History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 115

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 115

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Edgar Warren, Ann Arbor, was born at Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1834, and is a son of William Warren. He received an academic education, and in 1850 went to California, where he obtained a situation as clerk on the steamer John Macklin, the second steamer that ever plied between Sacramento and San Francisco. He was also clerk on the Gold Hunter. In 1864 he settled in Franklin county, N. Y., and during the war was a resident of Washington, D. C., where he secured employ- ment as a bookkeeper. He resided for some time in Ypsilanti, where he dealt extensively in horses and cattle. In 1876 he was appointed turnkey of the Wash- ington county jail, but relinquished that position in January, 1881.

Roswell Waterman, retired merchant and farmer, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1817, son of David and Zilpah (Truesdell) Waterman, natives of New York. In 1835 he accompanied his parents to Detroit, and thence to Bronson, Michigan, where he bought 80 acres of land from Government. In 1837 he mar- ried Elsie Rose, daughter of Lester Rose, a pioneer of Michigan. From 1840 to 1847 he was actively engaged in mercantile pursuits. From the latter date to the present time (1881) he has been a successful farmer, now owning 160 acres of good land. Mr. Waterman has been a member of the Pioneer Society of Wash- tenaw county since its organization, and is a consistent member of the M. E. Church of Ann Arbor. Many years ago he was a Captain in the State militia.

John M. Weinmann, dealer in fresh and salt meats, Ann Arbor, was born in Germany in 1836. In 1837 he emigrated to America, and a year later settled in Ann Arbor. He first found employment with an elder brother, on a farm near Ann Arbor, but of late years has been engaged in business in the city. He occu- pies a substantial brick building on the corner of Fifth and Washington streets. It is 72x24 feet, and two-stories high, and built especially for the meat trade. Mr. Weinmann was married in 1863, to Dorothea Stein. They have 4 children- Bertha, Lewis, Emma and Louisa.

Owen Welch (deceased), of Pittsfield tp., was born at Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1809. His father was a farmer and one of the old residents of that vicinity. There Mr. Welch was educated and lived on his father's farm until he was 21 years old, when he came to this county, locating in Pittsfield. There he was a leader in the Democratic party although never holding any office. He was never admitted to the Bar, but used often to practice in the early justices' courts of the county. He was an earnest supporter of education and general advance- ment. In 1833 he was married to Miss Celia Comstock, of Pittsfield, daughter of Mrs. Zarviah Comstock, who in 1832 came here from New York with her chil- dren. To them were born 1 son and 2 daughters. The son, Colonel Welch, of the 16th Mich. Inf. Vol., was killed in the late war. Mr. Welch died Nov. 13, 1855. Since then Mrs. Welch has resided in this city.

W. W. Wells, proprietor Washtenaw Hotel, Broadway street, Lower Town of Ann Arbor, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., and grew to manhood in the city of Utica, where he was educated and learned the wagon-maker's trade. Many years ago he settled in McHenry Co., Illinois, where for a period of four years he was employed to oversee Col. Capron's extensive land interests. In 1857 he settled at Ann Arbor, and subsequently purchased the hotel property which he owns at

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present. He married Diana Mead, and 2 children were born to them. Mr. W. transacts a large and growing business in the hotel line, as he is quick to discern the wants of the traveling public, who, in turn, appreciate the generous qualities of a courteous landlord.

J. M. Wheeler, attorney at law, Ann Arbor, Mich., was born at Providence, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1821. His elementary education was received at his birth- place and at Amsterdam Academy. In 1841 he graduated from Union College at Schenectady, N. Y. He then began the study of law, and in 1843 was admit- ted to the Bar in Indiana. He located at Wabash, Ind., where for 15 years he followed his profession. He then intended going East to live, but after going there he decided to remain in the West permanently, and came to Ann Arbor, where he has since remained. Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Washtenaw county Bar, but has not practiced law since coming here. In 1872 he was appointed Treasurer of Michigan University, which position he held until they wished the treasurer to reside in the building, when he resigned the position. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has traveled extensively, mainly for the education of his children.

Eber White (deceased) was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of this county. He was one of that noble band of pioneers who startled Washtenaw county out of the lethargy into which it had been resting for ages; cleared the forests, tilled the virgin soil, and started in on that high road to prosperity which it enjoys at the present time. He was born at Schenectady, N. Y., in October, 1798. His father was a " tiller of the soil," and the subject of this sketch learned that practical business, which he found to be of great advantage to him in the near future. When comparatively young his parents moved to Orangeville, N. Y. At this latter place Mr. W. received his educational training, and in 1823 was seized with what was commonly called the " Western fever." He came to Michigan and stopped within the borders of " fair Washtenaw." It was properly named, for a more fair and beautiful region than that which greeted the eye of the lonely wanderer in Washtenaw county did not exist within the borders of the United States. The forest was all green with luxuriant foliage ; flowers of every conceivable hue and color abounded in the richest profusion ; the rivers of the Huron and Saline teemed with the many colored fins of the piscatorial tribe ; game of all description roamed over the prairies and through the dense under- brush at will. It was a paradise on earth to this westward-bound emigrant, and he resolved that this beautiful country should be his home for the remainder of his life. He entered the southeast quarter of sec. 30, in Ann Arbor tp., and after bidding adieu to the few solitary wanderers who had then commenced their pio- neer life here, he started back to the land of his birth, the "Empire State." He was impatient to get home to tell of the wonderful elysium he had discovered in these Western wilds. In June, 1826, he commenced the trip to his adopted home. He married Polly Rogers, who was born in Fabius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 13, 1802, and his young bride consented to cast her lot with his, and to bravely face the perils and privations of a pioneer's life in the "far West." After arriv- ing the first thing he did was to " roll up," as it was called, a log cabin; this he did while stopping with the family of George Allen, and in a few days the build- ing was completed. It was rough in appearance, but when the husband and wife stepped into the door, they felt that it was a "home," and intended that it should be a home in every sense of the word to them, as also the wandering emi- grant who might wish for a night's lodging, or to partake of a humble meal. This cabin stood across the street from the present residence of the family, After the cabin was finished he set to work to clear off the 160 acres of land which he owned, and endured many hardships while so doing, often making a meal of bread and pork. He labored so industriously at this new work, that it was not long till 120 acres were cleared and ready for the seed. When he arrived at his new home there were only six or eight houses to mark the spot where to-day is the seat of learning for the grand State of Michigan. In 1840 he built once more, this time a house of larger dimensions than the " old log cabin " in which he had spent so many hours of joy and sorrow. This dwelling is to-day the "old homestead," and stands on West Liberty street, in Ann Arbor. He was engaged in agricult- ural pursuits the greater part of his life in this county, and in matters relating to the advancement of the educational or religious interests of the community always stood in the front rank. He was one of six of the first class of the Metho- dist Church organized in Ann Arbor, and long before any steps were taken to-

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ward the erection of a church. In politics he was " an old-line Whig," and in slavery days was a prime mover in the underground railroad, and many a slave after reaching Canada has thanked God for the help given him by Eber White and his trustworthy friends. When the Republican party was organized in 1854, Mr. W. was one of the first to enlist under its banner, and through the trying scenes of the civil war, aided by voice and contribution the brave soldiers in the cause in which they were so valiantly fighting. During their life in Washtenaw county, Mr. and Mrs. White were blessed with the birth of 6 children, 5 of whom are still living-Maria, wife of Daniel Hiscock, a prominent farmer of Ann Arbor ; Mrs. Alty Steward, of Ann Arbor; Polly, Mary and Adelia. Clark Sullivan (de- ceased) was born Oct. 1, 1832, and died Sept. 24, 1833. Mr. White filled several official positions in the militia of this State, among which are the following: In 1831 was appointed Ensign by Lewis Cass; in 1832 Lieutenant, by Gov. Geo. B. Porter; in 1835, Lieut. Col. 1st Div. 2d Brig. 1st Reg., by Gov. Stevens T. Mason. On July 2, 1864, the wife of his bosom, who had proved a good help-mate to him along the thorny path through life, was called to " come up higher." Aug. 19, 1872, the old veteran pioneer was laid to rest, to await the great and final judg- ment day. He had finished his course, had made a good fight, and closed his eyes, believing that in due time he should receive the reward prepared for those who bear the yoke in meekness and spirit, through the rough and broken path of this world below.

Mr. White's portrait appears in this work.

L. D. White, M. D., Ann Arbor, was born at Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1839. His parents, J. D. and Emily (Dean) White, were natives of Massachu- setts. When L. D. was 11 years of age his parents moved to Michigan and located in Pittsfield tp., this county. Here he was reared and educated. About 1869 he began the practices of the healing art under the clairvoyant system, and eight years ago moved to Ann Arbor, where he is engaged in his profession. He was married to Mary Kellogg in 1859.

Col. Orrin White (deceased) was born at Elmira, Wayne Co., N. Y., growing to manhood in Palmyra, where he received a liberal education. When the war of 1812 began, he was but a boy, but his love for the old flag was so intense that he enlisted in a New York regiment, and made a good, honorable soldier. While a resident of the "Empire State," he married Ann Thayer, and in May, 1823, he came to Michigan, and located a tract of land in Ann Arbor tp., bringing his wife and 3 children out the following year, and permanently settling on the land. At that time Ann Arbor consisted of but two or three log houses, one of which was used on " training days," for the State Militia, of which body Mr. White was Captain, and subsequently Colonel. Mr. White was also an active participant in the famous Toledo War. At the first Fourth of July celebration held in Wash- tenaw county, Mr. W. and his family were present, having been conveyed thither by an ox team. During the celebration the oxen thought their time had also come to show their patriotism, and they did so by running away. The Col. and his family had to walk home, on the lower Ypsilanti road, and their evening walk was made pleasant by the howling of the wolves, a kind of nocturnal music frequently listened to by the early pioneer of Michigan. An intimate acquaintance of Col. White says of him: " He was the most strictly upright man I ever knew, and his unswerving integrity and unbending honesty marked him among men, and gave him an enviable character. At different times he was raised to posi- tions of honor and trust, serving in the capacity of Justice of the Peace, Super- visor, Sheriff, Associate Judge, member of the Constitutional Convention, and member of the Michigan Legislature. He died full of years and honors, and his memory is held in grateful remembrance by the pioneers who still survive him." His wife came to this county when a few scattered log houses marked the spot where now stands a city teeming with life and enterprise. As a faithful wife, a loving mother, and a true friend, her example may well be imitated. Too much praise cannot be given to such women, for if they receive not a share of this enviable meed, they will vanish out of sight, and a nondescript race will succeed them ; worth nothing, and wanting in everything pure and blessed. Mr. and Mrs. White were blessed with 7 children, of whom 3-Charles T., Henry K. and Mary-were born in New York. Henry grew to manhood in this county, receiving a better education than usually falls to the lot of pioneer boys. In 1847 he married Mar- tha P. Stone, daughter of Nathan H. Stone, an old pioneer of Jackson, Mich. They have 3 children-Murray, Frank and Edward. Like his father, the years

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

of Henry White's life have been strewn with the honors attached to an upright and just existence. Mr. W. speaks of early pioneer days with keen enjoyment, and his relations of incidents and anecdotes are more than ordinarily interesting. He is the oldest settler now living in the county. Mr. W. has prospered with the years that have come and gone, and at present is the owner of 107 acres of valua- ble land, on which is erected a handsome residence. In 1840, while yet a youth, he wheeled all the stone, and burned all the lime that entered into the construc- tion of the old stone homestead.

Joseph Whitlark, sec. 19, Ann Arbor. was born at Sherwood Hill, Nottingham- shire, in 1829. His father was John Start Whitlark, who came to this county in 1836. He was a man of prominence here and was well known as " Uncle John." Mr. Whitlark was educated by his father, who felt a hesitation in sending his children to the district schools. When 16 years of age he was sent to New York and Pennsylvania, spending one year at school in each State. When 19, he went to England where he spent the next three years in learning the trade of tailor. He then returned to this county, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has long been interested in the subject of draining and tiling ; while living near Whitmore Lake he started the project of lowering the lake by drain- ing, for the benefit of the surrounding low lands. This was accomplished with the aid of Jos. Pray and the County Drain Commissioners, by widening and deep- ening the outlet, that making a ditch four feet deep and 16 feet wide. In 1880 he purchased the right for manufacturing endless concrete tile in this county. Mr. Whitlark has held a number of offices in his district but has no taste for poli- tics. He is a member of the Unitarian Church. In 1853 he was married to Miss Lucy B. Bilbie, of Ann Arbor, a native of England. She is a direct descendant of Jas. Hargreaves, the inventor of the carding machine and spinning jenny now in common use. To them have been born 4 sons, 2 of whom are living. Walter, con- nected with his father in business, graduated from the department of pharmacy in Michigan University in 1876. Mr. Whitlark has on his farm the largest peach orchard in the county. In this, Judge E. Lawrence is a partner, and they have 23 acres, containing 3,300 trees set.

Richard O. Willits, farmer, sec. 4, Ann Arbor tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Ohio in 1824, and is a son of Richard and Margaret (Robinson) Willits. Mr. W. was a manufacturer of farming implements, while a resident of the " Buckeye State," and had an extensive establishment of that kind at Ontario Lake, Ontario Co. He was married at Union Springs, to Eliza A. Fish, a daughter of Isaiah and Catherine (Yawger) Fish. In 1867 he settled in Ann Arbor tp., where he bought 120 acres of improved land, and has been quite successful as an agricult- uralist. They have 2 children-Isaiah and Mary, both married and residents of this township.

Hon. Jeremiah Day Williams. When Michigan Territory was yet a wilderness there arrived within its borders a race of men, in color, white, and contrasting strangely with the appearance of the noble red man, who then claimed this region as his own. These men entered land, built log cabins, felled the mighty trees, and planted crops of corn, wheat and oats in their stead. They were called " pio- neers," and to this class belongs John Williams, the father of Jeremiah. He was born in Orange county, N. Y., and emigrated to Washtenaw county in the spring of 1828, and located in Webster tp. His wife was Lydia Hughlitt, and they were the parents of 10 children, of whom Jeremiah was the seventh, and was born at Sempronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y. When his father came to this county, Jeremiah was in his 13th year, and he was reared on a farm, and did his full share of the hard work in clearing and cultivating what now constitutes four farms. Before he came to Michigan he was sent to winter schools, but made very little progress in learning the three R's, "reading, ritin', and 'rithmetic" being all the main studies undertaken. Millard Fillmore was the first male teacher whose school he attended as a pupil in New York. In 1834, a school-house was built in the neighborhood wherein he lived, and subsequently he attended a select school in Ann Arbor, taught by Wellington A. Glover, and an academy, over which Henry H. Griffin and John McNeil officiated as instructors. In 1839, he was appointed Postmaster of Webster tp., the commission bearing date Feb. 1, 1839, and signed by Amos Kendall, Postmaster General. He officiated in this capacity for nearly two years. The same year he was elected Township Treasurer, and from that time until the present he has served the people almost continuously in different official positions. In November, 1854, he was elected Representative to the State Legis-

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ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP.

lature, from the fifth district of Washtenaw county, and faithfully looked after the interests of the Washtenaw citizens during his term of office. During 1841 and '42 he traveled through the greater portion of the New England and Middle States, and returned home in the fall of 1842. He was a farmer of Webster tp., until March, 1873, when he sold his farm and moved into Ann Arbor city. He lived there until the spring of 1877, when he purchased a farm in the south part of Ann Arbor tp., where he resides at present. With the exception of the year and a half he spent in traveling and attending school, he worked for his father until he was 28 years old, at which time his earthly parent was gathered to his Father, and there awaits the final day. Mr. Williams was united in marriage, Nov. 19, 1843, to Frances B. Smith, at China, St. Clair Co., Mich. The companion of his bosom was laid away in the cold and silent tomb, and May 13, 1846, he was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Jane L. Stark, of Webster tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich.

Mr. Williams' portrait is given in this volume.

Charles T. Wilmot, farmer, was born at Paris, N. Y., in 1816. His parents, Tracy and Rhoda Wilmot, were natives of Connecticut, but moved to New York at an early day. Tracy Wilmot bore a conspicuous part in the war of 1812, being a Major the greater part of the time. Charles received his early educa- tion at the common schools, subsequently attending Cazenovia Seminary. His early years were spent on a farm ; when 19 years old he came to Michigan and located in Ann Arbor tp., on land that he had purchased at $8 per acre, and which he sold previous to the war. In 1837 he married Harriet Anderson, a daughter of Sheriff Anderson. Mrs. W. died in 1850, and was buried at Ann Arbor. About one year later he married Mrs. Catherine Watkins, wife of John Watkins (dec.), and a daughter of Benjamin North. Three children were born to them-Alta E., Charles C. and Carrie J., the latter a student at Michigan University. Mr. W. was a prime mover in the organization of the First National and Savings Bank, of Ann Arbor. He is one of the most liberal and public-spirited citizens of Washtenaw county.

Alvin Wilsey, dealer in musical instruments and goods, Ann Arbor, was born in Pittsfield tp., this county, Nov. 17, 1842. There he received his primary edu- cation and later graduated from the high school, Ann Arbor. His earlier years were spent in teaching and study. About 1861 he located at Ann Arbor. He taught day school and singing classes in this vicinity until 1864, when he opened a music store in this city. He followed this for some years and then went on the road for a time. He then returned to his old business at Ann Arbor, where he has since remained. Since coming to Ann Arbor he has almost constantly been teaching vocal music. For the past 17 years he has been leader of the choir of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. Mr. Wilsey is a genial gentleman and has by his kind and courteous acts won many friends.

Alexander Winchell, LL. D., Professor of Historic Geology and Paleontology in the University of Michigan, author and lecturer on scientific subjects, was born at North Easton, New York, December 31, 1824. He is a descendant of Robert Winchell, an Englishman, who settled at Dorchester, Mass., in 1634, and removed to Windsor, Ct., with the first settlers in 1635. He early manifested, under his father's tuition, a great fondness for mathematics. On the sixth anniversary of his birthday, he recited, without mistake, the entire multiplication table. He was des- tined for the profession of medicine, and spent two years with a great-uncle in South Lee, Mass., attending the Stockbridge Academy in summer and the village school in the winter. When 16 he began teaching, his patrons supposing him to be a young man of 21. He, in 1842, virtually decided to devote his life to teaching, and feeling that a more extensive course of study was necessary, he made up his . mind to secure a thorough education. Rev. Davis W. Clark, then Principal of Amenia Seminary (afterward Bishop) urged him to enter the seminary, which he did in September, 1842.

In the spring of 1844 he was designated teacher of the classes in algebra in that institution. Previously he had been assistant teacher in the English department. In 1844 he matriculated at Wesleyan University as a sophomore, and graduated in 1847. In 1850 he accepted a position as principal of an academy at Newbern, Ala- bama. In 1851 he was induced to take control of the "Mesopotamia Female Semi- nary" at Eutaw, Ala., where he remained until 1853. During this time he made many valuable researches in geology in that vicinity, and transmitted a large collection of plants and alcoholic specimens to the Smithsonian Institute. Among these was a new species of fish, which was afterward described by Girard as Hy-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

bopsis Winchelli, thus showing the appreciation of his work in naming it after its discoverer. In 1853 he was elected President of the Masonic University at Selma, Ala. Yellow fever compelled the closing of the institution. In November of 1853 he received letter from President Tappan announcing his election to the chair of " Physics and Civil Engineering"in the University of Michigan. This position he accepted and in December following started for the North. He entered upon the duties of his position Jan. 24, 1854. In 1855 he was transferred to the chair of geology, zoology and botany. In 1859 a geological survey of Michigan was ordered by the Legislature, and Prof. Win- chell was commissioned by Governor Wisner as Director of the survey, which position he held until the work was completed. This work was of vast impor- tance to the State, showing as it did the various formations, the mineral lands and the locations of the salt-producing sections. In August, 1872, he was elected Chancellor of Syracuse University. By many promises held out of an increased field for operations in science, a higher salary and other things, he was induced to accept the position. In January, 1873, he entered upon the duties of his posi- tion as Chancellor. He soon found that the financial affairs of the University were not in the condition he had been led to suppose them, but he worked on to increase its popularity and power. Work was also given him to do which it was expressly understood when he accepted the position was to be done by others, and in June, 1874, he resigned his position. In July he was elected Professor of Zoology, Geology and Botany in the same institution, and with great magnanimity accepted it. He remained there until 1878, endeavoring to build up this depart- ment. During this time he had also filled short engagements in other noted institutions of learning, and had delivered many scientific lectures. He then devoted himself to literary work and lecturing, with very marked success. On the 25th of June, 1879, the Regents of the University of Michigan unanimously elected him to the chair of Geology and Paleontology in the University. As a lecturer Professor Winchell has won renown. His lectures are chiefly of a scien- tific nature. He has sought in them to popularize science, and has been eminently successful. His researches have extended over a wide range, and he has brought to light a number of new species in various departments, several of which have been named after him, in honor of their discoverer. His ability has been recog- nized in the old and new world, and he has been made a member of societies in both hemispheres. As a teacher he has achieved remarkable success, and many offers have been made to him to teach in different institutions of learning. His works on scientific subjects have been very numerous and full. A firm believer in the existence of man before the time of Adam, according to the old chronology, he has always worked to harmonize science and the Bible. He was married Dec. 5, 1849, to Miss Julia F. Lines, of Utica, N. Y. To them have been born 1 son and 5 daughters ; of these, but 2 daughters are living. For a more extended notice of his writings, see the chapter on Authors and Artists in this work.

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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 115

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