USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 100
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James L. Babcock, son of L. A. and Elizabeth (James) Babcock, was born at Goshen, Hampshire county, Mass., Feb. 10, 1840. His father was a native of Petersburg, N. Y. James L. was educated in the common schools and in an Academy at Northampton, Mass. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Aurora, Ills., for 10 years, but has been a resident of this county for the past 20 years.
Philip Bach, senior member of the firm of Bach & Abel, dry-goods dealers at Ann Arbor, Mich., is a native of Germany and was born in the Duchy of Baden Oct 20, 1820. When nine years of age his parents came to America, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they lived five years. In 1835 they came to Ann Arbor, since which time Mr. Bach has resided in this city. He began his business life with Brown & Company in the lower town, then the leading business house in the town. He was afterward for a time with Hiram Goodspeed, then with E. Root & Son, and later with Bach & Abel, of this city, with whom he remained until 1843, when he began business life for himself as a partner in the firm of C. B. Thompson & Co. In 1855 he opened the house of which he is now the leading member. He has been longer continuously in business in Ann Arbor than any other man in the city and has never yet known failure. In 1865 he built the store where he now does business.
Dr. Cyrus Backus was born at Locke, Cayuga county, N. Y., now called Groton, Tompkins county, in the year 1812. In this place he received his earlier education. He later studied medicine with Dr. David Bennie, and afterward with Dr. J. G. Morgan, of Auburn, N. Y., then Surgeon of the State's prison at that city. He entered the medical college at Geneva and took the full course. How- ever, when the time came for him to graduate it was ascertained that this college was not authorized legally to grant diplomas admitting to practice. He therefore passed an examination before the Ontario County Medical Society, and by it was admitted to practice. He then came to Michigan where he was examined by the Territorial Medical Society, and by it admitted to practice. He followed his pro- fession for some years, when he returned to New York and entered the Medical Department of the University of the city of New York, at which he graduated in
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1850. He again came West, and in 1850 located at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he has since been in practice. Dr. Backus is now the oldest living practitioner in this city, having practiced here 30 years. He has now as partner in his business, Dr. Allen.
J. D. Baldwin, fruit grower, Ann Arbor, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in the town of Baldwinsville, named in honor of Cyrus Baldwin, father of J. D., who was a prominent physician of the Empire State. He married Susan Dorr, of Bos- ton, a daughter of one of the soldiers, who, being disguised as Indians, threw over- board that memorable ship-load of tea in Boston harbor. In 1835 Mr. Baldwin located at Detroit where he engaged in the hardware and leather trade. In 1847 he came to Ann Arbor, and bought 154 acres of valuable land in the vicinity of that city. Aug. 1, 1839, he married Elizabeth F. Hubbard, daughter of Norman Hubbard, a capitalist of Oswego Co., N. Y. They have 4 children -Eugene E., James C., Mrs. Mary Davis, Ann Arbor, and Charles C., all of whom were liberally educated. Mr. B. takes great interest in fruit-growing, and is Vice-President of the Washtenaw Co. Pomological Society, which position he has retained since its organization. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are among the leading members of the Congregational Church of Ann Arbor.
Mrs. William Ball, who takes a leading position as a dress and cloak maker in Ann Arbor, was born in New York. For a number of years Mrs. Ball was a suc- cessful business lady of Adrian, Mich., and in 1878 removed to Ann Arbor, where she has since resided. In the short time she has been in the latter place she has succeeded admirably, and is kept quite busily engaged the greater part of the year in attending to city custom. She has been twice married. Her first husband was O. O. Beach. Feb. 13, 1831, she married William Ball.
R. J. Barry (deceased) was born in New York city, Aug. 25, 1814. In an early day he removed to Hartford, Conn., and in his 21st year settled at Ann Arbor e He secured employment as a clerk in a leading dry-goods establishment, and som years after bought 80 acres of land in Pittsfield tp. In 1852 he went to Marysville, Cal., where he was engaged in mining for 30 months. He then returned to Ann Arbor, and when the Rebellion broke out he organized a company and was elected Captain, but the troops were never called into active service. He officiated as U. S. Provost Marshal, and was subsequently Collector of Internal Revenue. In 1842 he married Sarah Mosely, a daughter of Col. Thomas Mosely, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., and a Colonel in the war of 1812. His wife was a native of Farmington, Conn. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barry, 6 of whom are living- Mary, Clara, Elmira, Julia, Edmund and Charles, the latter a graduate of Michigan, and resident of Ann Arbor.
S. & J. Baumgartner, proprietors grocery and bakery, Ann Arbor, were born in Germany, and in 1872 came to Ann Arbor. May 1, 1877, they started in business in a humble way, and scarcely knowing any of the English language. The success that has crowned them in this line of business is ample proof of their honesty and integ- rity. In connection with their grocery and bakery they have a flour and feed de- partment, which is a source of no inconsiderable revenue to the firm. In the autumn of 1880 they erected a large and commodious bakery, and S. Baumgartner took charge of it, and bears the reputation of being one of the best bakers in Wash- tenaw county.
C. H. Baxter, proprietor livery and feed stable, corner 2d and Huron streets, Ann Arbor, was born in Washtenaw county, and is a son of William Baxter, a merchant of Manchester, and an old pioneer of the county. The livery business was estab- lished in 1868, under the firm name of Robinson, Baxter & Co., but some years ago the firm was dissolved, and since that time the livery and feed stable-one of the best in Southern Michigan-has been under the efficient management of C. H. Baxter.
Hon. Hiram J. Beakes, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was born at Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1827, and received his education at his native place. He also com- menced reading law there and afterward read with Clark & Rapallo, of New York city, the latter of whom is now a Judge of the Court of Appeals of New York State. Mr. Beakes was admitted to the Bar in 1851 in New York city. The same year he removed to Ann Arbor and began the practice of law. 1854 he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner of Washtenaw Co., which he held one term. In 1863 he was elected member of the Legislature from Ann Arbor, which he held one term. In 1874 he was elected Probate Judge of Washtenaw Co., and was elected again at the expiration of the term. Mr. Beakes is now a member of the firm of Beakes &
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Cutcheon, Detroit, Mich., and has also a large practice at Ann Arbor which is still his home.
Eugene E. Beal, Ann Arbor, was born at Plainfield, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 26, 1846, and is a son of Emory and Sophia (Rice) Beal, natives of New York. Mr. Beal was reared on a farm, and received his preliminary education in the district schools. When he was 15 years old he went to Dexter, and attended the schools there for two years, at the expiration of which time he entered the employ of Beal & Field, dry-goods merchants, as a clerk. He remained with this firm nearly two years, and then went to Ann Arbor, spending one year in attendance at the Commercial School of that city. From Ann Arbor he went to Minnesota, and, in connection with two brothers, established the firm of Beal Bros , at Sauk Rapids. He remained in this connection seven years, in the meantime serving one term as Sheriff of Benton county, and at the time of departure from that region was representing Sauk Rapids in the County Board of Supervisors. He then went back to Ann Arbor, and entered the publishing house of Dr. Chase's Receipt Book and the Ann Arbor Courier, being at present cashier and bookkeeper of that famous establishment. In 1870 he married Lutilla, daughter of Nathan and Fidelia Keith, residents of Dexter. Two children have been sent to bless this union-Elmer and Rice.
Charles Behr (deceased) was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1826. He was there educated and learned the dry-goods business, in which his father was largely engaged. In 1849 he came to America, and came at once to Ann Arbor, where he engaged in tanning. In 1850 he went to Kalamazoo, where he remained about two years. He then went to Germany for a brief time. During this visit, on the 14th of September, 1852, he was married to Miss Louisa Balze, of Wurtemberg, a daughter of a merchant of that country. The next day they started for America, and came at once to Ann Arbor. In a short time he opened a grocery and pro- vision store, which he followed till his death in 1871. He left a wife and 4 chil- dren to mourn his loss. Mr. Behr was a man of wide influence, and by care and industry had accumulated quite a large fortune.
Anson Belding (deceased) was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., April 11, 1811. His father, William Belding, was an old resident there and a farmer. Mr. Bel- ding was there educated and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1848 he came to Michigan and located in Lodi, Washtenaw county. In a short time he removed to Ann Arbor and engaged in the manufacture of Dr. Cronk's cele- brated root beer, which he followed three years. He then worked at his trade for a time, and purchased a farm on sec. 16, of Ann Arbor tp., which he owned when he died, though not living on it. He carried on the farm and followed his trade till he died, in 1861. May 12, 1842, he was married to Miss Ann Mills, of Cayuga county, N. Y., a daughter of John Mills, a pioneer of that county. To them were born 3 sons, 2 of whom are living. One is now in Nebraska and one in Brighton, Mich.
Rev. II. F. Belser, Pastor Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, was born near Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1829. Mr. Belser graduated from the Uni- versity of Tubingen, in 1850. In 1853 he settled near Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he first preached, after being ordained as a minister of the gospel. In 1855 he married Mary Coker, and 8 children have been born to them. The same year he was married Mr. B. became pastor of a Lutheran Church at Mansfield, Ohio, and subsequently at Washington, Crawford county, where he remained for many years. In 1875 he located at Ann Arbor, and the Church under his control (as will be seen in another portion of this volume) is in a flourishing condition. Rev. Belser is a member of the Joint Lutheran Senate of Ohio, and other organi- zations of a like nature.
Mrs. Maggie Berry, hair dresser, Ann Arbor, is a daughter of Spencer and Rosanna (McAllister) Prater, and learned her trade in Bath, N. Y. She served the usual period of apprenticeship with Miss Jennie Robinson, a noted hair- dresser of that State. She has been located in Ann Arbor for six years, and enjoys a good trade from the leading ladies of Ann Arbor and vicinity.
William Biggs, contractor and builder, Ann Arbor, was born at Braintree, England, in 1849. He came to Ann Arbor some years ago, and has become favorably known throughout Washtenaw county, as a workman of more than ordinary ability. He received a liberal education in Ann Arbor, and in 1875 was united in marriage to Fanny Cook, a daughter of John Cook, of Ann Arbor, and
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
a native of Lincolnshire, England. Mr. Biggs has erected many of the best resi- dences in Ann Arbor.
Andrew Birk, manufacturer of potash, soap and candles, at Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, A. D. 1818. He was there educated and learned the business which he now follows. In 1853 he came to America and located in Connecticut, where he remained two years. In 1855 he came to Ann Arbor and started his present business on a small scale. From that time to this his business has constantly increased. In 1853, at Bridgeport, Conn., he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Bauer, of Wurtemberg, Germany. He is a consistent member of Zion Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor
Isaac Bisbee, farmer, was born in Vermont in 1813, son of Elisha and Mary (Grant) Bisbee. Isaac grew to manhood in his native State, where he followed the vocation of a carpenter and millwright. In 1834 he located at Ann Arbor, where he worked at his trade many years. While residing in this latter place, he mar- ried Amanda Fox, daughter of Phineas Fox, an early pioneer of Washtenaw county. They have 6 children-Isadore, wife of O. Doty, of Saginaw, Mich ; Ade- line, wife of O. Lathrop; Benjamin; Albert, who married Hannah Payne, of Monroe, Mich .; Oscar, husband of Harriet Bell, and Edwin, who married Lena Chief. Mr. Bisbee owns a valuable farm of 120 acres, and for 14 years officiated as Justice of the Peace of Ann Arbor tp.
A. C. Bliss, Ann Arbor, was born in New York in 1831. Three years after this date his parents, Daniel W. and Lucy Bliss, emigrated to Michigan, and eventu- ally located at Ann Arbor, where the former still resides. Mrs. Bliss died in January, 1881, aged 73 years. Mr. A. C. Bliss grew to mature years in the village of Ann Arbor, where he received a liberal education, and in after years worked as a shoemaker and mason. In 1869 he married Sophia McCue. There were 2 children born to them-Theodore, a young man possessing more than ordi- nary business talents, died in Kansas City, Mo., and W. R., the proprietor of the Temperance Billiard Hall, on Main street, and an active worker in the temper- ance movement. His hall contains no intoxicating beverages, and is always thronged with the better class of citizens and students who delight in "rolling the balls." Mr. Bliss is agent for a celebrated steam cooker, of great value to farmers, who, upon a thorough investigation of its merits, are ready purchasers. Mr. Bliss was general collecting agent for the Weed Sewing Machine Company, in the Eastern and Southern States, for over five years.
E. J. Bliss, deceased, was a well-known contractor and builder of Ann Arbor. He was born in Vermont in 1828, and in 1835 his parents moved to New York, and a short time after to Saline, Washtenaw county, where E. J. grew to mature years upon a farm. At the age of 19 he was apprenticed to the trade of a car- penter and joiner, in which occupation he proved himself in after years to be a skillful workman. In 1850 he married Mary Osborn, daughter of Burritt and Nancy Osborn, natives of Connecticut, who settled in this county in 1840. Mr. Bliss was a resident of Chicago six years. He died Jan. 9, 1872, and was laid at rest in the city of Ann Arbor. He was the father of 3 children-Ambrose, Addi- son and Grant.
A. M. Bodurell, manufacturer of school furniture, Ann Arbor, was born in Franklin county, N. Y., in 1818, son of Samuel and Mary (Gilman) Bodwell, na- tives of New Hampshire. A. M. passed his youth in New York, where he received a liberal education, and at the age of 18 accompanied his parents to Lower Can- ada, where he resided for a number of years. He then proceeded to Massachu- setts, remaining a resident of that State fill 1838, when he made a journey to Ohio, and found employment as a carpenter and joiner. From Ohio he went to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, and thence to Chicago, Ill. In 1853 he came to Ann Arbor, where he became a manufacturer of school furniture, and on Aug. 22, 1877, he secured letters patent on a folding desk and seat that was destined to work a revolution in the furniture of schools, seminaries and colleges. Mr. B. is the in- ventor of an opera-house chair, with which Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, is fitted throughout. In 1878-'79 he obtained a patent on the celebrated Triumph Windmill. He is quite an inventive genius, and doubtless will some day make a fortune out of his inventions.
Nelson Booth, retired farmer, Ann Arbor, was born in Lodi tp., Washtenaw county, in January, 1840. He received his educational training at Michigan Uni- versity, and during the greater portion of his life has followed agricultural pur- suits. In this business he has been more than ordinarily successful, and was one
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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.
of the most extensive farmers in the county, owning and farming 400 acres of land in Pittsfield tp., unsurpassed by any similar tract in Washtenaw county. In December, 1880, he disposed of his farm and purchased a half interest in the Gregory House, Ann Arbor, in which he officiated as landlord until he sold his interest to C. H. & F. W. Jewell, the former landlords of the Cook House. While proprietor of the Gregory House Mr. Booth refitted and refurnished it to a large extent, and received a large share of the traveling patronage. In 1861, Mr. Booth married Sophia Bassett, a daughter of Ira Bassett, of Lodi tp., a sketch of whom appears in this work. They have 1 child-Walter H., 11 years old, possessing mechanical qualities, which in the future will make him a man of wealth and prominence. Mr. Booth is a man of rare sagacity and keen perception, which have greatly assisted him in his business transactions.
Smith Botsford, merchant, Millington, Mich., was born on the old "Botsford homestead," Ann Arbor tp., son of Elnathan and Eliza Botsford. His father was an old pioneer of this county, and settled here about the time that Nathan Thayer did. He was a prominent man in the county, and was engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits the greater part of his life. He died a number of years ago, and soon after his wife followed him. The old homestead was left to Smith. He received a liberal education at Ann Arbor, and during the war served as a Commissary, in that department of the army. In 1870 he married Mrs. Josephine Pierson, wife of Isaac Pierson, who settled in this county in 1847, daughter of Kingsley and Anna Miller, natives of New York, and old pioneers of the county. Mr. Botsford was formerly connected with Philip Bach in the dry goods busi- ness, and afterward with a Mr. Johnson, in the hats, caps and fur business, both homes being in Ann Arbor. He has had 2 children born to him-Pierson B., 13 years of age, and Katy M., four years of age.
Chauncey Branch (deceased) was born in Vermont, Oct. 3, 1803. When a child he removed with his parents to New York, and in 1825 to Washtenaw Co., arriv- ing in May of the same year. In connection with his father and brother William, he located in Pittsfield tp. soon after, and also engaged in the nursery business. In 1837 Mr. Branch engaged in the grocery business at Ann Arbor, and also rented a farm of James Kingsley. At the time of his death he was, with one exception, the oldest resident of Ann Arbor. Mr. Branch contributed liberally of his means to public and private enterprises. In politics he was a Free-Soiler, and afterward a Republican. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church for half a century.
John Braun (deceased) was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1816. He grew to manhood and was educated in that place. When young he learned the stone- mason's trade, and in '36 immigrated to America, settling in Ann Arbor, where he followed his trade for several years. While a resident of that city, he married Anna M. Eberhardt, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. In 1851 he moved upon an 80-acre tract of land in Scio tp., for which he paid the sum of $1,100. After residing on this farm eight years, he moved on a farm in Ann Arbor tp., consist- ing of 177 acres, and subsequently purchased 60 acres more. He accumulated a handsome property by industry and integrity. His death ensued in 1876. His wife is still living, and lives on the old homestead. Eight children, the result of their marriage, are still living. F. J. Braun, the elder, was born in Ann Arbor in 1840. He received his preliminary education in the public schools, and subse- quently attended a seminary at Ann Arbor. In 1871 Mr. B. was Township Clerk, serving two years in that position. He was elected Township Treasurer in 1874 and 1878. He has always taken a deep interest in matters pertaining to educa- tion. In 1869 he married Virginia Currin, a native of Ann Arbor. They have 3 children-Martha C., Carl and Benjamin M.
John M. Braun, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 24, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Sept. 1, 1820. He is the son of Michael and Christiana Braun. At the age of 25 he came to Washtenaw Co. and settled at Ann Arbor, where he first found employment at his trade of coopering. He remained till 1859 when he bought his present farm, consisting of 88 acres. In 1847, he married Lena Kergher, of Wurtemberg, Germany, who bore him 9 chil- dren. 6 of whom are living-Fred, residing in Texas, John, William B., Sarah, now attending Michigan University, and Mary and Samuel (twins). The efforts of Mr. Braun as an agriculturist have been crowned with success. He is well respected in the community in which he lives.
William F. Breakey, M. D., of Ann Arbor, was born at Bethel, Sullivan Co., N. Y., in 1835. He received his elementary education there and at an academ-
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
ical institution at Bethany, Pa. In 1856 he went to Albany Medical College, at Albany, N. Y., where he remained one year. In 1857 he entered the Medical Department of Michigan University, from which he graduated in 1859. He began practice at Whitmore Lake, in this county, where he remained three years. He then, in 1862, entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, and remained there until 1864. During this time he was detailed on hospital duty largely. After the battle of Gettysburg he was three months in charge of a division of the hospital. In 1863 he was in charge of the Baptist Church Hospital, at Williamsburg, Va. At the expiration of his time in the army, in 1864, he came to Ann Arbor, where he engaged in practice. In 1868 was appointed Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy and Prosector of Surgery in Michigan University. In 1869 that position was abolished. Since 1865 has been United States Examiner for Pensions for Wash- tenaw county. He is now President of the Board of Health of Ann Arbor. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies. He is also a member of the American Medical Association. In 1862 Dr. Breakey was married to Miss Jennie E. Stevens, daughter of the Hon. William N. Stevens, of Whitmore Lake.
Peter Brehm (deceased) a pioneer in the brewery business of Ann Arbor, was born in Bavaria in 1825. In 1856 he went to Canada and thence to Ann Arbor. He first obtained employment in the city brewery, subsequently built what is now termed the Western Brewery, in the s. w. part of Ann Arbor. In 1857 he married Mrs. Louisa Muellig, relict of Philip Muellig (deceased) and daughter of Andrew Lambert. In 1870 Mr. Brehm erected a very fine residence on West Lib- erty street, but did not live long to enjoy its comfort, for death called him away in 1872, and he was tenderly laid at rest in Forest Hill cemetery.
Augustus W. Britten, dealer in agricultural implements, Ann Arbor, was born at Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1828, and is a son of L. W. and Eleanor Britten. Augustus was four years old when his parents moved West and settled in Oak- land Co., Mich., and about 1860 he moved to Dexter, Washtenaw Co., where his father died many years ago. A. W. Britten passed his youth in Oakland Co., and received an academic education at North Hill, Wayne Co., Mich., and in 1858-'9 attended the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. Previous to this date, in 1852, he traveled westward, and became interested in mining projects in Nevada and Col- orado, remaining during one winter at Salt Lake City, and afterward locating at Sacramento, Cal., where he entered actively into business as a wagon and car- riage manufacturer. In 1856 he returned to Michigan, and in 1859 married Sa- mantha M. Potter, a daughter of Paddock and Amanda Potter, natives of Jefferson Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Britten have devoted a good share of their life in instructing the minds of the children of Michigan. They have 3 children-Fred. E .. a member of the sophomore class of Michigan University, aged 21; Carrie E., an attendant of the Ann Arbor High School, and Dewey A. Mr. Britten has charge of the Ann Arbor Reform Club; was formerly a teacher of vocal music; is now a member of the Knights of Honor; has always identified himself with Church matters, and takes particular interest in the welfare of the First Baptist Church, of Ann Arbor, of which he is a member.
Rev. John Wesley Brooks, Pastor Second M. E. Church ( colored ), was born a slave at Fredericksburg, Maryland, April, 1798 His parents were Louis and Fanny (Williams) Brooks. When Mr. Brooks was quite young, his master, Richard Jones, took him to Ontario county, N. Y., and there sold him, his mother and two sisters to Phineas P. Bates. According to the slave laws of New York, at that period, a slave after reaching his 28th age was free, but Mr. Bates continued to hold Mr. Brooks until his 30th year. when, through the influence of John C. Spencer, a law- yer of Ontario county, N. Y., he was freed, and immediately became the paid em- ploye of his benefactor. He remained with Mr. Spencer one year, and in 1828, made his way to the Territory of Michigan, first locating at Ann Arbor. He soon after purchased 80 acres of land in Pittsfield tp., for which he paid $100. He re- mained on the farm 25 years, and then sold it to James Nichols. He returned to Ann Arbor. where he has since resided. Mr. Brooks was first married in New York, in 1833, to Lucy Ann Little, a native of New Hampshire, Conn., and one bound out until of age. Five children were born to this marriage, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Brooks subsequently died, and after Mr. Brooks came to this county he married Elizabeth Moore, a native of Ohio, Mrs. Brooks died in March, 1869. He was again married in 1870, to Louisa Ray, who was born at Syracuse, N. Y., in 1849. Mr. Brooks experienced religion at the age of 13 years, and has been
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