History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 105

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 105

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

remained two years. During this period she also studied extensively in the liter- ary and chemical departments. She graduated with high honors in the spring of 1876, and the following October opened a law office at her residence on Cathe- rine street. In legal talent, Mrs. Foster ranks high among the profession in this part of the State, and her success has exceeded her most sanguine expectations. She possesses a strong, clear mind, a bright, intelligent expression, and above all, a kind and loving disposition, which characterizes the true Christian woman.

Portraits of Mrs. Foster and of Mr. Lowry, her father, appear in this volume.

Edward C. Franklin, M. D. Among the most distinguished adepts in the pro- gressive schools of homeopathy in the West, is Dr. E. C. Franklin, of Ann Arbor, a man whose labors in the path marked out by the immortal Hahnemann, en- titled him to a front rank among the physicians of America. He was born at Flushing, Long Island, March 12, 1822. His father, Joseph Franklin, was a native of New York, tracing his ancestry back to the famous philosopher, Dr. Benjamin Franklin. His mother, whose maiden name was Fitch, was a grand-daughter of Eliphalet Fitch, who, under the crown of England, held the position of Receiver General of the Island of Jamaica. Dr. Franklin was educated at Washington College, Hartford, Conn., and in 1842 entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of New York, as a private pupil of the illustrious Dr. Valentine Mott, graduating in 1846. He commenced the practice of medicine (allopathy) in Williamsburg, Long Island, the same year, and soon became engaged in a some- what protracted medical controversy with Dr. Cox, a celebrated homeopathic physician of that place. This controversy elicited a severe cross-fire from Drs. Hanford and Culbert, two of his classmates in the University, who had become converts to homeopathy, and were residents of Williamsburg. In 1849 Dr. Frank- lin removed to California, and followed his chosen profession in San Francisco, where, in a few months, he amassed a considerable sum of money. In 1851 he was appointed Deputy Health Officer of the State of California, receiving a salary of $900 per month, and expenses. He remained in such position until the com- mission was dissolved by the State. He then went to the Isthmus of Panama, where he was appointed as Physician of the Panama Railroad Hospital. He spent three years of successful practice in this place, and accumulated a large amount of property, but was compelled to leave on account of failing health, brought on by successive attacks of " Panama fever." This fever stubbornly re- sisted the treatment of allopathy, but yielded promptly to the new and strange homeopathic treatment. It was this experience that first enlightened Dr. Frank- lin to the real value of the new system, and early led him to its adoption. He first commenced to practice homeopathy in Dubuque, Iowa, and after a three years' residence there settled in St. Louis. In 1860 he was appointed Demonstra- tor of Anatomy, in the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, and also sup- plied an existing vacancy in the department relating to obstetrics. These positions he filled until his appointment to the chair of surgery in the same insti- tution. In 1861 he was appointed Regimental Surgeon of the 5th Mo. Vol. Inf., under Gen. Lyon, being present at the death of that brave commander, and taking charge of his body. In 1878 he was appointed Professor of Surgery and Dean of the Homeopathic Faculty, in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, wh ch po- sition he ably fills at the present time. Dr. Franklin is the author of a work on " Spinal Curvatures," and two volumes on " The Science and Art of Surgery." He has now in preparation a work on " Minor Surgery," for the use of the stu- dents in the University. Dr. Franklin was married Dec. 24, 1878, to Celia M. Preston, at the residence of her father, Henry Preston, of Fentonville, Michigan.

R. E. Frazer, attorney at law, Ann Arbor, was born in Adrian, Michigan, in 1840. His father, Thomas Frazer, was for many years ticket agent of the M. C. R. R. at Detroit, and Robert grew to manhood in that city. In 1855 he came to Ann Arbor, and entered Michigan University, graduating from the literary de- partment in 1859, and from the law department in 1861. He was admitted to practice in the autumn of 1861. As the years rolled on his marked ability attracted attention, and for a period of two years he was Circuit Court Commissioner ; offici- ated as City Attorney three terms; Prosecuting Attorney for six years. Mr. Frazer has been chairman of the State Convention of Temperance Workers, and is a strong advocate of the Red Ribbon movement. He is Republican in politics, and in the fall of 1880 " stumped " the State of Michigan for the Republican Cen- tral Committee. In 1863 he married Abby M. Saunders, daughter of T. P. Saunders, a former merchant of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Frazer have 3 children. As a lawyer Mr. F. stands in the front rank among the Bar of Washtenaw county.

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

Gottfried D. Frederich (deceased) was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1824. At an early day he settled in Ann Arbor tp., where he made a purchase of 60 acres of land, and became a very thrifty farmer. In 1856 he married Jacobena Holwein, a daughter of Christian Holwein. Six children were born to them-Gottfried D., jr., Louisa, Mary, Mena, John and Joseph. Mr. Frederich died in 1869, and was buried in Ann Arbor tp.

John A. Freeman, teamster, Ann Arbor, was born in Geneva, N. Y., in 1827, and is a son of John and Mary Freeman, natives of New York. John grew to maturer years in the East, and having a natural inclination for learning, he acquired a good education. When he was 21 years old, he came to Ann Arbor, and opened a barber shop on Main street, where he transacted a successful business for 20 years, finally retiring on account of ill health, and entering into his present business with his usual enterprise and energy. In 1854 he was married at Jackson, Mich., to Elizabeth Kinney, a daughter of Barbara and Donald Kinney. They have 2 chil- dren-John W. and Carrie. Mr. F. is one of the leading colored men of Ann Arbor, and in 1880 was elected Grand Master of the Colored Masonic Compact Lodge.

E. C. Freer, proprietor meat market, Ann Arbor, is one of the most enterprising business men of Ann Arbor. In 1876 he opened a meat market on East Huron street, where for about four years he has transacted a remunerative business. He was born in New York in 1852, and in his youth received an academic education. He came to Ann Arbor in 1875, and a year later engaged in his present occupation.

Prof. Henry S. Frieze, LL. D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born at Boston, Mass., Sept. 15, 1817. His father, Jacob Frieze, was in early days a Universalist preacher, of Providence, Rhode Island, and was long connected with the press of that city as an able political writer.

Prof. Frieze prepared for

college under the efficient tuition of Hon. Joseph Joslin, of Newport, R. I., and graduated from Brown College, as valedictorian of his class, in 1841. From 1841 to 1845 he was employed as instructor in Brown University and the grammar school. In 1854 he received a call from the University of Michigan to accept the chair of Latin Language and Literature, which position he has filled to the present time. On the resignation of President Haven, in 1869, Prof. Frieze was appointed acting-President, and held that position, without relinquishing his professorship, until the accession of President Angell, in 1871. In the course of his official career several measures of importance to the University were adopted. Among those worthy of mention may be found the following: The admission of women to all the privileges accorded to any of the students of the University; the first important addition, by private liberality, to the general library in the gift of the Rau Library, by Philo Parsons, of Detroit; the first large appropriation for the University, by the State Legislature, and the first admission of students to the literary department of the University, on diploma from approved high schools of the State. In 1860 Prof. Frieze published an edition of Virgil's Ænead, and in 1867 an edition of the Quintilian. These works are ranked among the leading commentaries of the present day, and are used extensively, not only in this country, but wherever classical education has gained a firm foot-hold. Prof. Frieze is an able contributor to several scientific and literary journals of this and the old world, and his writings are earnestly studied and acted upon by the lead- ing men of thought and science. Prof. Frieze visited Europe in 1857 for study and recreation, and again in 1871. In 1870 he received the degree of LL. D., from the University of Chicago and Kalamazoo College, in Michigan. When Pres. Angell accepted the mission to China, to ratify the treaty between the land of Confucius and the United States, Prof. Frieze was again appointed acting-Presi- dent, a position he holds at the present time. Prof. Frieze early showed marked ability as an amateur musician, supporting himself from the age of 13, and while at College, by playing the organ. He now occupies the position of organist in the Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. Prof. Frieze was married in 1849 to Miss Anna Brownell Roffee, daughter of Caleb Roffee, deceased, of Providence, R. I.

Louis Fritz, Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, A. D. 1813. In his native land he was educated and learned the trade of butcher, which he fol- lowed for some time. In 1840 he came to America to better his fortune. He remained in New York city about one year and came to Ann Arbor in 1841. For a time he was employed in the tannery of Mr. Mann. He soon left this work and went into the butcher business for himself. He followed this business about 20 years and engaged in farming and fruit-growing, which he is still engaged in, and .with Judge Lawrence, of this city, has about 1,100 peach-trees in bearing con-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

dition. In 1865 he made a visit to his Fatherland and returned well pleased with the land of his adoption. For several years he has been an Alderman in this city. He was also in the time of the old Washtenaw Guards a Captain in that organization. Mr. Fritz loves the memories of his native land, and worships God according to the teachings of the old Lutheran Church, of which organiza- tion in this city he is a member.

George E. Frothingham, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica and Ophthalmic and Aural Surgery in the University of Michigan, was born at Boston, Mass., April 21, 1836. His literary education was received at Phillips' Academy at An- dover, Mass. In the year 1864 he graduated from the College of Medicine at Ann Arbor, Mich. He practiced for a time at Becket and Hillsdale, Mass., after which he established himself in Ann Arbor, making a specialty of Ophthalmology. In 1867 he was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in the University of Michigan, and in 1870, Professor of Ophthalmology ; Professor of Practical Anatomy in 1875, and Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in 1876. Dr. Frothingham secured the establishment of the Department of Ophthalmology in the University, and was the first professor of that specialty. He has built up a large ophthalmic clinic, and now as many important ophthalmic cases are treated here as in any clinic in the country, including 40 to 50 operations on cataracts per year. In the course of his practice, Dr. Frothingham has operated by opening sac in aneu- rism of common carotid. That case received notable mention in an address on surgery before the International Medical Congress at Philadelphia, in 1876, also an article on aneurism presented by Dr. Van Buren at the same meeting, being particularly noticed as one of the great achievements of the past century, it being the second case of the kind that had been successfully treated in the world. He has also ligated common carotid for aneurismal tumor of orbit; has made many operations for removal of vesical calculi, cataract, etc.

Dr. Frothingham is a member of the American Medical Association, and was Secretary of the section of practice in this society in 1874. He was Secretary of Washtenaw Co. Medical Society three years, and its President from June, 1874, to June, 1875. He was also a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, but resigned in 1876, because of difference of views on medical ethics. While a resi- dent of Massachusetts he was also a member of the Medical Society of that State. From 1869 to 1871 he was one of the editors of the Michigan University Medical Journal, and was the author of many editorial articles that appeared in that peri- odical, and also contributed to other professional publications. Besides the du- ties of his position in the University, Dr. Frothingham has a large practice in his specialty.

John G Gall, meat market, 31 East Washington street, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1835. At the age of 18 he came to America and settled at Ann Arbor, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year, when he was engaged in mining in California. In 1864 he married Julia Neathammer. They have 2 children living-Julia and Alice. George died at the age of seven. Mr. Gall has been in business in Ann Arbor since 1865.

Jacob Ganzhorn, horticulturist, Ann Arbor, was born at Baden, Germany, in 1842, and 12 years later was a resident of Monroe, Mich., and studied both Eng- lish and German in the schools of Monroe, as also those of Toledo, Ohio. He ac- quired a first-class knowledge of horticulture, which proved of inestimable value to him in later years. He became established in his present business in Ann Arbor in 1875, and now ranks among the best in Southern Michigan. He is a member of the State Pomological Society, and also the Washtenaw County So- ciety of that name. In Feb., 1876, he married Carrie Huebner, a daughter of William Huebner, of Germany. They have 3 children-Lizzie, Mary II. and an infant.

Charles R. Gardner, farmer and gardener, Ann Arbor tp., was born in Peru, Hu- ron Co., Ohio, in 1824, and is the son of Charles and Lucy Gardner, natives of New York. He grew to manhood in Ohio, and worked in a saw-mill and cloth- ing establishment, both owned by his father. He received his preliminary edu- cation in Norwalk, Ohio, and in 1847 came to Ann Arbor, and entered the literary department of Michigan University, graduating in 1851. From Ann Arbor he went to Detroit, and read law with Jay and Parton, of that city, becoming so pro- ficient in that profession that he was admitted to the bar in 1852, and practiced as an attorney for some time. The same year he was married to Saloma White, daughter of Col. Orrin T. White, of Ann Arbor tp. May 2, 1864, Mr. Gardner en-

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

listed in the 145th Ohio National Guards, and on March 23, 1865, joined Co. B, 198th Ohio Vol. Inf., an unorganized company, and doing guerrilla warfare till the end of the Rebellion. He owns 25 acres of land, the greater part being in fruit trees and small fruits, within the city of Ann Arbor. He was elected a Justice of the Peace while residing in Ohio.

Fred. Gauss, dealer in boots and shoes, Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in the year 1847. In his native land he learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1867 he came to the United States and came at once to Ann Arbor. He began working for Mr. Huss in his shoe store, and worked with him until his death in Feb., 1880. He then purchased the business of his former employer, which he now carries on. He keeps a general shoe store, besides doing custom work. He is a member of the Arbeiterverein of Ann Arbor.

Hon. John Geddes, familiarly known as " Uncle John Geddes" throughout the length and breadth of Washtenaw county, was born in Londonderry tp., Dauphin (now Lebanon) Co., Pa., in March, 1801. His father and mother and three of his grandparents were born, lived and died in Pennsylvania. The other grand- parent, William Geddes, was born near Randallstown, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1735; came to Pennsylvania in 1752, and died in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1789. Mr. Geddes was reared in his native State, and when old enough was sent to school a mile or two distant. At the age of 14 years he left school, and in that year finished the only education he ever obtained within the four walls of a school room. When he was about 23 years of age he concluded to make a trip to the Territory of Michigan, and if the land suited him, to locate in that fine and fertile region. He accordingly did so, and after a long trip on Lake Erie on the steam- boat Superior, Capt. Bunker, he landed at Detroit July 12, 1824. The follow- ing day he started westward, and arrived at Woodruff's Grove (now Ypsilanti), where he remained over night. On the morning of the 14th he came to the spot where now is located the city of Ann Arbor. The country thereabout suited him, and believing fully in the fertility of the soil he proceeded to locate a farm on the southeast quarter of sec. 8, in what is now Pittsfield tp. He paid for the tract of land July 21, 1824. After a short time spent in the new country he went back to Detroit, and obtaining passage on the same boat that brought him to Michigan, he returned to Pennsylvania. On April 19, 1825, Mr. Geddes, in company with his brother Robert, left their home in the East for Michigan. They arrived at Ann Arbor May 11, 1825. Both purchased land, and on Juue 14 they settled on sec. 36, Ann Arbor tp., where Mr. Geddes has since resided. In the fall of 1826 Robert Geddes built a saw-mill on the Huron river near his land, and Uncle John went to work for him at $10 per month and board and washing. From that time until March, 1868, with the exception of one year in the same business on Flem- ing creek, Mr. Geddes continued to work in the saw-mill. The greater part of the time he would be at work before daylight, and never cease his labors until darkness compelled him to desist. Mr. Geddes was married April 6, 1837, to Fanny Savage, who was born in Orange county, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1806. Three children were born to bless this union, 2 daughters and 1 son: Rachel is married but has no children; Sarah is also married, and has 2 sons and 3 daughters; William remained single, and died April 30, 1878 Mrs. Geddes departed this life Dec. 6, 1855, and on June 1, 1856, Mr. Geddes married Juliette Savage, a sister of his first wife, who was born July 22, 1809. The former Mrs. Geddes was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, as is Mr. Geddes and his present wife. In politics, Mr. G. was an Anti-Mason, and afterward became a Whig. When the Republican party was organized Mr. Geddes enlisted under its banner, where he has remained until the present time. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1840, and was Supervisor from Ann Arbor tp. for many years. He has been a Justice of the Peace for over 20 years.

"Uncle John Geddes" is a man possessing remarkable physical and mental faculties for a man over 80 years of age. He walks from his residence at Geddes to Ann Arbor, without experiencing the least fatigue. His memory is without a parallel. He can distinctly recollect the arrival of each and every old pioneer within the borders of Washtenaw county up to 1835 or 1840, and rarely fails to name the exact day and month of any social, political or educational feature of the county's growth since its organization. The publishers of this work and the citizens of this county owe "Uncle John Geddes" a debt of gratitude for his untiring energy and steady perseverance in collecting facts for this volume, that can never be sepatu, and his name will be held in grateful remembrance by

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

the future thousands long after this earthly form has crumbled into the dust from whence it came.

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Geddes appear in this work.

Robert Geddes (deceased) was born in Lebanon county, Pa., about 15 miles from Harrisburg and 83 miles from Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1797. He was reared to manhood in the Lebanon valley, and in May, 1822, left his home for Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y., where he owned 200 acres of land that had been purchased by his father in 1795 for $500, and deeded to him some time previous. He operated the farm some two years, and then sold it to a Mr. Schuyler for $2,400 cash. With this money he came to Michigan in May, 1825, and bought eight 80-acre tracts of land, in Pittsfield tp .; 227 acres of land on sec. 36, Ann Arbor tp .; 232 acres on sec. 31 of Superior tp. He subsequently purchased enough land in Ann Arbor and Northfield tps. to increase his acreage to 1,502. On June 14, 1825, Mr. Geddes located on sec. 36, Ann Arbor tp., where he resided until his death. He came to Washtenaw county in an open wagon, in company with his brother John. After arriving they had no house nor shelter of any description, and had to cut down an elm tree, and take the bark to place over the wagon box. The next day the brothers tried to plow with two yoke of oxen, and one of Wood's patent plows, but they failed. John was then sent to Detroit to get a share for a " bull plow." He went on foot and carried the share back as far as Springwells, when he overtook a man with a wagon and a yoke of oxen, who agreed to take the share to Ypsilanti. Mr. Geddes went to work and built a "shanty " about 10 feet square, with roof and sides made of slabs. This served as a home for the two brothers for nearly two years. The plow was finally made, and Robert, having bought three yoke of oxen for $150, hired Josiah P. Turner, who had a yoke of oxen, for $1.50 per day. They hitched the four yoke to the plow and started. John cleared the brush out of the way, and when they stopped they had finished nearly 16 acres of land. They then bought 16 bushels of wheat of Thomas Sack- rider, paying him $20 for it. This they sowed in the newly plowed land, and when harvest came it yielded 15 bushels. The next year the same land yielded 25 bushels. Mr. Geddes had been in the county five years before he was at- tacked by any sickness. He was never very strong, and being a hard worker. often overtaxed his strength. He was married May 7, 1829, to Maria Lane, a na- tive of Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., and an Episcopalian. She was the mother of 3 children-Jane, Robert L. and Maria, Mrs. Geddes died Feb. 23, 1837, being at the time of her death in her 33d year. Mr. Geddes was again married March 12, 1839, to Chloe Lane, a sister of his former wife, and a member of the M. E. Church. She bore him no children and departed this life March 6, 1856. Mr. Geddes was a farmer through life, and was twice elected Supervisor of Ann Arbor tp., on the Anti-Masonic ticket. He was afterward a Whig, and subsequently a Republican. Mr. Geddes died March 11, 1866, aged 69 years. He was well known throughout the county, and his loss was deeply felt by his numerous friends and relatives.

Mr. Geddes' portrait will be found in this volume.

Erastus N. Gilbert, Ann Arbor, Register of Deeds of Washtenaw county, was born in Dexter tp., April 12, 1840. When he was eight years old his parents re- moved to Pinckneyville, Michigan, where they lived until he was .15 years of age. Here he received a portion of his education. In 1855 they moved to Chelsea, where they lived two years. During this time he graduated from Gregory's Business College, at Jackson. In 1857 he came to this city where he was em- ployed in Getterman's clothing store until 1861. He then, with 25 other young men from this city, went to Detroit and enlisted in the 8th Mich. Inf. Vol's. He served with this regiment and they were incorporated in the famous 9th corps by Burnside. He participated in all the engagements of that famous organization and served three and one-half years until 1864, when he was mustered out of serv- ice. During this time he had advanced from private to the position of First Lieutenant, and Aid-de-camp, and served on the staff of Generals Stevens, Christ. Humphrey and others. Returning to Ann Arbor in 1864 he served as Deputy Postmaster under J. I. Thompson until 1867. He then engaged in the merchant tailor business with his brother, and followed it until 1871. From that time until 1880 he was in the employ of Mr. Grinnell of this city in the sewing-machine business. In the fall of 1880 he was elected Register of Deeds on the Republican ticket, running nearly 500 ahead of his ticket. In 1866 he was married to Miss

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

Kittie J. Murray, of Northfield. To them have been born 2 sons and 2 daughters, of whom 1 son has died.

Robert B. Glasier, farmer, residence Ann Arbor, was born in New York city in 1818, son of Richard G. and Anna Glasier, natives of Yorkshire, England. Richard was a ship-smith in New York. When Robert was 16 years old he settled with his parents at Ann Arbor, where his father bought 320 acres of land. Robert grew to manhood amid the pioneers of that day, and acquired a strong love for freedom and independence of humanity, regardless of race or color. Before the war he was a conductor on the famous " Under-ground Railroad," and has assisted in passing many a slave into Canada, where they would be safe from their cruel master. His " route " lay from Ann Arbor to Farmington, and on one occasion he made a trip to Adrian with William Lloyd Garrison. He made the acquaint- ance of many distinguished Abolitionists, and was considered one of the best " conductors " on the " road." In 1843 he married Maria Walton, daughter of Jacob Walton, a Quaker, who settled in this county at an early date. They have 4 children-Rachel A., Lydia M., George W. and Mary E. Being a Quaker, Mr. Glasier was opposed to anything like war, and on one occasion, in an early day, was ordered to drill with the militia. He refused, and was therefore locked up until his fine was paid by act of imprisonment.

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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 105

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