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 141
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Stephen Mills, farmer and fruit-grower, was born at Dover, Morris Co., N. J., Aug. 11, 1809. His parents were Daniel H. and Joanna Mills, the former a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and the latter a native of New Jersey. They came to this county in 1835, locating on sec. 7, Pittsfield tp., a tract of land now owned by David Depue. In 1848 Mrs. Mills died, and six years later Mr. Mills sold his farm, and has since made his home with his son, Stephen. Mr. Mills came to this county in 1833, and bought a tract of land in Manchester tp. (now known as the " Van Winkle farm"), and returned to New York the same year. In the spring of 1836 he came once more to the county, and made a permanent settlement on sec. 6, Pittsfield tp., where he has since resided. Mr. Mills learned the brick-mason's trade before leaving New York, and followed that occupation until 1865. Since then he has devoted his time and attention to farming and the raising of small fruits, making a specialty of three kinds-blackberry, strawberry and raspberry. He was married Sept. 21, 1839, to Clemme McKnight, born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Feb. 6, 1820. They have 7 children, all boys-George .B., James, C. E., F. E., M. H., Charles and Fred A. James E. was a soldier in Co. H., 8th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. C. E. enlisted in Co. H, 20th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and served till the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the M. E. Church.
Gilbert M. Monroe, a native of Washtenaw county, was born Jan. 15, 1842, and is a son of Alexander and Huldah (Smalley) Monroe, natives of New Jersey. They came to this county from Seneca county, N. Y., in 1836, and located on sec. 8, Lodi tp. Mr. Monroe was a carpenter, and worked at his trade until death severed his connection with the world. He died July 2, 1850; his widow is still surviving, at the ripe old age of 75 years. Gilbert M. was raised on a farm, and in 1861 enlisted, with his brother, in Co. H., 20th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., participating in many serious engagements, receiving at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, a wound in the right arm, which deprived him of further service for some time. He was discharged at Detroit Dec. 4, 1864. He returned home and began farming. In 1866 the old homestead was sold, and Mr. Monroe located in Saline tp., remaining there eight years, serving threc of them as Commissioner of Highways. In 1874 he located in Pittsfield tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and operating a dairy in conjunction with his brother-in-law, George E. Waterman. This last business he finds very profitable. He was married Sept. 19, 1866, to Parmelia E. Waterman, who was born in Ann Arbor city Dec. 24, 1843. Their children are 3 in number-Jennie A., Nellie A. and Noble E. Mr. Monroe has been very successful in a financial way.
Samuel A. Morgan was born in Washtenaw county April 6, 1850. His parents were Samuel A. and Aurora Morgan, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New York. They were married at Avon, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 12,
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1834. where they resided until 1840, at which time they removed to this county, and located on sec. 15, Pittsfield tp. Mr. Morgan was engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred December, 1875. He was buried at Forest Hill cemetery, Ann Arbor. Mrs. Morgan's parents were Charles and Anna Fanning, natives of Connecticut. Samuel A. is one of a family of 6 children, all surviving. The others are Franklin, Joanna, Ansil, Francis and Emily. He bought the homestead farm, comprising 171 acres, and resides there with his aged mother. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and politically is Repub- lican.
Richard Moses (deceased) was born in New Hartford, Conn., July 16, 1812, and was married to Rachel Norton, who was born Dec. 31, 1815. Nine children were born to them, 7 of whom are living. Mr. Moses was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Pittsfield tp, which occupation he followed until his death, which occurred July 28, 1860. She resides with her son, Lucius, on 85 acres of valuable land. She is a consistent member of the M. E. Church.
George Nissle was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 26, 1826, and is a son of Simon and Gottlieben Nissle. He emigrated to America in company with his father in 1847, and settled in Bridgewater tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich., where his father still resides. George removed to Saline village in 1871, and three years later located on his present farm. He was married December, 1850, to Catherine Rheinfrank, a native of Germany. Six children were born to bless this union, 2 of whom survive-Louise and Catherine. Mrs. Nissle died Oct. 29, 1859. On March 15, 1860, Mr. Nissle was married to Mary Voght. There were 10 chil- dren born to this marriage, 7 of whom are living-William, Mary, Daniel, Charles, Clara, Eddie and Samuel. Mr. Nissle is a prominent farmer of Pitts- field tp., and owns 180 acres of valuable land.
Levi E. Olds was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1813. His parents were Hanford and Anna Olds, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut respect- ively, and of English descent. They removed to Monroe county when Levi was eight years of age, where he resided until 1836. At this latter period Levi came to Washtenaw county, and farmed land on shares until 1844, when he bought a tract of land in sec. 1, Pittsfield tp., but sold it soon after, and bought his present farm of 80 acres, which he has greatly improved. Jan. 5, 1876, he married Sarah C. Farwell, born in Hancock Co., Me., Dec. 2, 1842, and daughter of Samuel S. and Elvira Farwell. Soon after their marriage Mr. Olds erected a fine residence, the plan of the rooms being arranged by his wife, and they live in almost princely style. Mr. Olds was in limited circumstances upon his arrival in this county, but success has favored his industrial efforts, and he has accumulated quite a competency.
Roswell Parsons is a native of Washtenaw county, and was born Dec. 17, 1839. His parents, Philo and Sarah Parsons, are natives of Connecticut, and settled in this county about the year 1825. They resided in Pittsfield tp. for many years, but now live in Ypsilanti. Roswell was reared to manhood on a farm, and has followed that vocation through life. He was educated in the common schools of this county, and April 17, 1866, married Zilpha Matteson, who was born in Ann Arbor, July 14, 1838. The fruit of this union has been the birth of 2 children -Sarah A. and Fred P. Mr. Parsons is the happy possessor of 80 acres of well- improved land in sec. 13. His P. O. address is Ypsilanti.
Roswell Preston .- The following sketch of Roswell Preston (deceased), a prom- inent pioneer of "fair Washtenaw," was written by Jacob Preston, and read before the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County, at its meeting in Saline, Dec. 5, 18-, by his son, Henry M. Preston :
RoswellPreston, a member of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County, died March 25, 1877, in the township of Pittsfield, aged 7212 years. Deceased was born in the tp. of Hampton, Windham county, State of Connecticut, Oct. 2, 1804, of parents from Puritan ancestors, who were among the pioneer settlers of the State of Connecticut, and who had shared in the Indian conflicts with the New England colonies; also in the war for the independence of the United States. His ancestors on both sides were farmers; and he first saw the light on a homestead that had been in the family possession four generations. He worked with his father on the farm until he was 18 years of age, and then engaged as apprentice in the woolen manufacturing business in that State, and continued in that business until 1830; then went to the State of Ohio, where he was turned over in a stage, breaking his collar bone and otherwise injuring him. After his recovery he continued to work at the factory business in Ohio until 1832, when he came by horse team with his
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father through Sandusky to Monroe, and by Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor, where his elder brother lived at that time. He and his father (Roswell Preston, sr.) bought lands near each other in the town of Freedom, the father beginning to make im- provements the same season. In the fall of 1832 Roswell Preston, jr., returned to the State of Ohio, and worked at the manufacturing business until the summer of '34, when he came to Michigan with a horse and a small drove of young cattle to commence on his new farm in Freedom.
The beautiful scenery of the wilds of the State of Michigan seemed to inspire in him energy and perseverance. Although money and provisions were scarce, yet in the midst of unremitting toil this hardy pioneer strove with anxious look beaming with hope, and trusting in Providence for a brighter future. and builded for himself a log house upon his lands, and commenced improvements immediately. He toiled upon his farm to make comfortable and happy a pioneer home until 1837, when he was married, in the town of Lima. in this county, to Miss Frances Hurlbut, who had recently come into Michigan from his native State, Connecticut. He lived on his farm in the tp. of Freedom until 1845, when he sold it to a German and bought the same year and removed upon the farm now in possession of his family, where he spent the remainder of his days, and where he improved the farm and built one of those beautiful rural homes so often met with in that part of the county. A wise and very commendable part of his life was devoted to training and educating his children to science, labor and culture; qualifying them for either a higher or retired walk in life. Surrounded by the beautiful home and estimable family, the infirmities of age and disease overtook him, but suffering little from pain, calmly and peacefully life seemed ebbing, and they said to him, "You are taking leave of us; what do you wish to say to us?" " God has been good to me and spared my life to a good old age; I would like to stay a little longer with you," and quietly, like going to sleep, his spirit took its flight, closing a life that was full of years and well spent. He deemed a life conscious of righteousness, truth and kindness to the needy and suffering, of greater value than sentiment and zeal that may glitter with the multitude and fail in a trying time. He sought not a showy or brilliant life, but a useful one, and endeared himself to many by kindness without reference to rank or grade of society, and he is said to have been familiar with passengers on that mysterious Underground railroad. Peace be to his ashes, and useful lives and a bright future to his family.
George Read, son of William and Mary Read, was born in Buckinghamshire, Eng, Sept. 19, 1842. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1842, locating in Pittsfield tp., where he grew to manhood. His parents now reside in Living- ston county. They had born to them 8 children, 7 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Read was married Dec. 19, 1868, to Mary J. Farnill, and 3 children have been born to them-Nellie M., Carrie S. and Anna L. Mrs. Read was born in this county May 20, 1848. Mr. Read is engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns 133 acres of valuable land on sec. 15.
Charles W. Rose, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Ann Arbor; is a life resident of this county, and was born Oct. 25, 1853. His father, John Rose, was a native of Eng- land, and his mother, Jane V. Rose, of Canadian nativity. They now reside at Ann Arbor. Mr. Rose was married March 15, 1877, to Francis Yates, born in Monroe county, N. Y, March 11, 1854, and daughter of Stephen and Harriet Yates, who came to this county in 1854, and now reside at Ypsilanti. One child has been sent to bless this union-Horra. Mr. Rose is farming the old homestead which comprises 105 acres of choice land.
J. C. Rouse, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Pittsfield tp., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1818. His parents, Henry and Beda (West) Rouse, emigrated from New York to Michigan in 1830, locating on sec. 7, Pitts- field tp, where they resided until 1854. Mr. Rouse came to this county when the clicking of the mower and reaper were things of the future, and well remem- bers going with his father to see the first one brought into the county. It was "' imported " from Clinton, Monroe Co., in 1845. Mr. Rouse purchased from Allen Crittenden the first machine used in the immediate vicinity of his farm. He was married March 28, 1843, to Caroline Hurlbert, a worthy member of the Baptist Church. Her parents were early settlers of Lodi tp., locating there in 1828. Of the 7 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rouse, 5 are living-Everett C., Lucy A., Mattie C., Preston H. and Rawson B.
P. H. Rouse was born in Washtenaw county May 1, 1832. His parents, Henry and Beda Rouse, were natives of New York, and emigrated to the county in 1830,
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locating in Pittsfield tp. Mrs. Rouse died, and in 1855 Mr. Rouse removed to Min- nesota, and followed her to the tomb the next year. P. H. was reared on a farm, and received a common school-education. He was married June 26, 1856, to Flor- ence Bell, a native of Albany, N. Y., where she was born July 18, 1835. Seven children were sent to this couple-Belden, Elmer E., Howard M., Winthrop B., Myrtle B., Charlotte and Roscoe R. Mr. Rouse is a farmer and a stock-raiser on sec. 32.
Grove Saunders was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 5, 1815, and was a son of James and Betsey Saunders, natives of Grafton Co., N. H., and of English ancestry. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of his native State. In 1836 he visited Michigan, and in his travels spent a few days in Washtenaw county. He was well pleased with his view, and in 1839 returned to this State and settled in Ypsilanti, where he resided some 20 years, 15 years of that time being spent working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, and the remainder at farming. In 1859 he sold his farm, comprising 100 acres, and bought a farm of 240 acres in sec. 13, Pittsfield tp., where he has since lived, and carried on farming and stock-raising. Jan. 17, 1850, he was married to Cynthia W. Bal- lard. a native of Vermont, where she was born Dec. 1, 1814. Mr. Saunders is a worthy and enterprising citizen, and well deserves the success which he has achieved.
Chipman Smith was born at Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass., March 29, 1817, and was a son of Lucius and Lucretia (Cranson) Smith, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Mr. Smith learned the use of steam and the "art" of operating an engine, and six years of his early manhood was engaged as engineer at Green- field. From that town he went to Conway, Mass., where he found .employment in a cutlery manufactory, and labored there until ill health compelled him to re- linquish his trade. He decided to engage in some other business, and accordingly went to farming in 1861. In 1875 he came to Washtenaw county and settled in Ann Arbor, where he resided two years. At the expiration of that time he located on his present farm in Pittsfield tp. He was married at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., October, 1850, to Mary Williams, a native of Rutland Co., Vt. They have 1 child-Lucius, who is in attendance at the Ann Arbor high school. Mrs. Smith learned the milliner's trade in the East, and has worked at her trade in Ann Arbor the greater part of each year since her residence in the county. She finds this busi- ness very remunerative.
Edward L. J. Smith, a life resident of Washtenaw county, was born July 14, 1841. His parents, Thomas and Anna Smith, were natives of England, and emi- grated to America in 1833, locating in Ontario county, N.Y, where they resided four years, and subsequently in Washtenaw county, in 1837. The father died in Pittsfield tp., April 3, 1880, and was buried in Forest Hill cemetery, at Ann Arbor. He was an earnest Christian, and a faithful member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Smith was also a member of the Methodist Church, and died Oct. 26, 1878, in the firm belief of a blissful immortality. Edward grew to manhood on a farm, and Jan. 30, 1873, married Annie M. Sollitt, a native of Yorkshire, England, where she was born July 11, 1847. Two children are the fruit of this union-Lois S. and Berenice S. Mrs. Smith is a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Smith has been elected Township Treasurer, and is a leading farmer of that section. He owns 160 acres of land.
James F. Smith, proprietor wood yard, Ann Arbor, was born in Yorkshire, England, Sept. 11, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Ann Smith, emigrated to Washtenaw county in 1837, and to Pittsfield tp. the following year. James F. received a common-school education, and was married, Nov. 25, 1858, to Sophia T. Norgate, a native of Pittsfield tp., where she was born in 1837. Six boys have been given them-Walter D., Austin, George E., Alonzo T., James N. and Stephen T. Mr. Smith, in connection with his farming, has operated a threshing-machine for over 23 years. He has filled the offices of Treasurer and Commissioner of High- ways in Pittsfield tp.
Stephen Smith (deceased) was born at Ridgefield, Fairfield county, Conn., Aug. 1, 1804, and was the son of Amos and Sarah Smith. Mr. Smith learned the cabi- net-maker's trade before he reached his majority, at Milford, Conn., and then went to New Haven, where he was employed in the manufacture of organs. He eventually became a full partner in this business, continuing there until 1839. He then returned to New York, and purchased a farm near his native town, where he resided until 1853. At this latter period he emigrated to Washtenaw county,
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and located on sec. 29, Pittsfield tp., where he lived engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Jan. 26, 1879. He was married Dec. 31, 1831, to Mrs. Mar- cia Noble, a native of Milford, Conn., where she was born Dec. 11, 1808. Five children were born to them, 4 of whom are living-Harriet E., Franklin W., Ben- jamin and Cornelia F. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Congregational Church.
T. J. Smurthwaite, a native of this county, was born Oct. 18, 1844. He is a son of Thomas and Ann Smurthwaite, the former of whom emigrated to America in 1842, and settled in Pittsfield tp. the same year. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred Nov. 28, 1848. Ten years previous to his demise he was engaged in ministerial labors, being connected with the M. E. Church. In 1852 Mrs. S. removed to Illinois, and departed this life in La Salle county Aug. 22, 1859. T. J. has been a resident of Washtenaw county all his life, with the exception of six years spent in Illinois. He served four years in Co. K, 2d Ill. Light Artillery. On his return from the army he located on his present farm, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married March 30, 1869, to Martha L. Marriott, born in this county June 14, 1844. They have 1 child-Nettie A. Mr. Smurthwaite is serving his second term as Clerk of Pittsfield tp. He owns 175 acres of valuable land.
D. Sutherland was born in Ontario county, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1830. He is a son of Langford and Lydia Sutherland, who came to Washtenaw county in June, 1833. Mr. Sutherland was reared on a farm, and has followed that occupation through life. He resides on 153 acres of land, on sec. 29, formerly a portion of the old homestead. He was married May 20, 1858, to Sarah J. Lewis, a native of Oneida county, N. Y., where she was born July 27, 1837. Mr. Sutherland has never participated in public affairs, nor aspired for political honors, but is a man who has pursued the just and honorable vocation of a farmer, and therefore is not as conspicuous as other men would have been under the circumstances.
Langford Sutherland (deceased) was born in Ontario county, N. Y., in 1802. There he was educated and passed his early life. In 1832 he came to this county, locating in the town of Pittsfield, where he lived until his death in 1865. When he came West he brought with him his wife and 2 children. Of his family 8 chil- dren are yet living, and all but 1 in this county. Mrs. Sutherland with 2 of these children still lives on the old homestead. Mr. Sutherland was a member of the Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, of which he was a prominent member.
Tobias Sutherland was born in this county Nov. 29, 1842, and is a son of Lang- ford and Lydia Sutherland. He was reared on a farm, educated in the publ c schools, and Dec. 6, 1871, married Josephine Kanouse, a native of this county, and born Feb. 19, 1850. Two children have been born to them-Ernest and Bessie. Mr. Sutherland never aspired to political honors, but has followed agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life. His parents were early settlers in Washte- naw county, coming here in 1833, where the father died in 1865. The mother still survives and resides with her son Tobias, at the advanced age of 75 years They witnessed many of the vicissitudes and privations of life, and are well worthy to be numbered with the noble band of pioneers who first turned the virgin soil in Washtenaw county. Mr. Sutherland has been a member of the Baptist Church for very many years.
John Tate, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Pittsfield tp., was born in Livingston county, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1814. His parents, Thomas and Rebecca Tate, were natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to New York between the years 1804 and 1808, where they resided until 1831, at which time they emigrated to Michi- gan, locating at Tecumseh. They remained there one year, and becoming dissat- isfied with their new home, they loaded their effects into wagons and hauled them to Detroit. While waiting for a steamer to carry the goods back to New York, Mr. Tate met a party of friends who advised him to return, and "try again." They finally persuaded him to do so, and he then came to Washtenaw county, locating on sec. 36, Lodi tp., where he resided, engaged in farming, until his death, which occurred in January, 1845. His widow followed him in 1875, at the advanced age of 93 years. John Tate gained his majority in Lodi tp., where he lived until 1840. He then removed to Pittsfield tp., where he has since re- sided. He was married Jan. 19, 1837, to Nancy S. Smith, who was born in Mon- roe county, N. Y., about 1817. Four children have been born to them-Jerome, Sarah Ann, Margaret and Adelaide. Mr. Tate has served the citizens of the tp. in several local offices, and owns 240 acres of valuable land.
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Giles W. Ticknor (deceased) was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., May 18, 1818. His parents, Heman and Eliza Ticknor, were natives of Salisbury, Conn., and emigrated to this county in 1836. They located on sec. 3, Pittsfield tp, where they lived the remainder of their lives. The father died March 2, 1848, and the mother July 4, 1856. Giles W. wasjoined in the bonds of holy wedlock to Louisa J. Douglas, April 9, 1844. Mrs. Ticknor was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., May 20, 1826, and was a daughter of Darius and Sarah Douglas, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New York. They came to this county in 1835. Mr. Douglas died at Ann Arbor in 1868. Mrs. Douglas died October, 1843, at the age of 46 years. Three children were born to Mr and Mrs. Ticknor, all deceased. Their son, Luther, who died Feb. 9, 1878, aged 32 years, was the only one who married. On Jan. 27, 1867, he married Louisa Allerton, born in Essex county, Eng., May 12, 1845, and daughter of Archibald and Mary A. Aller- ton. Her parents came to America in the autumn of 1848. The children born to Luther and Louisa were 5 in number-Frank H., Mary E., Jua M , Lois E. and Ellen L. Mrs. Luther Ticknor is a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Giles WV. Ticknor resides on the farm where her parents first located in 1835.
John W. Van Valkenburgh, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Ypsilanti ; was born in Onon- daga Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1850. His parents, Lawrence and Sarah, still reside in Monroe county, where John W. was reared to manhood. He was educated in the common schools and at the Homer Academy in Cortland, N. Y. He left school at the age of 18, and secured employment as a clerk in the mercantile trade. He was engaged in the cattle business until 1875, at which time he came to Washtenaw county, and has since been engaged in farming. Oct. 30, 1873, he married Minnie Michels, who was born in Germany Feb. 13, 1851. Three chil- dren are the fruit of this alliance-Florence E., Rose E., and L. H. Mr. V. owns 100 acres of good tillable land. His brother, Arba S., is pursuing a thorough course of study in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor.
O. L. Warner was born in Ontario Co., N.Y., July 1, 1814. His parents, Oliver and Lucinda Warner, were natives of Massachusetts, and in 1825, while Mr. War- ner was on a visit to his native place, he was struck by lightning and instantly killed. His remains were taken to Ontario county for interment. His widow survived him some 30 years. O. L. was reared on a farm, and received his educa- tional training in the " subscription schools " of Ontario county. He was married Oct. 9, 1834, to Mary Ann Phelps, a native of Ontario county, where she was born Jan. 5, 1817. Six children were the fruit of this marriage, 4 of whom are living -C. C., William C., Eva and Mary L. Soon after Mr. Warner was married he moved to Orleans county, and a year after to this county, locating in Lodi tp. in 1837, where he resided seven years; he then removed to Pittsfield tp., where he has since resided. Mr. Warner has followed agricultural pursuits through life, and now makes a specialty of breeding Cottswold sheep, of which he owns a fine drove. His farm consists of 155 acres of well-improved land.
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