History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 133

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 133

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Sept. 3, 1822, Mr. H. married Isabella Janes, of Northfield, Mass., and moved to Delaware Co., N. Y., residing successively at Walton, Deposit and Canonsville; he lived in Manchester six years, and in the spring of 1843 he moved to Ypsilanti,

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where he resided over 36 years. Of his ? children 4 are living and all married, namely : Mrs. Judd, Mrs. Keif, Mrs. Mills and John N. Howland.

An old heirloom in the family is an English gourd, ornamented with a silver plate, on which is inscribed its history. It was used as a powder-horn on the voy- age to this country in 1620.

Politically Mr. H. was an ardent Whig and then Republican, and was a promi- nent member of the Presbyterian Church, in which denomination he was Deacon over 50 years. He died Nov. 23, 1879, aged 82 years and 10 months, leaving his life-long partner and 4 children to mourn his loss. Mr. H. was indeed an estima- ble man. In business he was energetic and high-minded, and in religion zealous and consistent. Probably no man in Ypsilanti has been so much missed by the community at his death as has been the subject of this sketch.

John N. Howland, son of the foregoing, and now carrying on the tanning and leather business, established at Ypsilanti by his father, was born at Cannonsville, N. Y., Sept. 13, 1830. He was reared to the above business, at which he has been engaged nearly the whole time up to the present. Although Mr. H.'s tannery is in active operation, he buys more leather to supply his customers than is manu- factured in his establishment. This leather business was established at an earlier date than any of its kind in Washtenaw county, and it has averaged in years past from $5,000 to $20,000, per year. It is one of the important industries of Ypsilanti.

Mr. Howland was married May 13, 1856, to Miss Sarah Stebbins, of Delaware county, N. Y., and they have had a family of 5 children, only 2 of whom are living, -Carrie and John Augustine, age 14 and 11 years respectively. Politically Mr. Howland is a Republican. He joined the Masonic order when a young man, and continued his connection with this order to the present time, holding various offices in the lodge for many years; he is also a member of the order of the Knights of Honor, Ordet of United Workmen, etc., etc. Mr. and Mrs. H. have been members of the Presbyterian Church for the past 15 years.

James Hutchinson, retired farmer, was born at Lockport, N. Y., in 1822. The same year, his father started to Michigan, but being tempted by the liberal wages paid on the Erie canal, he remained there until 1835, and then came to Michi- gan, arriving in June. He then removed to Ypsilanti. The father and son en- gaged in teaming, often making $10 per day. James remained at home until his 30th year. He then bought 40 acres of land in Canton tp., Wayne Co., where he remained three years. After remaining eight years in Canton tp., he came to Ypsi- Fanti, and teamed for a paper company for five years. After a life of bustling activity, he retired from business, and has since resided at Ypsilanti. He married Mary Carpenter, a native of New York. Of the 3 children born to them, 2 are living-Ida A. and May, both married, the former a resident of Detroit, and the latter of East Tawas, Mich Frank H. isdeceased. His widow, with one son, re- sides with her brother-in-law.

E. H. Jackson, carriage manufacturer and blacksmith, was born in New York in 1822. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1846 located at Ypsilanti, where he has since been engaged at his trade. In 1870 he built the large establishment where he now transacts business, and also a commodious private residence. Mr. Jackson has been connected with the Good Templar Lodge of Ypsilanti for nearly a quarter of a century, and is well known for his integrity and benevolence. He was married in 1848 to Helen J. Henderson, a native of this county. They have 2 children living.

Freeman Jackson, carriage maker and general blacksmith, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1819. Nine years later his parents removed to Oneida county, remaining until 1836, when they settled in Jefferson county. In this latter place Freeman acquired a first-class knowledge of his trade, which made him one of the most skillful of mechanics. In 1844 he settled in Ypsilanti, where he worked as a journeyman for four years. In 1848 he established his present business, and at present is recognized as a mechanic of no mean ability. He is a good business man, and generosity forms one of his leading traits of character. He was married to Susan Spafford. They have 2 children -- 1 son and a daughter.

Hon. Chauncey Joslin, Ypsilanti, was born June 28, 1813, at Throopsville, Cayuga Co., N. Y. His parents were Lindsey and Mary (Waite) Joslin. When he was 10 years of age his parents moved to Nunda. He was educated at Temple Hill, Livingston county, his studies consisting of the ordinary English branches, with one year in Latin. When 16 years old he wrote and delivered the first lect- nre on free sch ols in the United States, endeavoring to establish the proposition of

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universal education by universal taxation. This subject was so universally con- demned at that time, that the youthful philosopher attempted its advocacy no more. At the age of 17 he enlisted in an independent company of dragoons under promise of election to the office of Fourth Corporal; but failing to secure the office, he resigned and returned home, thus closing his military career. After leaving school, Mr. Joslin engaged in teaching for five years, at the end of which time (1836) he began the study of law with David Bagley, of Nunda. In 1837 he came to Ypsilanti, Mich., and entered the law office of Walter A. Buckbee, with whom he remained one year, studying in the office of Marcus Lane during the suc- ceeding year. He was admitted to the Bar and began to practice in May, 1839. Thenceforward he has devoted his time and energy to his chosen profession, and acquired a large and lucrative practice. In 1843 Mr. Joslin was elected Supervisor from Ypsilanti city; in the fall of the same year to the State Legislature, where he served with marked ability and prevented the legislation designed to reduce the price of the lands devoted to the State University and to the benefit of the primary schools in the State at large. In 1846 he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and re- elected in 1850; in 1851 was appointed a member of the State Board of Education, and the following year elected to serve the short term, which he satisfactorily filled until 1855. During this time the board erected a Normal school building, putting the school into successful operation. In 1852 he was elected Judge of Probate of Wash- tenaw county, a position which he filled with honor to himself and to the satisfac- tion of his constituents. In 1853 he was appointed one of the Commissioners to con- struct the Sault St. Marie canal, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, and after the completion of the canal, in two years, the commissioners received the credit of hav- ing performed the work with less dishonesty than any other of the kind in the United States. In 1858 Mr. Joslin was elected first Mayor of Ypsilanti. He was a member of the School Board for 20 years, resigning in 1870.

Mr. Joslin has ever evinced a deep interest in educational matters, and during his travels throughout the State, it affords him the most intense delight to meet a young man whose educational advantages were traced back to his influence and efforts. Mr. Joslin became identified with the order of Odd Fellows in 1845, con- tinuing in good standing with the society until the order surrendered its char- ter; he held all the offices in a surbordinate lodge, and was a representative to the State Grand Lodge for many years. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist denomination, and still adheres to the religious views of that body, although he is not a member of the Church. He is a member of the Democratic party, and a strict advocate of its principles. He was married Sept. 4, 1841, to Mrs. Eve- line A. Lane, widow of Marcus Lane, Esq., his former legal preceptor. She bore him 3 children, 2 of whom are living-Fred C., an assayist, now in California, and Frank, City Clerk of Ypsilanti, and a successful insurance agent. Mrs. Jos- lin died in 1846, and March 15, 1849, Mr. J., married Sarah M . Silsby. Three children have been the fruit of this latter union-Elvira C., wife of Charles K. Whitman, Esq., of Ypsilanti ; Ella, a teacher in the Ypsilanti Union school, and B. Follett. Mr. Joslin is a man of genial and social qualities, being a great lover of fun. He tells a story well, and often in argument makes his best illustrations by an apt quotation or anecdote.

Raphael Kapp, carpenter and joiner, Ypsilanti, was born in Germany in 1829. He was educated in his native land, and in 1852 crossed the Atlantic, first locat- ing at Detroit, Mich., where he learned his trade, and remained four years. He then removed to Ypsilanti, where he has since lived. He was married in Free- dom tp., in 1857, to Dorothea Touhel, daughter of Jacob Touhel. They have 2 children-Alfred R., aclerk in the M. C. freight office at Detroit, and Frank A., a prominent pupil of the Ypsilanti high school. Mr. Kapp was Alderman of Ypsi- lanti from 1876 to 1878.

Simeon T. Keith (deceased), who is well remembered by the citizens of Ypsi- lanti as a man of sterling worth and integrity, was born in Thompson, Conn., although most of his youthful days were spent in Canandaigua, N.Y. His mature years were passed in the cities of New York and Boston; in the former he was associated for many years in business with the Vermilliers, famous bankers in the early days of New York. The well-known firm were a family of brothers, and their names were a tower of strength in financial and religious circles. Two of them were distinguished clergymen. With such men the best years of Mr. Keith's business life was spent, and he contributed not a little to the success of the great banking-house. Sept. 17, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Har-

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riet A. Allen, a daughter of Oliver and Hannah (Peck) Allen, of Providence. Mr. K. was literally a self-made man, liberally educated and a systematic account- ant. Owing to ill health he came West to Ypsilanti many years ago, where he invested of his abundant means in the erection and purchase of city property. He died April 4, 1875, and was laid at rest in the city cemetery, a handsome and appropriate monument marking the spot.

Christian Kelly .- On another page of this book will be found the portrait of Mr. Kelly as one of the worthy pioneer settlers in Washtenaw county. His father, John P. Kelly, was born at Berne, Switzerland, in 1780, near the birthplace of the famous William Tell. After passing through his school term, which every child in that country was obliged to attend up to a certain age, he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until drafted into the army. Being a good musician, he soon arose to the rank of a Drum-Major, which position he filled until honorably discharged from the service. He then returned to his native town and worked at his trade. In 1807 he married Miss Anna Grosenbecker, of his native town. During the year 1815 he was again called into the military service, and was given a class of 32 boys to learn to drum, among which was his son Christian. the subject of this sketch, who was but six years old.

In 1818, not liking so much forced military life, and being of a "republican spirit," and hearing so many glowing accounts of the freedom and advantages a poor man had in America, he emigrated and settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived some time and worked at blacksmithing. He afterward resided in New Jersey and at Lockport, N. Y., during which time the Erie canal was put through and the famous locks were built. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1825 moved to Detroit, Mich. In the month of June, 1825, being ac- companied by his son Christian, and Lyman Graves, he started on a trip for the purpose of locating land ; they took the Indian trail on foot as far as Godfroy's trading post, where Ypsilanti now stands; after prospecting around they finally located on sec 28, Ypsilanti tp., where they erected a log cabin, and then returned to Detroit for their families, household goods, etc., and also for a stock of iron, blacksmith's tools, etc .; there being no wagon road he was obliged to move the goods by flat boats down the Detroit river, around the edge of the lake and up the Huron river, to what was known as Snow's landing, thence across the country as well as they could to their shanty. This trip consumed over a week, rowing, poling and drawing the boat during the day, and tying up at night to a tree, and building a large fire near as a protection against musquitoes, while in the forest near by was the howling of wild beasts to lull them to sleep !

After becoming settled in their log house, they immediately burnt a coal pit, and erected a blacksmith shop, which was about the first one built and run in Wash- tenaw county. The next three years was spent working in the shop and clearing and fencing the farm. In 1828 the Government, under an act passed in 1824, built what was called the Detroit & Chicago turnpike, now the gravel road. His business not being very pressing, Mr. K. took a contract on this road. For this purpose he with others rented what was known as the Browning farm, six miles west of Detroit, near which their jobs for which they had contracted were located. Here they moved their families. They bought oxen and equipments, hired a gang of hands and went to work felling the timber and making the road.

John P. Kelly being a man of good education and business habits, the company picked on him as overseer under the superintendent, whose duty it was to see that the jobs were done according to contract, and accept them, etc., between Ypsi- lanti and Detroit, and report the facts to headquarters. Owing to exposure and hard work while filling this position, he contracted disease, from which he died in October, 1829. His son Christian, whose name heads this biography, had remained at home overseeing the hands up to this, when he succeeded his father. John P. had accumulated considerable property, but through the dishonesty of those who owed the estate money, and the administrators who settled the estate, his family was left nearly penniless. John P. and Anna Kelly had a family of 3 children, as follows: Christian; Anna, who married William Steers, of Wayne county, Mich., and died in 1832, leaving 2 sons, Frank and William; and Mary Maria, who died while crossing the ocean.

Christian Kelly was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, Feb. 19, 1809, and came with his parents to this county in 1825; after paying off the indebted- ness of his father's estate, he found himself nearly penniless, at the age of 19 years, with a mother and sister looking to him for support. In 1832 he married

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Miss Sarah Ann Steere, of Detroit, where she was born in 1812. The spring following, the family returned to their farm on sec. 28, this tp., where he remained until his death, in November, 1869. He and his wife passed through the usual hardships incident to a pioneer life, cleared up a heavily timbered farm, in the meantime hauling all their produce to Detroit for a market, each trip taking a week, with a yoke of oxen.

Christian was drafted into the State militia and served as a musician during the Black Hawk war. He was never too busy or too tired to play when called on, and was generally known through the country as " Kelly, the drummer." He was very fond of the chase, and many were the deer and turkey he brought down with his trusty rifle, to grace his table and replenish his larder. He was very sociable and free-hearted ; the " latch-string was always out," and many a belated traveler partook of his hospitality free. He was temperate in all his habits, never using alcoholic spirits or tobacco. He was very peaceable; never had a law-suit in his life. He left quite a valuable property to his family. His children were- Wm. W., who married Miss Laura Murray, of Salem, and now resides in Minne- sota; Anna S., wife of Silas Crittenden, of Pittsfield, now of Eaton county, Mich .; Jacob C., deceased ; Christian J., who married Miss Ella E. Young, and lives on and owns the old homestead on sec. 28; Nancy J., who married F. W. Horner, of Augusta; Benjamin D., who married Miss Emily Moore, and resides in Ypsilanti tp. ; Eliza A., wife of Thos. A. Moore; John P., who married Miss Edna Haver- land, of Ypsilanti; Clara L., wife of James C. Moore, and lives on sec. 27; and Emily Alice, wife of Robert G. Young. Christian's widow still survives him and lives with her son at the old homestead.

Christian J. Kelly was born Dec. 6, 1839, on sec. 28, Ypsilanti tp. ; he was reared on his father's farm ; in 1861 he made a tour of the Western States, finally locating in Minnesota, where he remained two years. He returned home and finally bought a timbered farm on sec. 27, near the old homestead. On his father's death in 1869 he was appointed administrator of the estate and guardian for his two younger sisters, who were minors. In 1870 he bought the old home- stead of the heirs and furnished a home for his mother and younger sisters, until his sisters were married and had homes of their own. In 1878 he married Ella Young, of the same town. Her parents were pioneers.

Christian J. and wife have 1 child, a son, Herbert J. Kelly. Mr. K. has filled several offices of trust in his tp., among which is Treasurer, two terms, in all these positions discharging his duties faithfully.

John Kennedy (deceased) was born in Ireland, in 1841. When he was 19 years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade, and immediately afterward started for America. He located at Ypsilanti, where he has since worked at his trade. He was married in 1859, to Margaret, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Kelly. Mr. Kennedy was industrious and frugal, and accumulated a goodly amount of prop- erty. He died in 1874, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery. He left a family of 6 children-Sarah E., Mary J., John W., James T., Edward and Anna M.

J. R. Ketchum was born in Wayne county, Mich., in 1833. In 1862 he en- listed in Co. A, 4th Mich. Cav., was attached to the army of the Cumberland, witnessed the capture of Jeff. Davis, and participated in 27 of the most notable engagements ; for meritorious conduct he was promoted from the ranks; at the battle of Sparta he was severely wounded in one of the main arteries; at Cumber- land Gap, also, he was seriously injured. He was honorably discharged at Nash- ville, Tenn., and returned to Wayne county, where he married Rhoda Nichols, and they have had 3 children. Soon after the close of the war he came to Ypsi- lanti, where now he is a dealer in and repairer of saws.

Charles King, sr., merchant, Ypsilanti, was born at London, Eng., Sept. 12, 1823, and emigrated with his father, George R. King, to America, in 1833. In 1837 they came to Ypsilanti, Mich., and established the firm of Geo. R. King & Son, with a general stock of merchandise. They continued in business until the death of the elder Mr. King, in 1849. Mr. King then formed a co-partnership with his brother, E. King, which relation continued until 1867. Mr. King then purchased his brother's interest, and in 1873, admitted his son, Charles E., into the business as an equal partner. Mr. King was married in 1850 to Susan Sewell, a daughter of Benjamin Sewell, of Ann Arbor. They have 2 children-Charles

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E., jr., a graduate of the University of Michigan, and member of the Board of Education of Ypsilanti, and Susan, wife of J. H. Worthy, of Jackson Mich.

Hon. Edward King, of Ypsilanti tp., was born in London, Eng., in the year 1830. In 1833 his parents came to America, and located in New York, where they remained until 1837. In that year they removed to what is now the city of Ypsilanti, Mich., where his father engaged in the grocery business. In Ypsilanti Mr. King received his education. When he was 21 years of age he engaged in the grocery business with his brother, C. King, which he followed until 1867. He then purchased a farm near Ypsilanti, which he has lived on since that time. In 1880 he was elected a member of the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket. During the session of 1880-'81 he served on the committees on religious and benevolent associations, State public school at Coldwater, and local taxation. In 1854 he was married to Miss Julia A. Palmer, of Ypsilanti, a daughter of Hon. John Palmer, of Plattsburg, N. Y. To them have been born 3 sons and 1 daughter. Of these children the daughter has died. Mr. King is a man interested in all movements for the public good and welfare. Unassuming in manner, cour- teous to all, he has won the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends

A. F. Kinne, M. A., M. D., one of the much respected citizens of Ypsilanti, was born in Vermont, April 13, 1813, and is a son of Nathan Kinne (deceased), who was a farmer and pioneer of Caledonia, Vt. Dr. Kinne was educated at Dartmouth College, where he received the degrees of M. A. and M. D. He first practiced his profession at Jaffrey, Vt., from 1840 to 1850, and in the latter year came to Ypsilanti, Mich., where he resumed his practice. From 1856 to 1862, he was connected with Kinne & Smith, druggists, and in the latter year, sold his interest to his partner, J. F. Smith. Mr. Kinne has served one term as Mayor, and as a member of the Board of Education for nine years. He was married in 1840, to Susan O. Smith, of Hanover, N. H., a daughter of N. H. Smith, who came to Michi- gan in 1878, at the age of 97 years. Two children were born to this union, 1 of whom is living-Laura A., wife of Lucius W. Mills, of Ypsilanti. William B. is deceased. Mrs. Kinne died in December 1859 and in 1862, Dr. Kinne married Jen- nie S. Bristol, of Jonesville, Mich. They have 3 children-Florence B., Genevieve and Edmund P.

William Klein was born in Freedom tp., Washtenaw county. His parents, Peter and Mary (McDelaney) Klein, settled in Michigan, when it was a Territory ; the former assisted in the construction of the M. C. R. R., and now resides at Sa- line. William lived with his parents until he was 25 years of age, when he bought land on sec. 24, Superior tp. In 1864, he located at Ypsilanti, where he owns a fine residence on Mill street. Mr. Klein learned the blacksmith's trade when quite young. He was instrumental in raising men for the late war. In 1867 he married Mary Renner. They have 3 children, 1 daughter and 2 sons, who reside at home.

R. E. Knapp, M. D., Ypsilanti, was born in the town of Salem, Washtenaw county, April 1, 1844. His parents were Myrom E. and Amanda (Hall) Knapp. His father is yet living in Salem. Dr. Knapp received his literary education in the common schools of his native town, until he was 20 years old, when he came to Yp- silanti. When 17 years of age he began the study of medicine under Dr. Franck, of Salem. At the age of 22 he entered the medical department of Michigan Uni- versity, from which he graduated in 1868. He then began to practice at Ypsilanti. In 1869 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and entered the Homeopathic Medical College, from which he graduated in 1870. He then came back to this city, where he prac- ticed until 1872, when he went to Fentonville, Mich. In 1877 he again returned to Ypsilanti, where he has since continued to practice. He makes a specialty of fe- male and chronic diseases, in which he has a large practice. His education is the result of his own exertions. In 1868 there was organized in Michigan University by some of the students, a Hahneman Medical Society. This society numbered about 20 members, of which Dr. K. was one. This society was the means of organ- izing a homeopathic medical department in the University. It is the intention of the doctor to perfect himself in surgery. He is a member of Phoenix Lodge F. & A. M., of this city. In 1870 he was married to Miss Delila Wheeler, of Ypsi- lantı. To them have been born 3 sons and 1 daughter, all of whom are living.

Orville Knickerbocker was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1811. In his youth he learned the cooper's trade, and while a resident of New York, was married to Elizabeth Coats. Shortly after he removed to Cincinnati, O., thence to Mackinaw, Mich., where he remained for two years. In 1841 he located at Ann Arbor, and

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secured employment with James Jones, a well known cooper of that city. In 1848 he removed to Ypsilanti, and a few years after built a comfortable residence and a cooper shop, where for several years he manufactured tight work which found a ready sale at Detroit.

Alonzo Koyl, keeper of a restaurant and hotel, established in 1879, has a first- class patronage, and in stock a full line of confection, cigars and tobacco, etc. Mr. Koyl is a native of Canada, born in 1814, and came to Washtenaw county in 1854, grew up in the county and married Miss Elvira Fulton, of Indiana. He is one of the most substantial citizens of Ypsilanti, and for two years served as Deputy Marshal.

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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 133

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