History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 143

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 143

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Sereno Bassett, farmer, sec. 24, Lodi tp., was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1833, and is a son of Ira and Marcena (Hunt) Bassett, natives of New York. In 1838 Mr. B. came with his parents to this county, where he was reared and educated. Dec. 3, 1857, he married Lucy Fish, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1836, and daughter of Charles and Lorinda (Bliss) Fish. Of their 7 chil- dren, 6 are living-Emmett, Frederick, Frank, Charles, Merritt and Elmer. Ira is deceased. Mr. Bassett is engaged in farming a piece of 185 acres of richly cul- tivated land. He is of English ancestry, and votes with the Republican party.

Albert Blaess, one of the leading German citizens of Lodi tp., was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, June 21, 1846. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the University of Switzerland, the subject of chemistry being the principal feature of his study. In 1864 he came to America, and for a number of years served in the U S. Navy. After leaving the sea he came West and settled in this county where he has resided since, engaged in farming. In December, 1868, he married Catherine, a daughter of Ginder and Anna Baumgartner, natives of Germany, who emigrated to this county about 1845. This marriage was blessed with 4 children -- Charles, Gristaff, Emma and Meda. Mr. B. owns quite an extensive tract of valuable land.

Leopold Blaess was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, June 27, 1831, son of Chas. B. and Julia (Orth) Blaess. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the University of Switzerland. For four years he was employed as clerk in a store, and in 1850 emigrated to America. He was engaged in mining in Pennsylvania for some time, but in 1856 came westward, and was charmed with the advantages offered in [the soil and climate of this county. He located on a piece of land which forms a portion of his present homestead. Aug. 6, 1856, he married Mery Visel, born in Remmingsheim, Germany, in 1835, daughter of Christian Visel, who emigrated to America in 1852. They have 11 children-Julius, Charles, Robert, Willie, Oscar, Otto, Herman, Mary, Emma, Bertie and Julia. Mr. Blaess owns a farm of 243 acres, situated on sections 12 and 13, and valued at $80 per acre. He is Clerk of Lodi tp.

Em L. Brainard, Vice-President of the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County for Lodi tp., was born at Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1821. His parents, Dudley and Joicy (Diver) Brainard, were natives of Vermont, where the former

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died in 1829, leaving his wife in very limited circumstances. Eri was only a boy at the time of his father's death, and for some years bravely filled his father's place as well as he was able. He received but a limited education, and in 1833 went to Rockdale, Pa., and in 1837 to Vernon, Ohio, where he remained until 1840. He then returned to New York, where he received a sum of money willed to him. He emigrated from New York to Michigan, locating near "Saline Reserve." He lived in this latter place until March, 1878, when he sold his farm and purchased property in Saline village, where he resides at present. He was married May 6, 1852 to Ruth Guiett, born in England, Nov. 19, 1829, and emi- grated with her parents to America at eight years of age. One child-Flora Ruth, born June 1, 1853-was the result of this union. Mrs. Brainard died June 6, 1853, and on Sept. 15, 1858, Mr. B. married Nancy A. Smith, daughter of Ozias A. and Hannah (Lamb) Smith. Three children were born to this marriage, 2 of whom are living-William F. and Grant E. Callie I. (deceased) was born Aug. 14, 1859, and died Aug. 12, 1877.

Calvin T. Burnett (deceased), whose portrait we give on p. 311, was born at De Kalb, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., Nov. 14, 1824. When seven years old he moved with his parents to Livingston county, Mich, where he remained until 1841, when he removed to this county. His early life was passed in agricultural pursuits, and he received his education in the common schools. December 30, 1847, he was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock to Ann Eliza Booth, born in Wash- tenaw county, Dec. 4, 1829, and a daughter of Virgil and Rhoda Booth. This marriage was blessed with 8 children, 6 of whom are living-George F., married to Emily Kettle ; Martha J., wife of Mark Webster ; Calvin V., married to Laura Stevens; Anna R., Louisa D., Walter B. Mr. Burnett departed this life Nov. 26, 1876. Mrs. B.'s father, Virgil Booth, was born at Campbell Hall, N. Y., March 7, 1803. His ancestry is traced back to " Revolutionary times," when three brothers named Booth emigrated from England to America, one of whom settled on Long Island, from whence, it is supposed, sprang this present family. Mr. B. located in this county in 1826. He was married in November, 1829, to Rhoda Burgess, by whom he had 7 children, all daughters-Aon Eliza, Mary E., wife of J. H. Hicks ; Martha O., wife of Frank Herbert; Lois D., wife of Albert Wheeler; Rachel M., wife of Frank Hurlbert; Rhoda E., wife of Oscar Phelps. Phoebe J. is deceased. After a long siege of pioneer life and labors, Mr. Booth was laid away till Gabriel's trum- pet will bid him rise and taste of the joys of the great everlasting.

James Caplin, farmer, was born in Canada, May 29, 1835. His parents, John and Jane Caplin, were natives of England, and emigrated to America in 1832, settling in Canada, where James was born and reared to manhood. He received his education in the schools of the Dominion. Nov. 2, 1852, he was married to Martha Meyer, daughter of John and Anna Meyer, who were natives of Switzer- land, emigrating to Canada, where Martha was born, Jan. 19, 1835. To this union 6 children have been born-Anna, wife of John Redaway ; John. Rosena, Maria, James and Carrie. Mr. C. came to this county in 1864, and settled in Lodi tp., where he at present resides, and owns 130 acres of choice land. Has been a farmer all his life.

James H. Clough, farmer, was born in Lancashire, England, Sept. 30, 1827. His parents were Josiah and Mary Clough, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1842 and stopped in New York city, where James H. worked with his father at wagon-making till the latter died. James continued at this business till 1854, when he removed to this county, and has since followed farming. His farm is located on secs. 27 and 28, and consists of 145 acres. On Dec. 2, 1849, he married Margaret E. Blum, born Aug. 6, 1830, and daughter of Philip and Mary M. Blum. To this alliance 11 children were born, 10 of whom are living- William H., Mary E, wife of John Groff; Jacob J., James, George, Charles, Elmer C., Frederick, Edwin and Nelson L.

Randolph Davis (deceased) was born near Princeton, N. J., Aug. 29, 1798. At an early age he went to Seneca Co., N. Y., where he passed his youth, and was educated. Oct. 10, 1821 he married Mary Geddes. There were 9 children born to them, 7 of whom are living-John G., George A., Martin L., Mary J., Charles M., Randolph and Hannah A. Henry and David are deceased. In 183-, Mr. Davis came to Washtenaw county, and purchased 160 acres of land at Govern- ment rates, a yoke of oxen, and a cow. Thus he started in life in this county, but by honesty, integrity and goaheaditiveness he became the possessor of consider- able property. He died Jan. 10, 1872, at the advanced age of 74 years. He was

UNION SCHOOL SALINE, MICH.

UNION SCHOOL MANCHESTER.

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LODI TOWNSHIP.

mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Another pioneer has left this shore, to dwell in that bright forevermore. Mrs. Davis still survives at the age of 82. She resides on the old homestead consisting of 240 acres. Very clear and vivid are the recollections of her mind of those pioneer days when a log cabin was their earthly home, and their nearest neighbors bands of roving Indians.

Milan Glover (deceased) was born at Phelps, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1811. He was reared on a farm, and educated at Geneva College, Geneva, N. Y. In 1830 he came with his parents to this county, and Nov. 12, 1835, he married Lydia M. Lansing, and 2 children were born to them, both deceased. Mrs. Glover died Dec. 30, 1857, and Dec. 23, 1859, Mr. G. married Celinda K., a daughter of Erastus and Eliza- beth Kellogg. To this union 4 children were born-Edward, Frank E., Archie A. M. and Elizabeth E. In 1837 he removed to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where he resided for some time, but finally came back to Washtenaw. On March 8, 1871, he passed to that far beyond, where he awaits the great Judgment Day. At the time of his death, and for many years previous, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His brother, the late Dr. Livingston Glover, of Jacksonville, Ill., was a clergyman of eminence in Illinois, and pastor of the 1st. Presbyterian Church of that city for very many years. Mrs. Glover's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

Egbert P. Harper. farmer, son of Robert and Berthania Harper, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, 1832. In 1835 he was brought by his parents to this county, where he has grown to manhood and received a limited education. On July 22, 1856, he married Mary J. Fellows, born in Washtenaw county, July 2, 1832, and daughter of Festus and Harriet Fellows, natives of Onondaga Co., N. Y. Mr. Harper was Supervisor of Lodi tp. nine years, and officiated as Justice of the Peace for two terms. He owns a farm of 240 acres, valued at $75 per acre, and devotes a large share of his time to raising Spanish Merino sheep.

Jacob H. Hicks is one of the more prominent citizens of Lodi tp. He was born at Fayette, Seneca Co., N. Y., July 3, 1824. He is a son of James S. and Sarah (Dubois) Hicks, the former born Jan. 28, 1788, in Dutchess Co., N. Y., and the latter born Dec. 26, 1795, at Marbleton, Ulster Co., N. Y. Mr. Hicks was reared on a farm and obtained his educational training in the common schools of his native State. May 15, 1851, he married Mary E. Booth, born in Washtenaw county Feb. 16, 1830, and a daughter of Virgil and Rhoda Booth, the former settling in this county in 1826. To this union 7 children were born, 6 of whom are living- Charles V., Mary E., wife of David M. De Tarr, a physician of Boone, Iowa, James F., Rhoda M., Lillie J. and Carrie B. William Alfred is deceased. Mr. H. owns a farm of 360 acres, located on secs. 12 and 13, and covered with numerous buildings and a fine brick residence. In politics he is a Republican, and also a member of the Masonic order in the chapter. Mr. Hicks' father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died Nov. 1, 1870, at Hillsdale, Mich., aged 82. His wife followed him Nov. 23, 1873, at the age of 75. Mr. Hicks' grandfather served in the Revolu- tionary war, holding an official position under Gen. Washington.

Comstock F. Hill, farmer, sec. 24, Lodi tp, was born in Massachusetts June 27, 1835. His parents, Fitch and Eliza Hill, came to this county in 1837 and located at Ann Arbor, but in 1855 removed to Lodi tp., where they passed their last days upon this earth. Comstock F. was raised a "farmer's boy," and Oct. 10, 1865, he married Lydia Benton, born in this county in 1842. She died May 10, 1875, leav- ing 3 children-Ernest, Ada and Theodore. Mrs. Hill was a member of the Con- gregational Church for 20 years. Mr. H. officiates as Justice of the Peace, and attends to settling up of real-estate matters. He resides on a good farm, and politi- cally is a Democrat. His grandfather served as a private soldier in the Revolution- ary war. As a representative citizen of Washtenaw county, we give Mr. Hill's portrait in this work, on page 913.

Abraham Hirth, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Ann Arbor; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 7, 1822. His parents, John G. and Barbara Hirth, emigrated with their family to America in 1835. They located in Washtenaw county, where Abraham grew to manhood, and his educational advantages were limited to the common schools, and he was frequently deprived of even attending these. In No- vember, 1847, he married Dortha Wellman, and 10 children were born to them, 8 of whom are living-Frederick, Simon, Henry, Emanuel, Ernest, Louisa, Anna and Julius. Mrs. Hirth died May 2, 1877, being a member of the Lutheran Church for many years, as is also Mr. Hirth. Mr. Hirth is the happy possessor of

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a farm of 280 acres on secs. 7 and 8, valued at $75 per acre, and all the fruits of his individual toil and labor. He believes the principles adopted by the Republican party. His uncle, John Hirth, served in the French army under Napoleon Bona- parte.

Simon F. Hirth, farmer, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 27, 1827. He came with his parents to America in 1835. He never attended school where the English language was taught, but learned it by his own personal efforts, and with scarcely any assistance from others. He takes considerable interest in English literature. On July 17, 1852, he married Dortha Niethammer, and 8 children have been born to them, 6 of whom are living-Anna C., Henry M., John G., Simon F., Ernest E. and Albert J. Mrs. Hirth was born in Germany July 10, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Hirth are members of the German Lutheran Church. He owns 354 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre, and in politics adopts the princi- ples of the Republican party.

Mrs. Phoebe L. (Fellows) Hunt, one of the few remaining pioneer mothers of this county, was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., Jan. 5, 1801. When about three years of age, her parents removed to Onondaga county, where she grew to womanhood, and then married Timothy W. Hunt, who was born in Connecticut, in 1799. The date of this union was in February, 1825. In 1828, Mr. Hunt went westward and located land on secs. 26 and 35, Lodi tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich., and then went back after his family. With his wife and little daughter, Mr. Hunt came to his new home in the month of July, and began the struggle for existence in this Western country. In a short time Mr. Hunt and 1 child were taken with the fever, but soon recovered. In 1827 Mr. Hunt went to Syracuse, N. Y,, on business, and returned after a few months' visit. Their 2 daughters were members of the Baptist Church, and when called up higher, left this world with a firm trust in Him who rules the Heaven and the earth. Mrs. Hunt was stricken with paralysis, and while paying his individual attentions to his noble wife, Mr. Hunt was afflicted with a wasting and painful sickness, and was soon laid to rest amid the scenes of his life and triumphs in these Western wilds. Mrs. Hunt still remains, and although over 80 years of age, retains her memory to a remarkable degree. Her living descendants are but few in number, comprising 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Rev. L. Klingman, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, Lodi tp., was born in Germany, Sept. 3, 1833, son of Stephen and Margaret Klingman. Mr. K. was reared in the " old country," and attended the Basle University, of Switzerland, graduating from that institution in 1860. He subsequently came to America, and entered upon the duties of his high calling-a calling the noblest of any on God's footstool. He first located at Adrian, Michigan, where he labored five years. He then went to Monroe, where he officiated as pastor for two years, at the expiration of which time he came to this county, and has been attending to the spiritual want of the members of the above named Church since that time. July 20, 1861, he married Caroline Diehr, and 8 children were sent to bless this happy couple- Jane, Alice, Julius, Theophel, Frederick, Matthew and Caroline. Emanuel is deceased. -

George Johnson stands in the front rank of the prominent men of Lodi tp. He was born July 19, 1830, son of John and Elizabeth Johnson, the former a native of Bergen Co., N. Y., and the latter a native of Pompton Co., N. J. In 1836 Mr. J. came with his parents to this county, and here grew to manhood. On Oct. 3, 1865, he married Eliza C. Lymberner, born in Jerseyville, Canada, Oct. 3, 1844, daughter of William Lymberner. One child was given to this union-Flor- ence M., born May 14, 1867. John Johnson, the father of George, aided in build- ing the first churches and school-house erected in Lodi tp. He died Dec. 21, 1860, aged 72, and his wife June 18, 1877, at the advanced age of 87 years. Mr. George Johnson has been elected to fill several local offices, and in politics is Democratic. He owns a farm of 240 acres, valued at $90 per acre.

Captain John Lowry was born Feb. 14, 1793, at Livingston's Manor, Schoharie Co., N. Y., the eldest son of Peter and Hannah (Wiltsey) Lowry, who later moved to Onondaga Co., N. Y., where John Lowry married Sylvia, daughter of David and Elizabeth Wickham, in February, 1821; she was born March 20, 1799. IIav- ing few worldly possessions, both were willing to use hand and brain in any honest way, to secure what is needed in such a co-partnership to supply present and future wants, with a mutual understanding that gain or loss was to be shared equally. Their early advantages would to-day be considered very inadequate for

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what they planned to accomplish. They chose farming as most genial to them, and those two strong wills, by patience, economy and wisdom, moved steadily forward, each supplying the lack of the other. Dec. 13, 1822, they rejoiced over their first born-James, who was all that parents could desire as to the elements of manhood. He married Clarissa Welch, and was a loving, devoted husband and father ; he had 3 daughters and 1 son ; but he and 2 daughters, Mary E. Parsons and Martha E. Wood, are deceased. June 2, 1825, Mary Elizabeth was born as the second child to the subject of this sketch ; she married Mr. Foster, and is now a resident of Ann Arbor.

In June, 1825, they moved to Ann Arbor, where all was a wilderness save a few log cabins. Jonathan Stratton, a surveyor, assisted in making the selection in the timbered land ; a clear running brook went rippling and and gurgling through in its winding pathway, where he saw something beside a " run," at whose bank the cattle slake their thirst. This timbered farm was in keeping with his early teaching, as being in every way more productive, therefore more desirable. The beauty of the plain so attracted him that he thought to try 80 acres of the land on Lodi plains. He returned to family and friends to prepare for Western life. The next June this family of four left for their wild, romantic home, so much enjoyed by them in active, honest toil; work seemed play-when ague did not shake the songs away. The wild game, the fish in our numerous lakes, the wild fruits and honey so abundant, were all appropriated with thankfulness, until the wheat- field, orchard and waving corn stood where so short a time before were oaks, ash, elm, maple, beech, basswood, buttonwood, ironwood and some trees that yielded fruit. In early spring time the sweet from maple-trees was so delicious as it dripped from spile to wooden trough or bucket, or after the boiling process, when the amber wax was spread on snow.

July 31, 1828, there came the second daughter, Elpha, who, when grown, mar- ried T. S. Sanford, and now resides in Massachusetts.

Day by day appeared homes, barns and school-houses, because the brain and muscle were on the ground that respected self-help and earnest purpose. One of these was Mr. Lowry's second log house, on the plain, surrounded by gorgeous wild-flowers of rarest hues, and every thing sowed or planted grew luxuriantly. This was also the home of the aged parents who came to be cared for by their faithful son. Capt. Lowry bought the farms of Major Meachum and his friend Spoor, which joined the 80, making in all 700 acres, or thereabouts. He built the first frame barn of large dimensions in that locality, which is still standing and in use. In the year 1839 the Captain was chosen to the Legislature at Detroit. A large well-planned frame house was in process of erection, and the timber, lum- ber and shingles were paid for with wild-cat money. This false system of banking came to its death in 1839, but this last home built by him in Washtenaw county went on to completion early in the year 1840; the floors were laid with home-made rag carpets, with well-chosen colors and stripes. All these years the working clothes for winter and summer were mostly manufactured by the family and many a genteel Sunday suit graced the old and young, After all was settled in this de- lightful home, the second son, John, was born. He was married in 1864 to Helen Church. They have one son, Durward C., born in December of the same year.

An old neighbor recently said that Mr. Lowry once had a large quantity of wheat turned into flour, packed it in barrels and stored it away in his barn, to sell to the many immigrants who were seeking homes with just about money enough to pay for their land, with little or nothing left to pay for food. He proceeded to say that his father, hearing of this supply for sale (flour was exceedingly scarce at this time), made application for a certain amount, whereupon the Captain asked him if he had the money to pay for it. With much assurance the answer came, " I have;" and with as much decision the reply came, " I have no flour to sell to those that have money ; they can get it elsewhere. I have prepared this for those who have no money to buy with, the price being the same as it could be bought for cash." His prophetic view of events and times caused him to do many things that were not understood by the inexperienced and selfish. Many families were kept from suffering by the forethought and hard work of this sturdy pioneer, his faithful companion being his equal mentally and physically.

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hunt were near neighbors and in sympathy, causing a friendship that made them co-laborers in every good work. Many diseases, even the cholera, found its way to these new settlements; the year of locusts, pre- ceding the Indian war; the many schemes that came before the people, politi-

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cal or religious; even the great anti-slavery struggle, never found him unable to solve the problems, or move him from his high purpose in mental attainments. Many were the evenings that he read aloud to his family,sifting consistencies from inconsistenc es that come to us through the press, in books and papers, often say- ing the time would soon come when we could speak to our neighbors across the Atlantic as readily as to sister States, and thought would travel with the rapidity of lightning by the will of God, for the good of the world. He often prophesied the overthrow of slavery and itsresults (and he lived to see it), the exodus of the colored race because of the spirit of oppression, believing that the sincere desire of a true heart prevails with God, against all opposition or oppression.

In 1850, at the Michigan State Agricultural Society's second annual meeting, Captain J. Lowry was awarded an elegant silver medal for the best Merino buck on exhibition ; this society was organized March 24, 1849, adopting for its emblem a woman as the central figure; at her right and under her hand is the light of day just appearing over a city, while at her left is seen the sheaf of ripened grain, a plow and other agricultural implements. In this outspoken thought woman is recognized as an important factor in the world's planning, doing and overcoming. The oppressed bloodhound-hunted children of our com- mon father often found rest and comfort in Capt. L.'s well-stored home, where much money and clothing were given to supply the wants of the escaped slaves, feeling it to be far better to please God than man.

Sylvia Wickham Lowry died Dec. 24, 1859. None could say of a truth that she had not been faithful to the trust committed to her. She had what she called a vision two weeks before her death, while in usual health, after which she announced that she had talked with Jesus and her eldest child, James, who died instantly March 1, 1859, and they wanted her to come home in two weeks. She went in just two weeks, suffering intensely to the last, but the spiritual triumphed over the physical, giving her calmness and joy as she expressed her desire to be released from the temporal to enter the eternal.

Capt. J. Lowry was married the second time, late in the autumn of 1860, to Rhoda Comstock, of Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., who was a very estimable widow, with 4 children. She is now known as Mrs. B. P. Sherman, of Bancroft, Shiawassee Co., Mich. After the lapse of three or four years, they deemed it best for the interests of these children to move to Shiawassee county, near Byron, on a new farm, where they were successful; and his earnestness and zeal gave an impetus to those about him that did not cease when he was called to rest from his labors. He was stricken with apoplexy a few days before his departure to the Eternal city.

We give on page 455 of this volume a portrait of Capt. Lowry.

Michael Staebler, farmer, was born in Washtenaw county, Sept. 7, 1843, and is the son of Frederick and Barbara Staebler, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1831, settling in this county the same year. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and sent to the district school, the best then afforded in this county. May 14, 1867, he married Catherine Paul, born in this county April 7, 1847, and the daughter of Jacob and Dortha Paul. To this union were born 6 children, 5 of whom are living-Jacob F., Robert E., Edward E., Albert H. and Alice C. Mr. S. has held the office of Justice of the Peace and Collector, for one term each, and at present is Supervisor from Lodi tp. He owns a fine farm of 225 acres, which vocation he pursues in connection with stock-raising. In harvest time he operates a threshing-machine. Mr. and Mrs. Staebler are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Demo- crat.

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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 143

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