History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 111

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 111

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In January, 1844, failing health and the then poor prospects for business in Chicago induced him to close up his business in that city, and having received the appointment of United States Consul to Basle, Switzerland, went there with with his family and remained two years. We had not at that early day a minister to that Republic, and Mr. Otis's powers were semi-diplomatic; and so well were his duties performed that he returned to the United States with letters of high commendation from William R. King, our Minister to France, and John C. Cal- houn, Secretary of State.

A few years later he entered the employ of H B. Claflin & Co., of the city of New York, as manager of their law collections, and remained with them 15 years. During this time he traveled in 28 different States of the Union, and gained a large and valuable experience.

In 1869 he retired from active business with a sufficient competency, and located in Ann Arbor upon a sightly dozen acres of land just beyond the city limits, and overlooking that pretty little city of schools, churches and the State University.

He was married Sept. 18, 1838, to Frances Louisa Kellogg, daughter of the Hon. Charles Kellogg, of Kelloggsvile, Cayuga Co., N. Y. This marriage has resulted in the birth of 3 sons-Charles Day, a successful hardware merchant of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; Basel K. (born in Switzerland) and for the last two years bookkeeper and assistant teller in the First National Bank of Peoria, Illinois; and William A., a graduate of Michigan University, and now complet- ing his studies in architecture in the School of Fine Arts at Paris, France.

, Mr. Otis is not a member of any religious society, is termed "liberal" in his religious views, and attends the Unitarian Church. Was formerly Democratic in politics, but for many years has acted with the Republican party.

He says he finds one of the great pleasures in his retirement in the fact that through all his life he never compromised a debt that he honestly owed, and he defies the world to show that he ever wronged a man of a dollar. He has fitted up his place into a fancy farm with an abundance of desirable fruit; and he is a very genial, hospitable gentleman, living at his ease and working with great energy at such things as he fancies, enjoying the society and correspondence of his relatives- and friends far and near.

Alonzo B Palmer, M. A., M. D., Ann Arbor, was born at Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1815. His father was born at Stonington, Conn., and came of Puri- tan stock. Dr. Palmer was educated in the schools and academies of Otsego, Her- kimer and Oswego counties, N. Y., and graduated in medicine from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of the Western district of New York, in 1839. After passing the winters of 1847-'8 in attendance at the medical schools and hospitals of New York and Philadelphia, he took up his residence at Tecumseh, Mich., remov- ing to Chicago soon after. During 1852 he served as city physician of the "Garden City," through a severe cholera epidemic among emigrants from Northern Europe, and the same year received the appointment of Professor of Anatomy in the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. In 1854 he was transferred to the chair of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Diseases of Women and Children, and in 1860 was appointed Professor of Pathology and the Practice of Medicine, which position he occupies at the present time. In the spring of 1861 he was appointed Surgeon of the 2d Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, was ranking Surgeon in Gen. Richardson's command at the first battle of Bull Run, and dressed the first wound inflicted by the enemy at Blackburn's Ford, on July 18. He resigned his commis- sion in September, 1861, on account of his duties in the University. In 1855 he was the recipient of the degree of M. A. from the University of Nashville, Tennes- see. In 1859 he visited Europe, and visited the medical schools and hospitals of

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London, Dublin, Edinburgh and Paris, returning to this country on the opening of the Rebellion, in 1861 In 1864 he was appointed Professor of Pathology and the Practice of Medicine, in Berkshire Medical College, Mass., and in 1869 to the same chair in the medical department of Bowdoin College, in Maine. The latter po- sition he still holds, delivering his lectures during the summer vacation of the Uni- versity of Michigan. Although occupied with a large practice in Tecumseh and Chicago, since his removal from the latter place, he has devoted his time and atten- tion principally to teaching medicine, and the practical duties of the physician; while his clinical, hospital and consulting practices are still large, yet his most absorbing work is taken up with his duties of instruction. His students, in the different medical schools throughout his former territory, number about nine thous- and. During the whole period of his professorship, he has been a decided antago- nist to the use of alcoholic liquors, and other narcotics, whether tobacco or opium, and has often taught the evil effects of tea and coffee, when used as stimulants. Dr. Palmer is a member of the American Medical Association, and was elected its Vice-President in 1860, holding that position during its suspension, and until the meeting in Chicago. He has often served as chairman of that renowned medical body. In 1859 he was elected honorary member of the New York Medical Society ; was president of the Michigan State Medical Society in 1872-'3; was elected hon- orary member of the State Medical Society of Maine in 1875; contributed to medi- cal journals "a full report of the Chicago cholera epidemic in 1852;" while chair- man of committees of the Ann Arbor Medical Association, made reports on ' the plan and organization of State and County Medical Societies," " Medical Litera- ture," and Medical Education;" he published lectures on " Sulphate of Quinine," " Asiatic Cholera;" four lectures on "Homeopathy," criticising adversely the dog- mas of that school, " Paralysis," "Pneumonia," reference being made in the latter to the experience of several years' practice in the use of free antipyretic and anti- phlogistic doses of quinine. He was, with others, from 1852 to 1859, editor of the Peninsula Journal of Medicine.

James Parker, farmer, sec. 24, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1809, and is a son of John and Hannah Parker. He was reared and educated in his native shire, and was married in England to Mary Sims, a daughter of John Sims, of English nativity. They have 5 children living-1 born in England, and the re- mainder in America. In 1834 he crossed the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, and upon landing, he immediately started westward, stopping at Ann Arbor: from the latter place to Scio tp., and thence to Lodi tp., buying property in each. In 1864 he moved upon his present farm of 107 acres of valuable land, where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Parker came here in early days, and thought they owned a big farm when they had one comprising 10 acres. They endured many hardships-at one time having only 10 articles of furniture in their log cabin, at another time not tast- ing an apple for nearly a year. Mr. Parker was a wagon-maker in England, but did not follow his trade very much after locating in this county.

William Parker, farmer and mill owner, sec. 25 and 36, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1837, son of John and Ann Parker. He lived in England 25 years, and during thistime served five years appren- ticeship as a wagon-maker. In 1862 he married Mary Lawley, a native of Liverpool, England., daughter of James and Harriet Lawley. There were born to them 6 children, 5 of whom are living-Florence, Fred J., Maud N., Bertha B., and George G. Harriet is deceased. Mr. Parker settled in Washtenaw county in 1963, and bought his present farm, consisting of 100 acres. About 1876 he purchased a feed mill, with two-run of stone, and it now enjoys a fair custom trade.

James J. Parshall, one of Washtenaw county's old and respected pioneers, was born at Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 23, 1820. His parents were John and Persis (Hopkinson) Parshall. The former's ancestors were Huguenots, but through the cruelty of Louis XIV., of France, they fled the country, and located in Orange county, N. Y., late in the 17th century. In 1792, James Parshall, the grandfather of James J., settled in Ontario (now Wayne) county, N. Y., and being zealous in his religious views, organized the First Baptist Church 'in Wayne county, giving liberally toward its support. Mr. Parshall's ancestors on his mother's side, settled at Plymouth, Mass., in 1633 At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, Jonathan Hopkins and four of his sons, Caleb (Mr. Par- shall's grandfather), David, Jonathan and John, who were living at Haverhill, New Hampshire, enlisted in the Continental army, and at present their names are on the New Hampshire muster rolls in the pension department at Washing

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ton. Caleb was the father of 17 children, and was living in Wayne county, N. Y., when the war of 1812 began, and the family was well represented in the American armies along the New York frontier.

John Parshall, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a contractor on the Erie canal, of New York, and the Cleveland and Columbus canal, of Ohio. In 1833 he removed with his family to Michigan, and resumed work as a contractor on the Detroit & Saginaw turnpike. He subsequently labored on the Clinton & Kalamazoo canal. James J. spent his early days with his father in the dif- ferent enterprises in which he was engaged. In 1841, both father and son were large contractors on the Illinois & Michigan canal, and extremely prosperous in the undertakings. The State of Illinois suspending work on her public enter- prises, left Mr. Parshall and his son in straightened financial circumstances ; but happily they were enabled to pay every dollar of the debts they owed and to start in life once more. In 1842, James J. was School Inspector of Ann Arbor tp., and the same year received the commission as Captain of Co. A., 9th Reg., Michigan Militia. He was in the employ of Capt. E. B. Ward for two years, being a sailor

on the Northern Lakes during that period. He was married Jan. 1, 1845, to Esther McFarlen, of Oakland county, Mich., and the same year settled on the farm where he now resides. Of the children born to this union, 3 are living- Julian G., Adrian J. and Florence. Mrs. Parshall died in 1856, and a year later, he married Christiana Culbertson, of Tecumseh, Mich., by whom he had 1 son -Charles T. Mr. Parshall was again called upon to mourn the loss of a wife, and in Feb., 1869 he laid to rest his companion of a few years. In November, 1870, he married Sarah Twomley Stevenson, his present wife, who has borne him 1 child-Lena.

Politically Mr. Parshall has always been a Democrat. He was County Drain Commissioner from 1862 to 1870; 1871 to 1880 was Treasurer of the Washtenaw County Agricultural and Horticultural Society ; 1878 -- '79 was Treasurer of the Washtenaw County Pomological Society; and from 1879-'81 Treasurer of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County.

A portrait of Mr. Parshall is presented elsewhere in this history.

J. HI. Peebles, who settled in Washtenaw Co., 1834, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1816. His parents, David and (?) Peebles, natives of Massachusetts. J. H. grew to manhood in New York, and in 1852 went to Ann Arbor and thence to Salem tp., where he turned his attention to farming. In 1836 he married Julia A. Sexton,a daughter of James and Jennette (Wallace) Sexton, the former a native of New York, and the latter a native of Connecticut. Mr. Peebles has been an active business man, and served as Deputy Sheriff quite a number of years in Ann Arbor. In 1869 he organized the present efficient police force, and was Marshal for one term. Mr. and Mrs. Peebles have 2 children living-Jennette and Wallace, the latter a prominent business man of San Francisco. David Peebles, the father of J. H., was a leading contractor on the Erie and other East- ern canal projects. James Sexton, the father of Mrs. Peebles, it is believed, ran the first steamboat on the Erie canal.

John Pfisterer, hardware merchant, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1847, where he passed his boyhood days. In 1866 he came to the United States, and first settled in Wisconsin, but during the autumn of the same year located at Ann Arbor, and first worked as a journeyman. In 1871 he established his present business, under the firm name of Pfisterer & Hepfar, and continued as such until 1879, when Mr. Hepfar withdrew from the firm, and it has been carried forward successfully since then by Mr. Pfisterer. In 1873 he married Anna Schlenker. Of their 2 children, 1 is living-Amelia: Martin is deceased.

Nathan H. Pierce, Ann Arbor, was born at Batavia, Genesee Co., N.Y., in 1819. His parents were Nathan and Catherine (Hartly) Pierce. Nathan was raised on a farm, and remained with his father until he was 23 years old. He then came to Michigan, locating at Detroit, where he learned the painter's trade, and followed that business for eight years. He subsequently removed to Ann Arbor, and was en- gaged about two years in agricultural pursuits. Resuming his trade, he worked for three years, until an accident deprived him of his right arm. It was in June, 1856, and John C. Fremont had just been nominated by the new party for President. Ann Arbor had decided to have a ratification meeting, and Zachariah Chandler was "billed" to address the multitude. Mr. Pierce was connected with the Battery that welcomed the speaker to the city. About 5 o'clock a premature discharge of the cannon tore Mr. Pierce's right hand off, and amputation of the arm was necessary.

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He had identified himself with the Masonic order a short period previous to the acci- dent, and that society administered to his wants, until he was able to do so himself. The following January (1857) he was elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Michigan Senate, and served in that capacity during the regular session, and an extra one that followed. For many years he was identified with the city, county and State, in some official position, holding at one time the offices of Constable, City Marshal, Deputy Sheriff of Washtenaw county, Deputy U. S. Marshal, and Special Deputy Provost Marshal. On Aug. 4, 1847, Mr. Pierce married Miss Sophia M. Monroe, a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where she was born May 16, 1828. Her parents were John and Electa (Baxter) Monroe, and removed to Detroit in 1835, coming to Ann Arbor three years later. When Mrs. Pierce was about 16 years old, she began to show evidence of literary talent. She wrote a few lines and had them published in the weekly papers, and from that time till the present, she has never ceased her literary labors and productions. Her articles are eagerly sought after by the leading papers of Michigan, and many of them have found their way into the more standard publications of the country, among which may be mentioned the Ladies' Repository, etc. Some years since she published a series of articles in the Ann Arbor Courier, entitled "Ann Arbor in Slices," and under the nom de plume of "Soph.," which elicited a great deal of interest and general satisfaction from the reading class of this county. Mrs. Pierce has always taken a leading part in philan- thropic matters, and was the founder of the Fifth Ward Ladies' Decorative Society, of Ann Arbor, and its President for many years. This society went to work with a will and a purpose in 1870, and before many seasons had rolled around, they had secured enough money by entertainments, charity balls, festivals, etc., to erect a handsome and appropriate monument to the memory of the brave boys from the 5th ward of Ann Arbor, who laid down their lives for the good of their country. Too much praise cannot be given to Mrs. Pierce for originating this holy and sacred mission, and she will be held in grateful remembrance by the many friends of their dead comrades, who now rest in the 5th ward.

Mrs. Pierce is an active member of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw county, and has probably done more work and toiled longer for the benefit of that organ- ization than any other of its lady members. She has been the mother of 5 chil- dren, 3 of whom survive-Mrs. J. B. Saunders, whose husband is an employe of the Ann Arbor Courier; Edward H., an employe of the Courier also, and Nathan H., jr., aged 10 years. Mrs. Pierce was enumerator of the U. S. Census, in the 5th and 6th wards of Ann Arbor, in 1880, and was probably the only lady engaged in that business throughout the State of Michigan. She received from the Census Bureau a letter commending her for honesty, integrity and faithfulness to duty.

Jacob A. Polhemus, proprietor livery, Ann Arbor, was born in New Jersey, in 1811, and moved with his parents to New York when a lad. In the latter State he married Jane V. Sedan, and 3 children have been born to them. In 1835 he bought 80 acres of land from Government, in Freedom tp., and was a farmer for a number of years in both Freedom and Scio tps. He first opened in the livery business in the old Exchange stable, on the corner of Main and Catharine streets, in 1867. In addition to the livery trade he operates a hack and 'bus line for the accommodation of the traveling public.

Dr. J. Powers, veterinary surgeon, residence corner of Fourth and Liberty streets, Ann Arbor, was born in Norfolk, Canada, in 1834. He received a libera- education in the district schools. When 21 years old he went to Newaygo Co., Mich., near Grand Rapids, where he studied medicine under Charles A. McClure, a celebrated physician of that region. He spent one year with Dr. Richardson, a widely known surgeon. While residing in Newaygo Co., although a practicing veterinary surgeon, he was extensively engaged in farming, being a large prop- erty-owner. He was a resident of Reed City, Mich., where he gained considera- ble more than merely local notice. In 1855 he married Rebecca Pearl, a native of Ingersoll, Canada, and a daughter of James Pearl. Two children have been born to them-Wellington M. and Mary D., both in attendance at the Ann Arbor high school and well advanced in their studies. Dr. Powers is an active worker in the temperance cause.

Spencer Prater (deceased) was born in South Carolina, and was a slave till the end of the Rebellion, when he was set free by President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. He immediately came North and settled in Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for a number of years. In 1855 he came to Washtenaw

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Co. and settled in Ann Arbor tp., and was well and favorably known in the city of Ann Arbor, where he resided for several years. He was married at Shawnee- town, Ill., in 1839, to Rosanna McAllister, and 10 children were born to them, of whom 4 are living-Sarah Boyer, Mary Price, Maggie Berry and John Prater. Mr. Prater died in 1858, and in 1869 Mrs. Prater married William Stewart, and 3 children were born-Bettie E., Elijah and Elisha. The mother is living in Ann Arbor, and owns good property.

Warren Prescott, retired merchant, Ann Arbor, was born in New Hampshire in 1805, where he resided until 1828. In 1826, and while living in the Granite State, he married Eliza Hilliard, and 2 children were given to bless this union-Sarah and Mary. Mrs. P. died in 1880. In 1840 Mr. Prescott removed to Michigan, first locating at Plymouth Corners, Wayne Co., where he lived for two years. He then went to Lyons, Ionia Co., and followed farming, and running a hotel there. For 16 years he followed the adventurous life of a farm and "ranch man" in California. At the expiration of this time, he located at Chelsea, Mich., where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for several years.

Simon Price, farmer and milk dealer, Ann Arbor, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, A. D. 1811. He received a moderate education and was reared on a farm, of which he learned the practical workings. He came to America in 1836 coming at once to this county, and located in the town of Pittsfield, where the next 14 years were passed. He then removed to Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged in farming. Since 1869 he has also been dealing in milk and is now the oldest milk dealer in this city In 1834 he was married to Miss Caroline Plant, of Quainton, Buckinghamshire, England. To them have been born 1 son and 3 daughters; but 2 daughters have died. Mr. Price is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, with which he has been connected since 1842.

Benjamin Pryer (deceased) was born at Whitestown, N. Y., Nov. 14, 1806. During his youth he found employment in a large woolen mill. In 1830 he came to Michigan, locating in Salem tp., on 80 acres of land bought of the Gov- ernment, and after paying for it had barely enough money left to live with. In 1849 he bought 160 acres of land in Ann Arbor tp., now the homestead property of Mrs. Emeline Pryer, wife of the deceased. Mr. Pryer passed to his reward on Nov. 14, 1862. and was laid at rest in Northfield cemetery. He was more than ordinarily successful as a farmer, and enjoyed the respect of all with whom he was acquainted.

Zerah S. Pulcipher, Ann Arbor, was born at Rodman, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 18, 1810. His father, Oliver Pulcipher, was one of the early settlers of that county. Mr. Pulcipher was educated in the common schools of that day. When about 21 years old he began to learn the trade of carpenter. He followed that business in New York until 1833, when he came to Michigan. Early in 1834 he located at Ann Arbor, where he has since lived. In 1841 he began the manufacture of linseed oil, which he continued three years. In 1856 he started a match-factory, which he ran until 1860. In April, 1839, he was married to Caro- line L. Doty, of Niagara Co., N. Y. To them have been born 8 children, 4 of whom are living.

John Quigley, farmer, secs. 9 and 10, Northfield township, was born at Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1830, and is a son of Michael Quigley, who settled in America in 1823, and in 1833 emigrated from Canada to Detroit, and thence to Ann Arbor, where his family remained until he bought land in Northfield tp., and erected thereon a rude cabin, which is still standing. He died in 1849, and his wife in 1876. Mr. Q. bought his land from the Government, and the original deed bears the autograph of Andrew Jackson. John was reared on this farm, and educated in the "old rough log school-house," and in 1861 married Rebecca Hernandez. They have 4 chil- dren-Willie, Ulysses, Margaret, and John. During the late war Mr. Q. was a resident of California, but of late years has resided in Northfield, where he owns at present a good farm of 140 acres.

George Rash (deceased) was born in New York in 1788. He was reared to man- hood in his native State, and in 1814 married Fanny Galoway, and to this alliance 7 children have been born, of whom 3 are living-Charles M., a resident of Battle Creek, Mich .; George F., of Lodi tp., and James. In 1824 Mr. Rash came to Michigan and settled in this county upon the farm now owned by James G. Rash, and comprising 120 acres, but formerly 200 acres. His father was a farmer, and George F. naturally took to that vocation. His father came to this county

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

when there was not a white man west of the village of Ann Arbor. James G. has held several local offices, and for the past two years has been collector of Ann Ar- bor tp. In 1859 he married Helen M. Randall, a native of New York. They have 4 children -Ida, Ella, Charles and Mary. His dwelling was destroyed about four years ago, and he immediately erected his present dwelling house.

S. B. Revenaugh, photographic artist at Ann Arbor, was born at Duncan's. Falls, Ohio, Nov. 9, 1847. His education was received at the district schools. In 1862, when but 14 years of age, he ran away from home to enter the army, going out with the 15th Mich. Vol. Inf. At the battle of Shiloh, in 1862, he was wounded and on account of his wound afterward discharged. In 1863 he re-enlisted in the. 10th Mich. Cav., and served till the close of the war. The following year he came to Ann Arbor and went into the gallery of Mr. Gillett to learn the photographic art. In 1867 he, in company with two others, purchased the business of Mr. Gillett, and in 1870 he became sole proprietor. Mr. Revenaugh has been in this- business at Ann Arbor longer than any artist in the city, and has won an extensive reputation as a first-class artist.

Asa Rice (deceased) was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1804. He grew up to manhood as a " farmer boy," and married Mrs. Susan Smith, a native of New York. They have been blessed with 6 children, 3 of whom died in childhood. He settled in Ypsilanti tp. in 1824, and bought 80 acres from the Government at six shillings per acre. The land was unimproved, and the first thing he did was. to erect a small frame house, being a mechanic of no mean ability. In the early days he was connected with the State militia, and also followed +eaming between Detroit and Ypsilanti, often being three days in making the trip. He died in 1867, and was buried at Ypsilanti. His children are living in the State. William H., one of the sons, was born near Ypsilanti in 1839, and reared to manhood on the old homestead. In 1863 he married Sarah E. Clements, daughter of James P. Clements, of Superior tp. Three children were born to them-Fred R., Hattie P. and Burt C. Mr. R. owns 90 acres of land in Ann Arbor tp., and 20 acres in Superior tp. He is connected with the Grange movement.

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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 111

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