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 101
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Thomas of Seans
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a member of the M. E. Church for 70 years. He was ordained to preach by Rev. Swift, and for five years after his arrival in Michigan was engaged in the mission- ary work. Rev. Mr. Brooks is one of the oldest settlers in Washtenaw county, and one well respected by all classes of society.
Jacob F. Bross, wagon and carriage manufacturer, 67 S. Main st., Ann Arbor, was born near Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1845. Two years later his father, Jacob Bross, came to America, and settled at Ann Arbor. He opened a carriage manu- facturing establishment, and under his instruction young Jacob gained a proficiency in that business, that has made him one of the most skillful workmen in Southern Michigan. Jacob Bross died in 1875. In 1872, Mr. Jacob F. Bross married Cathe- rine Fritz, and 4 children-3 boys and 1 girl, have been born to them. In 1868 Mr. Bross built his extensive wagon shops in Ann Arbor, and at present turns out some first-class work. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and from 1851 to 1858 was Treasurer of the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan.
Daniel B. Brown, retired farmer, was born at Plymouth, Windsor county, Vt. June 12, 1805, and is the second son of Daniel and Polly (Jennison) Brown, natives of Massachusetts. When Daniel was seven years of age, his parents removed to Owego, Broome county, N. Y ., eight years after ground had been broken on the famous Erie canal. Daniel's father secured a contract on this stupendous work, and was assisted by his son, until the completion of the canal, a period of seven years. He took a drove of cattle to New York city, and after returning home, purchased a canal boat, with horses, and engaged in traffic on the Erie canal for some time. In October, 1826, Mr. Brown came to Detroit with a boat load of salt. While stop- ping at a public tavern in that city he was induced to take a look at Washtenaw county. He did so, making the entire distance on horseback, arriving at Ann Arbor village about nine o'clock at night. The next morning he walked out of the village and took a good view of the surrounding country. After a stroll of two hours he returned to the old log cabin, kept by John Allen, ordered his horse and started for Detroit, with a fixed determination that Washtenaw county should be his future home At Woodruff's Grove he met Lucius Lyons, then U. S. Surveyor, afterward U. S. Senator, and they rode to Detroit together. When he arrived at Detroit he sold out his cargo of salt, and returned to Lockport, N. Y. He dis- posed of his interests in New York, and invested the proceeds in dried fruits. Shipping the same to Ann Arbor, he embarked the same day, experiencing very severe weather in his voyage on Lake Erie. Arriving at Ann Arbor he rented a small frame building about where the First National Bank now stands, using the fore part for a store room, and the rear part fora dwelling. In 1827 his brother Anson camefrom New York and brought with him the first general assortment of goods ever offered for sale in Washtenaw county. The brothers continued in business together about four years. His brother purchased the water-power of the Huron river, in 1850, about where the Sinclair Mills now stand, and in connection with Col. Dwight Kellogg and Edward Fuller, built the first flouring mill. Mr. Brown's business with the Indians was quite brisk, there being comparatively few white settlers. Furs, cranberries and wild honey, were frequently taken in exchange for goods and shipped to New York city. In 1834, his brother Anson died. In 1833 he was appointed Sheriff of Washtenaw county, by Gov. Johnson. The arrival of his commission was the first intimation he had had of the proffered honor. He served with marked ability for some three years. Shortly after the expiration of his term of office he became associated in business with John C. Mundy, a nephew of Gov. Mundy. The store room was on the corner of Main and Ann streets. where now stands Hill's Opera House. The Ann Arbor postoffice was in the store, Mr. Charles Thayer acting as Postmaster, and also a clerk for the "firm." They continued in this connection for two years, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Brown received the appointment of Superintendent of the now famous Michigan Central R. R., which was then owned and operated by the State. The road had been completed to Ann Arbor, and under Mr. Brown's efficient supervision the work was pushed vigor- ously forward, and the road built to Jackson. Mr. Brown remained in his official position until the road passed into the possession of the present company. In 1851 Mr. Brown went to California, returning to Ann Arbor in 1853. He has been living 50 years at his present residence, and during all his business and mercantile life, has never relinquished his farm, but successfully carried on the business up to the present time. Mr. Brown was one of the original members in the organization of the Baptist Church, of Ann Arbor, and has officiated as Trustee since its organization. He was a Deacon in that denomination for 47 years, and as many as 20 associate
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
deacons have labored with him from time to time. He has made a very faithful and efficient officer, and an earnest worker in the cause of Christ. Mr. Brown has always evinced a kindly disposition in all things worthy of his charity or benevo- lence. He was one of the eight men who donated the land now covered by the University of Michigan, and its buildings. Of these eight persons only three sur- vive, E. W. Morgan, Capt. Charles Thayer and Daniel B. Brown, all residents of Ann Arbor tp. Mr. Brown was married in 1826, to Miss Ann Vickery, a daughter of William Vickery, of New York. Of the 6 children sent to bless this union only 3 are living-Lettie, wife of Atwood Brooks, a learned professor at Goliad, Texas; Mattie, wife of Dr. Wilder, of Chicago, Ills., and Lucy. One son, Anson, was a Lieutenant in the Union army during the civil war, and was killed in battle. James and Mary died in this county. Mr. Brown was formerly an " old- line Whig," but was present at the organization of the Republican party in 1854, at Jackson, Mich., and immediately enlisted under its banner, an act which has never caused him one pang of regret, but filled his cup with joy many times. Daniel B. Brown is an old and honored pioneer of Washtenaw county, and is proba- bly known as well as any man within the limits of the county. He has passed the greater part of his life here, and has always maintained a name for honesty, integ- rity and uprightness, second to none.
A portrait of Mr. Brown is given elsewhere in this work.
William P. Brown, farmer, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born at West Walton, Norfolk Co., England, Dec. 31, 1814. He received a limited education in his native land, and spent his early life at farm work for various men at what would now be considered, in this country. very poor pay. In 1837 he came to America, arriving at New York June 15 of that year. He came via canal and lake to Detroit. From there he walked to Dexter, and when he arrived there he had but one English half sovereign to begin life with in a new country. During that summer he worked for other men, and in the fall of that year he, with Mr. Harrison, purchased the w. half of se. quarter of sec. 6, Ann Arbor tp. To make the first payment on this land, Mr. Brown turned in a watch for $20.00, which it had taken the savings of four years' labor in England to buy. During the four succeeding years he and Mr. Harrison kept bachelor's hall in a little house 12x15, which they had built. June 5, 1843, he was married to Miss Nancy A. Yocum, of Lyndon tp. To them were born 3 sons and 1 daughter. Of these, 1 son and 1 daughter are now living. Mrs. Brown was a sister of the Hon. John K. Yocum. of Lyndon tp. She died Dec. 31, 1848. April 2, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary Foster, of Lyndon. Her parents were pioneers in this county. To them have been born 1 son and 1 daughter, both of whom are living. Before coming to America Mr. Brown was a member of the Methodist Church, and since coming to this country has been connected with the Church of that denomination at Ann Arbor. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, since when he has been a Republican.
Miss Carrie Bunker, dress and cloak maker, Ann Arbor, has been engaged in this business since 1879, and enjoys an enviable reputation as a fitter and cutter of more than ordinary ability. Miss Bunker is thoroughly systematic in her manner, and enjoys the patronage of the leading fair sex of Ann Arbor and vicinity.
Lawrence D. Burch, correspondent and author, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1831. He removed to Lima, Mich., many years ago, where he received a liberal education. He was married to Emily A. Dunning, a daughter of Zoda D. and Mary (Collamer) Dunning. In 1855 Mr. B. settled in Livingston Co., and after- ward resided at Grass Lake and Clinton, and from the latter place he removed to Ann Arbor, where he embarked in the grocery business. When the civil war com- menced he enlisted, and served faithfully till its close. For nine years Mr. Burch has been a correspondent of the Industrial Age, a paper originated by Dr. Ford, of Dundee, and now ably edited and owned by Charles Bliss, a graduate of Michigan University.
Zenas Burd (deceased) was born at Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, 1803. He came to Wayne Co., Michigan, in Oct., 1825. and was married to Aman- da Rider, Jan. 25, 1829. Eight children were born to this marriage-Francis E., Elizabeth Ann, Marietta, David Orville, George Alfred, Edgar Zenas, Ellen Maria and Amanda Alice. Mrs. Burd died Jan. 29, 1848, and on Nov. 29, of the same year, Mr. B. married Sally Ann Howard, of Salem tp., Washtenaw county. She died June 6, 1853, and Mr. Burd was again married Dec. 18, 1853, to Eliza New- man, a native of England, who settled in Northfield tp. about 1835. Mr. Burd
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lived in the latter township nine years after marriage, and then removed to Ann Arbor, where he died in 1870. He was an earnest Christian, and an active member of the M. E. Church, in which body he officiated as Trustee and Elder. He was a member of the building committee that supervised the erection of their present handsome structure on State street.
J. C. Burkhart (deceased) was one of the early settlers of Washtenaw Co. He was born in Germany, where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. He was married in Freedom tp., to Mary Fagle, and of the 9 children born to them, 4 are yet living-Lydia, wife of T. Thompson, Ann Arbor ; C. F., Emanuel and Mary. J. C. Burkhart, jr. (deceased), was born in this county in 1848, where he learned his trade, and ultimately became one of the first dealers in harness in the city of Ann Arbor. He was very successful in his business, and when he died he left a wife and 5 children very comfortably provided for. One of the sons, C. F. Burk. hart, carries one of the largest stocks of harness in Ann Arbor.
Peter N. Burlingame (deceased) was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1806, residing there until 1824, when he removed to Oneida Co., and engaged in farm- ing. In 1832 he married Eliza Geer, a daughter of Thomas Geer, a hotel pro- prietor. In 1854, he settled in Ann Arbor tp., where he bought 160 acres of land, mostly improved. Three years later, on account of ill health, he sold his farm, and moved into Ann Arbor city, where he purchased valuable city property. He died in 1880 at Ann Arbor. He was an honored citizen of Washtenaw Co., and for nearly half a century a worthy member of the M. E. Church. Four children survive him-Thomas, who married Kittie Holden, of Ann Arbor tp .; Cæsarine Nichols, of Beloit, Wis .; Mary E. Burt of Northfield tp., and Imogene Sutton. The elder of the children, Daniel, for many years a messenger on the C., M. & St. P. R. R., was killed in a railroad collision. Charles E. (deceased) married Lena Bartlett, of Ann Arbor.
William Button (deceased) was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1819, and grew to mature years in Medina Co., and received a liberal education in the public schools. At an early day he removed to Flat Rock, Mich., where, in 1867, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Frances Perring, a daughter of Joseph Grove- land, Canada. For a number of years Mr. Button was proprietor of the Good- win House, a well-known tavern in the early days of Detroit. He subsequently purchased a farm of 160 acres in Wayne Co., Mich. Thus has been briefly re- corded a sketch of a man who, while unostentatious in his daily intercourse with men, was uniformly respected in the several communities wherein he resided.
Dr. J. Calvert, practicing physician, Jackson, Mich., was reared in Canada, where he received his literary education. He attended Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and from there went to New York city, where he graduated from a well-known Homeopathic medical college. He then located at Chelsea, in this county, and there met with flattering success. In 1868 he removed to Jackson, where his skill as a physician and surgeon have gained for him a lucrative prac- tice. In 1860, at Oxford, Canada, he married Mary J. Burch, and 2 children have been born to them-William B., an attendant at Michigan University, and Agnes, a student at Union School, Ann Arbor. Mrs. Calvert is a native of Toronto, Canada.
Horace Carpenter was born in Locke, Cayuga (now Tompkins) Co., N. Y., Dec. 1, 1805. He was raised a "farmer's boy," and assisted his father on the farm until the age of 17. His early educational advantages were somewhat limited, but possessing a remarkable thirst for knowledge, he was in the habit of sitting in the corner by the old Dutch oven, and poring over the pages of the family Bible or some old history, his only light being the warm, red glow from the old-time fire- place. At the age of 17 he engaged in the carpenter and joiner's trade, and labored faithfully at this branch of business for over 15 years. In 1826 his father, Ezra Carpenter, was seized with the " Western fever," and determined to see for himself the wonderful country which had caused so many to forsake comfortable homes in the East, and take up their abode in the fair and beautiful region. Horace accompanied his father, and in May of the same year they arrived at Detroit. Remaining there but a short time they proceeded westward to this county during the summer season. Mr. Carpenter and his son were well pleased with the new country and its few but hospitable inhabitants, so they both decided to cast their fortunes for the remainder of their lives with the citizens of Wash- tenaw county. Mr. Carpenter settled in Pittsfield tp., and being a surveyor assisted in locating many of the farms of this county. He was a member of the
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, and was soon selected as Elder, faith- fully discharging the duties of that office until the autumn of 1829, when, on the organization of a Church of that denomination at Ypsilanti, he, from a high sense of duty, sacrificed his private feeling, and removed his membership to the latter place. In his new Church relation he sustained the offices of both Elder and Deacon until the time of his death, this latter sad event occurring Feb. 17, 1841. Mr. Carpenter was a faithful Christian, and an earnest worker in the vineyard of our Lord. He was a very benevolent man, and a warm supporter of anything per- taining to truth and morality. He labored hard to improve the land in the locality wherein he resided, and the county in general, and his loss was deeply mourned by all the citizens of " fair Washtenaw."
Mr. Carpenter was married Sept. 20, 1826, to Miss Celia Bradley. There were no children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, but they took under their care and pro- tection 4 little ones, 2 of whom were adopted, and lived to see them grow up honored and respected by all. Mrs. Carpenter was a native of Lee. Massachusetts, but her parents removed to another part of the State when she was an infant. She was laid at rest in this county, May 25, 1878, after a life of well-spent usefulness, and died in the hope of a blissful immortality. Mr. Carpenter was married again on Oct. 1, 1879, to Miss Ann A. Stevens, of Lodi tp. She is a native of Geneva, N. Y., and emigrated with her parents to this county at an early day. She isa very estima- ble lady, and one well fitted to be the helpmate of this worthy and honored citizen. Mr. Carpenter was a member of the Free-Soil party in early times, and was their candidate for Sheriff when there were but six persons who voted that ticket in Washtenaw county. He was Supervisor for a great many years, and in 1862 was elected County Treasurer. He then removed to Ann Arbor, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Carpenter was a firm and uncompromising anti-slavery man, and assisted to a great extent in molding the minds of the people in favor of abolition of that cursed evil. In connection with Munnis Kenny he founded the Washtenaw County Mutual Insurance Co., that now numbers its members by hundreds, all of the first citizens of this prosperous county. He is a life-member of the Washtenaw County Agricultural Society, and was its President for three years. While officiat- ing in this position, the Society purchased their beautiful grounds in the city of Ann Arbor, and erected the handsome buildings that adorn the place. Horace Carpenter is traveling down the hill of life very fast, and his locks are frosted with the snows of many winters, yet he still retains the greater part of his mental and physical faculties. Before many years the footstep that in days of yore was heard along the busy streets of Ann Arbor, will be listened to no more; the voice of him who proclaimed the right of the colored man to be free and independent, will be hushed forever; the form that was wont to mingle with the poor and the needy, the joyful and the sorrowful, the rich and the poor, will be laid away in the silent tomb; but the consolation tothe numerous friends and ac- quaintances will be found in these beautiful lines:
We will meet you again, where we never grow old, By the river of life, on the streets made of gold.
Mr. Carpenter is an active member of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County, and a member of the Historical Committee, and in that connection has assisted the pub- lisher of this work to a great extent in collecting and preparing the manuscript; and as a member of the Revisory Committee, he has worked faithfully and earnestly. The publishers wish to return thanks to this noble pioneer for his efforts in behalf of the pioneers and compilers of this volume.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter will be found on pages 510 and 511 of this work.
Will Caspary, baker and grocer, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1843. He married at Detroit. Mich., in 1868, Catherine Meuth, a native of Germany. Five chidren have been sent to bless this alliance. Mr. C. is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and an excellent singer, having held a position in the choir of that Church for several years. He established his present business in 1876, and by hard work has built up a very remunerative trade.
Dr. Alvin Wood Chase, physician, and author of the celebrated Dr. Chase's Receipt Book, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1817, son of Benjamin Chase, of Massachusetts. When Alvin was 11 years old his parents located near Buffalo, N. Y., where he grew to manhood, receiving a very limited education in a log
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school-house. His desire for knowledge was so great, coupled with an ambition peculiar to his naturally energetic disposition, that he far outstripped his more dilatory companions of that humble institute of learning. When 17 years old he left New York and found employment on the Maumee river, in the meantime devoting his spare moments to study. In 1840 he located at Dresden, Ohio, where, during the spring of 1841, he married Martha Shutts, daughter of Henry and Martha Shutts, natives of New York. To this noble and high-minded wife and mother may be attributed much of the success that followed Dr. Chase during his long and eventful career. From the days of his boyhood the Doctor always evinced a desire to study medicine, and accordingly awaited with impatience the time when he might become a member of the medical fraternity. After many wanderings he settled at Ann Arbor, in 1856, when to his intense delight he was enabled to vigorously prosecute his studies in what was to be his future life-work. He attended lectures and studied laboriously during the years 1857 and 1858, in the meantime graduating from the Eclectic Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to 1869 he traveled over a large portion of the Union, practicing his profession and acquiring valuable knowledge, only gained by practical experience, which proved a good foundation for the wonderful book which afterward gained such great celebrity. His first edition, like all subsequent ones, proved a great success, and soon placed him on the high road to fortune, as it were. In 1864 he built the first part of that magnificent structure that still bears his name. It stands on the corner of Maine street and Miller avenue, and was completed in 1868. At this latter date some 50 hands found constant and remunerative employment within its walls, and the hospitality and liberality of the Doctor to his employes and the citizens of Ann Arbor, were always subjects of admiring comment. In 1873 he published his second edition, of which over 60,000 copies were sold, and it is safe to remark that over a million copies of this wonderful work have found their way into the homes of this and foreign lands. A few years ago Dr. Chase was considered one of the wealthiest citizens of Ann Arbor; losses by thousands and tens of thousands have reduced his finances, but in heart, action, and manli- ness of purpose, he stands to-day a conspicuous example of what energy, perse- verance and indomitable will may accomplish. He has long been identified with the Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, to which he has from time to time donated large sums of money. He was once nominated for Mayor of Ann Arbor, but business compelled him to decline the generous honor. The storms of life have swept with almost resistless fury around the now aged physician, and a few of the prejudices that characterize the human family, have perhaps found a rest- ing place within the heart of this philanthropist; and yet, when the last chapter shall have been entered in the ledger of life, the account will probably have been equally balanced; and when the last rites shall have been performed, and the aged veteran laid away beneath the shadow of the silent tomb, it may be literally and truthfully said, that he lived " with malice toward none, and charity to all."
Charles Gridley Clark, Postmaster, Ann Arbor. was born in Webster tp., Wash- tenaw county, June 4, 1831, and is a son of Rev. C. G. and Elizabeth (Platt) Clark, natives of Connecticut, of English ancestry. His parents were married in Ann Arbor, never having met each other until a few months before marriage. In 1829 Mr. Clark came to this county and settled in Webster tp. Mr. Clark received his primary education at the district schools, and prepared for college under Prof. Nut- ting, at the Lodi Academy. He entered the sophomore class of the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, remaining there one year. He then returned to Michigan and entered Michigan University, in the junior class, graduating from that institu- tion in 1854. While in college Mr. Clark's eyes failed him, and after graduating he returned to the farm, and remained there until the fall of 1860. He then entered the employ of the Ann Arbor Journal, and in October, 1868, entered the office of the Ann Arbor Courier. In January, 1869, he became assistant editor, continuing as such until the following September, when he assumed editorial charge. He remain- ed in the latter position until May, 1874, when he was appointed, by President Grant, Postmaster of Ann Arbor, which position he has since filled. Mr. Clark was for- merly a Whig, but was a member of the convention which met at Jackson, July 6, 1854, and where the great Republican party was formed. He was Justice of Peace in Webster tp. for some years, and served in the same office at Ann Arbor from . 1866 to 1870. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 29 years, and Deacon and Trustee for 11 years. Mr. Clark was married Jan. 15, 1856, to Arabella H. Matthews, daughter of Solomon andArabella Matthews, pioneers of Webster tp.
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They have 3 children-Esther A , Assistant Postmaster; Alice E., wife of C. C. Huff, of Ann Arbor, and Marian A.
Gen. Edward Clark, of Ann Arbor, was born at Derby, New Haven Co., Conn., Feb. 5, 1807. His parents were Samuel P. and Hannah (Gibbs) Clark, old resi- dents of that State. When he was but a child his parents removed to Skaneateles, N. Y., where he was chiefly educated. Soon after his father died, and his mother went to live with her brother, near by. In 1821, by fire, his mother lost quite heavily, and Mr. Clark left school to take care of himself. He engaged in a store at Auburn, where he remained two years and then went into a business house at Skaneateles, where he remained a year. His health failing, he was advised to change, and he accordingly shipped on a vessel from New York and passed the next nine months on the sea. In 1826 he came West to Detroit, and in 1827 re- moved to Ann Arbor, bringing his mother and sister. With the early militia of the State he was connected, and Gov. Mason commissioned him General. Dur- ing the Black Hawk and cholera troubles, he was called out, and in the latter, did active duty in keeping persons suspected of infection, away from Ann Arbor. He was appointed Register of Deeds for this county in Feb., 1835, by Gov. Mason. The April following, the office was made elective, and he was elected to it. After one and a half years service, the State was admitted to the Union, and at the next general election he was again elected to the office for two years. Gen. Clark was the first Register of Deeds in Washtenaw Co., the title of office having previously been Register of Probate. As Principal and Deputy, he was connected with it 13 years. When he took the office there was but a single index made, of foolscap paper sewed in pasteboard covers. He introduced the double-index system now in use. Previous to 1827 Washtenaw and Wayne counties were connected for judicial purposes, and the records kept together. He went to Detroit and searched out those of this county, and entered them in the Detroit Transcript, in the office of the Register of Deeds at Ann Arbor. In 1840 was appointed Deputy Marshal to take the census of 11 towns in this county. Next he engaged in mercantile and also in the forwarding business. In 1843 he was appointed agent of the M. C. R. R. at Ann Arbor, which he held for a time. Later he was in a store for a time and then went out on the Kalamazoo river in charge of a saw-mill. In 1855 he returned to Ann Arbor, and since then has remained there in various oc- cupations. He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace nine years, at various times. Dec. 6, 1841, he was married to Miss Julia A. Hickcox, of Ann Arbor, whom he knew as a child in New York. To them have been born 3 children, of whom but 1, a son in business in New York city, is living.
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