partnership with Sherman Olmstead, in a shingle-mill, for four years, and one year alone; then sold out, and engaged in farming; in September, 1880, established present business; was elected Tp. Clerk, in spring of 1881; is member of I. O. O. F. and Masonie fraternities; was married July 5, 1869, to Harriet C., daughter of J. A. and Elizabeth Munger, who was born March 26, 1848; 3 children, Seth B., Lottie E. and James A.

William Hackett, farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 36, born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 21, 1843, is a son of Bernard and Bridget (Murray) Hackett, who located on subject's farm in 1843. William now owns 590 acres of good land, and was engaged in the lumber traffic over 11 years; was married, Oct. 2, 1871, to Mary Keller; 5 children have been born to them-William, Catherine B., James F., Mary I. and Jennie; subject's postoffice address is Saginaw City.

952

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

Rev. J. H. Lewis, farmer, sec. 21, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1827; is a son of Gershon and Hannah ( Van Vra- denburglı) Lewis, who settled in Genesee Co., Mich., in 1836, where father still resides; mother deceased; subject obtained an education by his own individual efforts, and at 19 years of age began to teach school, at which he labored for 15 years; since then has been engaged in farming; is a minister of the gospel, of the Wesleyan M. E. Church, and has charge of the Midland Circuit; settled in this tp. in 1855, where he has since resided; was married Dec. 17, 1848, to Mary L. Surryhue, who was born in New York city, March 25, 1821; 4 children have been given them-Mary A., William H .. Watson A. and Florence E; wife died March 28, 1864; he was again married June 15, 1865, to Aurora Jaquith, who was born in this county March 19, 1843; subject has been Supervisor and Tp. Clerk; owns 93 acres of land.

Thomas Mc Culloch, farmer, was born in Scotland in 1833; is a son of Thomas and Jane (Martin) McCulloch, natives of Scotland; subject of sketeh reecived his edueation in this county; owns 200 acres of land. 130 of which are tillable; is a Democrat and has been Tp. Commissioner and School Director; was married in 1848 to Margaret Glover, who bore him 2 children, and died in 1869; was again married in July, 1870, to Jane Garrett; they have 1 child, Mary Bessie; wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

John A. McGregor, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 28; P. O., Free- land Station; is a life resident of this county, and was born Sept. 7, 1840; parents were John and Janett (Thomson) MeGregor, who located at Detroit, Mich., in 1835, remaining one year, and then to this county, where they resided, with the exception of three years in Kent county, till their deaths; father was a mason, and assisted in the erection of the first lighthouse at the mouth of the Sag- inaw river; was killed by a falling tree (while chopping) Feb. 23, 1850; mother died Oct. 6, 1874; subject of sketch has been a farmer through life, and at one time suffered a loss of $1,200 in the lum- ber business; has been Tp. Treasurer two terms; and is a member of the Masonic order; is present Supervisor of this tp. ; was married Oct. 30, 1866, to Elizabeth Davinson, who was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1841; they have 1 child, Etta E.

John Mc Gregor was born in Scotland, March 23, 1840; is a son of Peter and Margaret (Reid) McGregor, who came to the United States in 1843, and to this county the same year; subject of sketch received a fair education and was reared on a farm; has been a farmer through life, and in 1879 engaged in present busi- ness; has been School Inspector and Commissioner of Highways, and is a member of the Adventist Church; owns 96 acres of fer- tile land on sec. 17; was married Dec. 7, 1869, to Atressa Sim- mons, who was born in Canada, March 9, 1847; 2 children are living-Maude and Raymond; subject of sketch is making exten- sive preparations for the keeping of bees and the manufacture of honey.

953

TITTABAWASSEE TOWNSHIP.

Peter McGregor, sec. 27, was born in Scotland in March, 1809; parents were Alpine and Grace (McDonald) McGregor, both of whom died in Scotland; subject of sketch grew to manhood in Scotland, and in 1843 came to America with $200 in money; his brother had come 10 years previons; subject settled on present farın of 232 acres, which he has cleared and improved; has been Justice of the Peace two terms and Tp. Treasurer same length of time; was married July 23, 1839, to Margaret Reid, who was born in Scotland in 1812; of their 7 children, 4 survive -- John, Grace, Margaret and Jane; wife died Sept. 29, 1870.

Frank Mclellan, agriculturist, sec. 13, is a life resident of this county, and was born Oct. 10, 1850; parents, Benjamin and Eme- line (Ballmer) Mclellan, are natives of New Hampshire and New York; father came to Saginaw county in 1834 or 1836, and has re- sided here since; subject of sketch received his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools, and subsequently attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College of Detroit, Mich .; at present is Drain Commissioner, and owns 160 acres of land; was married Dec. 8, 1875, to Mary H., daughter of John and Margaret Smith, who was born in this county June 12, 1850; they have 1 child, Melbourne.

James A. Munger, physician and merchant, Freeland Station, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1825; parents, Daniel and Lncy (Agard) Munger, removed to Jefferson Co., Pa., when James was quite young, where he remained until 18 years of age; was engaged in lumber business several years; in 1870 entered into the mercantile trade, the last eight years being located at this point; has practiced medicine over 15 years; in 1863, in com- pany with John Lee, threshed the greater portion of the grain raised in this and Midland counties; has been Supervisor, Com- missioner of Highways, and is at present Justice of the Peace of this township; is connected with the Adventist denomination; was married Jan. 7, 1847, to Elizabeth Crispen, who was born in Jef- ferson Co., Pa., Sept. 6, 1826; 6 children-Harriet, Lncius, John, Adaline, Emily and Clorra.

John Munger, an old and respected settler of this township, was born in New York in 1820, and is a son of Daniel and Lucy (Agard) Manger, natives of New York, father of English descent; subject of sketch received a fair education in his native State, and in 1858 located in Saginaw county; had but one "grip sack " and no money when he arrived, but went resolutely to work, and the result of his labors are shown in the 80-acre fertile farm he now possesses; is Republican in politics; was married in 1841 to Al- mira Spencer, who bore him 7 children, 6 living; wife died in 1855; was married again in 1857 to Saralı Clark, a native of New York; have 2 children; subject and wife are members of the Wesleyan M. E. Church, in which body he has been class-leader. The 2 children's names are Oscar E. and Frankie V.

954

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

Morris Mulkins, farmer, sec. 23, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Marclı 19, 1820; parents were John and Sally (Lovejoy) Mulkins, natives of Connecticut; in 1855 they located in Oakland Co., Mich., where Mrs. Mulkins died; father subsequently returned to New York, where he departed this life some years ago; subject of sketch spent his early life in a woolen factory, and in 1849 located in Oak- land Co., Mich .; in 1854 he settled on his present farm of 40 acres; has been Township Commissioner, and is a member of the Masonic order; was married Ang. 23, 1842, to Rosanna Wellman, who was born in New York May 15, 1823; 4 children-John, Flora L., Rhoda A. and Olive.

David B. Olmstead, farmer, sec. 22, was born in Norfol- Co., Canada West, March 23, 1818; parents were Stephen and Mary (Barber) Olmstead, natives of New York and New Jersey; father died in Canada, in 1855, mother later; subject of sketch went to live with uncle when 14 years of age, as his parents were poor; bought a piece of land, but had to give it up, as could not pay for it; lived on rented land six years, and in 1856 came to this county; bought a timbered farm at $6 per acre, paying $250 cash down; expected to get money of party in Canada, who owed him, to pay the remainder; party ran off, and money was never paid; subject had only one horse and a few dollars to commence life here, but has succeeded admirably; now owns 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre; was married April 17, 1844; wife was native of England; bore him 1 child (deceased), and died Feb. 17, 1845; subject was again married, March 10, 1847, to Mary Murray, who was born in Canada, March 22, 1827; of their 6 children, 5 are living-Sophia, Mary A., John B., James M. and Stephen G .; subject and wife are members of Baptist Ch arch, and he has been Tp. Treasurer; has also been member of School Board for several years.

Franklin Henry Pierce, farmer, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1843; parents are Phineas Peter and Mary (Chase) Pierce, natives of New York, father of French, mother of German parent- age; subject of sketch accompanied parents to this State in 1856, his father locating 80 acres of land on sec. 18, of this tp .; was edu- cated in this country, and learned the blacksmith's trade; in 1861 enlisted in Co. B, 10th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was along " when Sherman marched down to the sea;" was wounded at battle of Buzzard's Roost, in Georgia, also wounded in head, by bayonet, at battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Ang. 31, 1864; is a Republican; owns 80 acres of land; was married in 1866, to Esther Hall, a native of Michigan; 5 children have been given them-William, Allen A., Charles F., Eva and Harriet; wife is a member of Episcopal Church.

William Roeser, merchant and dealer in farming implements, Freeland Station, was born in Germany, Jan. 4. 1825; is son of Frederick and Johanna (Schmieder) Roeser; in 1850 accompanied two brothers, Otto and Gustave, to this country, all locating in

955

TITTABAWASSEE TOWNSHIP.

this tp .; subject of sketch has a good mercantile education; has been engaged in business since 1855, besides owning and operating a farm; laid out Freeland Station in 1867, and has been instru- mental in settling up this village and tp .; has filled various tp. offices; was married, Feb. 14, 1851, to Therese Von Vasold, who was born in Germany, in 1829; they have 9 children-Oscar, Her- man, William, Clara, Charles, Francis, Albert, Henry and Fred- erick.

Mr. Roeser's portrait is given in this work, on page 911.

Albert H. Stolze, farmer, sec. 28, was born in Germany, in 1$40; parents were John Henry and Elizabeth (Schilling) Stolze; mother died in Germany; subject of sketch was educated in his native land, and in 1854, accompanied his father to America; he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits through life, and now owns 30 acres of good land; is a member of the Lutheran Church; was married in 1865, to Melissa Crosby, a native of Michigan, of Eng- lish descent; have 1 child-Ella, born May 16, 1866; wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

David Thomson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 22; P. O., Free- land Station; was born in Saginaw Co., Feb. 16, 1845; is son of John and Jane Thomson, natives of Scotland, who located at De- troit, Mich., in 1837; subsequently removed to this county; subject of sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools; served one and a half years in Co. L, 16th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., in the army of the Potomac; owns 100 acres of good land; was married in January, 1874, to Mary Olmstead, who was born Dec. 23, 1853; they have 3 children-John W., Bertha C. aud Nellie M.

John Thompson, agricnlturist, sec. 27; P. O., Freeland Station; was born in Scotland, Jan. 31, 1833; parents were John and Jane (Murray) Thompson, who located at Detroit, Mich., in 1835, where they remained five years, and then settled on farm occupied by subject of this sketch; father died Feb. 9, 1879, and mother Sept. 24, 1860. John was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education; was Tp. Treasurer two terms, and Justice of the Peace one term; is a member of M. E. Church; was married Ang. 31, 1856, to Sarah J. Pinkney, who was born in Sandusky Co., O., Feb. 14, 1840; 6 children have been sent to them-Enphemie J., Mary E., William S., Irene, Carrie A. and Lydia M.

George Turnbull, farmer, sec. 27, was born in Scotland, Nov. 12, 1826; parents were David and Margaret Turnbull, who, in 1854, located in New Brunswick, where the father died March 10, 1873; mother still survives; subject of sketch left New Brunswick at age of 18 years, and went to Canada; after three years' residence tliere, he came to Michigan, and in 1852, to Saginaw Co .; located on present farm of 120 acres in 1854; received only a common educa- tion, and began life with nothing; has made all he possesses by indomitable will and energy; was married Nov. 8, 1853, to Juial Thompson, who was born Mar. 17, 1829; 9 children have been

956

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

given them, 8 of whom are living-David, John, George, Jar- san J., Mina, Thomas, Sarah and Theodore.

Augustus Vasold, sr., farmer, was born in Germany in 1804. He came to America in 1850, and located in this tp. the same year. He is now the oldest living settler within the border of tp. He married Ernestine Walchter, who was born in Germany in 1804. and came to this tp. the same year as her husband. Mr. Vasold owns 120 acres of good land. He lias 4 sons, all farmers of this tp. Henry was born in Germany in 1831, and accompanied his parents to this connty, locating on sec. 28, of this tp. He received a common school education, and has been a farmer through life. He is a Republican, and owns 80 acres of land. He was married in 1876 to Adelaide Merritt, who has given him 2 children-Henry Lewis and George Whitman. Mr. V. is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife is connected with the M. E. denomination. Augustus, jr., another son, was born in Germany in 1834, and received a collegiate education in his native land. He accom- panied his parents to America in 1850, and now owns 90 acres of well improved land. He is a Republican, and has been Super- visor one term, and Justice of the Peace 16 years, also a school officer. He was married in 1868 to Augusta Van Vliet, a native of Germany. They have 6 children-Lina, Ernst, Angust, Elma, Augusta and Minnie. Mr. Vasold and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Otto Vasold was born in Germany in 1847; when 15 years of age he began to raise bees and manufacture honey, and has continued that business till the present time. He usually keeps 50 or 60 swarms on hand, but the cold winter of 1878-'9 destroyed abont 54 swarms. He owns 135 acres of good land; is a member of the Lutheran Church; a Republican, and has been Assessor and School Inspector of tp. Hugo Vasold was born in Germany, Feb. 19, 1837, and was there educated. He has been a farmer through life, and was given 40 acres of land, by his father, to start on. By industry and thrift he has increased his farm to 190 acres, 100 of which are well improved. He is a Republican, and has been Road Commissioner and Assessor. He was married April 3, 1867, to Natalie Huene. They have 5 children living-Charles A., Julia, Ernestine, Oscar and Salame; Walter is deceased. Mr. Vasold and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

ZILWAUKEE TOWNSHIP

comprised at its organization, Jan. 20, 1854, all the land within its present limits, together with a large tract on the east side of the river, since annexed to Buena Vista. Within the township proper are four villages or settlements: Bliss Mill settlement, containing a population of 174; Melbourne settlement, with 315 inliabitants; New York Works settlement of 145 inhabitants, and Zil waukee village, containing a population of 915. The township outside these centers is thinly settled, containing only 81 people. The entire population is 1,630. The land along the river is low and marshy. The people look to the great industries of Rust, Eaton & Co., the New York works, Oneida Salt Co.'s works, Burt's mill and other factories as the main pillar of support. With a system of drainage and embankment, the lands conld be converted into the richest agricultural district in the county.

ORGANIC.

The application for the organization of Zilwaukee was signed by John L. Richman, P. N. Davenport, L. Wellington, Louis Duprat, Antoine Duprat, John Davis, David Johnson, Jerry Davis, B. J. Fisher, Jacob Wright, James Barrett, Casper Schulteis, Michael Walker, J. H. Schoeder, representing the 41 electors then in the township, and presented to the Board of Supervisors. The terri- tory to be organized comprised the south half of township number 13 north, of range 4 east; the south half of township number 13 north, of range 5 east; fractional section 6, and all that part of frac- tional section 5 lying west of Saginaw river, in township number 12 north, of range 5 east. The board granted the request of the applicants Jan. 3, 1854, and ordered that the first annual meeting for the election of township officers be held at the office of D. & S. Johnson, in Zilwaukee, Jan. 20, 1854; and that the following-named persons-Luke Wellington, Charles Danes and B. F. Fisher, being three electors of said township-be designated and appointed to preside at such meeting.

The first town meeting was held at D. & S. Johnson's office Jan. 20, 1854, as ordered. Charles Danes was elected Supervisor; Chas. H. Brower, Town Clerk; Charles Lewis, Treasurer; Lonis Duprat, Commissioner of Highways; Benj. F. Fisher, School Inspector; Daniel Johnson, Benj. F. Fisher, Win. L. Marsh, Casper Schul- teis, Justices of the Peace; Asher Parks, Henry Flatan, John G. Brindle and Jeremiah Davis, Constables; Jacob Wright, Louis Duprat, Overseers of the Poor.

(957)

958

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The following list embraces the township officers from 1854 to 1881:

SUPERVISORS.

Charles Danes. . 1854

Luke Wellington. 1855

B. F. Fisher

1856-'7

Geo. Lewis. 1858-'9

Alexander Alberti 1860-'1

Casper Schulteis. 1862

---

Thomas W. Hastings .1863-'5

Jacob Wright. 1866-'9

John H. Doyle. 1870-'1

Jacob Wright .1872-'3

John H. Doyle 1874-'81

CLERKS.

Charles H. Brower 1854

James Barrett. 1855

T. N. Tabor. 1856-'7

N. D. Birdsall. .1858

Casper Schulteis 1859-'61

William Gardner

1874-'9

Charles Glave. .1862-'3

Christoph. Kastner.

1880-'1

TREASURERS.

Charles Lewis 1854

Jacob Wright 1858-'65

Louise Duprat. 1855

Charles Lewis. 1856

Ernst Wetzel. 1870-'9

Casper Schulteis 1857

Fred. Otto.

1880-'1

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Daniel Johnson, B. Fisher. .1854

W. L. Marsh, Casper Schulteis .. . 1854

B. F. Fisher. . 1855

C. Schulteis, Geo. Lewis. 1856

T. N. Taber. 1857

J. Wright, Geo. Lewis 1858

C. Chase. .. 1859

C. Schulteis, Chas. Glave 1860

Jerreaus Bissett, J. Wright. 1861

A. Alberti. 1861

James Maloney, Chas. Glave. 1862

Jacob Wright 1863

Geo. D. Sargent. 1864

John W. Robertson. 1865

Wm. L. Marsh, J. Doyle, H. S. Bennet. 1866

Robert Manthon. 1867

Ernst Wetzel, J. Wright, J.

Doyle. 1688

C. C. Rice. 1869

DeWitt Valentine, C. C. Chap .

pel. . 1870

Ezra Lougeor, H. S. Bennet, C. Russel. 1871

John Reneke, J. Fleming. 1872

Chris. Kastner, C. Chappel 1872

Geo. Wacker, Ernst Wetzel 1873

Jacob Wright, T. Shea. 1874

Chris. Kastner, W. Torrance 1875

J. H. Fleming.

1875

D. Creasor.

1876

John Steele.

1877

Wm. Torrance, M. McPhillips. .1878

Christopher Kastner

William Torrance. .

Isaac Turner, J. H. Doyle 1879

Patrick Ryan, E. Wetzel

James E. Sanders.

Christopher Kastner.

1880

Fred. Ash, J. Pidgeon

1881

CHURCHES.

The churches of the township comprise the Catholic, Lutheran and Methodist. The Lutheran church is said to be a pretentious building.

F. A. Martin 1864-'5

Clark C. Butts. 1866-'8

S. H. Gould. 1869-'72

Christoph. Kastner 1873

Nat. Duprat. 1866-'9

959

ZILWAUKEE TOWNSHIP.

SCHOOLS.

There are three school districts in the township; No. 1 presided over by James Malony ; No. 2 by Joseph C. Bixby, and No. 3 by Edward Lambert. The number of children of school age in the township in September, 1880, was 503, of wliom 374 were reported in attendance. The school-liouses are frame buildings, valned at $8,656. There are seven teachers employed, who received during the past year $1,912 for their services. The total disbursement of money for school purposes during the year ending in September, 1880, was $2,931.90. The district taxes amounted to $2,412, pri- mary school fund $207.27, non-resident fees $600, and $197.27 raised from other sources, aggregating $2,931.90. The township library contains 422 volumes, including 118 volumes added dur- ing the year 1880.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

Theodore F. Casamer, Principal of the Zilwaukee Public Schools, was born in Orion tp., Oakland Co., Mich., in 1844 ; parents are Isaac and Prudence (Buchner) Casamer, natives of New Jersey, of German descent ; subject of sketch received his education at the Ypsilanti Normal School, also attended Eastman's Commercial College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; when 17 years of age, enlisted in Co. C, 10th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was wounded in the shoulder at battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, 1864 ; was dis- charged, and re-enlisted again in 1864, but was discharged again in 1865 on account of wounds received ; was a resident of Genesee Co., Miclı., for some time; and was appointed County Superinten- dent of Schools ; was also nominated for Register of Deeds of Oakland Co., Mich., in 1876 ; came to Zilwaukee in 1868, and ac- ceptedipresent position, which he has since filled; is Republican in politics ; was married in 1880, to Jane Chase.

George Hendry, physician, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1838, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Clark), na- tives of Scotland ; received his literary education in the high schools of Canada, and was a teacher at Farmersville for two years ; entered Queen's College (Medical) at Kingston, from which he graduated March 29, 1869; came to this tp. in 1868; is Republican in politics ; has twice been delegate to State Conven- tions, and in 1880, was delegate to Detroit to elect delegates for the Presidential election ; has been Superintendent of Schools and Justice of the Peace ; was President of the Saginaw County Med- ical Society in 1874 ; enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice ; was married, in Canada, in 1873, to Mary Simpson, a native of Scotland ; have 2 children-George David Kerr and Isabella Henrietta.

Frederic Otto, residence Zilwaukee village, was born in Ger- many, in 1833, and is a son of Frederic and Frederika (Phulshur) Otto ; he received a common-school eduation in Prussia, and has

960

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

served some years as engineer of a stationary engine ; he came to this country in 1855 ; is Democratic in politics, and has officiated as School Inspector and Tp. Treasurer two terms ; he owns 35 acres of land, two of which are in the village of Zilwaukee ; also 11 village lots ; he was married in 1859, to Caroline Hilderbrand; of their 10 children, 8 are living-Fred, Charlie, John, Rudolf, Al- vina, William, Caroline and Albert. The deceased are Louisa, and Abesia.

Philo Stafford was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1831; is a son of John and Margaret (Orr) Stafford; father native of Rhode Island, of English descent; mother native of Vermont, of Scotch parentage. Subject of sketch was educated at the common and high schools of Ohio, and has been engaged in a saw-mill since 1851. On Aug. 25, 1862, enlisted in Co. A, 18th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged in 1863. In 186- obtained position as foreman of Rust, Eaton & Co's saw-mill, and has been engaged in that business since; has full charge of everything connected with mill, and has on an average 50 men employed. Was married in 1859 to Francis C. Riddle, a native of Ohio, of English and Irish descent. Of their 6 children 5 are living. Sub- ject of sketch votes for candidates of Republican party.

Ernst Wetzel was born in Prussia, Dec. 4, 1830; is a son of Charles Wetzel, a sea captain. Subject of sketch received a fair education in his native land, and in 1843 shipped on board a vessel as a common sailor. In 1848 he cruised to America, and subsequently to Buenos Ayres; took a-trip around Cape Horn, and arrived at San Francisco, Cal., May 4, 1850. For two years was proprietor of a general store in the inining regions, being very successful in this business. Was a miner for 12 years; came to this county in 1866, and has since been a farmer; owns 122 acres of land and property in East Saginaw. Is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Democrat. Was Justice of the Peace and Tp. Treasurer for 10 years. Was married in 1866, to Mary Ann Huss, a native of Germany, born Nov. 30, 1840; have 6 children, 1 daughter and 5 sons-Albert, Herman, Ernest, Emil, Bernard and Clara.

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

3 1197 21360 3175

Date Due

All library items are subject to recall at any time.

MAR n 3 2012

Brigham Young University

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History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume I, Part 99

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 962

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 962