History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 129

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 129

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The Church roll bears 627 names, of whom about 500 are resi- dent, 75 non-resident and 52 absent, whose residence is not known.

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YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

The pastors have been Rev. Ira M. Wead, Rev. Ebenezer Chee- ver, Rev. Gustavus L. Foster, Rev. Geo. P. Tindall and Rev. John M. Richmond, pastor at this time. The church is as large and pros- perous as any in the city, the Sunday-school well sustained, the affairs of the Church and school well administered, and the church edifice compares favorably with any in the county.

The officers of the society of the Presbyterian Church are F. K. Rexford, Frank Smith, Wm. Campbell, Dr. H. Van Tuyle, D. B. Greene and D. C. Batchelder, Trustees; F. K. Rexford, Treasurer; Wm. Campbell, Clerk; and E. A. Pitkin, Sexton.

The Sabbath-school, Ladies' Missonary Society, Mission Circle, Young People's Society, the Rice Mission Band, the India Work- ers, and the Little Gleaners are the names of the societies connected with the Church.

Under the administration of Rev. John M. Richmond, the Church and society have made wonderful progress. The officers of the society are men of high position in the community, zealous members of their Church, and earnest in the performance of their duties as officers of the society.

RESUME.

The churches of the city at present comprise nine buildings. The Presbyterian Church is administered by Rev. John Richmond, and the property of the society valued at $25,000; the Episcopal, by Rev. John A. Wilson, at $20,000; the Methodist Episcopal, by Rev. A. F. Bournes, at $20,000; the Catholic, by Rev. Wm. De- Bever, at $18,000; the Baptist, by Rev. John H. Scott, at $14,000. The P. Methodist Church property is valued at $3,000; the Lu- theran, at $2,000; the African M. E. Church, of which Rev. John Bass is pastor, at $2,000, and the Baptist Mission Church, at $1,000. The value of the property pertaining to the religious societies of the citylis $105,000, showing an average of $21.04 to each individual of the 4,990 persons credited to the city by the census officers of 1880.

TEMPERANCE WORKERS IN THE CITY.

The laborers in the field of temperance have not acted the lag- gard's part; throughout the city and townships, the result of their efforts makes itself manifest. The name of that village which a half century ago was a synonym for a drinking man, has been uplifted, gradually but surely, from the obloquy which surrounds such a notoriety, until now it has reached an enviable position in the ranks of temperate cities. It has been related by one who was present at a temperance revival meeting held in February, 1881, that the working of the temperance organization of Ypsilanti was perfect in detail, wanting only in'a minute particular. That one want can be supplied only by the more zealous members becoming

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

a little more discerning. At the meeting referred to, Mr. Bain, of Kentucky, dealt forcibly and logically with the evils of intemper- ance, and the benign influences of temperance. The lecture was appreciated, no less than 80 men and women signing the pledge roll. During this affecting scene a good man, a philanthropic man, ad- dressed a resolute total abstainer, who had never hitherto attended a temperance meeting, and requested him to sign, actually tried to force him into signing that pledge. Now that aggrieved party would not ignore his great resolution by any qualifying signature for all the world. To reason with him in the presence of many was unwise and impolite.

PHOENIX LODGE F. & A. M.

March 4, 1846, pursuant to previous notice, the following mem- bers of the Ancient Order of Freemasons in the vicinity of Ypsi- lanti met at the office of J. Goodell for the purpose of "organizing and obtaining a dispensation for a lodge in the village of Ypsilanti:" Anthony Case, James Collins, Wilkinson Dean, J. Goodell, S. W. Osgood, J. Hornbeck, M. Curtiss, John Van Fossen, Phillip Sines, Eurotas Morton, Luther Bennett, W. B. Hewitt, E. J. Hewitt, W. A. Haynes, W. R. Waldron, Madison Cook.

The first officers elected were: W. M., John Van Fossen; S. W., Edmund Hewitt; J. W., Madison Cook; Secretary, W. B. Hewitt; Treasurer, A. Parkhurst; S. D., E. Grant; J. D., M. A. Haynes; Tyler, W. Dean. A hall was procured in which to hold the meet- ing, and some years after improved their rooms, and fitted them up for the express use of the lodge. In 1875 or 1876 the first Ma- sonic Institute was held in Ypsilanti, in which several visiting lodges participated. Phoenix Lodge has done a vast amount of work in relieving the wants of the poor and needy, and in advanc- ing the social and moral features of Ypsilanti and vicinity. The following are the present officers: W. M., J. P. Vromen; S. W., P. Carpenter; J. W., H. Stevenson; Treasurer , J. W. Flowers; Secre- tary, Edmund Hewitt; S. D., J. W. Spoor; J. D., A. H. S. Curtis; Tyler, George Kishlar.

I. O. O. F.

In August, 1845, a petition to the Grand Lodge of Michigan, bearing the signatures of Chauncey Joslin, Benjamin Follett, John W. Van Cleve, Julius Movius, James E. Platt, and Lawrence W. Cole, praying authorization to establish a lodge of the order at Ypsilanti, was acceded to. Subsequently, Wyandotte Lodge, No. 10, was organized and inaugurated Sept. 17, 1845, with Benjamin Follett, N. G .; Alfred A. Hunter, V. G .; Chauncey Joslin, Sec- retary, and Thomas O. Hill, Treasurer. During the 12 succeed- ing years this lodge attained a very high position among the lodges of the State. The treasury was prosperous to a high degree; ben-

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efits to the ailing members, and widows of deceased members, were conferred in that genial form which almost banished grief from the afflicted household where such fraternal aid extended.

In 1850 the roll of membership numbered 84. The lodge grew in influence and wealth, continued in the paths of progress for some years, until the demon of jealousy and discord presented him- self in its halls. From that moment Wyandotte Lodge entered on that career which led to dissolution. In 1857 the roll of mem- bership held only 32 names, although the fund of $1,500 to the credit of the organization at that time pointed out the executive to be strong in business ability and high character, and deserving of a much greater support. Within a period of three years, or in 1860, the variety of ideas existing in its membership caused its disruption, -- an organization, which for many years gave promise of much good, was dissolved, the records placed in possession of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, and another little community of friends scattered-a few never to meet' again as brothers of the Wyandotte Lodge; others, more fortunate, to witness the revival of Odd Fellowship here, after a social sleep of 18 years.

THE GOOD TEMPLARS.

A lodge of Good Templars was organized in 1865, under the title, " Ypsilanti Lodge, No. 282." Since its organization much good has been effected. The following are the present officers of the society: Wm. McAndrew, W. C. T .; Sadie Spears, W. V. T .; Alfred Humphrey, W. R. S .; Lizzie Smith, W. T .; Harry Opie, W. F. S .; Chris. Dilson, W. M .; Libbie Bonnett, W. I. G .; E. Knapp, W. O. G .; Win. McAndrew, Fred Humphrey, C. F. Enders, Trustees; Messrs. Walkington and W. F. Pattison, and Misses Mary Leggate, Louise Rowley and Lizzie Smith, delegates to the District Lodge to be held in Detroit.

A. O. U. W.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is the name of a purely benevolent organization, within the reach of all classes. Its most distinguishing feature is mutual life insurance; and it gives a pos- itive guaranty of $2,000 to the heirs or assigns of a deceased mem- ber. The order was introduced into the city of Ypsilanti by the organization of Ypsilanti Lodge, No. 15, Oct. 19, 1877. The charter officers were : D. W. Thompson, P. M. W .; Hiram Batch- elder, M. W .; George W. Parsons, G. F .; Murray P. Holmes, O .; Samuel W. Parsons, Rec .; Frank Joslin, R .; James E. Lawrence, F .; Peter W. Carpenter, G .; William H. Guild, I. W., Aaron L. Corey, O. W .; Justin E. Post, M. E .; Henry P. Glover, Chas. W. Mansfield, James N. Wallace, Trustees.

The charter members were: Hiram Batchelder, George W. Par- sons, Daniel W. Thompson, Aaron L. Corey, Peter W. Carpenter,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Murray P. Holmes, James E. Lawrence, Chas. Smith, William Pattison, Samuel W. Parsons, Henry P. Glover, James N. Wallace, Frank Joslin, William H. Guild, Justin E. Post, Abel C. Stells, Chas. W. Mansfield, Jerome J. Stephenson.

The officers are elected every six months, and from date of organ- ization to the present time the following members have been M. W .: Hiram Batchelder, Peter W. Carpenter, Henry R. Scovill, Martin Cremer.

The present officers for the term ending June 30, 1881, are: E. W. Washburn, jr., M. W .; Jerry H. Whitney, G. F .; Jerome J. Stephenson, O .; Chas. C. Carr, G .; Frank Joslin, R .; Aaron L. Corey, F .; Edmund Hewitt, Rec .; E. W. Moorman, J. W .; Isaac B. Harris, O. W .; Justin E. Post, M. E .; Josiah F. Sanders Hiram Batchelder, John S. Harris, Trustees.

The amount of benefits, or insurance, paid since the organization is $6,000; which was paid to the heirs of the following Brothers: James Henry Brown, Elisha J. Gorton, Jacob C. Ryder; $2,000 each.

OTHER SOCIETIES.

The Mechanics' Mutual Protection Society of Ypsilanti was or ganized Jan. 18, 1850. For a short time it carried out its pro- gramme in a most precise manner, and conferred upon its members a few advantages. Toward the close of 1852, however, the Execu- tiveCommittee, finding it impossible to carry out the objects of the society, determined to close its career, and consequently, in the spring of 1853, at a general meeting then convened, a resolution, in accordance with this determination, was carried, and the Mechanics' Mutual Protection Association ceased to exist.

The Sons of Temperance organized a society here toward the close of the year 1854. No doubt whatever can exist regarding the good intentions of the originators; but owing to some flaw in the practical workings of the society it lost whatever influence it may have at any time wielded, leaving only the principles, which it essayed to inculcate, as a rich legacy to thinking men.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT,

organized some years ago as a voluntary corps, with 40 members, is very efficient, and has been self-sustaining from the first. The company use a Clapp & Jones steamer and two hand engines, the latter rarely being brought out. The building occupied by the department is situated on Huron street, near Congress, is two stories in height and cost $2,000. F. P. Bogardus was the first Foreman, and H. R. Scoville, the present , Chief, was appointed by the common council in 1880.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

This most important branch of township history must commend itself to every one. That it necessarily contains mnuch valuable in- formation, and the relation of a series of events, more or less his- torical, is conceded. Therefore it is considered just and proper that anything which may have a place in the pages devoted to it should be passed lightly over in the foregoing chapters, in order that repetition might be avoided, and the more precise and com- plete facts intermingled with the always interesting reminiscences generally given in personal sketches.

Dr. H. C. Andrus, physican and surgeon, Ypsilanti, was born in'Jefferson county, N. Y., February, 1832. He received his preliminary education in the district schools of New York, and was for a time in attendance at an Eastern academy For 28 years he has been a successful clairvoyant medium, and has received many flattering testimonals from the recipients of his wonderful healing art. He was married in Ohio, to Olive Beswick, of Vermont. They have 2 children. In 1862 Dr. Andrus enlisted in the army of the Cumberland, and the greater part of the war was stationed at Nashville, Tenn.

George Armstrong (deceased) was born near Geneva, N. Y., and in his youth fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. He came to this county, and settled in Lodi tp., where he bought a farm of 200 acres, residing on this property until his death, which occurred in 1868. He is buried on Lodi Plains. Mrs. Armstrong, who still survives, is a resident of Ypsilanti tp., and the mother of 4 children-Frank, who was born in 1856, and in 1877 purchased the " McBain farm " of 87 acres; Clara, born in 1859; Emma, born in 1862, and Georgia, who was born in 1868.

James Arnold (deceased) was a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1808. He was raised a farmer's boy, and while a resident of New York mar- ried Appleby Snyder. He emigrated to Michigan in 1855, and stopped two years at Detroit, where he was engaged in the dry-goods business. He had previously purchased the farm owned by John W. Van Cleve, of Ypsilanti, and in 1857 re- moved upon it, where he lived until his death. Mr. Arnold once officiated as Deputy Sheriff of Washtenaw county. He died in the year 1879; his wife still survives. There are 6 of their children living-Chester, a resident of Kansas, who married Elizabeth Freer, of New York; Seth, born in New York in 1840, and married Ellen Ward, daughter of Lyman Ward, a pioneer of Michigan ; Francis, a resident of Ontario Co., N. Y., who married Idele Steele, of this county; Adeline, wife of William Hankinson, of Ontario Co., N. Y .; Catherine, wife of Charles Ward, of this county; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Nelson, of New York.

C. F. Ashley, M. D., Ypsilanti, was born in the town of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 30, 1816. His father, Thomas Ashley, was an early settler in that lo- cality. His antecedents settled in Connecticut at an early day, having received large land grants from the King of England. His mother, Rachel (Woodard) Ashley, was the daughter of Ontario county pioneers. She died when the subject of this sketch was but three years of age, and from that time his home was with a sister who married about the time of his mother's death. His literary education was chiefly received at Lima Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. There he also pursued the study of medicine two years with Dr. William Butler. He then went to a medical college at Fairfield, N. Y., where he passed the school year of 1839- '40, the last session of that institution. The following three years were spent in teaching, and pursuing studies pertaining to medicine. In the fall of 1844 he went to New York city and entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, from which he graduated in 1845. The next year was spent at his home, in recruiting his health. In 1846 he came to Michigan, and after visiting various places, settled near Wayne, where he remained two years. He then returned to New York and spent some months in reviewing and studying medicine. In 1849 he came to Michigan again, intending to go further West, but was persuaded to locate in Ypsilanti. Since then this city has been his home.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Dr. Ashley served as an Alderman from the first ward for one term, but his pro- fession kept him out of political life thereafter. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and was for some years connected with the State and National Societies. He was a member of the original organization of Odd Fellows in this city, but since its reorganization has not been connected with it. He is a mem- ber of Phoenix Lodge and Excelsior Chapter of F. & A. M., of this city, and was for some years a member of Detroit Commandery, No. 1. Reared in the Metho- dist Episcopal faith, he at the age of 16 united with that Church and has always remained with it. Dr. Ashley is quite a naturalist and has a fine collection of the birds of Michigan, collected and mounted by himself. He is also interested in bee culture and has an apiary of about 70 colonies. A life of kind acts and good deeds has won a warm place for the Doctor in the hearts of a large circle of friends.

N. L. Atwood, keeper of a restaurant and hotel conducted on the European plan, and carrying on a successful business, is a native of New Hampshire, where he was born in 1826, a son of Thomas Atwood. When he was 15 years old he went to New York State, where he became engaged in the furniture and under- taking business in Steuben county, but met a loss by fire. Was married in 1846 to Miss Clara Clough, who died in 1866, and in 1876 he married Mrs. D. Greenfield.

F. H. Barnum, of the firm of Barnum & Earl, Ypsilanti, was born in Van Buren county, Mich., in 1851. He was educated at Paw Paw, in that county. He was reared on a farm, but in 1877 engaged in the jewelry business at Bronson, Mich., where he remained until 1878. In that year he came to this city, and in company with Mr. Frank Earl purchased the business of Mr. W. B Kinne, and opened under the firm name of Barnum & Earl, carrying a general line of jewelry and silverware. He was married in 1872 to Miss Florence E. Gates, formerly from Franklin county, N. Y. To them have been born 2 daughters. Mr. Barnum is a member of the Presbyterian Church of this city.

Dr. A. F. Barr, dentist in Mason Block, Ypsilanti, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 25, 1821, and was a son of John and Rachel (Smith) Barr. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and when 17 years of age his father died, and soon after he entered a general store as a clerk. In 1845 he began the study of medi- cine, at Niles, Mich. He finally acquired a knowledge of dentistry, and soon af- ter commenced to practice that profession at Pontiac, Mich. After remaining for some time at Port Huron and other points on the St. Clair river, in November, 1856, he came to Ypsilanti, where he has since resided. Mr. Barr married Har- riet Parmenter, of Tecumseh, Mich., by whom he has 2 children. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order.

Frederick Basom (deceased), an early pioneer of York tp., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1792. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and then married Lucinda Brewster. In 1834 he located in this county, where, as the years rolled by, he became a prosperous farmer. He owned at the time of his death 240 acres of good land. His wife died in 1872, and he followed a year later. Seven children survive-Samuel, who married Susannah Herringdean, resides near Coldwater, Mich. ; Rufus, who married Annette Woodard; William, a resident of Kansas, married Sarah Hay; Ambrose, George, Sophia, wife of Oscar Rogers, of Ionia county, Mich .; Albert, who resides on the old homestead; and Erastus M. The latter was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1824. He was reared in this county, and in 1846 married Ann M. Rogers, of Augusta tp., who died March 8, 1872. He was again married at Ypsilanti Sept. 4, 1873, to Martha, daugh- ter of Israel and Polly Rogers. Mr. Basom owns 117 acres of good land, on which is erected a costly brick residence.

Rev. Jesse Bass, Pastor of the African M. E. Church of Ypsilanti, was born near Winchester, Ind., in 1844. His father was a farmer, and in 1846 removed to Oxford, O. Within the next two years his parents died, and from that time his home was with his father's brother, in Darke county, O. There he was educated. In 1866 he entered the ministry, his first pastorate being in Randolph county, Ind. He afterward was pastor at Muscatine, Iowa; Vincennes, Terre Haute, Lafayette, and New Albany, Ind. ; Niles, Battle Creek, and Ypsilanti, Mich., this being his third pastorate here. His ministry has been generally successful, and his charge built up. He is a hard student, and is trying to make up for his earlier restricted education. Mr. Bass is a member of Hart Lodge, No. 2 of colored compact F. & A. M. of this city. In 1859 he was married to Miss Nancy J. Syain, of Detroit. To them have been born 2 sons and 1 daughter.

14.90

Lurena Potter !

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YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

Don Carlos Batchelder, of the banking firm of Hemphill, Batchelder & Co. Ypsilanti, was born at Stratford, Orange Co., Vt., July 13, 1834, and was a son of Joseph Batchelder, a farmer of that locality. Don C. enjoyed the advantages of a village school, and in 1852 came to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he worked as an apprentice in the marble-cutting business with his brother, H. Batchelder. He became quite proficient as a letterer and carver, and in 1855 went to Janesville, Wis., where he entered in business for himself. In 1859 he returned to Washte- naw county, locating at Ann Arbor. At the commencement of the civil war, he raised a company of men, which was consolidated with another, and he received a commission as Lieutenant of Co. F, 6th Mich. Cav., holding said commission until 1863, when he was obliged to resign on account of ill health. He returned to Ypsilanti, where he has since resided. When the present banking firm was organized, in 1879, Mr. Batchelder became a member, and has since remained in the firm. He married Maria, youngest daughter of Eurotas Morton. Mrs. B. died Aug. 7, 1876, and Nov. 5, 1879, Mr. Batchelder married Emma K. Dol- son, daughter of Richard C. Dolson, a former hardware merchant of Ypsilanti. They have 1 child-Florence Emma.

Hiram Batchelder, a stockholder and general manager of the Ypsilanti carriage works, was born in Orange county, Vt., Nov. 2, 1827, and resided in his native State until his 23d year. He received a common-school education. and in 1850 removed to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he engaged in the marble business, which, by care and diligent attention, developed into desirable proportions. In 1879 he became one of the organizers of the Ypsilanti Carriage Co., and assumed the management of the entire business. Mr. Batchelder married Lucy Ann Smith, daughter of Daniel Smith, a farmer of West Rutland, Vt. Three children have been sent to bless this union-Julia, John H. and Nellie. Mr. Batchelder is a warm supporter of all worthy public enterprises, and a solid and influential citizen.

Edward Batwell, M. D., Ypsilanti, was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1828. He began to study for his profession in 1841, at that time becoming apprenticed to Thomas O'Gorman, an apothecary, for a term of five years. In 1848 he gradu- ated from the College of Surgeons, at London, England, and in 1849 from the Royal College of Surgeons at Dublin. In that year he came to this country and came at once to Detroit. He followed the practice of his profession in that city until 1861. At the breaking out of the war in that year he entered the service as Surgeon of the 14th Mich. Inf. Vols., and believes himself to be the only Michi- gan Surgeon who continued in the service to the close of the war. In 1865 he re- turned to Detroit, where he remained but a few months, and came to this city, where he had removed his family during the war. Since that time he has been in practice here, making surgery a specialty. He was married in 1854 to Miss Delano, of Detroit, and to them have been born 2 sons and 1 daughter. The sons are both in business houses in Detroit.

Evan Begole ranks among the more successful agriculturists of the tp. He was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1821. His parents, Thomas and Nancy Begole, were natives of Maryland, and at an early day settled in Genesee county, where Evan passed his youthful life. He engaged in the lumbering business in Livingston and Allegany counties, and was married in Steuben county to Mar- garet, daughter of James and Margaret Wallace, by whom he had 4 children, 3 of whom are living-Amarit, Ardellia and Gage. Murray is deceased. Mrs. Begole departed this life Feb. 4, 1862, and Mr. Begole afterward married Mrs. Harriet Webster, relict of J. Webster (dec.), and daughter of William Nixon. They have 1 child-Charles L. Mr. Begole settled in York tp. in 1849, where he bought 195 acres. Fifteen years later, he removed to Ypsilanti tp., where he owns 120 acres of land, on which is erected a fine residence.

Charles Fitz Roy Bellows, M. A., C. E., Professor of Mathematics, Michigan State Normal School, Ypsilanti, was born in Charlestown, N. H., Oct. 27, 1832. His ancestors settled about the time of the Revolutionary war near Walpole and the neighboring towns of Charlestown and Bellows Falls, the latter place taking its name from the family.

In 1837 his parents moved to Michigan, and settled upon a farm in the town- ship of Climax, Kalamazoo county, where his father still lives. His mother died in 1864. The subject of this sketch claims the honor of having been brought up upon a farm, serving his full time there to the age of 21. His parents were pioneers, whereby was secured to him the advantage of the discipline which

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comes of diligence, hard work and plain living-scrubbing to get along in a new country. The first school he attended in the State was a private one, for the accommodation of two or three families, taught by his aunt in her own house. When the school of the district opened he attended there until about 10 years of age, after which he could be spared from the work of the farm only during the winter term of school. At the age of 18 his father sent him to Olivet to attend what was then called the Olivet Institute. now Olivet College. Except the first summer following, he was at this school two years. It was here, under the instruction of Prof. O. Hosford, teacher of mathematics, that he began to exhibit a fondness for mathematical study, and conceived the idea of becoming a teacher of that branch. It was under the hand of this instructor and under influences of Olivet that his mind seemed to take its setting in the direction of his future 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 129

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