History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 150

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 150

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Politically, he is a Republican; liberal and charitable in his religious views; professionally, a Free-Will Baptist.

In common with most Michigan orchardists of late, feeling the great need of a cheap, practical store-house for keeping winter fruit, he resolved in 1880 to build the first house in this part of the State for that purpose, which bids fair to be a success. The house is built on the principle of what is called the "cold- air " system, using no ice or artificial heat in regulating the temperature, involv- ing no new principle or discovery, merely putting into practical use what has long been known, that in order to preserve fruit for any great length of time the store-room must be kept at a low, even temperature, as near freezing as possible, with sufficient ventilation to carry off all moisture and impurities, and frost-proof. This house is built in a hillside, descending to the northeast, 24x42, two stories ; the basement of stone 10 feet high by two and one half in thickness, slat floor two feet above cemented bottom, supported by stone piers, the second story of wood, 12 feet high, treble walls 16 inches in thickness, filled with sawdust, slat floor as below. The ventilation is by means of 20 eight-inch sewer tile laid in the walls beneath the floors, the main ventilating pipe of sheet iron two feet in diameter at the base, in the center of the upper room, leading through the at- tic and roof, projecting 10 feet above, with valve to be opened or closed at pleas- ure. The ceiling overhead is packed with sawdust similar to side walls. The doors are all double, one swinging in, the other out; also windows with close shutters securely packed in winter to exclude light and frost, to obviate the use of boards and studs in forming fruit bins; 1,000 bushel boxes are filled with fruit and used for that purpose; the balance of fruit is placed in bulk upon the floors. The capacity of the house is about 5,000 bushels, and the cost about $800. The proprietor has been able to keep the temperature of the house for five months during the past winter within 2° of freezing.

A portrait of Mr. Dorr appears on page 419.

B. G. English, farmer, was born in Ireland, Nov. 14, 1832. His parents, Rich- ard and Susannah (Green) English, emigrated to America in 1836, and settled in this tp. Mr. English was reared in this county, and educated in the district schools, and Hillsdale College. He taught school for some time in his early life. He has been a farmer through life and has been very successful in his business

1342

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

operations. He has been Clerk and Trustee of Manchester tp. Mr. English was married in 1857 to Mary Baldwin. Of the 5 children born to them, 4 are living. Mr. and Mrs English are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which body Mr. E. has been a faithful and efficient teacher of the Bible class, only miss- ing one Sunday in three years.

John G. English, farmer, and dealer in fine stock, is among the more substan- tial agriculturists of this section of the county. He was born in Ireland in 1830, and is a son of Richard and Susannah (Green) English. He received his educa- tion in Hillsdale College, where he made a special study of modern and ancient languages, and is a great lover of art and science. He owns 200 acres of choice land, on which he raises a fine breed of cattle that has taken first premium at State fair. . Mr. English was married in 1856 to Cordelia Watkins, a graduate of Oxford College, with whom he lived happily until Feb. 27, 1879, when the Creator of all bade her " Come unto me, and I will give you rest." She was a worthy member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, as is also Mr. English. He has 2 adopted children,-Sella and Jerry, the former of whom is attending college.

Robert English, farmer, sec. 34, was born in Ireland, Aug. 14, 1814. His parents were John and Sarah (Tinkler) English, who came to America in 1834, and set- tled in this county and township. Mr. English located on sec. 36. Later, Robert bought a farm on sec. 30, where he now lives. In 1840 he was married to Mar- garet Lindon, a native of Genesee Co., N. Y. To them have been born 3 children -Francis, Harriet, who married James Wyman, a deceased soldier of the late Rebellion, and Clarissa. His wife is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. English now owns 80 acres of fine land, well-stocked and supplied with buildings.

William J. English is a farmer on sec. 34. He was born in Queen's county, Ireland, in 1830, and came here in an early day, and with his parents, John and Sarah (Tinkler) English, who took up Government land, the patent of which bears the signature of Andrew Jackson, and is in the possession of Mr. English. He worked as a carpenter until 1854, since which time he has followed farming. He was married Oct. 19, 1853, to Mary Ann Hall. Two children were born to this union-Arthur and Nettie. Mrs. English died in 1859, and July 22, 1860, Mr. E. was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock to Elizabeth M. Hall, a sister of his former wife. Mr. English is a Democrat, and has served as a Justice of the Peace.

Thomas J.Farrell, livery, feed and sale stable, Manchester, was born at Wheatland, Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1845. His parents were Patrick and Rose (Rafferty) Farrell. His father was engaged in the milling business. In 1855 his parents moved to Michigan, locating at Ann Arbor, where they remained five years. The family removed to Howell, Mich., but the subject of this sketch came to Manchester. For a few years he was employed on a farm, and in 1864 enlisted in the 28th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., serving till the close of the war. He then returned to Man- chester and subsequently located at Albion, where he remained one year. Upon his return to Manchester he engaged in his present business, which he has since followed; has been Constable of Manchester tp., and a member of Manchester Lodge, F. & A. M, No. 148; also of the A. O. U. W .; was married July 15, 1869, to Lillie Adams, who died Aug. 27, 1873. Oct. 20, 1874, he married Emily Spaf- ford, of Manchester. To them have been born 2 daughters and 1 son.

A. K. Gage, farmer, sec. 3, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1825, and a son of Amos and Mercy (Wilber) Gage, natives of New York, and of English descent. Mr. Gage came to this county in 1846, and located in Sharon tp., where he remained until 1880, when he sold his farm of 200 acres, and bought 78 acres in this tp. He was married Dec. 3, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Gage have 3 children- Flora, Carrie and Cora. Both parents are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Gage was a Justice of the Peace in Sharon tp., and is a firm believer in the prin- ciples of the Democratic party.

James W. Gage, who resides on sec. 14, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1830. His parents were Amos and Mercy (Wilber) Gage. Mr. Gage is a carpen- ter and joiner by trade, but has followed farming since 1860. He owns 100 acres of land, and votes with the Republican party. He was married in 1853 to Han- nah Bailey, who has borne him 2 children-Louisa Sylvia and James Danforth.

John Leroy George, farmer, was born in this county in 1839. His parents were William and Nancy (Deats) George. His father was a native of England, and his mother of New Jersey, but of English descent. He was reared and edu-

1343

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.

cated in this county, and is by occupation a farmer. In 1862 he was married to Sarah J. Ayers. To them have been born 2 daughters-Jennie and Natie, and 1 son, Freddie. Mr. George is a Democrat in politics, and has been Treasurer of Bridgewater tp. He worked five years by the month to get his start in life and at present owns 95 acres of land on sec. 17, an undeniable proof of his industry and perseverance.

Edwin H. Gilbert was born in England in 1831. His parents were Thomas and Martha (Hilman) Gilbert. He was reared and educated in his native country. In 1857 he came to America and the same year to this county and township. He worked for Richard Green five years, never losing a single day's time during that period. In connection with Mr. Green he purchased the farm that he now owns of 10414 acres. He was married in 1863, to Jane Antcliff, of Manchester tp., a daughter of William Antcliff. To them have been born 2 sons and 2 daugh- ters-Martha H., George F., Edwin T. and Emma J. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are both members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat in politics. When he landed in America he had in cash only $6. Mr. Gilbert resides on sec. 19.

Munson Goodyear, Esq., Manchester, was born at Reading, Fairfield Co., Conn., Feb. 22, 1815. His parents were John and Eunice (Goodsell) Goodyear. His father served in the war of 1812, and his grandfather in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Goodyear was reared and educated in Connecticut, and there received prac- tical instruction in farm work. In 1846 he came to this county and located in Sharon tp., where he followed farming until 1860. He then came to Manches- ter, and has since been variously occupied ; has been Highway Commissioner, and has served as Tp. Clerk 16 years; in 1865 was elected Justice of the Peace, holding the office continuously to the present time. In 1837 he married Louisa Lockwood, of his native place, who died April 14, 1878. To them were born 3 sons and a daughter, all of whom are living. Jan. 1, 1879, he was married to Mrs. Mary Burt, of Jackson, Mich.

Richard B. Green is a native of England, where he was brought up as a farmer. At the age of 18 he took the first prize at the Ollerton plowing match, Nottingham- shire ; after an absence of 38 years, 36 of which were spent in America, he visited England and attended a plowing match at the same place, as a spectator. At the age of 21 he left England, in company with his eldest sister, her husband and 5 children, and landed at Quebec, June 28, 1843, after a voyage of six weeks and five days ; came thence via Montreal, the canal to Kingston, across Lake Ontario to To- ronto, Queenstown, by horse railroad (the only railroad in Canada then) to Chip- pewa, Buffalo and Detroit to Manchester, Mich. On arriving at Buffalo, Mr. Green had not a cent of money, except the " crooked " sixpence. From Detroit out to Manchester he and two others walked, while his sister and the children rode in a wagon. This journey was made during the night and one day,-13 days from Quebec. On reaching their journey's end Mr. Green was " homesick enough." In this wild West he could see nothing, and hear nothing but about (as it seemed) 50 cow-bells.

He first worked in the harvest field, at 10 shillings a day, for 10 days, then hired out for three months for $38, and next went to cutting cord-wood at 20 cents a cord. He cut 150 cords in three months, and ditched three days during the time, at $1 a day, and got a pair of new boots for the ditching. He then hired out for one year, for $140, and during the year he did not lose a day. The next year he worked for (now Rev.) P. Van Winkle for $12} a month. He cradled 45 acres of wheat, and Mr. V. raked and bound it. They had no help. He subsequently worked for Mr. V. again.

In 1846 Mr. Green made a profession of religion and joined the Baptist Church, in Manchester, being baptized by Rev. Robert Powell, of Bridgewater. He has been a member of that Church ever since, and a Deacon for the last 12 years.

In 1846, also, he was married to Anne English, of Manchester, by Mr. Powell. He then bought 40 acres of land and moved upon it, but the title not being good he left it, losing $150 by the operation. After living on a rented farm three years, he moved to the place he now occupies. To make the first payment on this place he sold wheat at 49 cents a bushel. The first winter on this place he cut and split the rails and laid up a mile of new six-rail fence, overhauled a quarter of a mile of old fence and did all his daily chores.

In 1861 he had a severe attack of typhoid fever, but, after 15 weeks of sickness he was restored to health, under the care of Dr. A. Conklin, of Manchester.

1344

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

In 1876 he attended the exhibition at Philadelphia. In 1878 he visited his native land, in company with his wife and niece, Georgia Chaple. Of an original family of 10 they found 5 still living. After visiting many of the most important cities and towns of England and several points in Ireland, Mrs. G.'s native country, they returned quickly and safely to their American home.

Mr. and Mrs. Green have reared 2 adopted daughters -- Georgia Chaple and Phobe M. Green.

Deacon Green is a liberal citizen and a highly esteemed member of the commun- ity. For building the parsonage he gave $1,000, and for the church bell $250; he also contributes largely for both home and foreign missionary work ; has given $200 to the Kalamazoo College. Although he lives six miles from Manchester, he gave $100 toward the construction of the Hillsdale railroad. His farm is an example of neatness unsurpassed, -residence, out-buildings and all. He has a centennial grove of 102 evergreen trees, not one of this setting having died. The trees are 16 feet apart, set quincuncially, in perfect rows.

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Green appear in this history, on page 1246-'7.

Robert Green, farmer on sec. 19, was born in England in February, 1829, son of the preceding. In England he was reared and received a limited education. He came to America in 1849, and the same year to this township. He then had but two dollars, and now owns 120 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and a Democrat. He was mar- ried in 1863 to Miss Sarah Cash, who died in 1863. To them was born 1 child, Sarah. For his second wife he married in 1874, Mary A. Reagan, a native of Ire- land. Nine children have been given them.

Isaac B. Hall, farmer, sec. 13, was born in New York, May 18, 1831, and is a son of Richard and Mary (Beckley) Hall, natives of New York, the former of German and the latter of English-Scotch descent. Mr. Hall learned the cooper's trade when young, but of late years has devoted his attention to farming. He came to this county in 1835, where he has since resided, with the exception of one and a half years spent in the Union army during the Rebellion. Mr. Hall is a modest, unassuming man, but charitable to all matters worthy of his benevolence. He is a Republican in politics, and the owner of a good farm. He was married in 1871 to Melissa Stevens. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

James Henderlett, blacksmith, Manchester, was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 11, 1812. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Thomas) Henderlett, his father being a native of New York, and of German descent, and his mother a native of Penn- sylvania, of Holland descent. He was educated and reared in New York State. In 1833 he came to Michigan, locating in Lenawee county, where he lived two years. In 1835 he came to this village, where he opened a blacksmith shop and has since lived and labored. From 1860 to 1875 he carried on quite an extensive carriage business. In politics is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Jackson on his second term. In 1838 he was married to Catherine Dudley. To them have been born 1 son, Mortimer, and a daughter, Emily, deceased. He did the iron work for the first mill in this village.

William Johnson, farmer on sec. 18, Manchester tp., was born in England, April 9, 1825. He emigrated to America many years ago, and has been a successful farmer of this county for quite a period. `He is Democratic in politics, and served as a School Director for five years. He married Mrs. Thomas Taylor, who was born in [England May 22, 1820, daughter of John Renshaw, by whom he has 4 "children-Sarah Ann, Susan Selina, William Thomas and Helen Theresa. Mrs. Johnson had 2 children by her first husband-Martha Ann and Mary Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are well respected in the neighborhood in which they reside.

Christian F. Kapp, jr., M. D., Manchester, was born in Northfield tp., Wash- tenaw county, in 1846. His parents were Christian F. and Regina (Schlichter) Kapp. In Northfield tp. Dr. Kapp was reared and received his literary educa- tion. In 1873 he entered the medical department of Michigan University, and later went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated from the College of Medicine and Surgery, in 1876. He at once came to Manchester, and has built up a large practice. In 1874 he was married to Julia A. Kempf, a daughter of Frederick Kempf, of Northfield tp. To them have been given 1 son and 1 daughter-Edith May, born Sept. 12, 1876, and Christian Frederick, born Nov. 6, 1879.

Charles Kingsley (deceased) was born at Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn., in 1801. Later, the family removed to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he lived until 1828,

1345

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP.

when he came to Michigan. He located in Northfield tp., in this county, making an entry of 80 acres of land, on which he lived two years. By trade he was a miller, and Judge Dexter having built a mill at Dexter, he went there and oper- ated it until 1841. He then removed to Sharon tp. where he again engaged in farming. In 1864 he came to Manchester, where he lived a life of retirement until his death, March 6, 1871. In 1833 he was married to Jane Wilson, of Scio tp., a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Wilson, who came here from England in 1830. To them were born 3 sons and 1 daughter-Brainard, a resident of Dan- ville, Ill .; Mrs. Anna Calkins, of Chelsea, Mich .; Charles J., of Milford, Mich., and John H., a business man of Manchester city. While in Sharon tp Mr. Kingsley held the office of Justice of the Peace 12 years, and Supervisor one term. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and a man noted for his benevo- lence and sincerity of heart.

William Kirchgessner, baker and grocer, Manchester, was born at Buchen, Pro- vince of Baden, Germany, Dec. 3, 1845. His brother was engaged in the war of 1848, known as the Rebellion of Baden, and like Carl Schurz and others who were in the same, he came an exile to America. His parents too came here in 1851, locat- ing at Monroe, Mich., where Mr. K. was reared and educated. When 12 years of age he learned the baker's trade, remaining at it about four years, excepting six months spent in the South. He then was employed as salesman and bookkeeper at Monroe, in a grocery store, 14 months. In April, 1868, he came to Manchester and opened the first bakery in the village. In 1873 he erected a building for his business and residence, which is one of the best in the village. Mr. Kirchgessner has been City Treasurer of the village three terms. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. June 11, 1868, he was united in marriage to Emma Morschheuser, of Monroe, Mich., a native of Germany, who came to this country in 1863. To them have been given 5 children-William C., born April 28, 1869; Helen Amelia, born Dec. 2, 1871; Eugene, born Jan. 29, 1874; Caroline, born Jan. 9, 1876, and Oscar, born Jan. 7, 1878. His father died at Adrian, in 1874, in his 74th year. His mother died in Germany in 1848.

Henry Kirchhofer, merchant, Manchester, was born in the Canton of Schaff- hausen, Switzerland, in 1837. His father was a Lutheran clergyman. When young, Henry traveled over Germany, and in 1858 came to America, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained three years. In 1861 he went to Missouri, where he bought a farm, but soon enlisted in the 7th Reg. Mo. Cav., and after two years' service was discharged on account of disability. He was in business in Chicago during the great fire in 1871, and lost heavily. He then came to Manchester, and in 1879 established his present business. He also deals exten- sively in wool. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. In 1865 he married Lydia Schmid, of Ann Arbor, daughter of the Rev. Fred Schmid. They have 3 children, all girls.

Peter Kishpaugh was born in New Jersey in 1833, son of Jonas and Rachel Onstead, of German descent. Mr. K. was reared and educated in this county, where he owns 290 acres of good land, located on sec. 35, which he purchased in 1875. He was married Aug. 27, 1856, to Ann Eliza Lambert. They have 6 chil- dren-John L., George W., Sarah E., Mary, Ansel J. and Albert F. Mr. Kish- paugh is a member of no political party. He is giving his children the advantages of a good English education.

Joseph Kramer, contractor and builder, Manchester, was born in Freedom tp., Washtenaw Co., in 1845. His parents were Adam and Eve (Stiffler) Kramer, who came here from Germany about 1842. There he was reared and educated and also learned the trade of carpenter. In 1865 he began work for himself. In his workings he has built some of the best stores and houses in Manchester and vicinity. During the season he works 14 men and accomplishes a large amount. He is a member of the Catholic Church and Arbeiter-verein, of Man- chester. He is not a politician, but votes for the man instead of the party. In 1872 he was married to Miss Sarah Weis, a daughter of Joseph Weis, of Freedom tp. To them have been born 2 sons and 2 daughters

Conrad Lehn, grocer, Manchester, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1834. He was there educated and reared on a farm, his father being a farmer. In 1854 he came to America and at once to Manchester. In 1865 he opened a grocery store on the east side of the river. There he remained until 1873, when he built a store 22x85 ft., three stories high, on Exchange place, which he now occupies as a grocery, restaurant and residence. He is now constructing a building on the

1346

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

north side of Exchange place, 29x80 feet, and two stories high, which will be the finest business block in Manchester. Mr. Lehn has served as Village Treasurer, also as member of the Council. He is a member of the Arbeiter-verein, A. O. U. W. and the Roman Catholic Church. In 1855 he married Magdalena Haag, a native of Baden, who died in 1873, leaving 5 daughters. In 1874 he was married to Katherine Reiter, of Brooklyn, Jackson Co., Mich. To them have been born 2 daughters. Mr. Lehn is a man of large influence in Manchester, and has been successful in business.

Erasmus Logan was born in this county, and is a son of John and Mary (Cooper) Logan. He is a carpenter by trade, and devotes the greater part of his time to that business, although he owns a good farm in Manchester tp. He was married in 1867 to Chloe Stringham. They have 2 children-Ella and Mina. Mrs. Logan is a member of the M. E. Church. In 1862 Mr. Logan enlisted in Company B, 20th Reg., Mich. Vol. Inf .; was wounded in 1863; was a prisoner in Andersonville prison for 18 months, and during this period made two attempts to escape, but both failed. He has been Deputy Sheriff of Washtenaw county, and has held various other positions

John Logan is a life resident of this county and was born in 1837. His parents are John and Mary (Cooper) Logan, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German de- scent. Mr. Logan has been a farmer through life, and owns 260 acres of land on sec. 19, in Bridgewater tp. He was married Dec. 25, 1860, to Mary Woodruff, a daugh- ter of Milo Woodruff, who settled in this county in 1846. Three children have been given to this marriage-Elmer, Eddie and Minnie. Mr. Logan is a Democrat, and has served as a School Director for 10 or 12 years.

Thomas Logan, farmer, on sec. 13, was born in Pennsylvania in 1832. His parents were John and Mary (Cooper) Logan, who raised a large family of chil- dren, 5 of whom are living and doing well; 3 are leading farmers of this county, and have made what they now possess by their own individual exertions. Thomas was married in 1861 to Jerusha Martin. They have 4 children. Mr. Logan owned 25 acres of land when he was married, and is now the happy possessor of a farm of 400 acres, on which were raised 3,000 bushels of wheat in 1880. His flock of sheep number 400, and often run to 600. He has been very successful in life, all of which he attributes to his untiring industry and good business management.

William C. Logan, farmer, on sec. 13, was born Feb. 24, 1835, son of John and Mary (Cooper) Logan, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They came to this county in 1835. William worked by the month for two years, to get a start in life, and was subsequently employed as teamster on a railroad for two years. He was married in 1864 to Clara A. Stringham. They have 2 children- Franklin E., who was born Dec. 17, 1865, and Bertie A., born Feb. 4, 1870. Mr. Logan is a member of the M. E. Church, and a Democrat. He owns 180 acres of land, with a building thereon costing $2,500.

Jeremiah Loucks, farmer, on sec. 19, was born in New York April 3, 1811. His parents were Tunis and Charity (Sun) Loucks, natives of that State and of Hol- land descent. Mr. Louck's education was limited. In 1834 he came to Michigan, and when he arrived at Detroit had but one shilling in his pocket. He came to this county, and worked one and a half years, by the month, for William Hulburt. In 1836 he went to Hillsdale Co., and the following year returned to this county and located the land where he now resides. During the first six months' resi- dence he had no bread, but lived chiefly on potatoes. In politics he has always been a radical Republican. He was married Oct. 7. 1840, to Mary Haynes, who died in 1881. To them were born 2 sons and 2 daughters-John H., Eudora Ermina, Elnora Melissa and Charles G.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 150

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