History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 107

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 107

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Daniel Hiscock, farmer and stock-raiser, and one of the noble band of pioneers who first set foot on the virgin soil of Washtenaw county. He was born in Wayne county, Pa., in 1819. His parents were James and Nancy Hiscock, natives of Massachusetts. In an early day James Hiscock settled in Pennsylvania, where he purchased 200 acres of land, but was compelled to relinquish his claim to the property, owing to a defective title. In 1824 he made a trip to Michigan, passing through a little settlement on the bank of the Huron, which had been named Ann Arbor, and only inhabited by John Allen, Mr. Rumsey and a few others. In 1829 he settled on sec. 20, in Ann Arbor tp., where he bought 300 acres of land, which now lies within the corporation limits of the city of Ann Arbor. Daniel Hiscock was raised on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits through life. He received his educational training in the old-fashioned log school-houses, but obtained his practical education in the busy whirl of traffic within the bor- ders of Washtenaw. In 1847 he married Maria White, daughter of that old pio- neer veteran, Eber White, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. This union was blessed with the birth of 3 children-Charles E., Edward D. and Mary E. Mr. Hiscock has resided within the city and tp. of Ann Arbor for over half a century, and has been an eye-witness to the vast amount of changes that have

David Depue

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

taken place within the borders of this prosperous county. Mr. H. has been hon- ored with the office of Supervisor, and for a short period was engaged in mer- cantile pursuits in the city of Ann Arbor. Mr. Hiscock is the possessor of 500 acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation. He is not only a wealthy citizen of Ann Arbor, but a public-spirited man, whose actions are characterized by benevolence.

Patrick Hoban (deceased) was a well-known farmer and merchant of Ann Ar- bor tp. He was born in Ireland in 1811, and was a son of Patrick and Margaret (Merritt) Hoban, natives of Queens county, Ireland. He received a liberal edu- cation in his native land, and in 1839 crossed the ocean, settling at Dexter, Mich- igan, the same year. In 1842 he married Helen Wall, a daughter of John Wall, and 5 children were sent to bless this union-Lawrence, Thomas, Mary, Francis and Nellie. Mr. H. accumulated property very rapidly, and in a few years after coming to this county owned a good farm of 143 acres. After seven years spent in agricultural pursuits he opened a store at Ann Arbor, and was an extensive dealer in groceries and provisions until his death, this latter sad event taking place in 1861. In 1871 Mrs. Hoban built a substantial brick business house on Ann st., at a cost of several thousand dollars.

James Hobson, naturalist and taxidermist, University of Michigan, was born in Westmoreland, England, in 1825, and is a son of Thomas and Frances Hobson. In 1831 his parents moved to Durham, Eng., where James became a prominent citizen. At one time he was connected in an official position with a large rail- road, also lectured a great deal, and edited a newspaper at the same time. James early evinced a natural taste for botany and ornithology, and in 1855 went to Nova Scotia, where he was employed in collecting and preserving specimens, and ultimately made a trip through a large portion of Europe, making foreign birds a study, and learning taxidermy at the same time. In 1855 he married, at Nova Scotia, Eliza Downey, a daughter of George Downey. They have 3 children -Jane, Fannie and Lillie. In 1858 he went to Boston, Mass., where he was profitably employed for some time, and where he received his first copy of Audu- bon's work. In 1863 he went to Detroit, where he organized the Audubon Club of that city, and was elected curator. At this latter place he worked at his trade for years, receiving orders from all parts of the Union.

Jacob Hoffstetter, proprietor grocery and restaurant, S. Main st., Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1849, and is the son of Christian and Mary Hoffstetter. In 1854 he settled permanently in Ann Arbor, and for a short time was employed as clerk in one of the larger mercantile houses in that city. In 1872 he established his present business, and through honorable dealings has succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade. He married Gertrude Klise. Mrs. Hoffstetter died, and he married Catherine Burkhart, his present wife. Mr. H. is a member of the A. O. U. W., also of the Volunteer Fire Company of Ann Arbor.

Samuel N. House, Ann Arbor, was born in the town of Volney, Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1819. When he was very young his parents removed to Wayne Co., N. Y., where they lived until 1843, and there Samuel was educated. In that year they came to Michigan locating in Salem tp. in this county. There Mr. House pur- chased land and lived until 1846, when he came to Ann Arbor. He lived here but a short time and went to Shiawassee, where he took up land and dwelt 14 years. During this time he served as local preacher in the Methodist Church, and also two years on the circuit. Early in 1862 he returned to this town, where he is now largely engaged in fruit-growing. In 1841 he was married to Ophelia Mitchell, of Wayne Co., N. Y. To them have been born 1 son and 2 daughters. Of these, the 2 daughters are living.

William Hulbert, retired farmer, was born in Conneticut in 1806. In his youth he became a resident of Berkshire Co., Mass., subsequently residing in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he married Abigail Snow, and 6 children were born to them-Franklin W., Lyman S., James W., Emma J., Caroline and Electa. In 1827 Mr. H. settled in Pittsfield tp., where he entered 80 acres of Government land. By industry, perseverance and economy, he has succeeded in accumulat- ing choice county and city property. He is, strictly speaking, a self-made man, for, left an orphan at an early age, he has grown wealthy through his own indi- vidual and laborious efforts.

William Humphrey, one of Washtenaw's worthy pioneers, was born in Brill, England, June 16, 1817. He immigrated to America, and in May, 1836, located in Lodi tp. When he arrived in this county he had but $5 in money, and this 59

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amount he expended for two bushels of wheat. He was then employed as a laborer, receiving $13 per month for the work he performed. By energy and perseverance through several years, he managed to accumulate enough money to purchase a farm. He now owns 200 acres of valuable land. Thinking that he had acquired a competency sufficient for his future wants in life, in 1874 he re- tired from active business and removed to Ann Arbor, where he resides at pres- ent. Dec. 27, 1847, he married Elizabeth Simms, who was born in England Oct. 14, 1816. They have 4 children-George W., Martha J., wife of William Gray, Clementia A. and William G. For 25 years Mr. Humphrey held offices of trust in Lodi tp., and in politics, is a firm believer in the principles inaugurated by Andrew Jackson.

Capt. Frederick Huson (deceased), was born near Dublin, Ireland, where he was * reared and educated. Mr. H. had an eventful life for 17 years. He was in the British army, where he obtained the title which is prefixed to his name. In 1859 he sold his commission for a handsome sum, and came to Ann Arbor, the main cause for so doing being a request from his sister, Mrs. Prof. George T. Williams, of Ann Arbor. Mr. Huson settled upon a small farm near the city, and a few years ago was thrown from a carriage, sustaining serious injuries, which were probably the main cause of his death, that event taking place a short time since. While living in Ireland he married, June 29, 1844, Mary L. Bradlere, and 6 chil- dren were born to them-George, the eldest, enlisted in the 20th Mich. Vol. Inf., and was killed in battle. His commanding officer, Col. C. B. Grant, says of him : "He was one of the bravest men in defense of his country I ever knew. We buried him on a beautiful spot, on the banks of the Cumberland river. A rude board with his name, age and date of death on it, marks his resting place, but beneath lie the remains of a noble soldier." Richard was the second child; then Frederick, who died in infancy, in India; Elisha died at Ann Arbor in 1874; Frederick C., owner of the homestead, is a native of Calcutta, India; and Florence, a native of Ann Arbor.

Jasper Imus, dealer in country produce and fish, West Huron street, Ann Arbor, was born in Ann Arbor in 1844. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, and when the war of the Rebellion commenced joined the army as a mechanic. In 1859 he married Margaret Mckean, and 3 children have been born to them- Jasper, jr., Nelson and Alexander. Jasper, jr., is a thoroughly practical painter, and strictly honorable in business transactions.

Peter B. Ingalls, retired farmer, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., April 2, 1814, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Beahan) Ingalls, the parents of 12 children, 5 of whom are living. Peter settled in Superior tp., where he worked upon the farm purchased by his father, consisting of 104 acres of valuable land. At an early period he took an active part in the Black Hawk war, being a member of the State Militia at the time. Mr. Ingalls was considered an excellent marks- man in early days, and obtained a goodly share of his meat with his rifle. He was Justice of the Peace of Ann Arbor tp. for one term, and Township Clerk the same length of time. In 1869 he moved to Ann Arbor, where he has since resided in comfortable circumstances. In 1845 he married Anna Stoddard, but she only lived until 1859, and was buried at Dixboro cemetery. In 1863 he married Mary Shekell, and she bore him 3 children, 1 of which, Osgood, is now living. Mr. Ingalls beheld some exciting times during his early residence in this county, but is now content to spend the remainder of his life in rest.

Patrick Irwin, proprietor livery, sale and feed stable, Ann Arbor, was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1838. Ten years later his parents crossed the ocean and eventually settled at Ann Arbor, where Patrick grew to manhood, receiving a liberal education in the grammar schools of that city. When the Rebellion com- menced he enlisted in Co. H, 14th Mich. Vol. Inf., under the command of Capt. Richard Beahan, and participated in many severe engagements. When "Sher- man marched down to the sea " Patrick went along. For meritorious conduct he was promoted to Sergeant and ultimately ranked as Captain. He was honorably discharged in 1865. He married Hannah McCann, of Macomb county, Mich., and 2 children have been born to them. Mr. Irwin at one time resided at Bay City, Mich., where he officiated as Alderman,

W. H. Jackson, D. D. S., at Ann Arbor, was born at Arcade, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1840, where he also received his elementary education. In 1860 he came to Michigan and located at Farmington. He intended going through col- lege, and was preparing at Ypsilanti, but in 1862, while on a visit to his father in

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New York, he enlisted in the 130th N. Y. Inf. Vol., afterward known as the 1st N. Y. Dragoons. During his service he was made Regimental Bugler and leader of the regiment band. He was the first to sound "to arms " at the battle of Cedar Creek, to which battle Sheridan made his famous ride "From Winchester, twenty miles away." This call to arms he made without orders, and within five minutes the sound of muskets firing was heard all along the line. He served till the close of the war and was present at the time of Lee's surrender. His regiment was in 45 engagements. In 1865 he returned to Michigan and began the study of dentistry at Northville, Wayne Co., with his brother, H. H. Jackson, now practic- ing in Detroit. Dr. Jackson was one of the committee appointed by the State Dental Society to secure the establishment of a dental college in the University of Michigan. During the first two years of the dental department, 1875-'7, he was Demonstrator in this department, and in 1876 graduated therefrom with the degree of D.D. S. He has now been in the dentist business longer than any dentist in Ann Arbor. He has been connected with the Michigan State Dental Association since 1866, and is also a member of the Alumni Association of the dental department of Michigan University. He was also a member of the Ameri- can Dental Association but allowed his membership to lapse. He is a member of the Ann Arbor Scientific Association, which is composed of a number of the University faculty and other men in the city. The originators of this society were Professor Harrington, Dr. Rose and Mr. Jackson. All one winter these gentle- men met in the rooms of Professor Harrington, and in the spring organized the society. Dr. Jackson is now an honorary member of the Washtenaw County Medical Society.

Joe T. Jacobs, dealer in gents' furnishing goods and general clothing, Ann Ar- bor, was born in Ohio in 1839. In that State he was educated, and for a time, when about 13 years of age, worked in a printing office at Mount Vernon, Ohio. In 1862, soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion, he entered the army, and served three years, being mustered out as an Adjutant. He then took charge of a stock of goods at Columbus, Ohio, where he remained till 1866. IIe then went to Cairo, Ill., where he was employed in a clothing house as salesman and col- lector until 1867. In that year he came to Ann Arbor, where he opened his present business. In 1880 he was nominated as State Senator from Washtenaw county, on the Republican ticket, and though running far ahead of his ticket was defeated by certain men in his own party. The same year he was a delegate to the Re- publican State Convention. For his public spirit and enterprise Mr. Jacobs is well known. After the first company that started the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Grand Trunk R. R. had failed, and the work had lain still for a long time, he began work to revive an interest in it. He worked hard and faithfully to this end, and subscribed quite largely to it. Interest was awakened, and to-day a running rail- road of great advantage to the citizens of Ann Arbor marks the result of his labors.

C. H. Jewell, of the firm of C. H. & F. W. Jewell, proprietors Gregory House, Ann Arbor, was born at Bath, Maine, in 1833. He received a good education in his native State, and in 1852 was a pilot on the Saginaw river, in Michigan, also on Lake Michigan, and the Mississippi river. He remained in this business two years, and then engaged as Captain on the Northwestern Union Packet Com- pany, now the Keokuk Northern Line. Mr. Jewell then located at Hudson, Wis., becoming proprietor of the Chapin Hall House; the building and contents were totally destroyed by fire while in his possession. His next venture was in rafting logs down the Mississippi river. He then went to Winona, Minn., thence to Ra- cine, Wis., and finally located at Ann Arbor. Mr. Jewell was married in July, 1857, at Zilwaukee, Michigan, to Alcyone T. McBratnic, and 4 children have been born to them, one of whom still survives. Mrs. Jewell is of Scotch ancestry.

F. W. Jewell, of the firm of C. H. & F. W. Jewell, proprietors Gregory House, Ann Arbor, was born in Stillwater, Minn., in Oct., 1855. He entered Hinkley's Military Academy, and graduated with the rank of Lieutenant. After coming to Ann Arbor, Mr. Jewell attended the law department of Michigan University, graduating in Feb., 1880. He married Carrie Moorman, of Ypsilanti.

Samuel P. Jewett, retired merchant, Ann Arbor, was born in Middlesex Co., Conn., in 1809, and is a son of Josiah and Elizabeth Jewett. In Cayuga Co., N. Y., he received an academic education, graduating from Cayuga Academy in 1826. In 1833 he married Sarah Cone, a daughter of Elijah Cone, a prominent citizen of Cayuga Co. Mr. Jewett became quite successful as a merchant, and in 1833

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he came to Michigan to look at the opening for a business career in the new Ter- ritory. He returned to New York, and after the panic of 1837, he again came West, locating at Ann Arbor. He remained in business until 1853. In 1856 he accepted the general agency for the well-known stove house of Jewett & Root, continuing with them until 1873, when ill-health forced him to abandon the field of active labor. In 1840, Mr. Jewett built his present commodious residence, and sub- sequently the substantial building adjoining the Opera House on Main street. He also owns some very valuable farm property. Mr. J, ranks among the more prominent and liberal citizens of Ann Arbor.

W. C. Jolly, proprietor meat market, Ann Arbor, is the son of W. B. Jolly (de- ceased), who was born at London, Eng., and came to America about 1855. He immigrated West, and seeing a good location at Ann Arbor, he resolved to settle there and end his days in Washtenaw Co. He secured a position as janitor in the Michigan University, and subsequently was a butcher for a number of years. While living in England he married Mary Judson, and 8 children were born to them-2 in England and 6 in America. A short time after their arrival in this county, the subject of this sketch was born, and he has been reared to manhood in the beautiful valley of the Huron. He received a liberal education at the Ann Arbor High School He is now engaged in operating a meat market in Ann Arbor, the one formerly owned by his father, but now the property of the widow.

Alanson Jones, senior member of the firm of Jones & Allen, blacksmiths of Ann Arbor, was born at Warren, Herkimer Co., N. Y., A. D. 1811. There he re- ceived his education and learned his trade. When a young man he went to Utica, and then to Rochester, where he was for some years in the business of blacksmithing. He was afterward engaged in business at Albion, Batavia, Wa- terport and Fair Haven, N. Y., until 1862, when he came to Ann Arbor, since which time he has been in business here.

Charles N. Jones, teller of First National Bank, Ann Arbor, is a native of Ann Arbor, where he was born in 1838. His parents are James and Eliza Jones, who were among the pioneers of this county In 1858 Mr. J. married Louisa Began, and 1 child was given to them-Charles, a clerk in a New York banking es- tablishment. Oct. 13, 1875, he married Mrs. D. M. Watrous, daughter of David Webster, of New York. In early life Mr. Charles N. Jones was a cooper, and also a baggage-man on the M. C. R. R., and in the latter part of his life has been prominently identified with the temperance movement, now holding the position of Vice-President of the Ann Arbor Red Ribbon Club. In 1861 he enlisted in the 20th Mich. Vol. Inf., and for 14 months served as a private. He was then put in the Quartermaster's department, and in 1864 honorably discharged. He re-enlisted and served till 1866, when he returned to Ann Arbor. He first secured employ- ment in the postoffice, but one year later became teller of the First National Bank, which position he has filled with satisfaction to all, up to the present time.

James Jones (deceased) was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1805, son of Stephen and Mary Jones, natives of New York. James grew to manhood in his native State, and received his educational training in the district schools. When a young man he learned the cooper's trade. He came West and has worked at his trade in Michigan for many years. He owns a large cooper shop in the lower town of Ann Arbor, but being old, retired from active life, and rested quietly in his old age, until his death. While living in Ontario Co., N. Y., he married Mrs. Eliza Benham, a native of New York, daughter of Thaddeus and Lydia Jones. They have 7 children living-Jane A., wife of George Miller; Edgar White, a resident of Port Huron; Sarah, wife of Reuben Crowell, now living in Ann Arbor ; James T., residence Port Huron; Charles M., teller First National Bank, Ann Arbor, married Diantha Webster; John W., Cooper, resident of city ; Helen, married L. N. Minnie, of Port Huron. George W. (deceased) died at Ann Arbor. Mr. Jones died suddenly of heart disease on Feb. 18, 1881.

Dr. John Kapp, Mayor of Ann Arbor, was born in Northfield tp., Washtenaw county, July 31, 1841, where he received his elementary education. In 1865 he entered the medical department of Michigan University, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1868. IIe engaged in practice at Benton Harbor, Mich., for a short time and then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he took a partial course in dental surgery and clinical medicine, graduating from the dental department as D. D. S. in 1869. In the spring of that year he came to Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Kapp has served as a member of the Board of Health of Ann Arbor for some years. In 1874 he was elected County

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Coroner, which office he filled one term of two years. In the municipal election, in the spring of 1880, Dr. Kapp was elected Mayor of the city of Ann Arbor. July 3, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna N. Pitt, of South Lyon, Mich.

C. F. Kayser, manufacturer of cigars, Ann Arbor, is a native of this city, and was born Dec. 1, 1853, He was educated in the public schools and learned his present trade in this city with Mr. Roland. He worked in Ypsilanti and elsewhere until 1873, when he started in business for himself, which he continued about six months, In 1876 he started his present business, and is now the largest manufact- urer of cigars in this city.

Ambrose Kearney, proprietor grocery, 33 S. Main street, Ann Arbor, is an old and successful business man of that city, and has been more than ordinarily successful in the accumulation of property. He was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, in 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Julia Kearney, the latter dying in Ireland. The former crossed the ocean in 1840, and settled in Washtenaw county. Ambrose received his business education in Harris county, also at Harrisburg, where he dealt in boots and shoes ; was also engaged, in a small way, in saw-mill property. In 1867 Mr. Kearney married Mary L. Martin, of Texas. In matters of public interest Mr. K. always stands in the front rank, and he well merits the success he has achieved since his entree into the business circles of Ann Arbor.

William Kearns, of Ann Arbor, was born in County Meath, Ireland, in the year 1810. In his native county he was educated and learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1829 he emigrated to the new world, locating in Rutland Co., Vermont, where he followed his trade until 1833, when he moved to Charleston, N. H., where he resided two years. In 1835 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and after remaining there a short time started for Michigan. In March, 1836, he arrived at Ann Arbor, where he has since lived. The following year his wife came here. He at once began blacksmith work in this city, and continued it until quite recently, when the weight of years induced him to resign his business to his 2 sons, Richard, who was born in Canada in 1836 and came to Ann Arbor in 1837 with his mother, and Thomas, who was born in Ann Arbor in 1841. Both of these sons were educated in this city, and learned the trade of their father with him.

. John Keck, dealer in furniture, and Superintendent of the Keck Furniture Manu- facturing Co., at Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, A. D. 1839. He received his education in his native land. When about 15 years of age his parents emigrated to America, and located in the town of Scio, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where Mr. Keck remained until he reached his majority, working chiefly on his father's farm. He had, however, worked a little at joiner work, and when of age he came to Ann Arbor and learned the trade of cabinet-maker with Mr. F. Muehlig. He remained with this gentleman but a short time, and entered the employ of Mr. Roller, whom he soon bought out. About six months after making the purchase, his place of business was burned, the stock being saved. He at once opened busi- ness again on Washington street, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to South Main street. In 1867 he started the furniture manufactory of Keck & Co., and in 1868 this company moved into larger quarters. This company during the hard times that followed employed more men than any other firm or company in Ann Arbor, having from 40 to 50 men at work. Their specialty was fine chamber furniture of their own design and pattern, and their wares were sold all over the United States. In 1879 this was changed to a stock company, of which Mr. Keck owns one-half the stock and is Superintendent. He has served the city as its Treas- urer one term, and has done much as a private citizen to promote its welfare.

T. J. Keech, manager of the Tolbert lumber yards, Ann Arbor. These yards are situated on the corner of Fourth and Depot streets, and were established on a pay- ing basis in 1865, by C. Sutherland & Co., who was succeeded by Mr. Ferdon. From this latter person Mr. Tolbert purchased the yards in 1874. Mr. Tolbert is an extensive lumber dealer of Saginaw city, and is able to retail lumber in Ann Arbor at much lower figures than other merchants. Owing to the absence of the proprietors in different parts of the State, the business in Ann Arbor is under the efficient management of T. J. Keech, who has succeeded in building up a large and fast increasing trade.

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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 107

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