History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 112

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 112

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Charles H. Richmond, retired banker, Ann Arbor, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1821. His father, Jonathan Richmond, then acting member of Congress, was a native of Massachusetts, and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Richmond was a native of Massachusetts, and their marriage occurred in 1807. Twelve children were given to this couple, 4 of whom still survive-Rebecca, wife of John Marsh ; Charles Frederick, a resident of Auburn, N. Y., and Mrs. Nancy R. Eagles. Charles was educated in the district schools and afterward attended an academy. In 1837 he. settled at Grand Rapids, where he was employed as teller in a State Bank for two years. He then returned to New York, and in 1849 was appointed Clerk of an Indian Agency; in 1858 was a banker in Wall street, New York; when the war broke- out was Cashier of 1st National Bank, Ann Arbor; in 1867 delegate to Constitutional Convention at Lansing; afterward appointed Treasurer of Detroit, Hillsdale & S. W. R. R. Mr. Richmond moved to Ann Arbor in 1838, where he was engaged in active business until 1872, when he retired from the field, and now lives comfort- ably on what he has accumulated during his many years of hard labor. In 1856 he married Amy Howland, of Westport, Mass., daughter of Stephen Howland, merchant. They have 3 children-Charles, now attending Michigan University; Mary A., and Freeman S., a student in the Union School, Ann Arbor.

David Rinsey, of the firm of Rinsey & Seabolt. grocers, Ann Arbor, was born at Baden, Germany, in 1838. At the age of 15 he crossed the Atlantic ocean, and settled in New York, where he became employed in an extensive grocery establish- ment. In 1867 the firm of Rinsey & Seabolt was established, and through strict integrity and attention to business have prospered year by year. They now rank high in their line of business. In 1869 Mr. Rinsey married Jeanette Miller.

A. V. Robinson, proprietor livery and sale stable, and hack line, Ann Arbor, was born at Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1834, and six years later his mother settled at Ann Arbor, his father having died when Mr. Robinson was quite young. A. V. grew to manhood in this county, and received his education at the common schools. In February, 1857, he was married to Ella J. Peck, a native of this county, and daughter of a wealthy and prominent farmer. Mr. Robinson was Marshal of Ann Arbor for one term, and is a progressive and liberal citizen. His- present business was established in 1866.

Moses Rogers, dealer in agricultural implements, Ann Arbor, was born in New York in 1810, and is a son of John and Sarah Rogers, both natives of New York.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Moses lived in his native State until his 21st year, when he came to Ann Arbor. In 1843 he married Letitia Sweetland, a daughter of Ebenezer Sweetland, of New York. They have 1 child-Katie J., who has acquired more than local fame as a portrait painter, and a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this work. Mr. Rogers established his present business over 35 years ago, and when he first started he erected a building where now stands Rinsey & Seabolt's grocery store. Subsequently he bought the ground where the office of the Ann Arbor Agricult- ural Works stands. Mr. Rogers shows considerable talent as a painter, although not having much time to devote to that art. He has held many local offices.

Louis Roland, manufacturer of cigars, Ann Arbor, was born in Saxony, Alten- burg, July 25, 1845 He received his education there and passed his childhood days in his native home. When but 14 years of age he came alone to America, his parents still living in the old world. When he arrived in New York city he had but one dollar in his pocket. He remained in that city three years and learned the trade of cigar-maker. During the next five years he worked in 28 different States. This he did from his liking to travel and change. In 1868 he came to Ann Arbor, and in 1869 opened a cigar factory. In 1874 he removed to Grand Rapids, and in 1879 returned to this city. Mr. Roland is connected with the Mænnerchor and Beethoven-gesangverein of this city, and is also a member of the Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor.

Charles Rominger, M. D., State Geologist of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1820, and received his preliminary education in the common schools of Germany. He subsequently entered the University of Tubin- gen, from which he graduated at a youthful age. In 1848 he came to America, and in 1860 to Ann Arbor, where he has since resided as a practicing physician. About 1870, he was appointed State Geologist, and has since occupied that posi- tion. Dr. Rominger is noted far and wide throughout the scientific circles of the world as a geologist of fine ability and untiring perseverance.

J. F. Royce, an old pioneer of Washtenaw Co., was born at Norwich, Conn., in 1805, and is a son of Solomon Royce, a native of Mansfield, Conn., who was a sea- faring man the early part of his life, but ultimately became a successful farmer, and accumulated a great deal of wealth. Ile died many years ago, leaving a comfortable competency for his family. J. F. Royce resided in New York until 1830, when he located at Ann Arbor. Having learned the trade of a cabinet and chair maker, he worked at this trade for some time, and subsequently became proprietor of a carriage manufactory. He was a clerk in the well-known dry- goods establishment of Bach & Abel, Ann Arbor, for quite a while, also offici- ated as Deputy Sheriff of this county. He has been twice married.

A. H. Roys, wood-turner, pattern and model maker, Ann Arbor, was born at South Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1820. There and at Geneva, N. Y., he was educated. His father was a carriage maker, and from him he early learned the principles of mechanics. He learned his trade at Geneva, N. Y., where he spent six years. He then passed five years at Palmyra, Syracuse and Waterloo, under instruction to perfect himself in the business. He does a large business in model- making for patents to be applied for. In 1842 he came to Ann Arbor, where he has since been. He has done much work for the University in the way of making mathematical and medical instruments. Mr. Roys has twice been Alderman from the Second ward. He has been a member of the Methodist Church since 1835. In 1843 he was married to Miss Lucy A. Bostwick, of Detroit, a native of Palermo, Oswego Co., N. Y. To them have been born 1 son and 2 daughters. The son is in the drug business at Farwell, Mich. The eldest daughter married Mr. Frank E. Pickett, of Allegan county, a man of literary education and a teacher. The youngest daughter lives with her parents at Ann Arbor.

George Rudman, farmer and stock-raiser, section 13; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1819., son of Charles R. and Mary Rudman. While yet a youth he was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and after learning the trade, worked a short time in England as a journeyman. In 1845 he crossed the ocean, and settled at Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he worked at his trade for a period of nine years, and was afterward employed as a gardner. In 1858 he located at Ann Arbor, where he obtained employment at his trade until 1869, when he bought 78 acres of valuable land in this tp. Mr. Rudman is a rep- resentative farmer; enterprising and intelligent. In 1867 he married Mrs. Ann Cox, daughter of Thomas Hill, and relict of Samuel Cox.

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

Dr. William Russell, physician and surgeon, was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1833, and is a son of Robert and Anna (Spence) Russell, the former a native of England, and the latter a native of Maryland. Robert Russell emigrated to Amer- ica, settling in Pennsylvania, and subsequently in Ohio. At one time during his residence in this country he was a farmer and ship-builder, of Wheeling, W. Va. William was educated at Findley, Ohio, and afterward completed a course of study at Bronson Institute, Wisconsin. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Fair- child, of Ohio, remaining with him one year. He then went to Wisconsin, where he laboriously studied for some time in the perfecting of his profession, and during that period his skill gained him an extensive practice. In 1858 he married Abigail Tiffany, of Ohio, and 2 children- - Anna E. and Geneva-were born to them. Mrs. Russell died in 1861, and in 1865 Mr. R. married Matilda Cole. Six children were given to this union-Mary F., Hannah E., J. H., Merle, Willie and Donald M. Dr. Russell is a graduate of the Hygienic School of New York, under Trall, of the Anatomical and Surgical Institute of Cincinnati, and of the medical department of Michigan University. Dr. Russell was formerly proprietor of a sanitarium, at Mor- ton, Wis., in which business he lost much wealth. He was also engaged in the same business at Battle Creek, Mich.

J. R. Sage, dealer in musical instruments at Ann Arbor, Mich., was born in Alle- gany Co., N. Y., in 1821. When he was 10 years of age his parents came to Michi- gan, and located in Salem tp., Washtenaw Co. They lived there about two years, and removed to Livingston Co., where Mr. Sage received his education in the com- mon schools. In 1861 he went to Geneseo, N. Y., where he entered Geneseo Acad- emy of Music, established by Wm. B. Bradbury and Geo. F. Root. He remained in this institution five years, pursuing musical studies, and graduated therefrom in 1865. During this time he spent the most of one year at Dayton, Ohio. In 1865 he came to Ann Arbor, and for the next eight years taught music very successfully. He then engaged in the sale of musical instruments, which has been his chief occu- pation to the present time. During his residence in Livingston Co., he held the position of Supervisor, Town Clerk and other offices.

Dr. Abram Sager (deceased) was born at Bethlehem, Albany Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1810. His father, William Sager, was a farmer, who settled in the Empire State at an early date, and married Miss Hannah Brouk. Dr. Sager was educated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y., where he remained two years as pupil and instructor, graduating in 1831. Subsequent to this period he attended lectures in the New Haven and Albany Medical schools. He also attended the Medical institute at Castleton, Vt., graduating in April, 1835. In 1837 he was appointed chief in charge of the botanical and zoological department of the Michi- gan State Geological Survey. He made a report in 1839, accompanied by a cata- logue of what he had collected, and the specimens mentioned are those which laid the foundation of the present zoological collection in the museum of the University of Michigan. He gave to the University his herbarium, now known as the Sager Herbarium, which contains 1,200 species, and 12,000 specimens, being chiefly col- lected in the New England and Western States. He also donated to the medical department a large collection illustrating comparative craniology, neurology, and embryology of the vertebrata. From 1842 to 1850 he was Professor of Botany and Zoology in Michigan University. In 1848 he was appointed to the chair of theory and practice of medicine, and in 1850 to that of obstetrics and diseases of women and children in the medical department of the University. For several years he was Dean of the medical faculty, and held that position even after he had ceased active duties in the work of instruction. Dr. Sager was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia, of the Academy of Science of Chicago, of the American Medical Association, of the New York State Medical Society, of the Michigan State Medi- cal Society, of the Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia, also author of different articles in the scientific papers of the Union. After the death of Dr. Eaton, Dr. Sager was tendered the Presidency of the Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y., but did not accept. In 1876, at the annual meeting of the Michigan State Medical As- sociation, he was elected president, under circumstances which showed the esteem in which he was held by the profession of the State. For many years he was a member of the Board of Education of the city of Ann Arbor, and for several years president of that body, but resigned in 1873, because of ill health. Dr. Sager was married in 1838 to Sarah E. Dwight, of Detroit, who, with 5 children-3 sons and 2 daughters-survive him. Dr. Sager died in the city of Ann Arbor Aug. 6,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

1877, and the announcement of his death caused sorrow in the hearts of his numer- ous friends, and by many of the older students of the old medical college of the University who enjoyed his teaching, but who are now scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is no disparagement to the friends of rational medicine in the State of Michigan to say that the profession had no more ardent student. no more loyal devotee to its interest, or zealous defender, none more ready to make sacrifices to convictions of right and duty, and in aid of an honest, legitimate, and scientific system of medicine, than Dr. Sager, maintaining in all relations a reputation for integrity in public and private life without spot or blemish.

Hon. Andrew J. Sawyer, attorney at law at Ann Arbor. Mich., was born in the town of Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 18, 1834. He received an academic education and engaged in teaching from the age of 18 to 25. While in New York he read law with Judge Gray, and when he removed to Michigan in 1857 he read with Judge Barnes, of Mason, Mich. In 1860 he was admitted to practice, and since that time has devoted himself exclusively to his professional duties. In 1876 he was elected Representative from the Second District of Washtenaw county, and represented this district in the Legislative session of 1877. In 1878 he was again elected to the Legislature, and as Republican candidate received 1,345 votes, against 1,135 cast for his opponent, William Murray, Democratic and Greenback candidate.In the Legislative session of 1877 he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, and in the session of 1879 he was its Chairman. In 1876 he was made Chairman of the Washtenaw County Republican Committee, and since that time has held that position.

D. F. Schairer, dry-goods merchant at Ann Arbor, Mich., is a native of this city and was born in 1854, where he also received his education. He spent two years on a farm and in 1865 entered the employ of C. H. Millen, with whom he learned the dry-goods business. He continued with Mr. Millen until his failure in 1878, after which he remained with Mr. Gott, the assignee of Mr. Millen. until the stock was closed out. In April, 1880, he opened the store which he now occupies, and is making a success of business for himself.

C. Schmid, Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1829. He was educated in the land of his nativity, and also learned the carpenter trade there. In 1851 he came to America and came to Michigan, locating at Ann Arbor. He at once began working at his trade, which he still follows to a slight extent. In 1866 he opened a lumber yard at the corner of Fifth & Liberty streets, where he has done a large business. Mr. Schmid has twice represented the Second ward in the city council as Alderman. In the formation of the Mannerchor of this city he was one of the prime movers, and for 10 years, up to 1880, was its President. He is a member of Zion's Lutheran Church of this city.

Frederick Schmid, jr., of the dry goods firm of Mack & Schmid, was born at Lodi, Washtenaw county, Mich., in 1839. He was educated at Scio and Ann Arbor, where his father removed when he was about 13 years of age. In 1857, when Mr. Mack opened his dry-goods store, Mr. Schmid entered his employ as clerk. After remaining with him three years he became connected with Mr. Mack in the business, under the firm name of Mack & Schmid, and this partnership yet continues. Mr. Schmid is a son of the Rev. Frederick Schmid, who was the first German minister in Michigan.

J. F. Schuh, hardware merchant, Ann Arbor, was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, in 1843. At three years of age he moved with his parents to New York, and remained there six years. The family then immigrated to Washtenaw Co., where the father died shortly after arriving. At 12 years of age Mr. S. obtained a clerkship in one of the hardware stores of Ann Arbor, and remained in that line of trade till he was able to go into business for himself. This he did in 1861, and entered into partnership with Mr. Weidman, and continued in that connec- tion until 1872, when Mr. Schuh started in business alone, since which time he has built up a fine trade, and occupies a three-story building on Main street, filled with hardware of the best quality. In 1877, he married Salina Cropsey, a daugh- ter of George Cropsey.

J. Austin Scott, Ann Arbor, was born at Richfield, Fairfield Co., Ct., April 13, 1806. His grandfather, David Scott, held a commission in the American army during the Revolutionary war. The 4 sons of this veteran of the Revolution, served in the ranks. In Jan., 1795, Jeremiah Scott, the father of J. Austin, married Miss Amelia Wakeman, and they had 5 sons and 4 daughters. Austin's educa- tion was obtained under discouraging circumstances, yet he surmounted every

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

difficulty, and at the age of 18 entered a village school as its teacher. A year afterward he became clerk in a large business house, and ultimately manager the same. He taught school during the winter of 1833-'4, and in May of the latter year came westward, locating at Parrysburg, where he purchased the office of the Miami of the Lake, and became editor of that journal. In 1835 he disposed of his interest in this enterprise and took a position with Judge Hollister. In May, 1836, he explored the Raisin river valley, encountering all the privations that man can endure, but overcoming every difficulty and returning with success in the fall of 1836. He was immediately appointed agent of the Miami City Land Company and also of the Higbee Company, in which he was largely interested.

During the winter of 1836-'7 he got out the timber for the steamboat Chesapeake. The work on this vessel was discontinued, owing to the panic of 1837. The year following, however, he, with Mr. Morse, of Detroit, and others, succeeded in completing the Chesapeake, at a cost of $68,000. The building of this steamer and the panic together exhausted Mr. Scott's finances, but with his characteristic en- ergy, he again succeeded in replenishing his treasury, and so came out victorious from the trials which ruined thousands.

His marriage with Miss Ann Austin Crocker took place Sept. 18, 1837, but his young wife died about three years afterward.

Mr. Scott formed the first agricultural society of Lucas county, Ohio, being elected Vice-President, and subsequently President of that organization. He was also Alderman 18 consecutive years, and President of the Council 12 times; was also Trustee of Waynesfield tp. each succeeding year for a long period, member of the Board of Education for 20 years, President of the State Pomological Society and the Maumee Horticultural Society. He is now President of the Cemetery Board, the Ann Arbor Agricultural Company and the Gas Company.

July 7, 1847, he married Sarah S. Ramsey, of Granville, Hampden Co., Mass. The Scott family, of 5 children, comprised Frank Austin, Everett, Henry, Annie Elizabeth (dec.) and Mary E. H. Frank Austin Scott graduated at Yale in 1869, and at the Michigan University in 1870, completed a post-graduate course in 1873; he also graduated at Leipsic as a Doctor of Philosophy, and then accepted a po- sition as private secretary to George Bancroft, the celebrated historian of the United States. To-day he holds a position as lecturer in the Johns Hopkins Uni- versity at Baltimore.

Moses Seabolt, junior member of the firm of Rinsey & Seabolt, grocers and bakers, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1837. The same year his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Ann Arbor, where Moses received a good practical edu- cation. He early engaged in milling, and before he reached his majority was con- sidered a superior miller. For 14 years he worked at his trade, and for 15 years has been engaged in his present business. In 1864 he married Mary Stocking, and 5 children have been born to them. Mr. Seabolt was Alderman of Ann Arbor for four years, and has been connected with the fire department for over 25 years, being elected several times to the offices of Assistant Engineer, and Foreman. He is at present a Director in the Ann Arbor Agricultural Works, and the Keck Furniture Manufacturing Company. Mr. Seabolt is a good business man and one well respected.

Hon. Ezra C. Seaman (deceased) was a wealthy and respected citizen of Ann Arbor for nearly a quarter of a century. He was born at Chatham, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1805. His parents were Sylvanus and Lydia (Champion) Seaman, the former of Quaker, and the latter of Puritan parentage. Mr. Seaman obtained a liberal educa- tion, and at an early day began the study of law. He was admitted as an Attorney to the Supreme Court of New York, and in 1839 removed to Detroit. Mr. Sea- man published his first edition of "Essays on the Progress of Nations," in 1846; in 1849 was appointed Chief Clerk to Elisha Whittlesey, Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States, where he served with marked ability until 1853; while a resident of Washington he issued in 1852 two supplements, and subsequently a second edi- tion of his far-famed work; came to Ann Arbor in 1855; was afterward appointed an Inspector of the Michigan State's prison, by Gov. Bingham ; in 1858 purchased a half interest in the Ann Arbor Journal, remaining as its editor until 1867; in 1868 visited London, Paris, and the principal cities of Europe; in 1870, published a work on "The American System of Government," which was afterward translated into the French language, and also republished in Belgium; in 1872-3, he published his "'Views of Nature," and also prepared important documentary papers for the National Prison Association ; he wrote a paper for the Ann Arbor Scientific Asso-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ciation, entitled, "Life and Spontaneous Generation," which attracted wide atten- tion throughout the scientific circles of the United States. Mr. Seaman departed this life, after an eventful history of well-spent usefulness, in July, 1880, at the age of 75 years; He was tenderly laid at rest in Forest Hill cemetery, by a large circle of friends and neighbors, who sincerely mourned the loss of one whose wisdom and influence were felt far and wide through his long and eventful life.

Hanson Sessions was born in the town of Lenox, Madison Co., New York, in the year 1813. He received his earlier education there and at Cazenovia Seminary. In the year 1833 he came with his father and family to Michigan and settled in Northfield tp. Having been reared a farmer he followed this business until 1867, when he removed to Ann Arbor, since which time he has lived a life of retire- ment. In July, 1842, Mr. Sessions was married to Miss Harriet L. Chubb, of Green Oak, Livingston Co., Michigan. This marriage has been blessed with 4 children, all of whom are living.

J. Q. A. Sessions, attorney at law, Ann Arbor, was born in Madison county, New York, Jan. 15, 1832. He is the son of George Sessions, one of the early settlers of Northfield tp., having located six lots of land on sec. 2, in 1834. Mr. Sessions was sent to the old seminary at Ypsilanti, and prepared for entrance to the Michigan University. He entered the literary department of the latter institution in 1854, and graduated with high honors in the class of 1856. In the same year he went to Eaton Rapids, Mich., where he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the Bar at Charlotte, Eaton county, May 24, 1858, and soon after removed from Eaton Rapids to Charlotte, where he followed his profession till the war of the Rebellion had commenced. In 1862 he canvassed Eaton county for recruits for the 7th Mich. Cav. (then being organized at Grand Rapids), and received from Governor Blair a commission of First Lieutenant of Co. D of that Regiment. This Regiment was mustered into service at Grand Rapids on Nov. 13, 1862. The following spring it was ordered to Virginia, and became one of the Regiments comprising the noted Mich. Cav. Brigade, commanded by Gen. Custer, during the war. At the close of the war in 1865, the seventh was sent to the Rocky Mountains to protect the United States mails and passengers (then transported over the mountains in stage coaches) from attacks by hostile Indians. Returning in October of that year, he received an honorable discharge at Fort Leavenworth, and came to Ann Arbor in January, 1866, having served three of the best years of his life in assisting to crush that monster rebellion. He has since resided in Ann Arbor and has been engaged in the practice of law, and also the business of Fire Insurance. Mr. S. has by honesty and integrity endeared himself to the people of the city and county, and they have repaid him somewhat by honoring him with several important official trusts. In 1867 he was appointed Deputy District Attorney, by Alfred Russell, of Detroit, the District Attorney, under the Internal Revenue laws, and held the office two years. In 1870 he was elected as Justice of the Peace for Ann Arbor city, and served in that position three years. In 1878 Mr. Sessions was chosen City Attorney by the Common Council of Ann Arbor, and was re-elected in 1879. Mr. Sessions has been one of the most useful and influential members of the Washtenaw County Pioneer Society, and as such has given valuable assistance to the publishers of this work in assisting them in col- lecting and preparing the history of the county. He also prepared and read before the society a history of the early settlement of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, which was full, complete and correct, and for which he received the thanks of that body. He has filled in this body the following offices: In 1876 he was one of the Vice-Presidents, and in 1877 President of the society. In 1878 he was Chairman of the Executive Committee, and in 1879 was elected Secretary. On Sept. 15, 1857, he was married to Miss A. E. Morton, youngest daughter of Jonathan G. Morton, one of the early pioneers of Ypsilanti.

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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 112

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