History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 151

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 151

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M. H. Mather was born in New York, Dec. 27, 1833, a son of Peter G. and Angeline (Campbell) Mather, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch parent- age. M. H. received a good education, and is a natural mechanic. He can make or manufacture almost any kind of wood or machinery, and this endowment often proves of invaluable service to him. He was married Feb. 27, 1856, to Mary B. Taylor. They have 1 child-Ida M. Mr. Mather came to this tp. in 1858, and now owns 80 acres of land on sec. 11.

James M. Moore was born in Norvell tp., Jackson Co., Mich., Feb. 7, 1839. ITis parents were James and Catherine (English) Moore, natives of Ireland. James M. was reared in Jackson county, where he also was educated. He is by trade a m :- ), but has chiefly devoted his time to farming. In politics he is a Republi-

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can. He owns 80 acres of land on sec. 31, and makes a specialty of fine sheep, of which he has some thoroughbred Merino from Vermont. He was married in 1859 to Abigail Austin. To them have been born 6 children.

Thomas Morgan (deceased) was born in Vermont, Nov. 26, 1809. In 1832 he was married at Mendon, N. Y., to Deborah W. Sowle. He carried on shoemak- ing at Richmond, N. Y., until 1835, when he located at Manchester, having pre- viously purchased the eastern half of the village. He erected the first frame building in Manchester. In 1862 he went to Milton Junction, Wis., but a fire, in January, 1872, destroyed his eating-house and he returned to Manchester, where he died June 3, 1873, aged 63 years. The cause of his death was being thrown from a buggy, while the horses were running away. Two of his daughters are living-Mrs. Vandegrift, of Manchester, and Mrs. Wallace, of Milwaukee. Mr. Morgan was a member of the Universalist Church and the Masonic order. He was an honest, straightforward man, and well respected. His widow resides at Manchester, being the oldest resident of the village.

Theodore Morschheuser, blacksmith, wagon-maker and repairer, Manchester, was born at Buchen, Province of Baden, Germany, in 1847. There he was reared and educated, and learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1871 he landed in America and came to Monroe, Mich. A short time after, he came to Manchester. He entered the employ of Gordonier & Neebling, and afterward, for Mr. Gordo- nier. He became a partner with the latter, and in 1881 bought out his partner's interest, since which time he has been alone. Mr. Morschheuser is a member of the Catholic Church and of the A. O. U. W. In 1874 he married Elizabeth Groff, of Freedom. To them have been born 3 sons, all of whom are living. During the Franco-Prussian war, Mr. Morschheuser served in the German army.

William Neebling, blacksmith, manufacturer and repairer of carriages, Man- chester, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1844. In 1860, when 16 years of age, he came to America. He had relatives in Freedom tp., in this county, and he at once proceeded there. He very soon began to learn the trade of black- smith. In 1862 he went to Adrian, Mich., and from there to Jackson. In 1863 he enlisted in the 9th Mich. Cav., and served until the close of the war. He then came to Manchester and engaged in his present business. Mr. Neebling is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., and the Arbeiter-verein, of Manchester. In 1869 he married Elizabeth Emmer, of Bridgewater. To them have been born 3 children, all of whom are living.

John F. Nestell, farmer on sec. 23, was born on his presnt farm, in 1856. His parents, John B. and Susannah (Slocum) Nestell, were natives of New England, and early pioneers of Manchester tp. John F. received his education in the graded schools of Manchester village, and has wisely chosen the occupation of a farmer. He owns 135 acres of land, and is a Republican. He was married in 1879 to Ella, daughter of John D. Kief.

George Nisle, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Manchester, was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, in 1846. His father was a wagon-maker, and from him George learned the same business. At the age of 15 years he came to America, and located in Jackson Co., Mich. In 1863 he began to learn the carriage-making business. In 1864 he enlisted in the 15th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and served till the close of the war. Returning to Michigan, he worked at carriage-making at Jackson, Hills- dale and other places in the State, until 1877, when he came to Manchester. He went into the blacksmith and carriage-making business in company with William Neebling, and continued there until 1879. In that year he started his present business, employing four men. Mr. Nisle is a member of the Lutheran Church and A. O. U. W. In 1868 he was married to Polly Weinlander, of Hillsdale, Mich. To them have been born 3 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom are living.

Hon. E. B. Norris, Manchester, Mich., was born at Manchester in 1846. His father, John W. Norris, was an early settler of this section. In his native village, Mr. Norris was reared, receiving his education there, and at Ypsilanti high school and the State Normal school. In 1868 he began the study of law with George R. Palmer, Esq., of Manchester. In 1872 he was admitted to practice by the court of this county. In 1861 he enlisted in the 1st Reg., Mich. Vol. Inf., and in September, 1862, was discharged for disabilities. After admission to the Bar, he began to practice in Manchester, where he has since resided. In 1876 he was elected to the Michigan Legislature from this district. In 1874 he was married to Isabella L. Ford, of Sharon tp. To them have been born 3 sons and 1 daughter.

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John W. Norris (deceased) was born in Vermont in 1803. When 11 years of age, he accompanied his parents to Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was reared and edu- cated. In 1834 he came to Michigan, and during the winter of 1834-'5, taught school in Macomb county. Returning to New York, he was married in May, 1836, to Lydia Mary Blaisdell, of Covington Center, N. Y., and a native of Vermont; came again to Michigan, locating at Ann Arbor ; subsequently located land in Man- chester and Bridgewater tps .; was a farmer until 1861, when he bought more land in Bridgewater tp., and erected a saw-mill; was formerly a Whig, but later a Re- publican ; was always a temperance man; wife died in 1862, and subject of sketch in June, 1863, leaving 6 children-E. B., an attorney at law at Manchester; Will- iam H., a resident of Garden City, Mino .: Mrs. Bailey, of Manchester; Mrs. Norris and Mrs Bailey, of Ypsilanti, and Mrs. Norris, of Jackson, Mich.

William H. Palmer, agriculturist, was born in New Hampshire Dec. 13, 1810. His parents were Samuel and Clarissa (Shumway) Palmer, natives of New England. Mr. Palmer received a fair education and is a natural mechanic. He early learned the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed for some years. In 1833 he settled in this township, where, in connection with his father, he entered 80 acres of Government land. He then returned to New York, and in 1836 married Esther Bronson, a native of Vermont, and daughter of Luman Bronson, a Revolutionary soldier. Of the 7 children born to this union only 5 are living. Mr. Palmer and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which body the former is a Deacon. He owns 160 acres of well-improved land on sec. 16, and is a Repub- lican.

Rev. W. L. Palmer, Pastor Baptist Church, Ma.ich ;ster, was born in New York in 1820. His parents were Stephen and Huldah l'almer, of English descent, the former of whom settled in Jackson Co., Mich., in 1836. Rev. Palmer was reared on a farm, and was converted at the age of 11 years. He graduated from Madison University in 1856, and from Hamilton Theological Seminary in 1859, both located at Hamilton N. Y. He was ordained to preach the gospel in 1857, and is at pres- ent in charge of a large and flourishing congregation.

13William E. Pease, farmer, sec. 20, was born in Ypsilanti tp., Aug. 10, 1840. His parents were Warren and Frances (Crafts) Pease, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. They were married April 16, 1832, and emigrated to this county the same year, where they lived honored and respected by all. William E. re- ceived his education in the district schools, and Dec. 7, 1871, married Ella, daugh- ter of Samuel W. Dorr, a prominent farmer and fruit-grower of Manchester tp. They have 1 child-Warren W., who was born Dec. 29, 1872. Mrs. Pease is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and Mr. P. is Republican, and has been School Director for three terms. Mr. Pease's father died Jan. 6, 1852, and his mother May 19, 1877.

Matthew T. Prout was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., June 29, 1817. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Holt) Prout, natives of New York, and of English ancestry ; his father was a farmer, and Matthew was reared to that rural, but honest occupation. Mr. Prout came to this county in 1836, and in 1838 married Martha M. Stephens, daughter of Walter Stephens. One child was given to them -Basina, born in 1840, and wife of T. J. Bessimer, of Jackson, Michigan. When Mr. Prout came to this county he bought a farm of a minister of the gospel, who proved a wolf in sheep's clothing, and induced Mr. Prout to run heavily in debt, from which he recovered only after long years of toil and economy. He now owns a good farm on sec. 6, and valuable city property in Jackson, Michigan. He is a member of the Baptist Church. His father died in this county, in 1831, and his mother in 1835. Both were members of the Baptist Church.

David Reed, Manchester, was born at Newburg, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1826. His parents were David B. and Content (Howard) Reed. who came to Michigan from New York State in 1823. He was reared and educated at Newburg and there learned the trade of carpenter. He followed his trade in Lenawee county until 1847, when he moved into this tp. about four miles south of Manchester. In 1870 he moved into this village, where he has since lived and followed his trade. In politics is a Democrat but has kept out of political life and office. He was married in 1855 to Miss Lottie Taylor, of Bridgewater tp. To them have been born 2 sons and 1 daughter, all of whom are living.

IIerbert D. Reed, Manchester, was born at Newburg, Lenawee Co., Mich., A. D, 1826. His parents are David and Lottie (Taylor) Reed. In Manchester Mr. Reed was reared and educated, also learned the trade of carpenter. During the

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winters of 1879-'80 and 1880-'81 he taught school at Freedom Center. In politics is a Democrat.

W. F. Rehfufs, dealer in fresh and salt meat, Manchester, was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, in 1853. His parents were Michael and Magdalena (Hangs- terfer) Rehfufs, the former of whom was a blacksmith. In 1868 the family came to America, and located in Scio tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich. In his native land Mr. Rehfufs received his education, and after coming here entered the em- ploy of Mr. Gwinner, of Ann Arbor, remaining with him three years. He was afterward in business at Detroit and Chicago, and in 1873 came to Manchester and engaged in the business for himself, remaining nearly two years. He then went to Tecumseh, and in 1877 returned to this village. He is also a large dealer in live-stock. Mr. Rehfufs is a member of the A. O. U. W., of Manchester. In 1876 he married Caroline Braun, of Freedom tp. To them have been born 3 sons.

Jacob Reichert, proprietor grocery and restaurant, Manchester, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1838. He learned the trade of carpenter, and in 1866 came to America, settling in Logan Co., Ill., where he worked at his trade till 1868. He then went to Kansas, where he remained until 1875, when he left be- cause of the grasshopper plague. He came to Freedom tp. in this county. In 1876 he opened a restaurant in Manchester, and in 1880 added a stock of gro- ceries. Mr. Reichert is a member of the Arbeiter-verein and A. O. U. W., of Manchester. In 1864 he married Caroline Brezler, a native of Wurtemberg, Ger- many. To them has been born 1 son-Wilheim.

Frank Ruck, proprietor Southern Brewery, Manchester, was born in Germany in 1843. In his native country he was educated, his father being a teacher there. There also he learned the business of brewing, and followed it some years. He served one year in the German army, and in 1861 came to America. The next eight years he was engaged in brewing in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1874 he went to Ann Arbor and carried on the Western Brewery until 1880. He then purchased the Southern Brewery at Manchester. In 1868 he married Miss Vink- vonmeele, of Cincinnati. To them have been born 4 sons and 1 daughter.

William Rushton was born in England in 1820, and is a son of John and Ann (Beckley) Rushton. He grew to mature years in his native land, and in 1851 emigrated to Michigan, locating in Manchester tp., where he has since resided. He was a poor man when he arrived in this county, but years of toil and energy have increased his wealth, until he now owns 120 acres of land on sec. 15. He was married in England, in 1844, to - - Richardson, daughter of William and Mary (Hutson) Richardson. Five children have been born to them, 4 of whom are living, and 3 married-Emily, W. B., Mary E. and Henry H. George is de- ceased. Mr. Rushton is a Democrat, and has served his fellow-citizens in various tp. offices.

John Sanborn was born in Canada, Feb. 25, 1820; parents were Elijah and So- phia (Sleeper) Sanborn, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of New Jersey ; when five months old, parents came to Michigan, and in 1837, to Washtenaw county ; worked for W. S. Maynard, at Ann Arbor, for eight years ; in 1851 came to this tp., and located on sec. 10, where he has since resided; is Dem- ocratic in politics ; was married in 1845, to Catherine Feldkamp, a native of Prus- sia ; have 3 children-Ellen, wife of Cornelius Carr, of Manchester, Mich .; Mary, and Lillie, a teacher; wife was member of M. E. Church, and died March 13, 1874; owns 120 acres of good land.

Charles W. Sandford, Manchester, dealer in produce, was born at Newark, N. J., in 1825. His parents were Elijah and Mary (Warren) Sandford. In 1832 his father came to this county and located land in what is now Freedom tp. He re- turned to New Jersey and in 1837 brought his family out. He then engaged in saw-mill business at the edge of Bridgewater. He carried on this business until his death in 1840. Then the water was let out of the mill-pond and to-day it is fine land owned by Caleb Brown and Christian Wurster. In this State and county Mr. Sandford was chiefly reared and educated. When 21 years old he began farming for himself in Freedom, where he followed it until 1867. In that year he came to this village, and has since been in the produce business, making a specialty of eggs and fine butter. He has recently built a house entirely for storing the latter. This house is 18x24 feet in size. It is built with walls 14 inches thick, of which 12 inches are filled in with saw-dust, and the floor is the same. It is 18 feet high, divided into two stories. The upper one is filled with

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60 tons of ice, the bottom fitted with zinc-lined drip troughs to carry off all water drippings. The lower floor is for the storage of butter and will hold 80,000 lbs. Mr. Sandford buys in the early spring and holds it until the fall, thus making a fine profit. The house was built by B. A. Stephens, of Toledo, at a cost of $1,000. In 1866 Mr. Sandford married Miss Caroline Poucher. of Bridgewater. To them have been born 1 daughter-Mary. In politics he is a Democrat and has held a number of offices. In 1848 he enlisted for the Mexican war and served till its close.

Fred Schaible, farmer and brick manufacturer, of Manchester, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1839, where his father still resides. When 21 years of age he came to America to escape military service. He proceeded to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he had a brother living. Very soon after he went to Free- dom tp , where he worked four years. He then purchased 40 acres of land, and in 1867 sold it, and bought 160 acres northwest of Manchester. He at once opened a brick-yard, which he still owns, but is at present operated by other parties. He still resides on his farm. In 1880 he was appointed County Drain Commissioner. Mr. Schaible is a member of the Lutheran Church, and of the A. O. U. W. In 1866 he married Katherine Kuepler, of Lodi tp., a native of Wurtemberg. They have 3 daughters and 4 sons.

N. Schmid, merchant, Manchester, was born at Ann Arbor in 1854. His parents are the Rev. Fred and Louisa (Mann) Schmid. His father was the first Protes- tant German clergyman in Michigan. At Ann Arbor, Mr. Schmid was reared and educated. In 1870, when Mack & Schmid opened their branch store at Manchester, he was placed at the head of it as manager, in which capacity he still acts. This store has one of the finest stocks in this section, and does a large business in general merchandise and wool-buying. Mr. Schmid is also interested in the insurance business. He is an active member of the A. O. U. W. of Man- chester. In 1878 he was married to Miss Lehn, a daughter of Mr. C. Lehn, of Manchester. To them have been born 1 daughter-Leila.

Nicholas Senger, grocer and restaurateur, Manchester, was born at Kirlach, Baden, Germany, in 1854. In 1855 his parents came to America, and located in Bridgewater tp., in this county. Soon after they came to Manchester, where Nicholas was reared and educated. He worked for Conrad Lehn seven years, and six years for his father. In 1880 he opened his present business. He is a mem- ber of the Arbeiter-verein, and also of the Catholic Church. His parents are still living in Manchester. In 1879 he was married to Elizabeth Baader, of Manches- ter.

Henry Shuart, farmer, sec. 31; P. O. Clinton; was born in New York, in 1834. His parents were E. R. and Phoebe (Sisson) Shuart, the former of German and the latter of English descent. He was reared and educated in his native State, where he followed farming until 1870, when he came to this State and purchased his pres- ent farm. Mr. Shuart is a strong Democrat, but votes for the man instead of the party. He was married in 1859 to Miss Sarah Brimley, a native of the Empire State. To them have been born 2 sons and 1 daughter-Charles, Frederick and Bessie.

James Sowles (deceased) was one of the earliest pioneers of Marchester. He was born at Nine Partners, Dutchess county, N.Y., Feb. 2, 1873. He learned the trade of carpenter and worked at that business for 12 years in Chenango county. In 1805 he was married at Bedford, N. Y., to Abbie Dillingham. He was engaged in the manufacture of pearl ash for some time, but a decline in prices ruined him financially. About the same time occurred the death of his wife. In 1826 he re- moved to Monroe county, where he married Fannie Noyes. In 1833 he entered a large tract of land in this county, embracing what is now Manchester village. He built a saw-mill on the Raisin river, and started a thriving settlement. In 1843 he purchased land near Milton, Wis., where he died March 20, 1873, in his 90th year. His third wife was Mrs. Almond Bishop Clarke, who died in 1880. Mrs. Morgan, of Manchester, is a daughter of this noble pioneer.

Franklin Spafard, Manchester tp., sec. 8, was born in Springwater, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1837. His parents were Thomas L. and Almira (Baldwin) Spafard. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Pennsylvania. In 1838 the family came to this county and tp., settling on the place where Mr. Spa- fard now lives. In this town Mr. Spafard was reared and educated. He was reared a farmer and has always followed it. His farm comprise 360 acres, chiefly tillable land. Mr. Spafard is quite extensively engaged in raising grade Merino

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sheep, and also in the raising of wheat. In politics has been a Republican since the organization of the party in 1854. In 1862 was married to Miss Maria Car- penter, a daughter of Morgan Carpenter, a pioneer of Manchester. To them have been born 1 son, Frederick E., and a daughter, Almira, both of whom are living.

Thomas L. Spafard was born in the town of Dalton, Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1797. His parents were Amos and Experience (Lawrence) Spafard. There Mr. Spafard was educated and lived until 15 years of age, when his parents died. From that time he took care of himself. About this time he went to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he worked two years for a tanner and currier. He then went to Onondaga county, where he was variously employed two years. During this time he enlisted as a substitute in the war of 1812, but served only a short time, until Brown's army came to Sackett's Harbor. From Onondaga county he went to Livingston Co., N. Y., where he purchased a farm and followed farming and lumbering until 1836. During this time he built two saw-mills. In 1836 he came to this county and town, where he followed farming until old age compelled him to rest. Since then he has lived with his son on the old homestead. In politics he was an old-line Whig until the organization of the Republican party, since when he has been a Republican. While in New York he was a Mason, but never connected himself with the frater- nity in this State. He has for about 40 years been connected with the Universalist Society. In 1822 he was married to Almira Baldwin, of Mt. Morris, N. Y. To them have been born 3 sons and 6 daughters; 1 son and 2 daughters have died. Mrs. Spafard died in 1853. In 1854 Mr. Spafard married Mrs. Mary Lord, widow of Dr. Lord, of Ann Arbor, who died in 1851. Mr. Spafard is now 84 years old. When about 20 years old, he had a cousin of about the same age, who was for

living without hard work. He called Mr. Spafard a fool for working hard. The cousin died in Detroit penniless. Mr. Spafard acquired 360 acres of land, thus showing the better course of work over idleness.

Captain Simeon R. Spencer, Manchester, was born at Springfield, Windsor Co. Vt., in 1807. When 16 years old he entered a store in Springfield, where he re- mained nearly three years. The confinement of a business life not agreeing with him, he went to Woodstock, where he learned the trade of painter. He worked at this business in various places and States until 1836, when he came to Man- chester. In 1837 he brought out his family. Since then he has been a resident of that village, engaged chiefly in painting. He was Justice of the Peace three years, and Road Master 20 years. He is a member of both the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities. In 1835 he married Jane E. Hill, of Scottsville, N. Y. To them have been born 1 son and 5 daughters, the former of whom, A. W. Spencer, is Station Agent of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. at Manchester. One daughter is de- ceased. He was Lieutenant of the first militia in Manchester village, and subse- quently Captain, which latter title he still retains.

Elisha Steadman, who resides on sec. 22, was born in New York in 1817. His parents were Isaac and Lucre.i (Coy) Steadman, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Steadman was a commercial traveler for over 25 years, handling agricultural implements the greater portion of this period. He was formerly a successful grocer of Hamilton, N. Y., but since his removal to this county in 1866, has de- voted his time chiefly to agriculture. He is Republican in politics, and owns 101 acres of good land. Mr. S was married in 1847, and 2 children have been born to them-Jeanette and David L.

James L. Stone was born in Seneca county, N. Y., May 13, 1843. His parents were Eli and Catherine (Whitaker) Stone. When James was about four years old his parents settled at Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., and in 1850, at Ypsilanti, Mich. When a young man, Mr. Stone engaged in the insurance business, which he followed about three years. He then engaged in the manufacture of cigars, in which he did a large business. In 1876 he became the landlord of the Good- year House at Manchester. In 1880 he went into the Follett House at Ypsilanti, where he remained but a few months, and returned to the Goodyear House. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and also of the A. O. U. W. He was married in 1870 to Emma E. Cutler, of Ypsilanti, a daugh- ter of John M. Cutler (deceased).

A. C. Taylor, M. D., Manchester, was born in Bridgewater tp., in 1848. His parents were Darius and Sarah (Martin) Taylor who came here in 1839, from Wash- ington Co, Penn. In Bridgewater tp., Mr. Taylor was reared, but received his education elsewhere. In 1869 he began the study of medicine under Dr. M. E. Munger, of Manchester. In 1871 he entered the medical department of Michigan

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

University, from which he graduated in 1874. He at once began practicing at Somerset, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he remained one year. He then came to Manchester. where he has built up a large practice. Dr. Taylor is a member of the M. E. Church, of Manchester. In 1873 he was married to Emma Rose, a daughter of Hon. David G. Rose, of Sharon. To them has been given 1 son, Clarence W., born in 1875.

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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 151

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