History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 118

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 118

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

Ira Crippen was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1826, and came to this county with his parents at an early day. He remained at home on the farm until he was

Tom Wilson 11 M 27501886. tot 90 820

Sophy Wilson

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21 years of age, and for three years engaged in the carpenter and joiner's trade. He then returned to agricultural pursuits, and in 1864 bought 100 acres of his father's estate. He has made subsequent purchases, and increased his farm to 320 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Crippin is a man of integrity, and liberal in all features of education and general improvement. He has served in different official positions and always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his constituents. Mr. C. was married in 1854, to Charlotte Douglas, a native of Michigan. They have 4 chil- dren-George D., Daniel L., Ira W. and Anna.

Ichabod Crippen was born July 10, 1807, in New York. His parents, Ichabod and Mary (Whiten) Crippen, were natives of New York, and of English descent. Mr. Crippen was married in 1830 to Elizabeth Sitzer, who was born in New York Feb. 4. 1811. They have 3 children-Marcus, a farmer of Washtenaw Co .; Elizabeth, married and residing in Superior tp., and Phoebe, wife of Robert Martin, a successful farmer, who owns 160 acres of well-improved land on sec. 18 Mr. Crippen came to this county in 1831, locating land on sec. 20, where he still resides. He is probably the only pioneer in Superior tp., who resides on the land first entered from the Government. Mr. Crippen's military record is con- fined to the Toledo war, in which strife he officiated as enrolling officer of this region. Mr. and Mrs. Crippen have been connected with the M. E. Church for over 44 years, the former being elected Class-leader after his first two years con- nection with the Church. He served 15 years, then resigned and accepted the position of Steward and Corresponding Secretary, officiating in that capacity 15 years. Mr. Crippen and wife are honored and respected citizens of Washtenaw Co., and bear the good wishes of all with whom they are acquainted. Mr. Crip- pen is Republican in politics, and has served as School Director in Superior tp. He has accumulated his present worldly effects by his own efforts, and deserves commendable mention in this volume.

Marcus Crippen, son of Ichabod and Elizabeth (Sitzer) Crippen, natives of New York, was born in Washtenaw Co. in 1832. He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common-school education. He was married in 1853 to Mary Ann Martin. Of their 4 children, 2 are living-Marcus R. and John T. Mrs. Crippen died in 1863. Mr. Crippen was again married in 1864, to Martha Gawley. They have 3 children-Alice, Ichabod T. and Linus. Mr. and Mrs. Crippen are mem- bers of the M. E. Church.

A. F. Dennis was born near Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1824, and is a son of George B. and Abigail (Day) Dennis. He received his education in the common schools of Oakland Co., Mich. Mr. Dennis removed to Washtenaw Co. in 1865, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since, He owns 100 acres of richly cultivated land, on which he has lately erected a good residence. He was married Sept. 26, 1867, to Lenora W. Robinson, who was born in 1838. They have 2 children-George R., born July 24, 1869, and Maud, who was born April 15, 1874. Mr. Dennis is a self-made man, and well deserves the success which he has achieved.

William E. Eldert was born on Long Island, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1856, and is a son of Wyckoff and Elizabeth (Blake) Eldert, of English descent. William received a common-school education, and by occupation is a farmer. He was married in 1876 to Hattie C. Campbell. She was born in Superior tp., Jan. 18, 1855, and died Feb. 6, 1881. Mrs. Eldert was a faithful and consistent member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Eldert is Republican in politics, and owns 77 acres of valuable land on sec. 18.

Edwin G. Fifley was born at Ann Arbor in 1856, and is the only son of Chris- tian and Clara (Allmendinger) Fifley, natives of Germany. Mrs. Fifley died in 1870. His father was married the second time, in 1872, to Mary L. Druse, born in Washtenaw county, in 1832. Edwin received his education at the Ypsilanti public schools, and has followed agricultural pursuits mainly through life. He owns 80 acres of land on sec. 28. Mr. Fifley was married in 1879 to Tillie Deuress, a native of this county. Mrs. Fifley is a lady of culture and refinement, and noted for her intellectual abilities. Mr. Fifley is a member of the Green- back party, and in his business transactions is very careful and prudent.

Rolland Fletcher was born Aug. 14, 1848, at Sumpter, Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents were Addison and Philinda (Summers) Fletcher, the former being a na- tive of Massachusetts, and reared by the society of Friends. Rolland grew to manhood on his father's farm, and at the age of 19 married Julia A. Millard, and 3 children have been sent to them-Millard, Guy and Elsie. For several vent s

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Mr. Fletcher was in the employ of the Ypsilanti Paper Co., as teamster, but in 1873 he bought the old "Vought farm," consisting of 160 acres, and has put it under a high state of cultivation. He deals quite extensively in stock, always keeping a large assortment on the farm.

Milo E. Gage, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Ypsilanti; was born in Wayne county Mich., July 21, 1856, and is a son of William and Susannah (Grigley) Gage, na- tives of Michigan. Mr. Gage received a good education, and in 1868 settled in Superior tp., where he has since lived. He was married Dec. 23, 1875, to Lottie Cripley, whose parents were early settlers in this county. Mr. Gage owns a good farm, and is a faithful member of the Democratic party.

A. J. Gale was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1829, and is a son of Henry S. and Pacy (Cook) Gale. In 1833 he accompanied his parents to Superior tp., Washtenaw county, where he has since resided. In 1850 he married Martha A. Haner, who was born in New York in 1832. Of their 5 children 3 are living. Mr. Gale was raised on a farm, and has followed that occupation through life, in which he has been very successful. He owns 105 acres of valuable land. His grandfather, Roger Gale, entered land in Michigan Territory at an early date. Mr. Gale has a very large collection of histories, the insurance on which amounts to $50 annually.

George W. Gale was born in Albany county, N. Y., in 1814. He is a descendant of Joseph Gale, a native of Yorkshire, England. His son and grandson were, Roger Gale, sr., who was born at Stamford, Conn., in 1739, and Roger Gale, jr., the father of George W., who was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1771, and was married in 1792 to Anna Sherburne, a native of New York, and daughter of Henry Sherburne, a Pay-master during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Sherburne was murdered for his money, while on his way to make a settlement with the Government. Mr. Gale was one of a family of 13 children, of whom 8 arrived at maturity, and only 4 living at present-Charlotte, wife of Daniel Crippen ; Roger, a resident of Middleburg, N. Y .; Isaac, who lives in Shiawassee county, Mich., and George W. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on his father's farm, and in 1833 emigrated to Michigan. He lived alone three months, making corn-meal pudding his principal food, as it was better adapted to his style of cooking. He was married in December, 1839, to Jane Vanmoggin, a native of Solace, Ontario Co., N. Y., and daughter of Louis and Jane (Westfall) Vanmoggin. They have 1 child-George F. Mr. Gale has been a farmer through life, but of late years has devoted a large share of his attention to the breeding of fine horses, and was one of the first to introduce the fine-wool sheep into this county. His herd, in 1851, took 17 premiums at the State Agricultural Society. In 1837 Mr. Gale was Captain of a militia company organized in the southern half of Washtenaw county. He is Democratic in politics, and has served in several official positions in this county.

Henry 8. Gale, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 17, Superior tp. ; P. O., Ypsilanti ; was born on sec. 22, Superior tp., Feb. 10, 1835. His parents are Henry and Pacy (Cook) Gale, the former a native of New York, and of English descent, and the latter a native of Rhode Island, and of German parentage. His father came to Washtenaw county in 1829, locating on sec. 15, Superior tp. Henry was married in 1857 to Harriet Frain, daughter of Samuel Frain. They have 1 child-George, who was born in 1858. Mr. Gale owns a farm of 50 acres, where he has resided for over 15 years.

Frank P. Galpin, son of Freeman P. and Almira D. (Pray) Galpin, was born in Superior tp., Washtenaw county, where he has since lived, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 100 acres of choice land, and resides in a hand- some and substantial residence. In 1876 he married Miss Carpenter, a daughter of Rufus Carpenter, who was born in 1806, and settled at Ann Arbor in 1844, but is now a merchant in Dixboro. He was a prominent merchant of Ann Arbor until 1856. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Bliss) Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Galpin are young, intelligent and industrious, and will make a success in life. Mrs. G. is a worthy member of the M. E. Church.

Freeman P. Galpin was born at Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., July 18, 1825. His parents were Philo and Jane (Townsend) Galpin, who emigrated to this county in 1832. The father purchased a tract of land, and when Freeman became of age he took charge of it, and has resided there since. In 1845 he married Almira Pray, and she bore him 3 children-Philo, Norris and Frank. Mrs. Galpin died in 1853, and a year later Mr. G. married Mary Ruthruff, of Ann Arbor. Seven

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children were sent to bless this union, 3 of whom survive-William, Elias and Minnie. The deceased are Ida May, Lizzie, Ella and Louella. Mr. Galpin has been honored with several positions of honor and trust by his fellow citizens, and served as Tp. Clerk from 1845 until 1848. In 1873, was elected to represent Superior tp., in the County Board of Supervisors, which position he still retains. He bears the good will and esteem of all his numerous acquaintances.

Philo Gulpin, one of the pioneers of Superior tp., was born at Landsdown, Leeds Co., Ontario, in 1804. His father was Nathan Galpin, and when Philo was nine years of age, he removed with his family to Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in farming for several years. In 1832, emigrated to Michigan, and located land on sections 8, 9, and 17. This estate included 240 acres of "oak openings," and when improved, made a fine and productive farm. Mr. Galpin

was ill about one year after their arrival in this county, and they endured the pri- vation incident to pioneer life with patience and fortitude. When they first ar- rived at theirnew home, there were few settlers in the immediate neighborhood. B. Hicks resided just east of Mr. G.'s location ; John McCormick lived in the first house west, and Capt. Dix had begun the erection of a mill at Dixboro; Isaac Pray lived near them, and Widow Hawkins, with her sons, owned a tract of land in the vicinity. There was no school-house near, but a school was taught that season. By industry, integrity, and good will, Mr. Galpin won the confidence of his fellow citizens, and was elected by them as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw county. He has been the father of 4 children-Freeman P., Aurellia, Susannah and Eliza Ann. He resides near his oldest child, Freeman P.

Robert L. Geddes, farmer, is a son of Robert and Maria (Lane) Geddes. His father came to Michigan in 1825, and was among the few who first entered Wash- tenaw county. He located about 500 acres on sec. 31, Superior tp., and 36, Ann Arbor tp. He had sold 200 acres of land in Seneca Co., N. Y., for $2,400, and brought that amount to this county, which at that time was considered quite a fortune in this country. His brother John came out with him and entered land in Ann Arbor tp., where he still resides. Mr. G. came to this county a bachelor, but was afterward married, and raised 4 children-Jane, wife of Mr. Barnes, of Ypsilanti ; Robert L., Maria and John (deceased). Maria married John Spears, of Lockport, N. Y. The father of these children passed away from earth March 11, 1866. Mrs. Geddes died in Feb., 1837. Robert L., the subject of this sketch, when he was 21 years old entered the west half of sec, 31, including 160 acres, on which there were 75 acres improved. When his father died he received all the land he owned in Superior tp., except a small portion willed to Mrs. Barnes, his daughter. He was married Sept. 23, 1861, to Hannah P. Green, daughter of Ebenezer Green of Ann Arbor.

Watson Geer was born at Floyd, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 5, 1825. His parents were Stephen and Zerniah (Fuller) Geer, natives of New York, the former of Eng- lish and the latter of Welsh descent. Mr. Geer was reared on his father's farm, and at the age of 12 years was deprived of a mother's loving care. His father followed her a year later. He remained on the old homestead with his 5 brothers and 2 sisters until his 25th year. He then came to Michigan with his brother William, and bought 180 acres on sec. 2, of Superior tp. After living there five years, the brothers divided the farm, Mr. Geer taking the land where he now resides, formerly known as the "Esek Pray farm," and containing 450 acres. Mr. Geer was married Dec. 15, 1852, to Mary J., daughter of Esek and Sally A. (Hammond) Pray, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Rhode Island. Five children have been given to them, 3 of whom are living- Thomas P., Milton W. and Mary A. Willard E. and Clara A. are deceased. Mr. Geer is Democratic in politics, but takes little interest in that direction.

George Gill is a prominent pioneer and farmer of Superior tp. He was born in England in 1803, and was a son of George and Sarah (Mills) Gill. He learned the mason's trade when quite young, which vocation he followed for some time. He was married in 1836 to Susanna Tompkinson. Mr. Gill and wife were among the earliest settlers of Washtenaw county. When they first came here, Mr. Gill only had $25 in money when he arrived, and was forced to go to housekeeping in a school-house, but soon the latter building was rented for its former purpose, and Mr. Gill was again without a shelter. He then bought a small log cabin and one acre of land for his $25. He remarked to a friend that it was the proudest day of his life when he led his wife into their rude log cabin, knowing it was to be a home

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for them, and the best of all-was paid for. His taxes the first year were 10 cents, an extraordinary contrast to the $100 he expends annually at the present time for the same purpose. He has prospered beyond his most sanguine expectations, and now owns and farms 164 acres of valuable land. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gill, 4 of whom are living-George W., Sarah E., Peter T. and Mar- tha Jane. Joseph A. is deceased. Mr. Gill and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat, and has been a Justice of the Peace for 10 years. These venerable pioneers have a sufficient competency to last them through life, and are living very comfortably and happy. They have 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, nearly all of them living near the old homestead. They come often to see " grandpa and grandma," whom they love so dearly, and to hear the wonderful story about " Hold Hingland," which the aged veterans like to relate so well.

Truman B. Goodspeed was born in New York in 1825, and is a son of Shubael and Elizabeth (Blackman) Goodspeed, of English descent, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Massachusetts. When Truman was but one year old his parents removed to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and located on sec. 20, Superior tp., where he has resided for over half a century, following agricultural pursuits the greater part of the time. He owns 100 acres of well-improved land. He was mar- ried April, 1851, to Caroline McCormick, a native of this county, and daughter of Charles McCormick, an early resident of Superior tp, They have 3 children, all boys-Hiram, born May 3, 1856; Charles E., Dec. 19, 1863, and Truman B., born Aug. 17, 1869. Mr. Goodspeed is Republican in politics, and has filled several minor offices. His grandfather, Cely Neal, came to Washtenaw county when not half a dozen families were residing within the limits of this now prosperous county. He died at the advanced age of 84 years.

Linus Hiscock was born in this county in 1836, on the farm where he now resides. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life, and has succeeded in making his surroundings pleasant and happy. In 1868 he married Martha D. Fair, a native of Ann Arbor tp. The result of this union has been the birth of 2 children-William J. and Walter F. Mr. Hiscock has been honored with several official trusts in the tp. wherein he resides, all of which he has satisfactorily filled.

Leasure L. Kimmel, a resident of this county for 56 years, came here in June, 1825, with his parents, Henry and Susannah (Laubengayer) Kimmel, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Polish descent, the great-grandfather, Michael Kim- mel, having been a Colonel in the Polish army. Three of his sons came to the United States and located in Pennsylvania.

Henry Kimmel. the father of the subject of this notice, moved from his home at Stoyestown, Somerset Co., Pa., to Kaskaskia, Ill,, in 1821, with 3 children- Elizabeth, George and Leasure L. At this place he lived nearly four years, dur- ing which time 2 more children were added to his family-Reuben and Mary. In 1824 he sold his Illinois farm and started with his family, 100 head of stock and farming implements, for Michigan, going the whole distance by horse-team for family. They had to ford many small streams, make rafts for carrying the goods over, and swim the stock. The trip occupied 39 days.

On arrival here he settled on his land on secs. 22 and 23, which he had pre- viously entered from the Government, 600 acres in extent. There being no house on this land, he had to leave his family in a settlement some 15 or 20 miles distant, where he bought a piece of corn to keep his stock through the winter. Mr. Kimmel got his log house ready in about two months, and moved his family into it. This was on the site of the front yard of the present residence. His nearest neighbors were two or three families at Ypsilanti and Plymouth. Mr. K. prospered and amassed a fortune. Politically he was a Whig and finally a Republican, served in various local offices, gave the name to " Superior " town- ship, and assisted in locating the county seat. Two other children were born in his family in this county-Edgar and Susan. He died in August, 1865, aged 82 years, mourned by his bereaved wife and children, and a large circle of friends. Mrs. K. died some years afterward, at her son's house, surrounded by mant. de- voted friends.

Leasure L. Kimmel, the subject of this sketch, was born April 19, 1819, in the town of Stoyestown, Somerset Co., Pa. ; passed his early years on his father's farm, receiving instruction four months in the year in a little log school-house. At the age of 22 he took charge of his father's farm, which he has occupied and

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managed ever since, paying a debt of some $9,000 which encumbered the estate. He was married Dec. 18, 1845, to Miss Jane Brewer, who was born July 18, 1827, a daughter of John and Samuel (Church) Brewer, the former a native of New York State, and the latter of Belchertown, Mass. They were early settlers in this county, and are now deceased. Mr. B. was killed by a horse running away.

Mr. Kimmel had 7 children as follows: Albert, who was born Dec. 20, 1846, married Margaret Randall, of Indiana, owns 120 acres of land, and lives near the old homestead ; an infant daughter, deceased; Cora Bell, who was born Oct. 5, 1854, and died Aug. 25, 1856; Fred W., who married Louisa Houston, of Canton, Mich., and owns 130 acres of the old homestead, on which he lives; Kittie Alice, who was born March 5, 1862; Susie E., who died an infant; Henry Grant, who was born Jan. 24, 1867, and Mary E., born Oct. 16, 1869.

A portrait of Mr. Kimmel appears elsewhere in this history.

Chauncey Knapp (deceased) was born in Massachusetts in 1798, and accom- panied his parents to Michigan in 1830, locating at Toyas Plains in Wayne county, and subsequently at Dixboro, Washtenaw county. He then removed to Ann Arbor, and thence to Ypsilanti. While a resident of Ann Arbor he built the first woolen-mill at that place, in 1831. He continued at that business 12 years, and was afterward engaged in the carding business, and agricultural pursuits, up to the time of his death. He was married to Julia A. Bell, a native of Massa- chusetts. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and her grandfather served in the Continental army, living to be over 103 years of age. Her grandfather, on her mother's side, was with Washington, in that memorable Valley Forge cam- paign. Seven children were born to Mr. Knapp and wife, 4 of whom are living. Mr. Knapp took an active part in political matters, and for 25 years held the position of School Inspector. He died in 1878, and his loss was mourned by the entire county. His son, Alfred J. Knapp, was born at Ann Arbor, and passed his early life, with his father in the woolen-mill. At the age of 18 years he was em- ployed as conductor on a railroad, and in 1858 located where he now resides, his farm comprising 180 acres. He pays particular attention to breeding fine stock, not so much for his own personal aggrandizement, as that of improving the gen- eral run of stock throughout the county. Mr. Knapp takes a deep inter- est in agricultural matters, and always exhibits a fair show of farm products at each succeeding county fair. He is a Republican in politics, and rarely fails to be present at the polls on election day. He was married in 1862 to Miss M. J. Crosby, of Orleans county, N. Y., and 3 children have been born to them-Hiram I .. Alfred J. and Ettie E., all of whom reside with their parents.

Robert Martin, farmer and stock-raiser, on sec. 18, Superior tp., was born in Northern Ireland June 9, 1842, son of Robert and Mary (Breakey) Martin: Here- ceived but a limited education in Ireland, and in 1861 he resolved to visit America and see if in the new country he could not better his condition. He settled first at Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1863, in Superior tp. The first year of his resi- dence in this county he worked for George Thompson as a farm laborer for $108; second year, $180; third year, $150. By this, and other means, he was able to save $500 with which he bought a fine farm. He now owns 100 acres of valuable land. He was married in 1864, to Phobe Crippen, daughter of Ichabod Crippen, for whom Mr. Martin had labored faithfully for two years. They have 8 children, 5 sons and 3 daughters. Mr. Martin is classed among the prominent farmers of Superior tp., a fitting monument of what industry, energy and pluck, may accomplish.

Jacob Mayer, farmer, sec. 18, Superior tp .; P. O. Ann Arbor; was born in Ger- many in 1843; son of Jacob and Mary (Lump) Mayer. He accompanied his parents to Washtenaw Co. in 1855, locating in Lodi tp., where his father still re- sides. Mr. Mayer received his education in Germany. March 30, 1875, he mar- ried Mary Heininger, a native of Germany. They have 2 children-Albert F., born April 26, 1876, and Louisa M., born Sept. 13, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer are members of the Bethlehem German Lutheran Church. In 1864 Mr. Mayer enlisted in Co. K, 20th Reg., Mich. Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged in January, 1865. He subsequently traveled all through the Northern and extreme Western States, managing to earn good wages during his entire journey. He re- turned home in 1874, and resumed his farming operations. He owns 161 acres of valuable land.

George McDougall was born in Monkton, Ayrshire, Scotland, in November, 1801; his father was a farmer, and he has been a farmer and a miller; he came to

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

America in 1828, landing at New York in June; spent the summer in Rochester and came to Ypsilanti in the fall, where he helped to raise a mill for Woodruff & Hardy. Nineteen men were all in the county able to come to the raising. This was the first frame mill in Ypsilanti, and had two run of stones. Mr. McDougall ran this mill for 25 or 26 years, mainly under the proprietorship of Norris & Mc- Intyre. In October, 1853, he bought 80 acres of land on sec. 36, Superior tp., and moved upon it. In 1828, in Rochester, N. Y., he married Mary Muir, and they have had 8 children, 3 of whom are now living, namely: George, a farmer in Superior tp .; John, a farmer on sec. 36; and Henry, Principal of the high school at Princeton. He was educated at the State Normal school at Ypsilanti and at the State University at Ann Arbor. John bought two lots of land, 70 acres and 30 acres on sec. 36, opposite his father's property. He was married in 1870 to Delphine Fowler, and their 4 children are Mary, Charles, Nellie and Lucy. He was elected as Justice of the Peace a few years ago, but never qualified, being averse to office-holding.

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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 118

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