History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 106

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 106

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David Godfrey is as well known throughout the county as a pioneer and a man of sterling worth as any within the borders of Washtenaw county. He was born at Ovid, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1800. His parents, David and Mary (King) Godfrey, were early pioneers of New York, and occasionally received cordial visits from Gen. Washington and wife, during the term of the Continental war, in which Mr. Godfrey served as a Captain. David received his educational training at Newburg, N. Y., and taught school for three years. He then obtained employment in the Govern- ment foundry at West Point, N. Y., but failing health caused him to give up his situation, and in 1830 he settled at Ann Arbor, and subsequently purchased a farm. He built a log cabin 16x18, where he resided for many years. In 1837 he became interested in emigration, and not having sufficient means to carry out his plans, he opened a correspondence with Washington Irving and Gov. Kimball, of West Point, who, knowing his excellent business tact, promptly furnished him with $4,000. He bought 13,800 acres of land, which he subsequently sold for $33,000. In 1840 he engaged in the mercantile trade at Ann Arbor, doing a successful busi- ness until 1860, when he retired from active life. Mr. Godfrey is the owner of ex- tensive property; a liberal, public-spirited citizen, who has done much toward the advancement of the religion, educational and business interests of Washtenaw county. He was married at Newburg, N. Y., in 1827, to Maria E. Bordman.

David L. Godfrey, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 35, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Orange county N. Y., Aug. 21, 1827. When he was four years of age his parents emigrated to Washtenaw county, and located in Scio tp., where they remained two years, and then removed to Sylvan tp., where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He lived in this township till he was 26 years old, then married Helen Doud, a daughter of Mr. Doud, an old pioneer of this county. One child, Luella, was born to them, but died when quite young. Mrs. Godfrey departed this life in 1860. In 1863 he married Helen Botsford, a native of New York, and daughter of Elnathan Botsford, an old pioneer of the county, first coming here in 1824, and permanently locating in 1825. This alliance was blessed with the birth of one child. Mr. Godfrey well remembers the wild appearance of Washtenaw county when he first saw it, and has toiled long and earnestly in assisting to bring it up to its present prosperous condition. He owns 101 acres of good land, and in 1878 built a fine residence thereon.

James B. Gott, attorney at law, is one of the old residents of Ann Arbor. Mr. Gott was born at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, 1818. In 1829 his parents removed to Michigan and located in Ann Arbor tp. He received his education chiefly at Ann Arbor. In 1837 he began the study of law with Olney Hawkins, Esq., and Judge Lawrence, who were then in partnership, and was admitted to the Bar in 1842. Since then he has been practicing law at Ann Arbor. From 1848 to 1853 he was a member of the firm of Sedgwick, Gott & Walker. He has been interested in the welfare of Ann Arbor and has always been identified with its interest.

John N. Gott was born at Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., in the year 1814. There he received his literary education. In 1827 he went to Albany, N. Y., where he entered the business house of an uncle to learn mercantile life. In 1836 he came

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to Detroit, Mich., where he was in business until 1840, when he came to Ann Arbor and taught school, at the same time reading law with John Allen, coun- sellor at law, and one of the pioneers of this county. During this time Mr. Al- len and Mr. Gott organized the system of abstract books now in general use. The original books are now in the possession of E. W. Morgan, of Ann Arbor. In 1843 Mr. Gott was admitted to practice and became a partner of Mr. Allen's, which partnership continued two years. Atthe end of that time Mr. Gott was appointed Deputy Register of Washtenaw county, and held this position one year, in which he made the vowel indexes now in use. He was then appointed Probate Register by Judge Skinner, and served eight years, meanwhile system- atizing the work in the probate office. Since that time he has practiced law at Ann Arbor, and has his office now on the corner of Huron and Fourth streets. In 1844 he was appointed Master in Chancery, and retained this position six years, when the old system was abolished and the office done away with. He was mar- ried in 1837 to Miss Julia A. Millen, who died in 1876. In 1879 he was mar- ried to Mrs. Martha P. Blanchard. Mr. Gott has been prominently identified with Masonry at Ann Arbor, and for 12 years was Master of the lodge in its early history.

J. A. Graf, of the firm of Slater & Graf, hardware merchants, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany. He came to this county in his youth, and was first employed as traveling agent of C. Eberbach. He next obtained a position as bookkeeper, and finally became partner. He learned the trade of tinsmith in Germany, but did not work at the business very extensively after coming to Ann Arbor. Mr. Graf is a gentleman of liberal education and broad views, and is consid- ered one of the leading business men of Ann Arbor. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and other secret organizations. He married Mrs. Mary Buider.

Mrs. L. M. Graham, hair dresser, was born at Manchester, England, in 1824, and came to America in 1833, first settling in Pennsylvania. She then removed to Ohio and thence to Canada. In 1876 Mrs. Graham became established in Ann Arbor and has succeeded admirably. In 1852 she was united in marriage to Levi Graham, and 3 children were born to them-Eliza, Mary and Sarah L.

William Graham, Ann Arbor, was born in 1831 in the township of Salem, Wash- tenaw Co., Mich. His parents were Luther and Catherine (Bunnell) Graham, and his father came to this county in 1828. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Salem. In 1856 he went to Shiawassee county, where he remained three years. He then returned to Salem and there followed farming until 1877, when he came into Ann Arbor. Since then he has been engaged in the saloon business. In 1853 he was married to Miss Eunice Botsford, of Salem, a daughter of David Botsford, one of the pioneers of this county. To them have been born 4 sons and 4 daughters, of whom 2 sons and 3 daughters are living.

William Graves was born in Virginia, and raised at Greenboro, N. C. His parents were slaves, and he made his escape from "slavedom " during the Rebell- ion, from the State of Arkansas, and although his path was beset by every ob- stacle known to the slaveholders he finally reached the North and located at Ann Arbor. He had learned to read and write when a slave, through the kindness of a Northern lady, who was visiting among her kindred in the Sunny South. He was a skillful workman, and almost immediately found employment as a black- smith. For the past few years he has been a faithful employe of the Ann Arbor Agricultural Works. In 1866 he married Hannah Jane Williamson, the first colored female born in Washtenaw county. Her father, Ephraim Williamson, was one of the first settlers in Ann Arbor, the date of his settlement not actually known, but supposed to be 1824. He died aged 89 years.

Alonzo A. Gregory, formerly proprietor of the Gregory House, Ann Arbor, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1811, but grew to mature years in Cattaraugus county, where he received a liberal education. In later years he became an ac- tive business man, and for many years was Sheriff of the county. In 1850-'1 he represented his district in the New York Legislature, and was often elected to the office of Supervisor, Clerk, etc. While living in New York he married Al- mira A. Reynolds, by whom 3 children were born to him, 2 of whom are living. Since 1873 Mr. Gregory has been Supervisor of Ann Arbor tp.

Hubbell Gregory (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania, where he passed his youth, and married Mary Mitchell. In 1848 he moved to New York, and in 1854 to Ann Arbor. At one time in his busy and eventful life he was proprietor

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of a stage route, and during early times kept quite a number of employes, meet- ing with good success in this vocation. He also was engaged as a contractor for a short time. He died in 1867. His descendants are 5 children-3 sisters and 2 brothers-all comfortably situated in life.

Daniel Haas, farmer, sec. 15, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Germany in 1814, where he received his education and learned the trade of cooper. He married, in Germany, Mary Renner, and in 1857 came to Ann Arbor, where he resided 18 months, then bought 80 acres of land on sec. 10, Ann Arbor tp., living here seven years, at the expiration of which time he purchased 160 acres located on sec. 15, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Haas had 7 children, of whom 6 are living-George, who married Elizabeth Rauser; Barbara, wife of Charles Hauser, of Michigan City, Ind .; Kate, wife of Thomas Rausenberger; Margaret, wife of August Mogk; Christiana, wife of Christian Sanzi, of Ann Arbor; Frederick, who married Mary Hagen, of Ann Arbor tp. The latter couple have 1 child, Louis.

John Hagan, Ann Arbor tp., sec. 15; P. O., Ann Arbor ; was born in Prussia, Jan. 19, 1819. There he was educated, and when he was 21 years old was drawn into the army, where he served two years. In 1844 he came to America and came at once to Ann Arbor, where he had relatives. He worked in Lodi and elsewhere four years, and then purchased 80 acres, to which he has since added 100 acres where he now lives. All this land he cleared up by himself. He has been School Director and Treasurer of his district. He is a member of Zion's Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor. His first wife was Catherine Feldkamp. To them were born 12 children, of whom 3 sons and 2 daughters are yet living. In 1875 he was married to Hannah Dunicke, of Ann Arbor, a native of Prussia. To them have been born 3 daughters and 1 son : 1 daughter has died.

L. D. Hale, money broker, Ann Arbor, was born in Franklin Co., Mass., May 16, 1806, and is the 3d son of Stephen and Sally (Maynard) Hale. At the age of 12 years his parents moved to Oswego Co., N. Y., where L. D. grew to manhood, receiving a good education. In 1828 he entered a dry-goods store at Pulaski, and was successful in this line of business. In 1838, owning an interest in the schooner Eliza Mead, he sailed from Oswego to Chicago with a party of friends. They returned to New York by land via Michigan, and Mr. Hale was so well pleased with the new State that he located here in the following year with a stock of goods. The M. C. R. R. was then completed from Detroit to Ypsilanti only, and the remainder of the journey was made by stage over the " old Territorial road," through timber, interspersed with those "beautiful oak openings," which the Indians had kept free from underbrush, in summer time being carpeted with a great variety of brilliantly colored wild flowers. Mr. Hale's goods were marked to a point in the western part of the State, but stopping one Sunday at Grass Lake, he found a good business opening, and being strongly urged by the inhabitants, he remained there and opened the first store of any consequence in that place. He remained there for some 20 years, part of that time engaged in the milling business in Washtenaw Co. In 1861 he removed to Ann Arbor. His business since that period has been, for the most part, dealing in bonds and mortgages.

Eugene B. Hall, dealer in hard and soft coal, Ann Arbor, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1848. The days of his youth were passed at Toledo, O., where he ob- tained a good literary and business education. While a resident of the latter city, he was united in marriage to Ella Tourtillate, a daughter of G. R. Tourtillate, of New Hampshire. Three children have been given to bless this alliance-Harry, Omar and Philip. Mr. Hall is the largest coal-dealer in Ann Arbor, and sells an- nually about 4,000 tons of "black diamonds." He is an enterprising and ener- getic business man, and well deserves the success which he has achieved.

Rev. Wyllys Hall, D. D., Rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1838, and is a son of William and Margaret (Kin- ney) Hall. At the youthful age of 16, Mr. Hall entered Kenyon College, Ohio, graduating from the literary department in 1858, and the theological department in 1861. He was ordained to preach the gospel, and was assigned to Youngstown, Ohio. When he entered upon his first ministerial duties, the church at that place was only a mission, but the characteristic energy and fervent zeal of this new-born minister overcame all barriers placed in his path, and when he was called to other fields of labor, the Church was established on a firm basis, a new chapel had been erected and a large congregation was working in unison with the young and talented exponent of the "old, old story"-a story that has awakened an answering chord

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in the bosom of countless numbers who have journeyed for a little while upon the " foot-stool of God." Removing to Piqua, Ohio, Mr. Hall was married in May, 1866, to Eleanor Kellogg, a daughter of Rev. E. B. Kellogg, D. D., of Ohio, who de- parted this life in California, after a long and eventful existence of 87 years upon this globe. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are the parents of six children. The title of D. D. was conferred on Mr. Hall by the venerable Bishop Bedell, of Ohio. He lo- cated at Ann Arbor in 1875, and the Church under his charge is in a very prosper- ous condition, and ranks high among his brother clergy of Ann Arbor, and enjoys the respect and esteem of a large number of friends and acquaintances.

John W. Hamilton, attorney at law, Ann Arbor, is a native of Washtenaw county, and was born in Salem tp. in 1858. He was educated at Ann Arbor, taking a partial course in Michigan University. In 1876 he entered the law department of the University, in which he graduated in 1878. Since then he has been practic- ing law in this city. He is also interested in the abstract and real-estate business with Chas. Manly, under the firm name of Manly & Hamilton.

A. R. Hammond, architect and builder, was born at Ypsilanti, Mich., in 1840. His father, John S. Hammond, was a native of Vermont, and his mother was born in Maryland. Both are residents of Ann Arbor. Mr. Hammond spent his early life in Ypsilanti, and was married in Lodi tp. to Fanny Wood, a daughter of Darius Wood, of Ann Arbor. Mr. H. built his substantial and handsome resi- dence in 1867, and has erected many buildings in Ann Arbor, the most prominent being the Congregational church.

J. Hangsterfer (deceased) was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1821. He grew to manhood and received a liberal education in the "faderland." When a youth he turned his attention to the baker's trade, and in due course of time crossed the ocean, first settling at Pittsburg, Pa., where he embarked in the confectionery busi- ness. In 1849 he married Catherine Barkley, a daughter of Nicholas and Alice H. (Truitt) Barkley. A year after marriage Mr. H. went to Flint, Mich., where he entered actively into business, gaining many friends in his new home. Think- ing he could better his condition, he moved to Saginaw city, but shortly after ar- rival his stock of goods was destroyed by a mighty conflagration, that swept away a goodly portion of that city. In 1853 he came to Ann Arbor and purchased the ground now covered by the substantial brick structure on the corner of Main and Washington streets. In this place he labored hard and earnestly till his death. Mr. Hangsterfer was no child of fortune, and she only smiled on him when his indomitable will conquered all obstacles. As a confectioner, none stood higher in Southern Michigan, and his candies were noted far and wide for their excel- lence and purity. After his death his wife and children, under the firm name of J. W. Hangsterfer & Co.,took charge of the business, and have a large and increas- ing trade.

William Derter Harriman, at present (1881) serving his second term as Judge of Probate of the county, was born in Peacham, Vt., Oct. 24, 1834; educated at the Peacham Academy, and was admitted to the Bar of Caledonia county when 21 years of age. In 1859 he removed to California and for nearly 10 years took an active part in the politics of the State, serving several sessions in both branches of the Legislature, and for four years as Clerk of the Supreme Court. In 1869 he located in Ann Arbor, and in 1870 was made Mayor of the city, and in 1876 was elected Judge of Probate.

Mark W. Harrington, M. A., Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Obser- vatory of Michigan University, was born at Sycamore, Ill., and entered Michigan University as a sophomore in 1865, graduating in 1868. He was at once appointed assistant in the museum of his Alma Mater, which position he held until 1870, when he was made Astronomical Aide in the United States Coast Survey for the recon- noissance of Alaska. He remained in Alaska one year and a half, when he returned to Ann Arbor and was appointed Assistant Professor in charge of the department of Natural History of Michigan University, which position he held until 1876 He then spent a year in Germany and France, and in 1877 went to Pekin, China, as Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the Chinese Foreign Office School. At the end of one year he was compelled, by ill health, to leave Pekin, and accepted the chair of Natural History at Louisiana State University, which he held but a few months, when he received the appointment at Michigan University which he now holds. Professor Harrington has been a contributor to the American Journal of Science, the Pharmaceutical Journal and the Naturalist, and has published a number of pamphlets on microscopical topics.

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Frazier Harris (deceased) was born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1791, and was Quartermaster Sergeant during the war of 1812, serving three years, and partici- pated in the battle of Plattsburg. Until 1837 Mr. Harris lived in New York, where he was educated. He was quite literary in his tastes, and nothing pleased him so much as the perusal of valuable books or periodicals. In 1837 he married Florilla Tyler, and a year later he moved to Massillon, Ohio. In 1844 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York city. On July 29, 1876, all that was mortal of the respected citizen was laid at rest in Ann Arbor cemetery. Mr. Harris was twice married, his other wife's name being Elizabeth Carlton. In 1817 he was go- ing from New York to Albany on the steamer Chancellor Kent, and among the pass- engers were De Witt Clinton, Livingstone, Judge Kent, Edward C. Jewitt and Jedediah Morse. The passage was made in 18 hours, and the subject of steam navi- gation being discussed, De Witt Clinton said that 14 hours was the maximum rate to be obtained by steam navigation, whereupon Jedediah Morse remarked that this sub- ject was still in its swaddling clothes, and that the time would come when a person could go from Washington to Boston in 24 hours.

D. J. Hawkins, an old pioneer of this county, was born in Rutland county, Vt., in 1815, and is a son of Olney and Hannah ( Durand ) Hawkins. Daniel was 11 years old when his parents moved to Michigan, and settled in Panama tp., Wash- tenaw county. Early in life Mr. H. had turned his attention to milling or logging, and with the exception of John Dix, owned and operated the first saw-mill in Supe- rior tp. At an early date George Rash ( deceased ) had built a saw-mill on Flem- ing creek, which was subsequently remodeled by Mr. H., and continued in operation for many years. It was destroyed by fire in 1839. In 1836 Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage by John Beach, a Presbyterian minister, at Ann Arbor, to Sylvia M. Kelley, born in Vermont in 1816, and a daughter of Barnard and Rachel Kelley. Eleven children were born to this couple, 6 of whom are living -Winfield S., Abbe F., Frank M., Edward T., Jane, a resident of Saginaw city, and Daniel J. Winfield, who died at Dixboro, married Mary Amrine, of Wayne county ; James O. was a soldier during the Rebellion, and died June 31, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss .; Abagail died when 26 years old.

Jacob Heintzman, a well known tanner of Ann Arbor, was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1814. He was liberally educated, and at an early age became appren- ticed to the tannery trade, serving his time, and becoming at the expiration of a few years a superior workman. While residing in Germany he married Christi- ana Duttonhaffer, by whom he has 6 children. In 1847 he crossed the ocean, and first settled in Ohio, where he worked at his trade for some time. He came to Ann Arbor in 1851, when shortly afterward he became actively engaged in the tannery business. He has been remarkably successful in this county, and is known as a man of sterling integrity and industrious habits. John, the elder of the children and a member of the firm of J. Heintzman & Son, was born in Ann Arbor in 1847, and took a commercial course in the Ann Arbor schools. He has been an active business man and a member of the above firm since his 21st year. In May, 1877, he married Mrs. Barbara Weimer. They have one child, John Eugene.

W. R. Henderson of the firm of Douglass, Henderson & Company, of Ann Arbor, is a native of this city, and was born A. D. 1854. He was educated at Ann Arbor and in 1869 began business life. He was employed in some of the largest retail clothing houses of the West at Toledo and Saginaw Valley. While thus em- ployed he was manager of one of the largest stores at Toledo, and thus acquired a superior knowledge of the clothing business. In 1879 he, with Mr. Douglass, opened a fine store at Ann Arbor, under the firm name of Douglass, Henderson & Co. Though yet a young man, Mr. Henderson has won for himself a fine rep- utation as a business man.

Professor Alfred Hennequin, Instructor in French and German in the Univer- sity of Michigan, was born at Guines, France, in 1846. He was educated at the Victoria Anglo-French College, in France and graduated from the College of Arras, France, after which he pursued post-graduate studies in the universities of Paris, Leipsic and Upsala. From 1867 to 1872 was engaged in teaching the modern languages in the Victoria Anglo-French College. In '72 he came to Ann Arbor and became connected with the department of modern languages of Mich- igan University. While on leave of absence from the University he, as Principal for one year, organized the Educational Department of the Michigan Military Academy. Professor Hennequin is the author of a complete series of French text-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

books and has in preparation text-books for the study of the German language. He is also a frequent contributor to educational journals.

William J. Herdman, M. D., Lecturer on Pathological Anatomy and Demon- strator of Anatomy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born at Concord, Muskingum Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1848, and is a son of James and Eliza A. Herdman. He graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1872, and from the medical department in 1875. He was appointed to his present position in July, 1875. Dr. Herdman was connected with the geological survey of Ohio, during 1871-'2. He is engaged in the practice of medicine, in connec- tion with his other duties, and is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, of Ann Arbor. Sept. 16, 1873, he was married to Nannie Bradley, of Marietta, Ohio.

August Herz, proprietor of grocery and restaurant, and dealer in furs, hides and pelts, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1826. He grew to manhood in his na- tive land, and in 1856, immigrated to America, and settled at Ann Arbor, where he met with flattering success as a wine merchant, For 25 years Mr. Herz has been engaged in business in Washtenaw county, and during that time has gained an enviable reputation for uprightness and square dealing.

William Herz, painter, decorator and varnisher, was born near Berlin, Prussia, A. D. 1849. There he was educated and learned the trade of painting, frescoing and designing. He remained in Berlin from 1863 to 1869, when he came to America. He at once came to Ann Arbor, where he had relatives and started in business for himself. His trade has by close attention to business been rapidly developed until now it is equal to any in the city, employing nine men in the season of business. In 1874 he was married to Miss Sophia Muehlig, of Ann Arbor.

Heman N. Hicks, an old pioneer of. Washtenaw county, is a native of New York. His parents, Amos and Mary Hicks, settled in Ann Arbor tp,, the signa- ture of John Quincy Adams being on his patent. The land was plowed in 1826, and trees set out. Ten years after this location the head of the family was laid at rest amid the scenes he loved so well, and the heroic wife, assisted by her chil- dren, gained a livelihood by the manufacture of clothing, and the weaving of carpets. She was the mother of 14 children-Clarinda, wife of George Parker (deceased) ; Dr. Layton (deceased); John Hiscock ; Solomon, who died in Jackson county ; Valorus, Heman, Harriet, Amos, Marion, George, Marana, Amanda, Maranda, Hiram, Minerva, and an infant child. Mrs. Hicks died in 1868, and an appropriate monument marks the spot of her last resting place. Heman Hicks purchased the homestead property from the other heirs, consisting of 80 acres. Mr. Hicks' education was received in a log school-house, and the principal studies were the old Woodbridge geography, Webster's Spelling-Book, while lessons in reading were learned through the graphic pages of the Columbian Orator. In 1857 Mr. Hicks married Rosetta Warner, of New York, and 3 children were born to them-Mary E. (deceased), Frederick and Arthur. Mrs. H. died in 1866, and in 1871 Mr. H. married Mrs. Amanda Seelye, daughter of Royal C. and Harriet B. Wright. Mrs. H. is the owner of 34 acres of valuable land. In 1870 Mr. H. built his present fine residence.

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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 106

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