History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 113

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 113

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John F. Shipley, proprietor meat market, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1807. When 17 years old he emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore. He remained there but a short time, and then went to Philadelphia, where he was engaged in business for 12 years. While living in this latter place he married Catharine Maer, by whom 9 children have been born to him. Mr. Shipley settled in Washtenaw county in 1844, and has been engaged in business since 1846. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Asa L. Smith and family. Among the earliest settlers of Ann Arbor was Asa L. Smith, with his wife and eldest daughter, Lettie. He was born at Bos- ton, Mass., May 12, 1792. Syrena Irons was born Oct 22, 1798, at Unadilla, N. Y.

Robert Campbell Died Feb. 15. 1888, Age 86.3.14

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

They were married July 12, 1822, at Gates, N. Y. This was not Mr. Smith's . first marriage, Leonard L. Smith of Columbus, Ohio, being his son by a former wife. Their children were Lettice, born May 8, 1823, at Rochester, N. Y .; E. W. Rumsey, born Nov. 24, 1825, at Ann Arbor, died April 5, 1827,-the first white child born in Ann Arbor; Mary, born June 23, 1827, at Ann Arbor; Syrena, born Feb. 28, 1829, at Ann Arbor; Sarah I., born April 24, 1831; Martha Ann, born Aug. 27, 1833, at Ann Arbor; Harvey Miller, born Aug. 8, 1840, at Ann Arbor. Mr. Smith and family arrived at the new settlement at Ann Arbor on the 29th of May, 1824, Mrs. Smith being the second white woman, and Lettice the first white child of the settlement. The first shelter Mr. Smith constructed was made by supporting an inverted wagon box on poles driven into the ground, and suspending blankets from its edges. This rude covering protected the family partially from the chilly night air, though it did not shut out the music of the wolves that fre- quently serenaded the settlers with notes of questionable welcome. This kind of tabernacle soon gave place, as civilization advanced, to a hut, constructed of poles, and covered with bark peeled from the forest trees, which was in its turn exchanged, about the 1st of October, for a log house, erected on Main street, north of the court-house square. This house was soon sold to a new comer, and another built, which was soon disposed of in the same way. Thus, within seven years, the family exchanged one home for another 13 times. Among the houses erected by Mr. Smith was a frame, built about 1828, supposed to have been the first frame house in the town; also the first school-house, standing on the site now occupied by Zion's Lutheran church. This school-house was the place where the first public religious assemblies were convened, and was the cradle of the Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches that now bless the city. In 1832 Mr. Smith moved to the lower town (now Fifth ward), business, at that time, tending in that direction. There he built the first brick block east of the river, on the south side of Detroit street, where he lived two years and kept a cabinet shop. In 1839 he purchased a house of John Everett, on the north side of Detroit street, east of the Washtenaw House. This was his home several years, and place of business until his death, Feb. 13, 1844. During the last seven years his residence was on the corner of Brown and Traver streets.

Mrs. Smith, after her husband's death, remained in Ann Arbor until January, 1849, when she removed to Augusta, Kalamazoo county, where, in March of the same year, she married Casey Mckay, with whom she lived until his death, Nov. 6, 1861. Mrs. McKay is still living, now in the eighty-third year of her age. Her hearing is somewhat impaired and her sight nearly gone; but her mind is active, and her recollection of transactions and incidents of her pioneer life as clear and vivid as ever. Her home is with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Martha Ann Hick- man, Battle Creek, Mich., with whom she has lived since March, 1862.

J. C. Smith, attorney at law, Washington, D. C., was born in Fairfax county, Vt., in 1817. He received an academic education in his native State. In 1837 he settled in Lodi tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich., remaining there but a short time, when he removed to Ann Arbor. He began the study of law with James Kingsley, and after being admitted to the Bar, began the practice of that profession at Owosso, Michigan. After removing to Pontiac, his success was most remarkable. In 1841 he settled at Ann Arbor, where he married Eliza North, a daughter of Rev. Benja- min North, who settled in Lodi tp. in 1837. In 1845 Mr. Smith removed to Chi- cago, where he was engaged quite extensively in the nursery business. From the " Garden City," he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and was subsequently elected Mayor of the city. In 1844 he ably edited a well-known newspaper of Ann Arbor.

Ransom S. Smith, M. D. (deceased), was born in Burlington, Vt.,'in 1812. He became a resident of New York, where he received his preliminary education, grad- uated, and entered the medical profession. In 1858 he settled at Ann Arbor as & merchant and was very successful in this business, and it is believed founded the first business banks of the city. In addition to many other responsibilities and trusts, Mr. Smith found time to acceptably fill many local offices. He died in 1876, and was laid at rest amid the scenes of his eventful life. In his death the commu- nity lost a valued citizen; his children an indulgent father; and the wife of his bosom, a loving and affectionate husband.

Robert Smith was born at Northumberland, England, in 1829, and four years later his parents emigrated to Washtenaw county, and settled two miles from Dexter, where land was purchased from Judge Samuel Dexter. Young Robert grew up amid pioneer associations, and in 1859 he was united in marriage to

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Rebecca Lamb, of Canada, and 2 children were born to them-James and Mary. In 1872 they settled upon their present farm, consisting of over 200 acres, joint property of Mrs. Smith and Jane Lamb. The father of these women was James Lamb, a native of England. While a resident of his native country he was married to Mary Nichols, by whom 9 children were born to them-Elizabeth, Catherine, Margaret (deceased), James, a resident of Rose Point, Canada; Rebecca, Jane and Anna.

W. B. Smith, M. D., Ann Arbor, is a native of the "Empire State," and was born at Barry, Orleans county, March 7, 1838. He received a portion of his edu- cation there and at Albion Academy. In 1858 his parents came to Ann Arbor, and the Doctor graduated from the city high school in 1859. He read medicine with his father, and in 1859 entered the medical department of Michigan Univer- sity, with Dr. Denton as his preceptor, and graduated in 1861. The same year he went to the barracks at Detroit, where he was in the service of the Government about three months. He then returned to Ann Arbor and began to practice. In 1862 he was appointed Assistant Surgeon in the army of the Cumberland where he remained one year, when, on account of illness, he returned to Ann Arbor. The following year was reappointed to the same position, but having volunteered to go on duty at Charles City Point and before Petersburg he was sent there. At the close of the war he returned to practice in this city. He has a large practice, making a specialty of obstetrics. He is now Treasurer of the County Agricultural Society, which position he has previously held. He is also a Director of the Ann Arbor Savings Bank, and is also Chief of the City Fire Department. He has served this city twice as Mayor.

Richard Snell, a pioneer of Washtenaw county, who settled here in 1833, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., and at the age of seven years accompanied his parents to Orleans county, where he remained until of age. He then came West, and located in Lima tp., purchasing in 1836 a tract of land comprising 120 acres. He did most of his farm work with ox teams. In 1833 he married Fanny Bennett, a daughter of Araunah and Betsey (Marshall) Bennett, the former a pioneer minister of this county-a man of a large physical nature, and with a true Christian heart. Mrs. Snell once made the journey from Ann Arbor to Jackson when there was only one log house between the now two prosperous cities of South- ern Michigan.

Elias Snyder, proprietor only saw-mill in Ann Arbor tp., was born in Pennsyl- vania in 1844, and was married in that State to Hannah Steffey, a daughter of Abram Steffey. He came to this county in 1869, where he has followed farming, and in harvest seasons operated a threshing-machine. In 1880 he purchased the mill property formerly owned by Mr. Blaess. During the winter season some 40,000 feet of lumber is sawed at this mill. Mr. S. is a shrewd business man, accommo- dating, and receives a good share of custom work. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have 3 children-Amanda, Luena and Benjamin.

Frederick Sorg, dealer in paints and oils, at Ann Arbor, is a native of Germany, and was born at Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, A. D. 1827, and there was educated and learned his trade. In 1848 he came to the United States. When he landed in New York city he had but 23 shillings. He remained there but two or three days, and when he left he had but three shillings remaining; with this he went to Albany, and after paying for his breakfast had nothing left. At Albany he met a friend who came across the ocean with him, and from him secured means to come West, and came to Ann Arbor. He for a time worked for others at various things, and then began taking jobs of painting, which he continued until 1858, when he put in a stock of paints and oils. His trade has constantly increased, and by careful ways he has secured a fine business.

Misses Soule & Jenkins, milliners, dress and cloak makers, Ann Arbor, were established in 1875. They carry a large stock of the most choice and elegant millinery, and have in use the celebrated Taylor imported patterns, by which they are enabled to cut and fit dresses in the latest and most modern styles.

Thomas Speechly, dealer and maker of boots and shoes, Ann Arbor, was born in Canada in 1836. When he was about one year old his parents came to Ann Arbor. They were from England, and at the time of the Patriot war in Canada left that province. Thomas was educated in Ann Arbor in the city schools, and learned the trade of shoemaker from his father. He worked for various men until 1877, when he opened a shop for himself. In 1865 he was married to Miss Eliza Van Buren, of Ann Arbor. To them have been born 2 children.

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

Edwin A. Spence was born in Salem tp., Washtenaw county, in 1837. His father, Dr. Adam Spence, was a native of Scotland, and settled in Salem tp. in 1830. He was a graduate of King's Literary and Medical Academy, and in his day was an eminent physician. He died in 1850, leaving a valuable estate to his heirs. His wife, Elizabeth Spence, was a lady of rare intellectual attainment, and fervent piety. She wrote several poems, the last one on the opening of the Centen- nial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876, and which was printed and copied far and wide. The day before her death she spent in revising some verses she had written on the occasion of her 83d birthday, and which were printed in a large literary work in Glasgow, Scotland. Her son, Edward Spence, originated the college Y. M. C. A. in the University of Michigan, being the first of the kind ever established in the United States. Mrs. Spence was a firm believer in the cause for which Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., was established, and assisted by pen and voice in for- warding that grand and noble enterprise. She was laid to rest in Forest Hill ceme- tery, at Ann Arbor. Edwin A. Spence, previously mentioned, was born in this county, and lived here till 12 years of age, when he removed, with his parents, to Howell, Michigan, where he was fitted for college. He entered Michigan Univer- sity and graduated from the literary department of that learned institution in 1860, subsequently attending the Theological Seminary at Auburn, N. Y., also at Andover, Mass., where he graduated. During the war he was 20 weeks in the employ of the U. S. Christian Commission, and after the war closed, preached the gospel for many years. His health gave way and he was forced to retire. In 1874 he mar- ried Mrs. S. M. Richardson, relict of Noah C. Richardson, and daughter of Robert Turner, of Dexter. Mr. Spence is a consistent worker in the temperance cause of Ann Arbor.

Samuel A. Sperry (deceased) was born at Hartford, Ct., Oct. 10, 1804, where he was also educated. His father was a blacksmith, and he learned the same busi- ness. He began to learn the trade when he was eight years of age, and his fath- er's health having failed he, at 14, supported the family. In 1826 he came West, and located first at Ypsilanti. In 1827 he removed to Ann Arbor, where he en- gaged in blacksmithing in company with his brother, which was the first black- smith shop there. He was a skilled mechanic, and his industrious habits soon placed him on the high road to prosperity. About 1845 he purchased a farm just .south of Ann Arbor, but still continued business in the city. Failing health com- pelled him to give that up and he retired to his farm, where he passed the rest of his days. He died Nov. 30, 1867. In 1829 he was married to Miss Miranda Page, a daughter of Rufus Page, who came into this county in 1826. To them were born 4 sons, of whom 2 are living. Mrs. Sperry now lives with her son, John Sperry, on the old farm. John was born in 1836, in Ann Arbor, where he was also educated. After his father purchased the farm in 1845 that was his home, and there he was reared to farming, which he has followed to the present. In 1864 he was married to Miss Kittie Snyder, of Scio, whose father, John Snyder, was an early settler in this county. They have 3 daughters. Mr. Sperry is a Republican, and is a strong temperance man and a worker in the Red Ribbon movement.

Jonathan Sprague, merchant tailor, Ann Arbor, is a native of Canandaigua N. Y., where he was born in 1818. His next residence was Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he worked at his trade for some time. While a resident of that city he mar- ried Oril Patch, a daughter of Luther Patch, of Wayne county. One child, Orlando, blessed this union, but he was laid at rest at the tender age of six years In 1843 Mr. Sprague settled in the lower town of Ann Arbor, where he worked at his trade, and from that time to the present has been very successful. His wife died some years ago, and he married Miss A. E. Sumner, a daughter of George Sumner, of New York. They have 4 children.

J. F. Staebler, farmer, sec. 18, Ann Arbor tp .; P. 'O., Ann Arbor; was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1829, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret Staebler. Mr. S. crossed the ocean in 1853, and after a short residence in New York, came to Ann Arbor, where he worked as a farm hand, generously sending his surplus funds to his parents in Germany. For four years he worked for the Cornwell Paper Mills, and in 1858 took a contract to supply the mills with straw. In 1859 he married Geraldine Stoup, a daughter of Adam Stoup, of Baden, Ger- many. In 1862 Mr. S. purchased 56 acres of land, and in 1863 built him a commodious stone house. In 1866 he gave up his contract and devoted his time to farming, in which occupation he was very successful, and has taken several prizes at

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

the State and county fairs, for size and quality of his grain. He supplied the Con- gregational Church at Ann Arbor with the stone for their beautiful edifice. In 1873 he resumed his contract with the Cornwells, and in 1874 also furnished a mill in Jackson with straw. Mr. and Mrs. Staebler have 3 children-Charles F., Frank O. and Emanuel M.

Prof. Joseph Beal Steere, Ph. D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was born at Rollin, Lenawee Co., Mich., Feb. 9, 1842. His father, William Steere, was of Quaker ancestry, originally from Ohio; his mother was of New England descent. Mr. Steere's education was obtained in the common schools and in life on a farm. He finished his preparation for college at the Ann Arbor high school, and entered the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1864. He made a special study of natural history, and graduated in 1868. He then entered the law department, graduating in 1870. Immediately afterward he started on a tour, in the interest of the University, to make collections for the departments of zoology and botany. He went from New York to Brazil, and from the latter place visited all the South American countries; from Lima he crossed the Pacific in a ship engaged in the coolie trade, going for a cargo to Macao, China. He made the voyage of 11,000 miles in 72 days. From Macao he journeyed successfully to Hong Kong and Canton ; thence to Formosa, and thence to the Philippine Islands. He returned home via Suez canal, Mediterranean sea, Naples, Marseilles, London and Liverpool. He was absent three years. Soon after returning he accepted the position of instructor in zoology, and in 1876 was made Assistant Professor in this department, which position he now holds. In 1876 he made a trip to England for the study of collections in the British museum. Prof, Steere's collection, known as the "Beal-Steere collection," now in the University of Michigan, contains 3,000 birds, 100,000 sea-shells, 12,000 insects, 1,000 corals, 300 fishes, 200 reptiles, 500 crustaceæ, 500 specimens of ancient and modern pottery, a small collection of Chinese bronzes, a collection of arms, clothing and implements, a collection of plants and woods, a collection of fossils, a collection of ores and rocks, a collection of photographs, and a collec- tion of pith-paper pictures from China. Doctor Steere has earned the hearty applause of naturalists for the vigorous way in which he combated the difficul- ties of the climate and the personal danger in pursuing science, and reaped so abundant a harvest in the face of these trials. He has an enthusiastic fondness for his department, and his highest ambition for his Alma Mater is that her museum of natural history may be second to none on this continent.

Abraham Steffey (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania in 1795. He was mar- ried in his native State to Sallie Kuhns, and in 1856 came to Michigan, locating in Ann Arbor tp., where he bought 118 acres of well-improved land. He resided in this county until his death, which occurred in 1874. Nine children were born to them, 8 of whom are living-Charles, who married Catherine Eisele, and died in 1877; Sallie, wife of Charles Meyer (dec.); then Daniel Young; Mary, a resident of Pennsylvania; Abraham, jr .; Eliza, wife of Jacob Weidmer; David, Hannah, Rebecca, Maria. One of the sons, Abraham, jr., is a miller and farmer by oc- cupation, and settled in Ann Arbor tp. in 1844.

George F. Stein, dealer in fresh and salt meats, 24 E. Huron st., Ann Arbor, was born in Scio tp., in 1852. He grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools of Washtenaw county. In 1878, he married Miss Henry, and 1 child, Robert, has been sent to bless this union. Mr. Stein is one of the young and enterprising business men of Ann Arbor, and owns the building he occupies.

Dr. J. Steward (deceased), for many years a resident of Ann Arbor, and a physician of note, was born in Scotland in 1824. He grew to manhood and was liberally educated in his native land, becoming very successful as a practicing physician of Edinburgh. About 1850 he settled at Ann Arbor, where he resided until the time of his death, that sad event occuring in 1864. He married Alice White, a daughter of Eber White, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. One child, Irene, was the result of this alliance.

James Sumner (deceased) was born in Delaware Co. N. Y., in 1800, and was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Loveland) Sumner. Having received a good educa- tion, Mr. Sumner taught school a number of years. June, 1829, he married Alma Parker, a daughter of Seth Parker, of New York. In 1835 he moved to Ohio, farm- ing there until 1842, when he removed to Michigan, and located at Saline, having bought 215 acres of land in Pittsfield tp. He officiated as Postmaster of Saline, also Justice ofthe Peace and Supervisor. In 1867 he bought property in Ann Arbor, and moved into the city. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sumner-Mrs. Handy

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. Stiles, Vira, James E., and Seth. Mr. Sumner departed this life the same time that the year 1865 was making his farewell to the many inhabitants on this globe- Dec. 31. He was a good Christian man, and well respected. His son, James E., was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1837. In 1862 he enlisted in the Michigan Volunteers as a private, and rapidly rose in the ranks, being commander of a brig- ade when the Grand Review was held at Washington at the close of the war. He was also an eye witness of the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court-House. While a member of the 5th Michigan Cavalry, he was wounded at Cold Harbor. Since the war, Mr. S. has devoted his time to mercantile pursuits, and is now engaged in the nursery business. In 1868 he married Fanny Richardson, a daughter of Mrs. James Barker.

Rev. J. T. Sunderland, Pastor of the Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1842. When he was two years of age, his parents came to America and located in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he lived until 15 years of age. He then went to Clayton Co., Iowa, where he, for two years, clerked in the store of his brother. He then went to Burlington, lowa, where he prepared for college and took one year in Burlington University. He then entered Madison Uni- versity, at Hamilton, N. Y., where he remained nearly two years. He enlisted in the 5th New York Artillery and served one and one-half years till the close of the war, being on detach duty at Elmira. At the close of the war he went to Chicago University, from which he graduated in 1867. He then entered the Baptist Union Theological Seminary from which he graduated in 1870. His first pastorate was the Sycamore St. Baptist Church at Milwaukee, where he remained two years. Finding his views no longer in accord with the old orthodox ideas, he resigned and spent some months in the East. In 1872 he accepted a call to the First Unitarian Church of Northfield, Mass., where he remained until 1876. He then went to the Fourth Unitarian Church of Chicago, where he remained until 1878. Receiving a call to the Unitarian Church of this city, he, in 1878, came here. Mr. Sunderland is the author of a series of sermons, entitled "A Rational Faith," published in 1876, and " What is the Bible?" in 1878, which has passed through two editions.

N. Sutherland, Ann Arbor, was born in the town of Pittsfield, Washtenaw Co., in 1840. There he has passed much ofhis life as a farmer. In 1866 he was mar- ried to Miss Gebie Drake, of the town of York, in this county. To them have been born 1 son and 1 daughter, both of whom are living. In 1878 Mr. Suther- land came to this city, where he has since lived.

J. T. Swathel, of the firm of Swathel, Kyer & Peterson, proprietors of City Mills, Ann Arbor, was born in Connecticut in 1819, and is a son of William R. and Harriet M. Swathel. J. T. remained a resident of Connecticut until his 15th year, when he located at Detroit. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in the latter city for three years, and in 1841 came to Ann Arbor, where he first was employed as a clerk. In 1848 he went to Wisconsin, and thence to Grand Rapids. He came back to Ann Arbor June 1, 1850, and became interested in the milling business with William Sinclair. He sold out his interest in 1867, and the next year bought the Ann Arbor City Mills. In 1874, on account of ill-health, he dis- posed of a two-thirds interest in the mill. He first married Mary E. Noble, of Ann Arbor, and 1 child, Harriet M., was born to them. Mrs. S. died in Feb., 1865, and in Dec., 1865, Mr. Swathel married Mrs. Elizabeth M. Rory.

Franklin Swift (deceased) was a native of New York, where he was born Nov. 10, 1815, and in an early day accompanied his parents to Plymouth, Mich., where he remained until 1852, when he removed to Ann Arbor. While a resident of Plymouth he married, Feb. 22, 1840, Harriet Purdy, and 3 children were born to them-Lucy S., a resident of Ypsilanti; John M., an active partner in the Swift Flouring Mills of Ann Arbor, and Mary E., wife of George L. Loomis, and a part- ner in the Swift Mills, also. Mrs. S. died March 13, 1849, and in 1850 Mr. Swift married Sarah Brittan, who lived but a short time. In Jan., 1854, he married Laura E. Phillips, of Ypsilanti. They have 1 child-Lodocia, born Feb. 10, 1859. Mr. Swift built the celebrated Sinclair Mills, at a cost of $35,000. His son and daughter, John M., and Mrs. Mary E. Loomis, own the property, and enjoy a large trade, selling their flour in the different States of the Union, and also shipping car-load lots to Scotland.

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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 113

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