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 148
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Exchange place, from the river to the Goodyear House, may be termed the business center of the village, though on the Eastern extension of the street, known as Jefferson street, are a number of large brick houses devoted to mercantile business, with other blocks in course of erection. Since the building era of 1867 there has not been any great effort made by the citizens to build up the village until the present time. Now, a few important commercial houses are being constructed and a large number in prospect, so that with a renewal of the enterprise of 1867, there is every hope of Manchester reaching that important place which it is so well fitted to hold,
1326
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
ORGANIZATION OF THE VILLAGE.
A bill to organize the village of Manchester was introduced by J. D. Corey, Feb. 28, 1867, approved March 16, 1867, and was amended March 25, 1871. The charter granted in 1867 was set aside in 1879, and the village affairs carried on under the authority of the general law of the State. The first election of village officers was held at Union Hall March 18, 1867, when Newman Granger was elected President; Alvinza S. Doty, Recorder, and Philetus Coon. Treas- urer. Since that period these offices have been filled as follows:
YEAR.
PRESIDENT.
RECORDER.
TREASURER.
1868.
Newman Granger.
Isaac L. Clarkson.
1869.
Newman Granger. Wm. M. Brown.
Isaac L. Clarkson.
1870.
1871.
Isaac L. Clarkson.
Isaac L. Clarkson. M. D. Howard. M. Goodyear. M. Goodyear.
Conrad Lehn. Conrad Lehn. Geo. W. Doty. Conrad Lehn. Albert T. Bruegel. Albert T. Bruegel. S. W. Clarkson. S. W. Clarkson. Nath. Schmid.
1875
J. D. VanDuyne. M. Goodyear.
187'
Marcus D. Case.
Nath. Schmid.
1878.
Geo. W. Doty.
Nath. Schmid.
1879.
Amariah Conklin.
1880
Amariah Conklin.
Oscar D. Mordoff. John D. Merithew.
1876.
Isaac Wyburn. Wm. Neebling. Samson Underhill.
1
Elected under act of 1871.
1877.
Wm. M. Brown. James S. Reynolds.
Samuel W. Lockwood.
Albert Case.
Joseph Ottmar.
John B. Gillman.
1878.
Wm. Sherwood. John Haag. Wm. Burtless.
1879.
Joseph Ottmar.
Wm. 8. Carr.
David G. Rose.
Fredrick Kurfess. 1873.
1370.
James Kelly. Emmett N. Palmer.
John D. Merithew.
Jacob C. Wortley. Newman Granger. David G. Rose. 1871.
Elected under old Charter. David G. Rose.
Wm. S. Carr. Joseph Ottmar. Munson Goodyear. Wm. Neebling. Philetus Coon. 1871.
1868.
Seymour Hammond.
Munson Goodyear. Conrad Lehn. Jeremiah D. Corey.
Munson Goodyear. Mynders H. Mather. Charles Gwinner. Edward P. Crafts.
Wm. S. Carr.
1869.
1872. John B. Gillman.
James Hendershot. John D. Merithew. Wm. Kirchgessner. Geo. W. Doty. James Kelly. Charles Sandford.
Albert Case.
First election under new Charter.
John Haag, Jas. L. Stone, 1 year. Edward O'Neil, Warren Kimball, Oscar H. Bivins, Jos. Gorden- ier, 2 years.
1880.
Marcus D. Case. Wm. H. Pottle. Seymour Hammond. 1875.
John Field.
Clarence W. Case. Clarence W. Case. Wm. J. Doty. Clarence W. Case. Clarence W. Case. Jos. A. Goodyear. Edwin E. Root.
W. Kirchgessner. W. Kirchgessner.
THE TRUSTEES OF MANCHESTER VILLAGE FROM 1867 TO 1880.
1867.
Munson Goodyear. Marcus D. Case. Conrad Lehn. Wm. M. Brown. Joseph Ottmar. James S. Reynolds.
Wm. M. Brown. C. Walbridge.
1874.
Arthur Case.
1872.
1873.
1876
Jeremiah D. Corey. William Kirchgessner. John Field. 1874.
Warren Kimball, Oscar H. Bivins, and Joseph Gor- denier, 1 year. John H. Kingsley, B. G. Love- joy, James E. Lynch, 2 years.
1327
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.
THE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
The first brick building erected in the village was that by W. S. Carr, for a general store in 1837. This is standing at the present time. It has been the store of Dr. Bessac for many years, and is now occupied as a hardware store by C. M. Norton. The first brick store erected on the east side of the river was that of J. D. Corey, in October, 1858, and now occupied by Charles Singer. The second brick store erected on the west side was that by John Keyes in 1838. Dr. W. S. Stowell is the owner of this property.
The store now occupied by Case & Corey was built in 1852, by Andrew Spafford. The " Gleeson Block" was built in 1863 by J. Gleeson. Chauncey Walbridge built the store west of Gleeson block subsequently. The Hoy Block, in which is the Masonic Hall, was built in 1866; the Goodyear Block in 1869; the Goodyear House in 1869. The Kirchgessner and Lehn Block was erected in 1873. The Bank Block was erected by Peabody and Baxter. The Conk- lin Block was built by Dr. Amariah Conklin in 1880-'81. It stands on the east bank of the river, north side of Jefferson St. The north- ern part of the Daly & Unterkircher Block is now occupied by Post- master Walbridge, who purchased it from Unterkircher. Daly owns the second part. The Burkhart Block was erected immediately south of the post-office. In March, 1881, Conrad Lehn and John J. Clark- son entered upon the erection of a large building, on the north side of Exchange place, near the Goodyear House. The large brick building now occupied by Mack & Smith was built for Isaac L. Clarkson.
The principal residences of the village include J. D. Van Duyn's, L. H. Coon's, J. J. Clarkson's, W. S. Carr's, R. Hall's, J. D. Keefe's, Dr. Bessac's, Dr. Lynch's, Clarence W. Case's, G. W. Hoy's, on the west side. The principal residences on the east side are J. D. Corey's, Dr. Conklin's, Franklin Freeman's, Dr. Hun- ter's, E. Jayne's, Goodrich Conklin's, C. Walbridge's, Dr. Root's, Dr. Monger's, W. H. Pottle's, B. J. Lovejoy's, Geo. W. Doty's, A. T. Bruegel's, Mrs. Porter's, Henry Kirchoffer's, Vanderworker's, Wm. Hewitt's, J. Everett's. Mrs. Kingsley's and Dr. Taylor's.
THE FIRE.
The fire of 1853 broke out about 6 A. M. on Sunday morning, May 1, originating in the Manchester flouring mill. It extended to the buildings in the neighborhood and reduced the business por- tion of the village to ashes. Fourteen business houses and one dwelling were destroyed. The loss on the mill alone was about $20,000, and the entire loss was estimated at over $50,000. The de- vouring element was brought under control just at the moment when the old Manchester House was threatened. The inhabitants labored earnestly and well, and to their efforts may be attributed the safety of the village west of the hotel.
1328
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
THE PRESS.
In the chapter on the Press, the histories of the Enterprise and the Journal are given. Here it will be only necessary to state that the former was established by Geo. S. Spafford in 1867, pur- chased by Mat. D. Blosser in 1868, and now forms one of the lead- ing journals of the county.
The Manchester Journal was projected in October, 1873, by G. R. Palmer, but fell through within the following year.
THE SCHOOLS.
There are seven school buildings in the township, together with the Union school-house of the village. Union district No. 2 com- prises the village proper with portions of the adjoining sections. Here is situated the Union school, presided over by a corps of seven teachers. Dr. A. B. Conklin is Township Superintendent of Schools. Prof. J. W. Robinson and Prof. C. F. Field preside over the high school. Miss M. K. Hunt, Miss Altie Colwell, Miss Alice Richmond, Miss Anna A. Shakell and Miss Mary E. Webb are teachers in the Union school. The School Board is composed of the following members: Jeremiah D. Corey, Dr. Amariah Conk- lin, M. D. Case, W. S. Stowell, S. H. Perkins and Rev. J. B. Gil- man. The Union school building was erected in 1867, at a cost of $25,000. Bonds were issued for that amount at the time, the last of which was redeemed Feb. 1, 1880. The house was dedicated to school purposes immediately after its completion, with Prof. C. E. Olney as principal. During the winter term of 1880-'81, 48 pupils were in attendance at the high school, 46 attended the grammar classes, 59 the intermediate, 53 the second primary, and 88 the first primary.
The township schools are known as No. 1, fractional with Nor- vell, with Geo. S. Field present teacher; No. 2, fractional with Franklin, with Michael Cummins as teacher; District No. 3, under Miss Laura Gray; District No. 4, presided over by Miss Mary Blyth; No. 5, by Eva Palmer; No. 6, by Miss Cynthia Crane; No. 7 by Miss Alice Scully; No. 8, by Miss Lina Campbell. The number of pupils attending these schools during the winter term of 1880-'81 was 221. Of this number 25 attended No. 2, with Norvell; 26, No. 2, with Franklin; 35, No. 3; 18, No. 4: 31, No. 5; 33, No. 6; 23, No. 7, and 30, No. 8. The number of children of school age exceeds the number in attendance fully eight per cent.
No reasonable expense has been spared by the citizens of Man- chester to render the working of their schools perfect. It must be a subject for congratulation to a people who made such sacrifice of time and money, to behold the result of their own earnestness in the matter, and the zeal manifested by the township school officials
.
1329
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.
and the teachers in charge. Parents throughout the township must convince themselves that the absence of eight children in every 100 of school age is not in accord with their own or their country's interest. They must co-operate with the School Board and the teachers in the desire of the latter to have a regular attendance, so that the children may advance together toward a knowledge of such studies as may prepare them for the duties of citizenship.
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian Church .- The Presbyterian society may be said to have been organized at the house of Mr. Root, Dec. 27, 1835. Rev. A. B. Corning was appointed Moderator, and Wm. Page, of Ann Arbor, Clerk. The meeting resolved to establish the first Presbyterian Church of Bridgewater and Sharon, when the follow- ing named persons subscribed to the roll of membership :- Wm. J. Durand, Abijah Marvin, Wm. Ruckman, Phoebe Ruckman, Micah Porter, Charlotte Porter, John McMahon, Ann Annabil, Betsey Dorr, Lucinda Root, Bennett F. Root, William Root, Mrs. Wm. Root, Rhoda Root, William F. Crafts, Lucinda Crafts and John Ruckman.
The first minister was Rev. A. B. Corning, employed by the Church and society April 3, 1836. His pastorate extended over three years.
In January, 1838, the society petitioned the State Legislature to enact that the original name of the Church and society be changed from that of Bridgewater and Sharon to that of Manchester.
About three months ofter the organization of the Church, Abijah Marvin, Wm. Root, and Wm. S. Crafts were elected ruling elders, and Mr. Corning received a call as its minister. The latter resigned in August, 1839, and since that period the pastorate has been filled by the following:
Revs. A. B. Corning, 1835; Silas Woodbury, 1839; Henry Tucker, 1845; W. S. Taylor, 1846; Samuel Fleming, 1849; W. Wastell, 1852; J. W. Baynes, 1854; W. S. Clark, 1857; Benj. Rus- sell, 1858; R. S. McCarthy, 1864; J. Gordon Jones, 1866; T. L. Waldo, April 16, 1871; Prof. J. Estabrook, May 11, 1873: D. R. Shrop, Oct. 31, 1875; E. P. Goodrich, Dec. 3, 1876; W. F. Ma- thews, Nov. 16, 1879.
In 1840 John Howland, Bennett F. Root, and Wm. Ruckman were elected ruling elders; in 1846, Mr. Van Horn and Lewis Al- len; in 1856, W. D. Clark, Lewis A. Ruckman, Abram Brumfield, and J. J. Clarkson. The present officers of the society are :- J. McLean, W. H. Pottle, N. H. Wells, S. W. Clarkson, Joseph McMa- hon, and S. H. Perkins, Trustees; S. W. Clarkson, Treasurer and Clerk. J. J. Clarkson, J. McLean, Elders. Rev. W. F. Mathews, S. S. Superintendent.
1330
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1839, with Rev. Geo. Bradley, Pastor; Samuel Doty, Class-leader; and nine members, comprising Samuel and Mrs. Doty, Mr. and Mrs. Le More, Thomas and Mrs. Ingraham, Prosper Wheeler and wife, and Miss Le More.
The first meeting-house was erected in 1854, at a cost of $1,600. An addition was built 10 years later, which with other improve- ments entailed an outlay of $1,600.
The pastorate of the Church since Mr. Bradley's time has been filled by Revs. Isaac Bennett, Bessey, E. Steele, - Brown, Loren- zo Davis, - Stambaugh, Noah Fassett, - Gillett, -- Kingsley, A. H. Shaw, I. H. Burham, -- Wortley, -- Washburne, G. W. Lowe, Q. C. Abbott, Robert Triggs, Thomas Wakely, C. M. Anderson, Wm. Donnelly, Geo. Field, Wm. Fox, C. Mosier, I. H. Scott, F. W. Warren, J. C. Wortley, -Dunning.
The present officers of the church are :- Rev. J. H. McElwaine, Pastor; W. H. Shier, Presiding Elder; Geo. Smith, Dr. W. H. Bessac, - Fox, Wm. Gray, and Henry Leeson, Trustees; Amos Dickinson, Wm. Gray, Henry Leeson, and Dr. W. H. Bessac, Steward; Amos Dickinson and David Burger, Class-leaders. S. S. Supt., Wm. Crafts ..
The Universalist Church .- A primary meeting was held March 15, 1846, in accord with the laws of the State when Chandler Car- ter, Wm. S. Stowell, and Russell Bodine issued a call for the first meeting of the society of the Universalist Church. This was held at Manchester, March 31, 1846. Barnabas Case presided, with Dr. W. S. Stowell, clerk. Talmon Case moved that the meeting ad- journ to April 2, when the members assembled at the old school- house. At this adjourned meeting Chandler Carter and T. L. Spaf- ford were appointed a committee to decide upon the qualification of voters. The names of voters qualified were: Thomas L. Spafford, Jos. S. Clark, Wm. Andrews, Tolman Case, Franklin Freeman, Wm. S. Stowell, Chandler Carter, Barnabas Case, Thomas Morgan, Russell Bodine, Morgan Carpenter and Alanson Case. The officers elected were: Thomas L. Spafford, Trustee, for three years; Chand- ler Carter, for two years; and Alanson Case, for one year. This body appointed Wm. S. Stowell as Clerk. Rev. T. C. Adams was the first pastor. He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. J. B. Gillman, Rev A. W. Mason, Rev. Asa Countryman and Rev. Wmn. Gibbs. Of these gentlemen Rev. Mr. Gillman officiated as pastor tor for over 25 years. The cost of the church building was $1,200. The present officers are W. H. Webb, Wm. S. Stowell and Mrs. D. W. Morgan, Trustees; Wm. S. Stowell, Clerk.
German Lutheran Church was established in 1866 by Rev. G. Hildnor, with Fred Kurfess, Mrs. Kurfess, Mrs. Heimendinger, John Moehn, John Schlicht and others as first members. The pas- tors of the church since Mr. Hildnor's time have been Rev. John Neumann, Rev. Mr. Edelstien, and the present pastor, Rev. Philip Werheim. An old building was moved to the present site on
1331
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.
Wolverine street, in 1866, which was refitted in 1876, and now forms the present church building. The value of the church prop- erty is set down at $1,500. The present officers are Messrs. Schlicht, Heimlinger, Keck and Ahrans.
The Society of the Episcopal Church was organized here in 1867. The membership is not large.
The Catholic Church .- The Catholic mission of Manchester was established in 1870, with Rev. Van Liew as pastor. At that time the congregation comprised, among others, Wm. Kirchgessner, Geo. and Peter Cash, M. Daly, James Kelly, M. Kirk, Wm. Kirk, John Kirk, M. Egan, P. McMahon, L. Kirk, R. Green, Conrad Lehn, John Haag, Charles Singer, the Kavenagh brothers, with 10 other families. Rev. Mr. Algyre succeeded Mr. Liew in the pas- torate, and under his administration the present church was built in 1876. Rev. P. B. Murray, of Ypsilanti, was the visiting pas- tor in 1876-'7, when the Rev. Father Lichtner was appointed pastor of the Churches of Manchester and Freedom. Rev. Mr. Bruck came in 1878 and continued to administer to the two parishes until July, 1880, when Rev. Mr. Strauss. the present pastor, was appointed. The church is located one-half mile from the business center of Manchester village. The cost of the building was $1,200, with furnishings valued at $400.
The Baptist Church was organized Feb. 17, 1836, at a meet- ing held within the dwelling-house of James Stevens. Previ- ously the services of the Church were given at the houses of David Fitzgerald and James Stevens. The membership roll of the Church as organized in 1836 comprised the names of James and Mrs. Stevens, James Nowland, Sophia Fellows, Josephine Fellows, Samuel Palmer, Mrs. Palmer, Wm. Palmer, David and Mrs. Fitz- gerald. The first resident pastor was Rev. Mr. Hamlin ; Amos Walker, first clerk.
The name of the society was changed, Jan. 23, 1838, from the "First Baptist Church of the North Bend of the Raisin," to the " First Baptist Church and Society of Manchester." Previous to 1838 the Church had been a branch of the Clinton Church, Rev. R. Powell organizing the Church and being its preacher. The pastors succeeding Mr. Powell are as follows: Revs. Robt. E. H. Hamlin, J. T. Fulton, Thomas H. Facer, 1842 ; W. G. Wis- ner, 1848 ; Rev. E. Royce, 1851 ; E. Tenney, 1855 ; J. Smith, 1862; J. Bloomer, 1866 ; Wm. Tilley, 1867 ; A. McLearn, 1868 ; J. M. Titterington, 1870 ; L. P. Tompkins, 1873 ; F. S. Lyon. 1878 ; Wm. L. Palmer, 1879-'81. C. M. Fellows, 1880, Clerk ; Wm. Palmer, Reverend Gillen, and O. Bivins, Deacons. Mrs. Sophia Fellows is the only survivor of the first members of this Church at Man- chester.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Manchester Lodge, No. 148, F. & A. M., was organized Dec. 3, 1862. The charter members were :- J. B. Gilman, W. M .; J.
1332
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
D. Van Duyn, S. W .; S. Fitzgerald, J. W .; J.A. Lynch, Treas .; P. F. Blosser, Sec .; Nelson Bryan, S. D .; Volney Chapman, J. D .; Andrew Robison and Sam. H. Perkins, charter members. The organization now numbers 69. The officers are: W. H. Webb, W. M .; C. W. Case, S. W .; W. H. Pottle, J. W .; J. H. Kingsley, Treas .; G. W. Doty, Sec .; S. W. Clarkson, S. D .; J. A. Field, J. D .; B. G. Lovejoy, E. E. Root, Stewards; E. G. Carr, Tyler.
Meridian Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., was organized April 5, 1867. Charter members were :- P. F. Blosser, H. P .; J. W. Scott, K .; L. D. Watkins, S .; Albert Case, C. of H .; J. D. Van Duyn, P. S .; J. S. Case, R. A. C .; H. C. Calhoun, M. 3d V .; Emmett Y. Palmer, M. 2d V .; Arthur Case, M. 1st V .; J. B. Gilman, Sec. It now numbers 35 members. Its present officers are :- P. F. Blosser, H. P .; Arthur Case, K .; E. P. Crafts, S .; M. D. Case, Treas .; S. W. Clarkson, Sec .; Albert Case, C. of H .; J. D. Van Duyn, P. S .; J. F. Nestell, R. A. C .; H. C. Calhoun, M. 3d. V .. C. W. Case, M. 2d V .; W. H. Pottle, M. 1st V .; E. G. Carr, Sen- tinel.
Adoniram Council, No. 24, R. & S. M. was organized April 16, 1868. Charter members were :- J. D. Van Duyn, T. I. G. M .; J. W. Scott, D. I. G. M .; P. F. Blosser, P. C. W .; H. C. Calhoun, C. of G .; M. C. Dawes, Treas .; I. C. Haight, Rec .; J. Houghtaling, C. of C .; E. P. Crafts, Steward; Arthur Case, Sentinel. It now numbers 27 members, and its present officers are :-- J. D. Van Duyn, T. I. G. M .; Arthur Case, D. T. I. G. M .; P. F. Blosser, P. C. W .; Albert Case, Treas,; Mat. D. Blos- ser, Rec .; H. C. Calhoun, C. of G .; B. G. Lovejoy. C. of C .; A. E. Hewett, Steward; E. G. Carr, Sentinel.
Raisin River Lodge, No. 27, I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 2, 1847, with six charter members. The following officers were elected: Noble Grand, Calvin Townsend; Vice Grand, John P. Kief ; Re- cording Secretary, Joseph S. Clark; Treasurer, Samuel R. Perkins. The lodge was disbanded Sept. 12, 1851, but re-established March 15, 1872, with five charter members. The following officers were then elected : Noble Grand, A. T. Bruetal; Vice Grand, G. W. Doty; Recording Secretary, William N. Vanhorn; Treasurer, W. L. Stowell. From this time forward the lodge prospered, and now numbers over 40 members. Meetings are held each Friday even- ing, and at the last election the following officers were chosen: Noble Grand, A. Conklin; Vice Grand, M. V. Blosser; Recording Secretary, J. R. Jaynes; Treasurer, J. Gurdinere; Permanent Sec- retary, G. W. Doty.
Manchester Lodge, No. 53, A. O. U. W., was organized Aug. 13, 1878, with 20 charter members, viz .: James L. Stone, M. D. Case, E. B. Norris, Geo. J. Haeussler, Geo. Nisle, Edwin E. Root, J. H. Kingsley, N. Schmid, J. C. Gordonier, II. L. Rose, Conrad Lehn, B. G. Lovejoy, Wm. Neebling, S. W. Lockwood, Wm. Kirchgess- ner, J. J. Reichart, Theodore Morschhauser, C. F. Kapp, Henry
1333
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.
Kirchoffer and A. E. Hewitt. The charter officers were :- James L. Stone, P. M. W .; M. D. Case, M. W .; E. B. Morris, G. F .; Geo. J. Haeussler, O .; E. E. Root, Recorder; N. Schmid, Receiver; J. H. Kingsley, Financier; J. C. Gordonier, Guide; Geo. Nisle, I. S. W .; H. L. Rose, O. S. W .; Dr. C. F. Kapp, Physician. The pres- ent roll of membership comprises 35 names. The list of officers for 1881 is as follows :-- Wm. Kirchgessner, P. M. W .; J. C. Gordonier, M. W .; H. L. Rose, G. F .; B. G. Lovejoy, O .; E. E. Root, Re- corder; Geo. Haeussler, Receiver; N. Schmid, Financier; H. Kirchoffer, Guide; Fred Scheible, I. S. W .; Jacob Rammel, O. S. W., and J. H. Kingsley, D. to G. L.
The order of United Workmen has made steady progress since · its organization here. The members have shown a remarkable unity of sentiment, and so the lodge has gained a place in popular esteem which may contribute, within a short period, to win such members to its ranks as may obtain for it one of the highest places among the 82 lodges of Michigan. This fact will become more evident when it is remembered that the order rents one of the principal halls in the village, which was dedicated Dec. 2, 1879.
PERSONAL NOTICES.
Biographical notices of a number of old settlers and prominent residents follow here, as an essential part of the history of Man- chester township.
T. S. Allen was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1830. In 1832 the family moved to this county. His parents were John and Catherine (Melick) Allen, na- tives of New Jersey. He was reared in this county and educated at Leoni, Mich. By occupation he is a contractor and shipbuilder, and helped build the vessels Morning Star, Evening Star and Susanna Ward. He was foreman in Miller & Bros., ship yard in Chicago some years ago. Of late years he has been engaged in house building. In politics he is a Republican. In 1871 he removed to his present farm, where he has since lived. In 1863 he married his second wife. He has 1 child. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He resides on sec. 30.
John Antcliff was born in England in 1825. His parents were William and Sarah (Turner) Antcliff. In 1851 he came to America, and in 1852 to this county and settled in Manchester tp , on sec. 19, where he has a fine farm with first-class out-buildings. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married in 1871 to Mrs. Lydia (Reed) Wiltse, a daughter of David Reed, who came to this county in 1829.
Samuel Antcliff, farmer on sec. 30, was born in England in 1846. His parents were William and Sarah (Turner) Antcliff. He lived in England until 1862, when the family came to America and settled in Manchester tp., in this county. In 1864 nlisted in Company E, 13th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was with Sherman on ," march to the sea." He started in life without anything and now has a fine farm. He was married in 1869 to Miss Sarah Ada Johnson, daughter of William Johnson. She was a native of New York, and of English descent. To them have been born 1 son-William John.
Oscar H. Bivins, Manchester, was born at New Berlin, N. Y., in 1823. His parents were Ebenezer and Abigail (Blakeslee) Bivins, the former being in the drug business. When Oscar was eight years of age, the family removed to Hamil- ton, N. Y., and two years later to Erie county, where Mr. Bivins was reared and educated. In 1836 the family came to Michigan and located in Lenawee county. In 1841 they purchased land in Bridgewater tp., in this county, where Mark Dewey now resides. There Mr. Bivins lived until 1864, and there his father died.
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1334
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
His mother now lives with him and is over 81 years old. In 1864 he moved to a farm in Manchester tp., which he still owns. In 1877 he removed into Manches- ter village. Mr. Bivins is a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is a Deacon, and has long been a prominent member. In 1846 he married Delila A. Rull-daughter of Daniel Rull, an early settler of Manchester. To them have been born 4 sons and 1 daughter, of which 1 son and the daughter are living.
Charles Bostedor was born in New York in 1835, and is a son of John and Nancy Bostedor, natives of the Empire State, and of German descent. When one year old, Mr. Bostedor was taken by his parents to Jackson county, Mich., where he remained until 1863, the date of his removal to this county. In 1858 he married Emily Hay, who bore him 2 children, 1 of whom is living. Mrs. Bostedor died in 1865, and in 1868 Mr. B. was married to Mary Grooves. They have 1 child-Frank. Mr. Bostedor owns 95 acres of land on sec. 34.
Michael Brenner, Manchester, was born in Scio tp. in 1852. His father settled there in 1843 and followed his trade of shoemaker some time. He then purchased a farm which he carried on until 1865, when he died. Mr. Brenner learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed six years, doing a large business. He then engaged in the threshing and driving-well business. In May, 1880, he rented the Good- year House, which he ran until February, 1881. During his residence in Scio tp., himself and Mr. Staebler built a steam saw-mill, and later he sold his interest to Mr. Stabler. He is now interested in a patent hay elevator. Mr. Brenner is a member of the I. O. O. F., at Ann Arbor; also of Co. A, Mich. State Militia, at the same city. In 1879 he was married to Mary Schenk, of Freedom tp., a daughter of Philip Schenk, an early settler of that section of the county.
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