History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 103

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457

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 103

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George B. Day, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in New Jersey, in 1828. He received his preliminary education in his native State, and at the age of 20 attended Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., graduating in 1849. He subse- quently went to New Jersey, where he became a Professor of Greek and Latin, and afterwards was engaged as an instructor at Wyoming Seminary. Mr. Day was married in Pennsylvania, in 1859, to Miss O. W. Vaughn. They have 3 children. While a resident of Paterson, N. J., Mr D. was President of the Board of Aldermen, and for 10 years, was Assistant Cashier of 2d Nat. Bank, of that city. He was once President of the Board of Education. Since his residence in Ann Arbor tp. he has devoted his time to farming, and at present possesses 62 acres of good farm land.

Silas Randall Day (deceased) was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., where he was born in 1810. He grew to manhood and received a liberal education in his native county, and in 1839 emigrated West, settling in Pittsfield tp., Wash- tenaw county. He rented a farm for five years of Jacob Ray, and at the expiration of this time he had made enough money to purchase a farm of 70 acres. He afterward traded this land for 120 acres lying in Indiana, and in 1844.he went to

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

that State, residing there four years. He then came back to Washtenaw county and by purchases had increased his land to 176 acres at the time of his death. He was living in York tp., when this sad event occurred, and was tenderly laid to rest in Judd Cemetery. He was 57 years old at the time of his death, and left a good property for his bereaved family. He was married to Mrs. Sarah Day, born in New York city, and a daughter of William and Susan Day. They had 10 children born to them, 5 of whom are living-Mary, wife of Jacob Ray, of Pitts- field ; Myron, William H., Agnes Thornton, of Ann Arbor, and Seward B. His grandson, Brainard Day, resides at the old homestead. The names of the dead are-Horace, died when 21 years old; George A., died at 19; Lottie, died in 1873; Hattie, died in York tp., and Hiram, the eldest, who died in Pittsfield tp.

A. De Forest, a pioneer of Washtenaw county, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1819. In his native State he passed the days of his childhood and youth profitably employed, and hence he secured the advantages of a good educa- tion. In 1836 he concluded to emigrate West and try to better his fortunes in this Western Territory. He located at Ann Arbor village, which then consisted of only 11 houses. For the first 10 years of his residence in his new home, Mr. De- Forest was a contractor and builder, erecting many of the substantial buildings that now stand in the city. He engaged in the grocery, drug and agricultural implement business, in all of which he was very successful. In later years he invested his means in a book store under the Gregory House, and in 1875 went to California, where he remained three years.

A. G. De Forest, farmer, sec. 25, Ann Arbor tp ;. P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Livingston Co. in 1814, and was reared and educated in that village. He was a farmer's boy, but learned the brick-mason's trade, which he followed for some time, once being foreman in the construction of a large academy. He was married, in New York, to Mary Beaman, a daughter of James Beaman. They have 1 child- Mrs. C. B. Chapin, of Detroit. In 1855 Mr. D. came West and settled on his pres- ent farm, where he has since resided. The place was unimproved, but the year following he built a house and made several other useful improvements. He bought 44 acres when he first came, and later 118 acres, but by sales has reduced his acreage to 80, constituting a nice, comfortable farm. He has filled several local offices to the satisfaction of all, and was once a member of the I. O. O. F.

D. E. Doane is a native of Washtenaw Co., and was born A. D. 1836. He is a son of John D. and Anna Doane, natives of Vermont, who came to this county about 1824, before there was a frame house at Ann Arbor. John Doane has been a farmer the most of his life, in Ann Arbor tp., and is now residing in Dexter village. Mr. D. E. Doane grew to manhood in Dexter tp., and received a liberal education, and went to school at one of the first school-houses built near there. He married Miss Fanny Nash, daughter of Almaron and Sarah Nash, natives of New York State, by whom he has 3 children-Clara, Ella and Maud. Beside the town prop- erty of Mr. Doane he is also engaged in mining enterprises, and is connected with eight different mines in New Mexico.

P Donovan, merchant at Ann Arbor, Mich., is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Cork in 1813. He lived in Ireland until he was about 18 years of age, when he came to America. He made his home at Elizabeth, N. J., where he engaged in farming until 1840. He then came to Michigan and located at Ann Arbor. For a time he was engaged in various occupations, and in 1843 opened a store in what is now the Lower Town of Ann Arbor. Since that time he has been continually in business, and has been in trade at Ann Arbor about as long as any merchant here. He has 9 children-8 sons and 1 daughter. Of these, 1 son is in the Government service as a Civil Engineer and Inspector of the work of Captain Eads on the jetties at the mouth of the Mississippi river. Another is a Civil Engineer at Lansing, Mich., and is in the Land Department of the Jackson, Lan- sing & Saginaw railroad. Another is with Edgar S. Heaton, grocery broker at Chicago. Three are at South Lyon, Mich., in business, and the remainder are at Ann Arbor with their father.

A. M. Doty, boot and shoe dealer at Ann Arbor, was born at Rochester, N. Y., in 1828. In 1836 his parents removed to Ann Arbor, Mich. Here he was edu- cated and prepared for college in the then University Preparatory School. This was in the first year of the University. When 15 years of age he entered the store of his father in the boot and shoe trade. He remained with him until his death in 1861, since which time Mr. Doty has carried on the business. He has customers to-day who have traded with the house, father and son, over 40 years. In addition

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

to his mercantile business he is carrying on a farm of 100 acres in Ann Arbor tp. This is a fine grain farm, and in 1880 over 1,000 bushels of wheat were reaped from it, besides other produce. In 1858 he was married to Miss Augusta Gardner, of Northfield, Mich. To them have been born 8 children, 5 of whom are living. He has held several offices of trust, having served as Clerk and Deputy Clerk of Ann Arbor tp. 22 years. He was also Recorder of Ann Arbor two years in its earlier history,

Samuel R. Doty, Ann Arbor, was born at Rensselaerville, Albany Co., N. Y., in 1802. His father, Wm. Doty, was an old resident of that locality, but a native of Connecticut. His grandfather fought in the war of the Revolution, in which he was an officer, and was for some time on the staff of Washington. Mr. Doty was educated in the common schools of that time. When he grew to manhood he went to Chenango and Niagara counties, N. Y., in both of which he dwelt for a time. In 1836 he came to Michigan and for two years dwelt in the town of Pitts- field, in this county. In 1838 he moved on a farm on section 30, of Ann Arbor, very near to the city, where he has since lived. In that year he started a brick- yard, and until 1872 was engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile. He has once served his town as its Treasurer. In politics he was an old-line Whig, until the formation of the Republican party, when he united with that party. In 1833 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah L. Kingsbury, of Crooked Lake, N. Y. To them have been born 1 son and 4 daughters. The son, Duane Doty, was born in Ohio in 1834; he was educated at Ann Arbor, graduating from Michigan University in 1856. Soon after he was made Superintendent of Schools in Detroit, which position he filled 10 years. He then went to Chicago and for three years held the same position in that city. He is now connected with the Pullman Car Co., of Chicago. The daughters have acquired quite a reputation as writers, and a more extended notice will be found in the chapter in this work on Authors and Artists.

William G. Doty, Probate Register of Washtenaw county, was born at Man- chester, this county, in 1852. He was educated at Tecumseh, and in his native town, graduating from its high school in 1871. He then entered Michigan Uni- versity, from which he graduated as A. B. in 1875. He returned to Manchester and was there Township Superintendent of Schools two years. During his last year he was also Village Recorder. Jan. 1, 1877, he was appointed Probate Register by Judge Harriman, which position he still holds. In the spring of 1880 he was admitted to the Bar.

Doctor Silas H. Douglas, Ann Arbor, Mich., was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in the year 1816. He received his elementary education there, and later prepared for college at Fredonia Academy. He entered the University of Vermont, from which he graduated, and later received the degree of Master of Arts. In 1838 he came to Michigan, locating at Detroit, where he studied medicine with Drs. Rice and Pitcher of that city. He entered the Medical Department of the University of Maryland, from which he graduated as M. D. Returning to Detroit he was for some time connected with the geological survey of this State, under Dr. Hough- ton, and later was in the Government service as physician to the party under Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft, who were engaged in negotiating treaties with the Indians. In 1843 he came to this city and entered into the practice of medicine, which he followed but two or three years. In 1844 he was appointed Assistant Professor of Chemistry in Michigan University, and in 1846 he was advanced to the full profes- sorship of that chair. He held a number of other positions and professorships until 1875, when his connection with the University was severed. While connected with this Institution he was largely interested in the organization of its Medical Depart- ment, and organized its Laboratory, with which he was connected until he left the University. Professor Douglas had charge of the erection of the University Ob- servatory, Medical College, Laboratory, south wing of the main building, and water- works, and other improvements in connection with the development of the institu- tion. In 1874 and '5 the question of the disappearance of certain moneys arose. This drew into question the management of the finances under the control of Doctor Douglas, and an investigation was ordered. This investigation was sweeping, and embraced all his financial operations while connected with the University, and in no respect was any record or voucher of his rejected. The matter was carried into various courts, and in a decision of the Supreme Court of this State, rendered Jan. 20, 1881, Doctor Douglas was completely vindicated. During two years he served this city as its Mayor, and in that time the present police force was organized. In

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

1861 he organized the present gas company of this city, with which he is still con- nected. The erection of the Observatory was largely due to the personal efforts and solicitations of Drs. Tappan and Douglas, the latter of whom had charge of the erection of the building. He has also spent several seasons in exploring the mineral regions of Lake Superior, in the interest of the University, and also the lands of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company. During this time he made a large collection. Nearly all of the mineral collection in the University Museum, except the original "Lederer Collection," was made by him and presented to the University, con- taining a full cabinet from the Lake Superior regions. Doctor Douglas is the author of a system of Chemical Tables, for use in the Laboratory, which passed through four editions, and subsequently, in connection with Professor Prescott, this was enlarged into a work on Qualitative Chemical Analysis, which has passed through three editions, and is now in use in Michigan University Laboratory and in other laboratories in this country and Europe. May 1, 1845, he was married to Miss Helen Welles, of Ann Arbor. To them were born 3 sons and 4 daughters, all of whom are now living. Nov. 24, 1880, Mrs. Douglas passed from this life, at her home in this city.

J B. Dow, contractor and builder, Ann Arbor, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1821, and is a son of Asahe! and Dolly (Blaisdell) Dow. When 13 years old, Mr. Dow's parents moved to Genesee county, where he learned his trade, and whilere- siding there, married Lucy D. Lincoln, a daughter of C. J. Lincoln, of Vermont. This marriage was blessed with 2 children-Hattie A., and C. L. Mr. Dow located in Ann Arbor in 1851 and for many years has been profitably employed in the construction and repairing of the University buildings. He aided in building the Union school building, and Agricultural Hall, on the fair ground.

David B. Downer (deceased) was a native of Niagara Co, N.Y., where he was born in Nov., 1794. He was in his 16th year when the war of 1812 broke out, and dur- ing this war officiated as a commissary. He settled in this county in 1825, where a few years previous he bought land from the Government at 50 cents per acre. While a resident of New York, he married in his native county, Nancy Grisette, by whom 7 children were born to him, only 1 of the number now surviving-Avery, a farmer living at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Downer died in 1855 and was laid at rest in this township. His wife still survives him, at the advanced age of 82, and is the owner of valuable farm property. A niece of Mrs. Downer, who married Charles C. Kelley, lives with her on the old homestead.

Alexander Duncan (deceased) was a native of Paisely, Scotland, and a nephew of Alexander Wilson, the famous naturalist. Mr. Wilson settled in Oakland Co., Mich., in 1830, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was married to Eliza Mehaffey, and 7 children were born to them, 4 of whom are living-James, a farmer of Oakland county; Isabel, wife of John Thompson, a resident of Northville, and two others. Mr. Duncan was a man of unusual ability as a poetical writer.

Edward S. Dunster, M. A., M. D, Ann Arbor, is the third child of Samuel and Susan (Dow) Dunster, and was born at Springvale, Sanford county, Maine, Sept. 2, 1834 He was named for Dr. Edward Swift, an eminent physician of Easton, Pa., who was an intimate and respected friend of his father. On the removal of his parents to Providence, R. I., he entered the public schools of the latter place, and was admitted to the high school when 12 years of age. IIe entered Harvard College in 1852, graduating with high honors in 1856. The title of his essay was "The first President of Harvard College," but on commencement day he was ill from a severe attack of typhoid fever, and unable to attend the exercises. Upon his recovery in the autumn of that year, he went to Newburg, N. Y, and became a private tutor to a son of Henry W. Sarge: t, who resided in Fishkill, just across the Hudson river. At the same time he began the study of medicine with Dr. M. Stephenson, of Newburgh. His pupil, Sargent, was admitted to Harvard College in July, 1858, and subsequently was a student in medicine with the celebrated Prof. E. R Peaslee, of New York city, where he remained several years. Dr. Dunster attended lectures at Dartmouth College in the summer of 1853, and the following winter, at the New York College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating from that institution in March, 1859, having received the highest prize awarded by the faculty for proficiency in studies. After his graduation he attached himself to St. Luke's Hospital, remaining there until the succeeding August, when he resigned to accept the chair of Demonstrator of Anatomy, in Dartmouth College. He occupied this position for some time, and then returned to New York city, and resumed his profession. Aug. 5, 1861, he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon in

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

the Union army, and served with General Mcclellan's command. He had the establishing of hospitals, and the charge of them, and was subsequently appointed by General Rosecrans, Medical Inspector, for the Southern half of the department. He was afterward breveted Captain, and Major, U. S. A., and before his resig- nation, which occurred Feb. 1, 1866, he had successfully passed the examination for promotion to the grade of full Surgeon. After resigning, he went once more to New York, and again established himself in the practice of medicine. He was editor of the New York Medical Journal from 1866 to 1871; about the same time attending physician in the out-door department, Bellevue Hospital; was professor of obstetrics, and diseases of women and children in University of Vermont, at Bur- lington, for two years, resigning in 1871; occupied the same chair in the Long Island College Hospital, from 1869 to 1874; in 1873 was appointed to the chair of Obstetrics, and diseases of women and children, in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, which position he still occupies; is the author of " The Use of Forceps in Abbreviating the Second Stage of Labor," "The Prophylaxis of Puerperal Convul- sions," and of an article in the U. S. Sanitary Commission Memoirs, entitled, "Comparative Morality in Armies from Wounds and Diseases." He prepared an able paper for the American Medical Association, against the restricting of students from the irregular or exclusive systems of medicine. Dr. Dunster was married Nov. 4, 1863, to Rebecca Morgan Sprole, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. They have 4 children-Clara B., William S., Bessie M. and Annie E.

Thomas Earl, merchant and farmer, was born in Ireland, March 25, 1810, and is a son of Patrick and Julia Earl. In 1829 he landed at Quebec, Canada : from there went to Montreal. After many miles of wandering he came to Ann Arbor in 1833, and bought 200 acres of land from the Government, with Andrew Jackson's signa- ture on the patent. In 1834 he married Mary Duncan. Mr. Earl was very am- bitious, worked early and late, stored his mind with useful knowledge, and thereby rapidly accumulated a fortune. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, and has filled many offices of trust in Northfield tp. He was first Justice of the Peace of that town, and also served as an Assessor and School Director. Some years ago he was elected Alderman of Ann Arbor.

Nelson Eastwood, retired minister, Ann Arbor, was born near Brockville, Can- ada, in 1810, and is a son of John and Charlotte Eastwood, the former a native of New York, and the latter a native of Vermont. In 1813, he removed with his parents to Watertown, N. Y., and thence to Livingston and Genesee counties. He received an academic education, and at Middlebury, Conn., was ordained as minister of the gospel of the Baptist denomination. In 1838 he came to Michigan and subsequently preached to the people of Dexter, Washtenaw county. In 1839 he married Miss H. Collins, a daughter of Col. and Mary (Wade) Collins, who settled in Michigan in 1831, where the former died at the age of 83, and the lat- ter at 79. One child was born to this marriage-John F. Eastwood, M. A., B. A., Ph. D., and who holds a Professorship in Bethany College. Mr. Eastwood re- tired from active service some time since, but during his long and eventful life has done much good as a missionary of God.

Eberbach & Sons, druggists, 11 S. Main st., Ann Arbor, are among the leading drug houses of Southern Michigan. The business was established in this city in 1843, where Christian Eberbach, senior member of the firm, began in a small way in the drug trade. In 1848 Emanuel Mann was admitted into partnership, the firm being Eberbach & Co., for a period of 28 years. At this latter time Mr. Mann withdrew from the firm, and Ottmar Eberbach, a son of Christian, was ad- mitted as full partner, and the firm name changed to Eberbach & Son. Ottmar Eberbach is a gentleman of culture and rare business talents, who spent his youthful days in the Ann Arbor schools, and ultimately graduated from a univer- sity in Germany, where he also studied Latin, a knowledge of which has proved almost indispensable in his present line of business. He married Katy Haller.

C. Eberbach & Son, dealers in hardware and cutlery, 23 and 24 S. Main st., Ann Arbor, became established in this business in 1876, and under the live manage- ment of its able members, a large trade has grown up, extending over many of the southern tier of counties. A tin shop in connection is quite extensive, and is kept busily engaged the greater part of the time. Ernest and Edward Eberbach manage the establishment, while William Moore ably fills the position of book- keeper.

Christian Eberbach, druggist, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1817, and is a son of Joseph E. and Henricka Eberbach. In 1838,and in his 21st year, Christian

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

crossed the Atlantic, and landed at New York, coming directly to Ann Arbor, where he has since resided. From 1838 to 1841 he was employed as clerk in a drug store owned by William S. Maynard. In 1843 he married Margaret Lau. bengayer, and 8 children have been born to them, 6 of whom survive. Ottmar, who married Katy Haller, daughter of Jacob Haller, received his preliminary ed- ucation in Ann Arbor, and subsequently graduated from a foreign university- Edward, who married Mattie Bodwell, Mary. wife of Charles Klotz, a resident of Canada, Ernest, Clara and Willie. One son died at the age of 20, and 1 child in infancy. Two of the sons, Edward and Ernest, are engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Ann Arbor.

Anton Eisele, dealer in monuments and tombstones, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1840. In his native land he learned marble-cutting and shoe-making. Many years ago he located in Ann Arbor, and entered into partnership with his brother John, in the business he is now engaged in. The brothers, by honest and skillful workmanship, succeeded in building up a large trade. Mr. Eisele finds a ready sale for his superior monumental work in all parts of Michigan. He married Mrs. Eliza Gardner, a daughter of Joseph Seabolt. They have 5 chil- dren-Frank, Carrie, Mary Ann, Charles and Eliza. Mr. Eisele is a member of the choir in the Roman Catholic Church of Ann Arbor.

Joseph J. Ellis, retired carriage-maker, Ann Arbor, was born in New Jersey in 1829. At the age of 23 he went to Ohio, where he worked at his trade for several years. In 1864, he came to Ann Arbor, and the same year began to manu- facture carriages, which business proved very successful in a financial point of view. In 1867 he married Caroline Pomeroy of Vermont. They have 2 chil- dren-Hudson P. and John A

Fred Esslinger, Ann Arbor, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was born in 1850. He was educated in his native land, and learned the trade of ma- chinist. He was also engaged in locksmith and knife making. In 1870 hecame to America. He located at Clinton, Michigan, where he followed the business of blacksmithing until 1874, when he came to Ann Arbor. He was employed by Mr. Fred Wurster until 1878, when he opened his present blacksmith and wagon shop. Mr. Esslinger is a member of the German Methodist Church of this city. He is an active worker in the cause of temperance in the city, and holds an offi- cial position in the Ann Arbor Reform Club.

James Fair, retired farmer, was born in Ireland in 1808. Three years later his parents, Thomas and Ann Fair, crossed the ocean and settled in New York, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the former being an excel- lent carpet-weaver. James passed his early life in the great metropolis. When 10 years old he was apprenticed to a harness-maker in Orange county, N. Y. In 1835, in Columbia county, he was married to Susan Mead. Eight children were born to them, 2 of whom died in infancy. One son, Andrew, J., a soldier in the civil war, gave up his life in the prison on Belle Island. William resides upon the old homestead. The other members of the family are-J. W., J. E., S. A. Downer, Martha E. and Hiscock H. In early days Mr. Fair took considerable interest in military affairs. In 1873 he disposed of some valuable property in Ypsilanti, and moved to Ann Arbor, where he now enjoys the benefits of a well- spent life.

Charles Fantle, dry-goods dealer at Ann Arbor, Mich., is a native of Austria, and was born in 1830. He was educated in his native land, and when 15 years of age he came to America. He caine at once to Washtenaw Co., and spent a few months at Ypsilanti. He then came to Ann Arbor where he engaged in business for himself, selling goods in the surrounding country with a horse and wagon. He followed this business for about eight years and acquired means enough to open a permanent business in the city. Since that time he has carried on a constantly increasing trade. In connection with his dry-goods business is a millinery department under the direction of Mrs. Fantle. In 1862 he was married to Miss Virginia Gregor, a native of Austria. To them have been born 4 sons, all of whom are living.

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History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 103

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1457

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457