History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 110

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 110

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

D.M. Morgan

1025

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

present has confined his attention to matters of real estate. He resides on the corner of Fifth and Huron streets.

A portrait of Mr. Morgan will be found in this work.

Professor George S. Morris, M. A., Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lecturer on Philos- ophy at the Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Md., is a native of Vermont, and was born at Norwich in 1840. He was educated at Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, N. H., and at Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1861. In 1862 he went into the army in the 16th Vermont, and remained in the service one year. In 1861-'2 was Principal of Royalton Academy, Vermont. In 1863-'4 was tutor at Dartmouth College. He then entered Union Theological Seminary, where he remained one and a half years pursuing studies. He then went to Europe, where, until September, 1863, he was studying philosophy. The two fol- lowing years he was engaged in literary work and teaching in New York city. In 1870 he was appointed Professor of Modern Languages and Literature in the University of Michigan, which position he held until February, 1880, when he re- signed it. In 1872 he published the first volume of his translation of "Ueberweg's History of Philosophy" which was followed by the second volume in 1874. In 1880 he published "British Thoughts and Thinkers." He has been a contributor to a number of journals, and is an associate of the Victoria Institute, London.

J. H. Morris, attorney at law, Ann Arbor. For the past 30 years, Mr. Morris has practiced before the courts of Washtenaw county, and during this time has succeeded through his well-known ability in gaining a large share of the public patronage.

Leonard Morse (deceased) was among the representative men and pioneers of this county, and is worthy of a few words in this volume. He was born in Ver_ mont, and settled in this county as early as 1824, moving from Canandaigua Co., N. Y. While a resident of Vermont, he was united in marriage to Rachel Grant and 6 children, 5 sons and 1 daughter, were given to them-Thomas, John' Calvin, Andrew, Chester and Mrs. Page, of Livingston Co., Mich. Chester, the' youngest of the children, grew to manhood in this county, and followed agricult- ural pursuits the greater part of his life. He married Hannah Agin, daughter of Thomas Agin, in 1841, and 2 children were born to them-Chester, died at the age of 13, and Mrs. Ellen Slater, who resides in Ann Arbor, being in very comfortable circumstances.

James Morwick, architect and builder, Ann Arbor, was born in Orkney Island, Scotland, in 1807, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Balfour) Morwick, the latter being a member of the great Balfour family of Scotland, whose fame ex- tended over two continents. James resided in Scotland until 1832, and worked at his trade, becoming a very skillful workman. In the latter year he went to Canada, where he remained until 1834. He resided at Syracuse, N. Y., for 24 years, and in 1860 located at Ann Arbor. In 1834 he married Anna Atkinson, a native of Cumberland Co., England. Mrs. M. died Feb. 14, 1847, at Harrison, Winnebago Co., Ills., and one year later Mr. M. married Minerva E. Coddington of Wisconsin. Mr. Morwick possesses a kind disposition and noble character. During " slavery days," he was a prime mover in the famous Underground Rail- road. As an architect, none stand higher in this county than he. The residences of Dr. Palmer, Judge Cooley, St. Andrew's Episcopal church, bear substantial evidence of the fact.

B. Mount, contractor and builder, Ann Arbor, was born at Geneva, Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1810, and is a son of David S. and Mary Mount. He was married, and 4 children born to him-James, manager of a large cutlery house, New York city ; Ida, wife of Attorney Young, of Ohio; Julia and Juliette, residents of Ann Arbor. Mr. Mount removed to Ann Arbor in 1834, and located permanently in 1836. He has been very successful as a builder and assisted in the construction of the old court-house of Washtenaw county.

David Mowerson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 14, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in New York in 1811, and is a son of Abram and Anna (Hurlburt) Mowerson. He grew to manhood in Monroe Co., N. Y., where he followed farming from boyhood, and succeeded in obtaining a liberal education. During the summer of 1835 he settled in Ann Arbor tp., where he purchased 80 acres of land, on which was a small log house built by James Wood, one of the earliest pioneers of this county. During the pioneer period of his life, Mr. Mowerson endured many hardships, and during the State Militia drills, he officiated as 1st. Lieutenant. In 1843 he married Sabra Fox, a daughter of Phineas P. and Fanny

1026

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

(Lennox) Fox. They have 3 children-George D. who married Mary Jolly, of Ann Arbor ; Clara A., and Charles J. In 1854, Mr. M. erected his present sub- stantial and handsome residence. Phineas P. Fox, the father of Mrs. Mowerson, was born in New York in 1790, where he was married at 30 years of age. He moved to this county in 1831, settling on sec. 15, in that tp., where he bought 160 acres of land. He was described by those who were intimate with him as a very industrious and honorable man.

J. B. Mowry, farmer, sec. 2, Ann Arbor tp., was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1809, son of Elisha and Barbara (Barker) Mowry. When James had attained his seventh year his parents settled in Madison county, N. Y., where he remained until 1831. At this latter period he came to Michigan, and settled on a small farm on sec. 2, Ann Arbor tp., part of the land being bought of Government, and part of that well-known early pioneer, David Botsford. Mr. Mowry had invested all his ready cash in land and a yoke of oxen to till the virgin soil, and conse- quently, was forced to live for quite a period in a small log cabin. After many years of toil, unknown to many of this day, Mr. Mowry accumulated a compe- tency, and now owns 200 acres of magnificent farming property, his elegant resi- dence being among the finest in the county. While a resident of New York, in 1830, he married Alice Edgerton, daughter of William Edgerton. This lady, a most worthy helpmate to the sturdy pioneer, departed this life in 1835. Mr. Mowry subsequently married Abigail Nixon, daughter of John and Sarah Nixon. Four children have been given to them-Sarah, Ludena, Catherine, and Lucinda.

Charles Murray, Ann Arbor, was born in Superior tp., this county in 1848. He was educated in the common schools there and brought up to the work of a farmer. In 1871 he moved to Hamburg, Livingston county, where he remained one year. He then came to Ann Arbor, where he has since lived. In 1873 he opened a meat market and followed that business one year. He then purchased a steam threshing-machine which he has run till the present. In 1880 he threshed 48,860 bushels of grain. In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary J. Treadwell, of Dixboro, Washtenaw county. To them have been born 2 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom are living.

Rev. John Newman, Pastor of German Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, was born at Alsace, Germany, in 1841. son of Michael and Catherine (Beck) Newman. John grew to manhood in France, and was educated at Basle University, Switzer- land, being ordained as a minister in the city of Welshein. In 1867 he emi- grated to America, and first settled in New Buffalo, Mich., where he presided over a flourishing congregation for one year. While a resident of this latter place he married Matilda Metzer, daughter of Valentine Metzer, a prominent German of that section of country. Four children were born to them-Matilda A., Will- iam F., Johanna K. and Adele. Mr. Newman is a member of the Evangelical Synagogue of North America, and an able exponent of the gospel. He is a lin- guist of more than ordinary ability, having acquired a proficiency in Hebrew, Latin, French, German and English.

Prof. J. F. Nichols, Ann Arbor, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1820. At the age of 12, his parents, Solomon and Ann Nichols, removed to Ogden, N. Y., where the Prof. received his preliminary education. He subsequently taught school at Lima and Oberlin, in Ohio, to procure sufficient funds, so as to enable him to obtain a classical education. In 1844, he came to Washtenaw county, and located at Saline, and afterward went to Detroit. In 1850, he married Elvira Rob- inson, a daughter of Loammi and Isabel Robinson, the former a native of Maine, and the latter of Massachusetts. They have 2 children-Anna and Alden. Mr. Nichols owns valuable property in Ann Arbor, where he has made his home for many years, though for over 30 years he has been engaged in teaching at Detroit, and at present is Principal of Cash Union school of that city, the scholars num- bering over 1,000.

Dr. W. W. Nichols, dentist, Ann Arbor, is a native of the "Empire State," and was born at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., in 1842. In his native town he received his elementary education, and later attended school at Patterson, N. Y. In 1863 he began the study of dentistry, with Dr. S. V. Howard of Plattsburg, one of the leading dentists in Eastern New York. He remained with him three years, and in 1866 opened an office at Saugatuck, Allegan Co., Mich., where he remained one year. He then removed to Holland, Mich. In 1871 his house and office were burned in a fire which almost entirely destroyed that place, and he came to Ann Arbor. Here he at once opened his dental rooms, and has since been prac- ticing, his office now being over the Star Clothing House, corner of S. Main

1027

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

and Washington streets. In 1877 he took one year of study in medicine at Michigan University. Dr. Nichols is also interested in fruit-growing, having a fine fruit farm of 56 acres, near Ann Arbor. On this land there are 7,300 pear, apple, plum and peach trees, many of them being in bearing condition. Here he makes his home and devotes the time he can spare from his business to the scientific study and culture of fruit, combining thus, pleasure, profit and health- ful exercise

John Nixon (deceased) was born in New Jersey in 1794. He was reared and educated there, and followed farming as an occupation till he emigrated West. Be- fore leaving he was married to Sarah Sutton, and 4 children have been born to them-John (dec.), Justice (dec.), Nathan, and Sarah (dec.). Mr. Nixon came to this county at an early day and bought 160 acres of land on sec. 11, Ann Arbor tp., where he located. Eighty acres of this he bought of the Government at 10 shillings an acre. He built a cabin on this land, and lived there a number of years. Dur- ing this time he kept a public house, and prospered in this business, as there were but few taverns on the road to Detroit. He was a good man, and enjoyed the re- spect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances He died in 1870 and was laid at rest in the beautiful city of Ann Arbor. Mrs. Nixon died in 1859 She was a native of New Jersey, and a most worthy helpmate in the battle of life. Nathan, the only surviving member of this pioneer family, was born in Ann Arbor tp., in 1836, and has followed agricultural pursuit from boyhood, now owning a valuable farm of 100 acres. In 1860 he married Ellen McIntyre, a daughter of John McIn- tyre, of this county. This union has been blessed with 10 children-Leonard, George, Justice, Carrie, Frank, Ella, Norman, Homer and Lewis. Mr. Nixon is a prominent farmer of Ann Arbor tp., and while residing in Northfield tp. officiated as Township Treasurer.

A. L. Noble, proprietor of the Star Clothing House at Ann Arbor, Mich., was born in Orleans Co , N. Y., A. D. 1843. He prepared for college at Lima, N. Y., and entered the University of Michigan in 1869. Difficulty with his eyes would not permit of his continuing his studies, and he turned his mind toward business. In 1870 he entered the employ of Joe T. Jacobs, dealer in clothing, as salesman, and afterward became a partner in the business. He sold out his interest to Mr. Jacobs, and in 1876 opened the Star Clothing Store, corner of Main and Washington streets, where he is now located.

John T. Noble, barber, Ann Arbor, was born near Paris, France, and while yet a child his parents emigrated to America, and settled in the State of New York. They then removed to Ohio, and thence to Michigan. Mr. Noble has been engaged in keeping a tonsorial parlor in Ann Arbor for about 1 year, although he has been engaged in the business for nearly 13 years. His wife ably assists him, and ranks among the best lady artists in the State. While a resident of St. Louis, Mich., Mr. Noble was foreman of the fire department, and since coming to Ann Arbor, has re- ceived numerous testimonials relative to his ability and integrity while a member of that organization.

William Noble, proprietor planing-mill and sash, door and blind factory, Ann Arbor, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1819. His father, James Noble, married Mrs. Keziah Northup, by whom he had 4 children-Lewis, a resident of Mich., Charlotte, who was married to Isaac Butler, and died in the East; Horace (de- ceased) and William M. The latter at one time was extensively engaged in the shoe business at Albion, New York ; also followed agricultural pursuits for some time. For a number of years Mr. Noble was proprietor of a large saw-mill in Albion, but after coming to Ann Arbor, he purchased the planing-mill, situated near the Ann Arbor flouring mills, where he transacts a remunerative business. He is also extensively engaged as a contractor and builder. Mr. Noble has always taken an active interest in military affairs, and on one occasion was se- lected as Associate Judge to sit on some criminal cases. He married Selina Bragg, a daughter of Leonard Bragg, of New York. They have 2 children-George W. and Adelbert.

John S. Nowland is a son of Andrew Nowland, who emigrated with his wife and 7 children to Washtenaw county, and settled on sec. 28, Ann Arbor tp., in June, 1824. Mr. Nowland purchased 120 acres of land, embracing a goodly por- tion of the 4th and 5th wards of the now city of Ann Arbor. His first house was located on the corner of State and River streets, or what was more familiarly known as the gravel-pit. Mr. Nowland built it when emigration was pouring very rapidly into the new Territory, and it was used as a tavern or hotel. He was

1028

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

also extensively engaged in buying and selling land. He built the first grist and saw-mills in the vicinity of Ann Arbor. The first named was situated about 20 rods north of the city mills, and near the R. R. cattle yards. The millstones were not the burr-stones of modern days, but were cut out of large boulders, that were found on the hillsides near the mill. The stones are in use to-day, one do- ing service as a door-step to the Lutheran church, in the 2d ward of Ann Arbor, and the other has been in use for some time as an apple-crusher. The saw-mill was built in 1825, and was located on the right bank of the Huron, near where State street crosses the M. C. R. R. track. Mr. Nowland was a very enterprising man ; in heart and action, benevolent to a marked degree. His acts of kindness to the poor citizen and weary, destitute emigrant, are remembered by all the people that survive him, and wherever the descendants of the pioneers of Washtenaw county are found, they gratefully remember and venerate the name of Andrew Nowland. John S. Nowland, a resident of Ann Arbor, was born in that city, on the bank of the Huron, June 13, 1826. Mr. Nowland believes he was the first white child born in Ann Arbor, but the priority is claimed by an- other. It is a question that cannot be satisfactorily settled at this distant day, but it is undoubtedly true that if he was not the first, he was certainly the second. When five years old, his sister Abigail married W. A. Begole, who settled in Sylvan tp., four miles south of Chelsea. At that age he went to live with his sis- ter, remained there two years, and then came back to Ann Arbor. In 1849, the gold fever broke out, and Mr. Nowland joined the rushing tide of humanity that was sweeping across the country, all in quest of the precious metal. He worked in the mines two years, and feeling signs of coming sickness, he hastened back to Michigan. IIe was quite successful in his western trip, and after arrival in this county, purchased a splendid farm in Scio tp., where he lived for 22 years. He then sold his farm, and has since resided in Ann Arbor. He was married, Jan. 1, 1852, to Lucy Ann Bird, born in sec. 16, Ann Arbor tp., September, 1830, and daughter of John Bird, an early pioneer of that tp. Mr. Nowland has been an active and successful business man.

Daniel O'Hara, farmer, sec. 3, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1802, son of John and Margaret O'Hara, natives of Ireland. Daniel was reared and educated in the "Emerald Isle," and in 1827, crossed the ocean to the United States. He remained a short time in New York, and then went to Connecticut, leaving the latter State in 1834, after a seven years' residence, with $1,000 in his pocket. He came to Washtenaw county, and bought an 80-acre tract of land in Ann Arbor tp., paying $10 per acre for the same. In 1837 he bought 80 acres more, and in 1857 bought 160 acres of E. W. Morgan, a lawyer of Ann Arbor. He married Bridget Inum, and 2 children-John and Jo- anna, were born to them. Mr. O'Hara's early years of founding a home, attend- ant with many hardships, entitle him to be ranked among the self-made men of Ann Arbor tp.

Edward Olney, LL. D., Ann Arbor, Professor of Mathematics in the University of Michigan, is a lineal descendant of Thomas Olney, who was born in Hertford, England, in 1600, and came to Massachusetts in 1635. He followed Roger Will- iams to Rhode Island in 1638, and was received by Williams into the first land company of Providence. He was baptized by Williams in the company of 12 other persons, who constituted the First Baptist Church of Providence, and of America in 1638, and was among the earliest ministers of that Church. On his mother's side Professor Olney is descended from the Emerson families. He was born at Moreau, Saratoga Co., N. Y., July 24, 1827. His father removed to Oak- land county, Michigan, in 1833, but remained only a few months and then perma- nently settled in Weston, Wood Co., Ohio. His school privileges were scanty, enjoyed in log school-houses, and only in childhood years, six weeks being all his school life after the age of 13. To secure even this amount of instruction he hired another boy todrive the ox-team on the farm, while he went daily two and a half miles to his studies, teaching at home an evening arithmetic school to ob- tain means of paying his substitute. Day's algebra was gone through with in those six weeks. His teaching in district schools commenced at the age of 19, at a salary of $12.50 per month, boarding around. While working at home in sum- mer, he would study mathematics and natural science ; in winter sit down with- out a teacher, to the Latin. At the age of 21 he was employed to teach the district school in Perrysburg, with the understanding that a union graded school was soon to be established, as was done the following year. This was the first union

1029

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

school of that region. Professor Olney was at first principal of the grammar de- partment ; when, two years later, the Superintendency became vacant, he was appointed to that place. Having to teach Latin, as well as higher English, the utmost diligence and application in private studies accompanied his school du- ties. His proficiency in varied studies, and his eminence as an instructor, became such that at the instance of college-bred brother teachers the honorary degree of M. A. was conferred on him by Madison University, New York. In 1853 he ac- cepted an appointment as Professor of Mathematics in Kalamazoo College, Mich- igan. In 1863 he was called to the Professorship of Mathematics in the Univer- sity of Michigan, which position he still holds. He has acquired a national repu- tation as an author of mathematical works, his works embracing arithmetics and algebra for school use and treatises on algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calcu- lus for use in colleges. His books are used in a large number of the leading schools and colleges in the country. During the years 1861-'63 he was proprietor and editor of the Michigan Christian Herald, in addition to his duties as Professor at Kalamazoo. He has also been contributing editor of the weekly Educational Journal; is the author of the article on " Pure Mathematics," in the Educational Cyclopedia, and of various other productions. In appreciation of his work, and in just recognition of the extent of his acquisitions, Kalamazoo College has confer- red upon him the degree of LL. D. His work as an instructor has received a marked success, and his influence on those under his teaching is such that all are greatly interested in their work. He has always given his earnest attention and energetic support to the interests of society. Every work of true reform has had in him an unflinching advocate. In Sunday-schools he has been a leader, super- intending schools at home, and working in State and national organizations. An associate teacher at Perrysburg, Miss Sarah Huntington, daughter of the Hon. Elijah Huntington, became his wife during the time he was teaching at that place.

Frank H. Ortmann, Ann Arbor, was born at Binda, Westphalia, in 1849. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Ann Arbor, where his father died in 1855. In the common schools of this city he was educated. When 15 years of age he was placed in the store of A. Herz, of this city, to learn business life, and has since remained with him. In 1874 and 1875 he was elected Alderman from the fifth ward of this city, and served two terms. He is a member of Golden Rule Lodge of F. & A. M. of this city. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a leader in his party in his ward.

C. M. Osgood, Ann Arbor tp., sec. 6, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., in 1830. When he was six years old his parents came to this State and located near Adrian. There he received a common-school education and in 1862 entered the law de- partment of Michigan University, from which he graduated in 1864. On exam- ination he was admitted to practice in the Superior Courts of the State. After graduation he went to Minnesota, where he remained but one year and, returning to this county, purchased his present farm, since when he has been engaged in agriculture. In 1865 he was married to Miss Eliza Twitchell, of Hamburg, Liv- ingston Co., Mich. To them have been born 1 son and 1 daughter.

Major Seth T. Otis, was born at Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 21, 1811; his parents were Captain Seth and Chloe (Taylor) Otis; the former a native of Colchester, Conn., where he was born June 24, 1777, and the latter a native of Springfield, Mass., and born Dec. 18, 1781. They were married July 21, 1803, and soon afterward removed to the place above named, where the subject of this sketch was born. He was reared in his native place and kept in school till 14 years of age, then entered as clerk in a retail hardware store, and afterward received no literary education. At the age of 19 he entered the wholesale hard- ware store of Erastus Corning & Co., of Albany, N. Y., with whom he remained three years, and on account of ill-health resigned his position and made a year's visit to Europe, and a year later (1837) went to Chicago and opened a hardware store on Dearborn, between Water and Lake streets, where he remained seven years and did a prosperous business. Was also appointed the State's Agent for receiving and delivering supplies to the contractors on the Illinois & Michigan canal. He was a Director in the Chicago branch of the Illinois State Bank, was a Vestryman in St. James' Episcopal Church, and was elected by the citizens of Chi- cago Major of the 76th Regiment, at the first organization of the militia in that district. In 1841 was the originator and founder of the " Young Men's Association of Chicago," it being the first permanent library society formed in that city

1030

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

started with 200 subscribers, and at the great fire in 1871 contained 1,659 mem- bers, and nearly 25,000 volumes. After the fire the society was merged into the present free Public Library of Chicago. Mr. Otis takes more pride in the organ- ization of this society, than in any other single act of his somewhat eventful career.

He tells us that when a resident of Chicago he purchased for $800 the lot on the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets (200 feet on State and 100 on Monroe) and opposite the present Palmer House, erected his dwelling house thereon, and lived in it three years. In 1843 he sold it at a profit of $300, and so good was his sale considered by William B. Ogden, that he said, " If I could sell my property like that, I would leave Chicago to-morrow." This lot alone is worth to-day nearly half a million of dollars.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 110

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