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 119
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George McDougall, sr., the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Presby- terian Church and was one of the 12 or 13 original members of the organization at Ypsilanti. Mrs. McD. died Nov. 6, 1879.
Samuel Mulholland was born in Ireland in 1812, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Bullock) Mulholland. He received his education in his native land, and in early life learned the weaver's trade. In 1831 he emigrated to the United States, and the same year to Dixboro, Superior tp., having only means enough to reach his destination. He immediately went to work at odd jobs and anything he could get to do, and before long, he rented a farm to work on shares. In a few years he purchased his present farm on sec. 5, comprising 160 acres, the greater part being under cultivation. He was married in 1840 to Eliza Tounder. Of their 10 children, 9 are living, 3 boys and 6 girls-Mary Jane, Margaret Ann, Eliza, Sarah, Phoebe, Samuel, John, William and Ada. An infant is deceased. Mrs. M. died May 12, 1868, loved and respected by all with whom she had acquaintance.
William Mulholland ranks among the honored and aged pioneers of the fertile valley. He was born in Ireland in 1816, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Bur- lock) Mulholland, who emigrated with thier family to America in 1835. He set- tled in Superior tp, the same year, where William grew to manhood. In 1845 he married Mary Tounder. The fruits of this union was the birth of 10 children, 9 of whom, 3 sons and 6 daughters, are living. Mrs. Mulholland departed this life in 1880. The names of the children are-Eliza, Margaret, Jane, Anna, William, Elceba, Josie. John J. and Samuel L. Mary died September, 1860. Mr. M. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a faithful and consistent member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Mulholland is Democratic in politics, and has served the citizens of Superior tp. in various official positions. He has many warm friends in this county, who desire to see him prosperous in life.
Andrew J. Murray was born at Canton, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 7, 1835. His father, Hon. Archibald Y, Murray, was born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1795. He was married to Abigail Horton, and in 1827 they emigrated to Michigan, locating three tracts of Government land on secs. 1 and 2, in Superior tp., Wash- tenaw county. He also bought an eighty-acre tract in Canton tp., Wayne county, residing on the line between Wayne and Washtenaw counties for many years. After he had cleared off his land he erected a steam saw-mill in Superior tp., probably the first of that kind in the vicinity. He also built a steam flour-mill in Canton, which, though a great convenienee to the settlers, proved a disastrous- investment for Mr. Murray. It was the cause of his losing the greater part of his property, and in 1857 it was removed to Detroit. Mr. Murray was Supervisor of his tp., and was elected to the Legislature in 1843 and in 1845. He was also a candidate for State Senator, but being a Democrat, and the Republicans in the ascendency, he was defeated. He died in May, 1865, aged 70 years, and his wife followed him in 1875, at the age of 72 years.
Andrew J. Murray, the subject of this sketch, passed his boyhood and youth with his father, being employed in the mills and on the farm. His education was mostly acquired at the Normal school at Ypsilanti. After reaching his 21st year he taught school five terms. At the age of 26 he was married to Marietta Brad- ford, of Canton. In 1862 he purchased part of his father's estate, and settled down to farming. In 1866 he sold a part of his land and exchanged the residue for his present farm, now possessing 112 acres of choice land. Mr. Murray has filled
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several local offices, such as Clerk, Superintendent and Inspector of Schools, and at present is Highway Commissioner of Superior tp. He has 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters-Jay, Mildred, Ellen, Benjamin and Edwin.
John W. Naury, was born in County Longford, Ireland, April 27, 1827. His father, William Naury, was an Irish gentleman of education, and distinguished for his patriotism. He was educated at Oxford, but his degree was refused him because he would not recant his Catholic faith. He came to Washtenaw county and located 80 acres of land on sec. 25, in Webster tp., and 170 acres in Northfield tp. John was the youngest of 9 children, and remained with his parents until their death. In 1864 he bought 425 acres of land in Superior tp., where he has since resided. Mr. Naury was married June 11 1856, to Johanna O'Hara, and 13 children have been given them, 10 of whom are living-William F., Daniel D., Charles A., Ellen M., Mary L., Annie O., John J., Edward H., Margaret J. and Eliza Theresa. Mr. Naury has been Justice of the Peace for eight years. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and a Democrat.
Joseph II. Peck (deceased) was born at East Haddam, Conn., Aug. 5, 1790. He emigrated to Michigan in the autumn of 1824, and settled near the old malt house in Ypsilanti, in 1825. He bought 80 acres of land, running back to the Huron river, where he intended to erect a dam and thus secure water-power, but another party dammed the river some distance above him, thereby spoiling Mr. Peck's privilege. He was not discouraged, but improved his land and lived there the remainder of his life. Jan. 27, 1822, he married Sophia Churchill, of Saulsbury, Conn., and 6 children were born to them, 5 of whom survive-Eg- bert, farmer of Superior tp .; Ervin, who resides on the old homestead ; Elizabeth, Joseph Hulbert, who took possession of 50 acres of his father's estate in 1870, and added 70 acres more, resides in Superior tp., and Lavina, wife of Edward Allen, of Sterling, Ill. An infant is deceased. Mr, Peck died Feb. 13, 1849, and his wife in 1876. Their third son, Joseph H. Peck, was born at Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1822, and came West with his parents. He was about five years old when the family were all taken with inflammation of the eyes; one sister was made blind, and Joseph never fully recovered from the effects of that dreadful disease. His father kept a tavern when he first came here, and the subject of this sketch, being rather feeble, lived in doors most of his early life. At 26 years of age his father died, and he took charge of his widowed mother, living with her till he was 33. He settled on a part of his father's estate, on sec. 34, Superior tp., in 1851, and built a house and made several other needful improvements. March, 1856, he married Mrs, Juliet Thayer, born at Avon; Livingston Co., N. Y., daughter of George and Zeruiah (Bennister) Thayer. The fruits of this union are 3 children-Alta E., Joseph V. and Don R.
Edwin Pettibone (deceased) was born in New York in 1826, and was a son of J. R. and Susan (Hovey)Pettibone, old settlers in Washtenaw county. The father of Edwin was drowned in the Huron river about 1836. Mr. Pettibone was married in 1858 to Cassie A. Walker, a daughter of H. and Matilda (Arnold) Walker. Mr. Walker died in 1853. Mrs. Walker is still living, preserving her physical and men- tal faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr. and Mrs. Pettibone are the parents of 3 children-Lyman B., born in 1858; Edwin E., born in 1862, and Cassie, born in 1870. Mr. Pettibone came with his parents to this county in 1830, locating in Su- perior tp., where he was quite an influential farmer during his life-time. He was Republican in politics, and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He de- parted this life Sept. 18, 1878, at the age of 52 years. Mrs. Pettibone is also afaith- ful member of the same denomination as was her husband, and owns 100 acres of valuable land.
Hon. Esek Pray (deceased) was born at East Killingly, Conn., Nov. 29, 1790, and was married July 21, 1811, to Sally Ann Hammond, who was born at Foster, Rhode Island, July 13, 1792. Three years after, they removed to Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., and in May, 1825, Mr. Pray started for Michigan. After a long and weari- some journey, he arrived where is now located Superior tp., and built a log house on sec. 8. He started for New York after his family, but on arriving at Detroit, he was taken ill and lay on a bed of sickness for some weeks. In the meantime his wife and children arrived at Detroit, and soon after they came to Superior tp., locat- ing on sec. 3, Mr. Pray having previously sold his farm on sec. 8 to John McCor- mick. On one occasion Mr. Pray set a trap for wild beasts in the timber a mile north of the house. One morning soon after, his son Nathan. then 11 years old. discovered a wolf in the trap, and was told by his father to take a gun and kill the
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
animal. The boy in company with his sister Catherine, afterward Mrs. George Sutton, of Northfield tp., started for the trap, and when within range, put the gun to his shoulder, and by a well-directed shot, laid low his wolfship. This feat caused much surprise and commendable admiration for the youthful warrior and his brave little sister. Mr. Pray kept a public tavern for a number of years, and was a mem- ber of the first Michigan State Legislature. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Gov. Lewis Cass, which position he satisfactorily filled for 24 consecutive years, Eight children were given to Mr. Pray and wife, 4 of whom are living-Jo- seph, who was born in New York March 25, 1823, was married July 4, 1849, to Elizabeth Fenton, of Superior tp .; George, born in New York Aug. 27, 1825, mar- ried Diadama Pope, of Ann Arbor, July 4, 1849; Mary J., wife of Watson Geer, was born in Michigan Territory, June 2, 1830; Sarah, wife of Daniel McKim, was born March 17, 1833. Nathan H. was born April 1, 1841, married Sally Ann Mc- Cormick April 22, 1873, and died March 11, 1881; Eliza, wife of Elijah B. Murray, was born in New York Oct. 7, 1816, and died Oct. 13, 1845; Catherine O., wife of George Sutton, of Northfield tp., was born Jan 19, 1820, and died April 18, 1871; Almira D., wife of Freeman P. Galpin, was born May 17, 1828, and died April 20, 1853. Mr. Pray was an honored and respected citizen of Washtenaw county for 31 years, and departed this life July 5, 1856. Mrs. Pray died at her old home in Rhode Island, Feb. 27, 1870.
Mr. Pray's portrait is given elsewhere in this volume.
Levi Quackenbush, farmer, sec. 4, Superior tp .; P. O., Ann Arbor ; is a native of Wayne county, N. Y., and a son of David I. and Nancy (Joy) (Quackenbush, the former a native of Germany, and the latter a native of New York, of English parentage. Levi was educated in the district schools, and after two terms of schooling was able to pay his own way through the remainder. He was mar- ried in 1847 to Mary Amity Packerd. Of their 6 children, 5 are living-Irwin, John H., Edward, Alice and Addie May. Calista was born in 1853, and died in 1858. Mr. Quackenbush came to Washtenaw county in 1845, locating in Salem tp., but subsequently in Superior tp., where he now resides. He first worked by the month as a farm laborer, but soon accumulated enough money to purchase a farm of his own. Mr. Q. is a strong man, physically, but possesses a quiet, peace- ful disposition, and never had any trouble or a lawsuit with anybody, during his life. He is opposed to all secret societies, thinking they are detrimental to the best interests of the community.
Robert Rooke (deceased) was born at Tollerton, Yorkshire, Eng., Oct. 15, 1807. In 1826 he emigrated to America, and remained in New York five years, then removing to Michigan. When he arrived at Washtenaw county he entered 80 acres of land on sec. 1, Superior tp., where he remained for 12 years. At the ex- piration of this time he sold his farm, and bought land lying in sec. 13, where he lived till his death. When living in New York he married Cassa Ann Arnold, a native of Alexandria, Va. The result of this alliance was the birth of 5 children, 4 of whom are living-John G., Mary Ann, Catherine, Pauline J. Robert T. died in the army at the age of 18. The daughters are all married, and live in this State. The eldest child, John G., occupies the old homestead, and has added to the farm till it now comprises 320 acres of richly cultivated land. In 1858 he was married. to Alma Riddle, of Osceola, Livingston Co., Mich. They have 2 children-Eugene and William, both living at home. Mrs. R. was born in Genesee county, N.Y., in 1833, and is a daughter of Solomon and Olive (Nelson) Riddle They immigrated to Michigan in 1840, when she was six years old, and settled in Livingston county. Both are now deceased.
Lauren Sanford, farmer, was born in Homer tp., Cortland county, N. Y., May 30, 1817. His parents, Friend and Stella (Grannis) Sanford, were natives of New Haven county, Ct., and of English descent. His education was received at Groton Academy, in Tompkins county N. Y. He was reared on a farm and at the age of 22 began teaching school in New York. which he followed for 10 years, In 1843 came to this county, and located in Pittsfield tp. He followed various occupations until 1847, when he began farming on section 19, Superior tp., where he has since lived and been moderately successful. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Har- per, of Wayne county, Mich., Sept. 28, 1856. She is the daughter of Thomas Harper, an old settler of that county. They have 2 children-Julius H. and Eddie R. J .; the former married Hattie Freer, of this tp. Mr. S. has held various local offices, running on the Democratic ticket.
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Rev. Thomas Seelye was born in Oneida county, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1822. His parents Cornelius and Rachel (Smith) Seelye, were natives of New York, and removed to Ohio in 1823, remaining there for 30 years. Mr. Seelye then came to Michigan, where he has since resided. He received his education in the Norwalk Seminary, under President Thompson, afterward Bishop Thompson, of the M. E. Church. Mr. Seelye spent his early life in Ohio, on his father's farm, and at the age of 15 was converted to the cause of Jesus Christ. He was licensed to preach the gospel at the early age of 20 years. He was married in 1848 to Naomi D. Sutherland, born in New York, Dec. 14, 1822, and daughter of Colonel Sutherland, a wealthy farmer and very successful business man. Mrs. Seelye became connected with the M. E. Church at 11 years of age, and since that time has taken an active part in Sabbath-school work, having officiated as teacher and Superintendent for numer- ous years. She has always taken an active interest in temperance work, and is an earnest worker in the Foreign Missionary Society. Five children have been born to this marriage, Susanna A., born Nov. 10,1850; Osman C., born Sept. 21,1854; McKen- dree T., born Nov. 10, 1858; Carrie N., Aug. 14, 1860; Jennie M., born Nov. 13, 1863. The eldest son Osman C., graduated from the University of Michigan, and McKendree is a student in that institution. Susan A. is the wife of Dr. J. W. Kendrick, a leading practitioner of Plymouth, Wayne county, Ind. Rev. Mr. Seelye has officiated as minister of the gospel for over 38 years, and never "gets weary while well doing." He possesses great revival power, and as many as 300 persons have been brought into the fold of Christ, at one protracted meeting held under his ministration. He is well read in all theological matters, and usually speaks extemporaneously.
Thomas H. Spooner was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1810, and was a son of Thomas and Susan (Hurton) Spooner, natives of "merry England." Thomas was married in his native land to Rebecca Smith. He was reared on a farm, and believing he could do better in agricultural pursuits in the New World, besides not being so cramped for land as he had been in England, in 1850 he embarked for the United States, and landed at the port of New York with two lonesome sovereigns lying in the darkest corner of his pocket, the only capital he possessed in the world. He did not despair, as a great many would have done, but set reso- lutely to work to earn the necessary amount of money that would carry him farther West. This he did in a short time, and immediately went to Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where he obtained employment with William S. Maynard. He subsequently rented a piece of tillable ground, and four years later bought his present farm of 110 acres, which was then entirely covered with timber and underbrush. He went to work to clear the land, and has succeeded in making 50 acres of it fit for cultivation, which has good improvements thereon. His chil- dren are-Sarah, Mary E., Thomas H., Rebecca and William H. One child, Rebecca, is deceased. Mr. Spooner's present prosperous condition shows what industry and perseverance may accomplish.
James O. Thompson was born in Connecticut in 1793, and is a son of Elias and Rosanna (Harris) Thompson, of English descent. He received a common-school education, and subsequently attended an academy. He was in limited circum- stances, and was wont to work as a farm laborer in summer and teach school in winter. The lowest wages he received for farm labor was $8 per month, and the highest, $12.50. He was married Sept. 4, 1823, to Betsey Wightman, who was born in 1797. They are probably the oldest couple now living in Superior tp., their combined ages making 172 years. Four children are living-George, Eliza M., Caroline M. and Addison. The eldest son, George, owns a farm of his own, but with filial affection has left his own fireside to make cheerful that of his venerable parents. Mr. Thompson came to Washtenaw county May 24, 1832, settling on sec. 29, where he has resided almost 49 years. He has 2 children living, and 2 grand- children. Mr. Thompson, sen., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and himself and wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. He is Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were married by the celebrated Presbyterian minister, David Austin. The day of the wedding was stormy and blustering during the morning, but cleared off in the afternoon, and at night the sun set red and clear in the Western horizon. So it has been with the wedded life of this aged couple. Life looked stormy and discouraging at first, but soon the sunshine was seen through the ragged clouds of poverty and misfortune, and the last days have been very peaceful and happy.
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Ransom Townsend, farmer on sec. 7, was born in 1826, and is the son of Fred erick P. and Mary P. (Campbell) Townsend, the father a native of New York, of English descent, and the latter a native of Vermont, of Scotch ancestry. Ran- som received his education in Ypsilanti and has successfully followed the voca- tion of a farmer. He owns 125 acres of good land, with a good residence, costing over $4,000. He was married in 1848, and 3 children have been born to this couple-Albina, Perry L. and Ransom Emory. Mr. Townsend is a member of the Methodist E. Church. He came to this county in 1836, when only 10 years old, and his parents located on sec. 7. His daughter, Albina, is the wife of John Eldert, a resident of Jackson, Mich., and is an engineer in the employ of the M. C. R. R. The 2 sons are teaching district schools in this county.
Benjamin S. Voorhees was born in New York, in 1824. His father, James N. Voorhees, was born in New Jersey in 1796, and emigrated with his parents, who were natives of Holland, to Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1800, the country in that part of the State being at that time an unbroken wilderness. In 1815 he married Martha Swarthout, born in 1799, and daughter of Ralph Swarthout, of Seneca Co., N. Y. He lived in New York until 1839, when he brought his family to Mich- igan, where the year previous he had purchased property. He lived in Michigan until his 82d year, when he was called to " come up higher, and receive the re- ward which thou deservest." He was a man possessing an iron constitution, yet was very gentle in his manners. He was endowed with more than ordinary abilities, and his dealings with his fellow man were characterized by a spirit of conscientiousness very seldom found. As a father, he was one of the kindest and most indulgent; a member of the M. E. Church, he lived a purely Christian life ; thought not possessing an education, yet his example of moral worth spoke stronger than words ; liberal in all matters pertaining to the benefit and advance- ment of his family and the community wherein he resided, he lived to a ripe old age, retaining his mental and physical faculties to the very last. His wife, Martha, died in 1878, they having spent the sunshine and shadow of 63 years to- gether. She was a member of the Methodist Church for over 40 years. Eight children were born to them, 5 of whom survive the death of their parents-Ralph S., Jane, Benjamin S., Stephen and Peter. John, William and Louis are deceased. Benjamin S., the fourth child, and third son, lived upon the old homestead until he was 23 years of age, when he bought his present farm, where he has since re- sided. In 1847 he married Annie Merrill, and 5 children were the result of this union, 2 of whom are living. Mrs. Voorhees died in the spring of 1864, and in 1867, he married Harriet L. Knapp. They have 1 child-Fred. Mr. Voorhees has materially assisted in the improvements that have been made in this county, and is a man of pure and liberal ideas. He raises a large amount of stock, and feeds them plenty of good food, as their appearance will substantiate. Politically he is a Republican.
John B. Wells was born in Chelsea tp., Orange Co., N. Y., in 1827, and is a son of Ransom and Elizabeth W. (Bodget) Wells, of English descent and natives of Vermont. In 1834 Mr. Wells accompanied his parents to Washtenaw county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. He was employed by T. B. Goodspeed on a farm, remaining with him for 17 years. At present he owns a good farm on sec. 30. Mr. Wells is unmarried.
Silas Wheelock was born in West Bloomfield, N. Y., May 14, 1799. In 1826 he came to Michigan and located his farm, consisting of three lots situated as fol- lows: the nw qr and the wh of sw qr of sec. 3, in the tp. of Panama (now Superior). He was married April 11, 1827, to Almira Durand, who was born Sept. 17, 1806, in Massachusetts. In the spring of 1827 they moved on to their farm, where they lived until they died, the former March 18, 1869, aged 69 years and 9 months, and the latter May 20, 1867, aged 61 years. Children-Caroline E., born April 29, 1829, in Panama ip., this county, married Geo. W. Scott, Sept. 20, 1849, and died Dec. 6, 1850. A few days after she was buried some of the family visited her grave and discovered some of her burial clothes on the ground ; thinking all was not right they examined her grave and found her remains had been taken away, thus doubly wounding the fond parents and creating intense excitement through the vicinity. Jerry L. Wheelock, born April 17, 1831, also in the town of Panama, and married Rachel A. Savage Oct. 2, 1853; Chloe M. Wheelock, born May 12, 1833, in the tp. of Superior, and married, Aug. 2, 1854, John F. Packard, Salem tp; George D. Wheelock, born Aug. 29, 1835, and died Feb. 28, 1857; Robert T. Wheelock, born Aug. 3, 1840, in Superior tp., and married Dec. 18,
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1867, to Mary A. Jones, of Salem; Royal S. Wheelock, born March 27, 1845, in Superior tp., married to Medora J. Flint, of Newport, Monroe Co., Mich., Dec. 23, 1869.
Mr. Wheelock filled the first office of Town Clerk of the township of Panama after its organization, and subsequently held nearly all township offices, having held the office of Justice of the Peace for four constitutional terms. He also held the position of Postmaster a number of years.
Robert T. Wheelock (deceased) was born in Bloomfield tp., Ontario Co., N. Y., March 13, 1808. His parents were Royal and Lydia (Taft) Wheelock (deceased), natives of New York and England respectively. Robert spent his early life in teaching, but in later years devoted his time to farming. He came to Superior tp. in 1826, locating on 160 acres of land, where he lived through life. He was married in 1833 to Mary J. Murray, who bore 1 child, Phoebe A., who resides on the old homestead. Mr. Wheelock was a surveyor by profession, and assisted in the survey of Salem, Ypsilanti and Superior tps. He was a prominent man in county politics, and was very successful through life, leaving at the time of his death a competency sufficient to keep his only child in very comfortable circum- stances. He died Sept. 28, 1848, and Mrs. Wheelock, Nov. 17, 1879.
Joseph Wykoff (deceased) was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1793. His parents, William and Keziah (Ford) Wykoff, were of French and German de- scent, and natives of New York and Virginia. Both were taken prisoners when young, and conveyed by the captors, through most of the then Northwestern Territory. After three years' captivity, they were exchanged at Detroit, and soon after were married. Joseph Wykoff settled on sec. 25, Superior tp., Washtenaw county, in 1826. He was married to Phobe Parsons, and 13 children were born to them, 10 of whom grew to mature years, were married and reared families; Seven are now living-Charlotte, widow of Abner Bruen, of Lansing, Mich .; Harriet, wife of Abram Shears, of Wayne county, Mich .; William, a resident of Kansas; Floyd, who resides at Howell, Livingston Co .; Theron, who married Cynthia Packard, of Salem tp .; Celestia, wife of E. R. Curtis, who resides near the old homestead in Superior tp., and Elizabeth, wife of William McEwen, of Battle Creek, Mich. Mr. Wykoff was a successful agriculturist, and resided in this county for 52 years. He died at the residence of his son, in Salem tp., Sept. 7, 1878. Mrs. Wykoff is still living and in her 82d year. Her home is in this county, but at present she is living with her son at Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wykoff was an " old- line Whig," but in later years, a member of the Republican party. He left 107 acres of good land to his wife and children.
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