History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 158

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 158

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Mr. Gregory, the subject of this sketch, was the middle one of seven sons. In his thirteenth year his common-school education was considered as complete, he having mastered Willett's Geography, Murray's small Grammar, and Daboll's Arithmetic as far as the rule of square root. A thorough acquaintance with the Latin language was procured under private instruction as it could be found. In the fall of 1819, in his seventeenth year, he entered Lenox Academy, in Massachu- setts, and several months' too close application to the Greek language nearly ruined his sight and led him back to agriculture as his occupation. His sight had been so enfeebled that he could not bear the light of the snow. One winter was passed in a dark room, the next in the South on the James river in Virginia, at Surrey Court-House, and the next in New York city, under the care of the noted oculist, Dr. Samuel Rodgers. The use of leeches was the doctor's only pre- scription. Only those from Portuguese waters were used, and the supply of these was soon exhausted. Necessity, the mother of invention, led him to contrive an artificial leech of glass. Its weekly use for one year fully restored his sight, which now, to the 78th year of his life, can master the finest print without the aid of glasses. This is a favor for which he would entertain the deepest and sin- cerest gratitude.

As a School Inspector for many years, and as a Supervisor for several years, he had all the opportunities for public service he desired or could well improve. Forty-three years he has been permitted to hold the office of Ruling Elder in one Church. When protesting of late years against a re-election, the consoling reply has been made, "The Church does not expect you are going to live long." To them he is grateful ; to God he would be more so; to them for the exhibition of their patient confidence; to God for the privilege of serving Him and having a name and dwelling with his people.

Dr. Daniel Hall, Saline, was born in Perry Co., Penn., Jan. 11, 1825. His par- ents, John and Rebecca (Kohler) Hall, were natives of Berks Co., Penn. The Dr. was raised on a farm and educated in the common school of his native State, but in 1850 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. George L. Potter, of Bellefonte Center, Pa. He remained here until Oct., 1852, when he came to Ann

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Arbor, and entered the medical department of Michigan University, graduating as an M. D. March 30, 1854. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and commenced practicing at " Old Fort," where he was engaged one year. He came West once more and settled in Pittsfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he practiced his pro- fession 8 years. In 1862 he came to Saline, where he has since resided, and has built up quite an extended and lucrative practice. He was married Nov. 7, 1854, to Samantha Wood, born in Yates Co., N. Y., July 8, 1830, and daughter of Darius and Nancy J. Wood, natives of Connecticut. They have one son, Abram Sager, who is one of Washtenaw county's best scholars. He entered the Michi- gan University at Ann Arbor and received his first degree in 1876, the master's degree 1877, and in 1878 received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, being the second person upon whom that degree has been conferred at this University. Af- ter finishing his education he was appointed an Assistant Professor in Albion College, remaining there two years. He is now engaged in business in Wash- ington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are faithful and consistent members of the Pres- byterian Church. In politics Mr. H. believes in the principles of the Republican party.

E. Hall, M. D., Saline, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., June 7, 1807, and is a son of E. and Mary Hall, natives of Massachusetts. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated at the Bridgewater Academy. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Catlin, of Winfield N. Y , in 1829, and remained with him three years. He then entered the Fairfield Medical Col- lege, and graduated Feb. 27, 1832. Wishing to obtain as much knowledge about his profession as possible, he attended the Geneva College of Medicine, and in 1865-'6 took a course of lectures in the medical department of Michigan Univer- sity, graduating March 28, 1866. From 1832 to 1837, he practiced at Winfield, N. Y .; from 1837 to 1844, at Brighton; thence to Cohocton, and from the latter place to Rockford, Ills., where he remained till 1857, when he removed to Saline, and has since resided there, engaged in the practice of his profession. Feb. 16, 1832, he married E'iza Scoby, born in Herkimer county, N. Y., July 29, 1810, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Scoby. They have one child-George W. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the M. E. church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

George W. Hall, ticket and freight agent of the D., H. & S. W. R. R., Saline, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1832, and is a son of E. and Eliza Hall. Mr. H. was raised in Rochester, N. Y., and attended the Lima and Roch- ester seminaries, where he graduated in the commercial course. He was in the employ of the Erie R. R., on the Buffalo division, for three years. At the expira- tion of this time he went to Rockford, Ills., where he lived two years. From Rockford he came to Saline and was engaged in the hardware business 12 years. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper for Wm. H. Davenport, which he filled for two years. After a term of instruction in telegraphy, he obtained the agency for the above named road, at Saline, which position he still occupies. He was married Sept. 4, 1855, to Ruth A. Andrews, born in Canadaville, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1833, and daughter of Dr. Philo and Clarissa Andrews, natives of Vermont. Of their 4 children, 2 are living-Philo E., who married Frances Inglish, and bookkeeper of Park, Davis & Co., of Detroit, and Cynthia. Mr. Hall and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is connected with the Knights of Honor, and in politics votes with the Democratic party.

Henry A. Hammond was born in Essex Co., N.Y., July 28, 1828. His parents were Daniel and Mary Hammond, who cameto this county in October, 1830. When they arrived $500 was all the money they had, and he at once entered 240 acres of land, on sections 24, 25, and 26 He built a log house and moved into it. In 1834 he sold 80 acres of his original entry, and purchased 120 acres of sec. 36. When he had got fairly started in his adopted county, in June, 1840, his house took fire and burned down, consuming all his household property, and leaving him entirely without anything to live in, or clothing to wear. His neighbors kindly aided him, and another house soon sheltered his family. Again, as he was beginning to prosper, he was seized with sickness, and May 14, 1847, passed away, being 53 years old at the time. He had formerly worked in the mercantile trade near Lake Champlain, N.Y., operating an extensive clothing establishment, but a couple of freshets swept away all his possessions, and he was forced to come West to retrieve his shattered fortune. Mr. Hammond, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm in this county, and received but a

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limited education in the common schools. Jan. 15, 1856, he married Eliza M. Boyden, born in this county, Dec. 6, 1834, and daughter of Lanson S. and Mary (Hutchinson) Boyden. Of the 6 children born to them, only 4 are living- Mary B., wife of Rev. James Lewis, of Rochester, N.Y .; George H., Ralph L., and Burt. Irvin and Hettie are deceased. Mr. and Mrs H. are members of the Baptist Church. He owns a farm of 240 acres on sections 24 and 26, and is a Democrat. His paternal grandfather served in the Revolutionary war.

Robert Hammond (deceased) was an old and respected pioneer of Washtenaw county. He was born in Ticonderoga, N. Y., April 19, 1804, and was the son of Robert and Ruana (Ferris) Hammond. He came to this county in 1830, and entered 80 acres of land, which, after improving somewhat, he sold and procured the old homestead where his widow now resides. He was united in marriage Jan. 2, 1839, to Mary Valentine, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., April 1, 1804, and daughter of Mathias and Sarah Valentine. The result of this union was the birth of 6 children, 4 of whom are living-Sarah M., wife of Henry Griswold, of Hills- dale Co., Mich .; Ruana E., wife of Lyman Robinson; Mary A .; Rachel C., wife of Christian Cook. George R. and Georgiana are deceased. Mr. H. followed the occupation of farming till his death, which occurred Nov. 16, 1875, he being 73 years old at the time. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and has gone to his reward. He assisted in the organization of Saline tp., and first repre- sented the new tp. in the County Board of Supervisors. This position he satis- factorily filled for 14 years. In the death of this good man, the family lost a kind father and affectionate husband, the tp. a good neighbor and counselor, and the county an old pioneer and an enterprising citizen. Mr. H.'s father served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war under the famous General Putnam, or " Old Put," as he was generally known, enlisting at the youthful age of 18. Mrs. Ham- mond's father was an officer in the same war under General George Washington, and died in October, 1855, at the age of 81, and his wife in 1868, when she had nearly completed her fourscore and ten years on this earth.

Samuel G. Hartwell, farmer, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1847, and is the son of Aaron and Electa Hartwell, the former of which is living, at the age of 81. Mr. H. was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He was married April 3, 1877, to Mary Simmons, born in St. Clair Co., Mich., June 5, 1857, but resided since 13 years old in Monroe Co., daughter of John L. and Mary Simmons. To Mr. and Mrs. H. 1 child has been sent, Effie A., born June 1, 1879. Mr. Hartwell had two brothers in the late war, both serving in Co. F, 6th Mich. Heavy Artillery, and won brilliant laurels fighting for "Uncle Sam." Mrs. H.'s father died Jan. 14, 1873, aged 61. The subject of this sketch owns a good farm of 95 acres in sections 25 and 35. Politically, he believes in the principles of the Democratic party.

Eugene Helber, proprietor of Helber's tannery, Saline, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Nov. 12, 1846. He is the son of Christian Helber (deceased), a physi- cian of great prominence in Germany, and in 1848, during the German revolution, served as staff physician, coming very near being imprisoned, but escaped. In 1854 he emigrated to America, and located in Ann Arbor, where he died Feb. 9, 1827. His widow still resides in Ann Arbor. Eugene was raised in the latter place, and received his educational training at the schools of that city. In 1832 he came to Saline and started a tannery, in which business he has been very successful, and still follows. May 16, 1874, he married Katie Graf, daughter of George and Agnes Graf, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1857. Mrs. H. was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 8, 1854. Mr. Helber is one of the most enterprising business men of Saline.

William Heller, blacksmith, Saline, was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., April 16, 1827, and is the son of Levi and Peggy Heller, natives of Pennsylvania. When quite young Mr. H. removed with his parents to Clarke Co., Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In 1847 he commenced serving a three years' apprentice- ship in blacksmithing with David Vincent. Having mastered his trade at the end of the term, he came to Detroit and worked at his trade for four years, thence to Northville, Wayne Co., where he worked for the same period. He then came to Ypsilanti and worked for Beech & Co., till 1876, when he removed to Saline. He married Nov. 7, 1847, Sabrina Tutton, and of the 6 children born to them, 3 are now living-Alice A., wife of John L. Hickson, of Jackson, Mich. ; Josephine E., teacher in the grammar department, Union school, Saline, and Harry, the inventor of an improved car coupler, mention of which is made in another por-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

tion of this volume. Mrs. Heller is a daughter of George and Betsey Tutton, and was born in England, July 18, 1826. Both. are members in good standing of the M. E. Church of Saline.

Aaron H. Howard, carriage manufacturer, Saline, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Hopkins) Howard, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of New York. They came to this county in 1838, settled in Saline tp., and in 1846, removed to Saline village, where the former died Sept. 9, 1879, at the age of 78, and the latter Aug. 20, 1873, aged 75. Mr. Howard, sr., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and received a land grant of 160 acres from the Government when he was discharged. Aaron H. was mostly raised in Saline village, and obtained a good education at the public schools. He learned his trade with George Sherman, of Saline, and worked for a time at Tecumseh, and also one year in Aurora, Indiana, after which he returned to Saline, where he has since resided. Feb. 25, 1865, he enlisted in Co. A, 17th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and serving till the war closed, was honorably discharged, and resumed his former occupation. In 1850 he married Resada Jewett, and they had 1 child born to them-Willis J. Mrs. Howard died Jan. 6, 1860, and April 10, 1868, he married Mrs. Adaline Kinsley, and 1 child has been the result of this union- Charles G. Mr. Howard is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the Repub- lican party.

J. G. Hoyt, proprietor of the York flouring mills, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 16, 1822, and is a son of Timothy and Dorothea (Humpsted) Hoyt, natives of Ridgefield, Conn. J. G. passed his early life on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1845, he entered a grist-mill, in Meriden. Conn., as miller, which position he held for eight years. He then farmed for five years, but believing he could do better at his trade, in 1860 he came to Lyons, Mich., and engaged in milling till 1875, when he removed to Saline, and purchased the York mills. These mills, in connection with a stave factory, he has operated since. July 25, 1845, he married Isadore S. Van Will, born in New York., Feb. 8, 1826, and daughter of Henry and Lydia Van Will, natives of Albany Co., N. Y. They have 4 children-George G., married to Elizabeth A. Gerald, now living in Gratiot Co., Mich ; Emily M., wife of John T. Percival, a merchant of Grand Haven, Mich .; William S., who married Jennie H. Hickmott, and Fred V. N. Both of Mr. Hoyt's grandfathers served in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Hoyt's great grand- father, on his father's side, was a boy 11 years old when Deerfield, Mass., was burned by the Indians. He was sleeping in the upper room of the house, and was awakened by the screams of the terrified inhabitants. This frightened him so that he jumped out of the window, and unnoticed, ran and hid in a corn bin, stand- ing to the rear of the house. In this place he remained till morning, and seeing that the Indians had departed he emerged from his place of refuge, and his gaze fell on such a horrible picture of butchery and torture, inflicted by those red devils, as to make him faint. He did not know but that his own parents were lying among that unfortunate number, but not having the courage to look, he turned his face to- ward the nearest settlement, 40 miles distant, arriving there after a four days' march, the only one that remained of that once prosperous village, all the rest being killed or captured by the Indians. He subsequently returned to his relatives at Ridgefield, Conn., when he, with 28 others, purchased a township of land, and it is said that he gave his hat and coat for his part of the payment, having no other property. His cousin, John Hoyt, was once captured by the Indians, and they started for Canada with him, it being in the winter season. They came to the Con- necticut river, which' they had to cross. They gave him a pair of roughly made skates to help him along. He put them on, but would fall down every few steps. In this way he deceived the Indians, and they thought perhaps the skates were bad; so selecting a better pair, they made him put them on, but he made no better prog- ress, still watching for a chance to escape. They would laugh at his awkward motions, and at last thinking he could get along as best he could, they started along faster, and he fell behind, but before they were aware, he was about 10 rods away, and going like a small hurricane. He skated about 10 miles, the Indians try- ing to catch him all the while, and came to where a small stream emptied into the river, and the channel being narrow at this point, the incoming flow of water had prevented any ice being formed. He looked back and saw the red skins not far distant, and knowing it would be certain death if re-captured, he made a brave re- solve to leap across if it was possible. He went back a little way, and started for- ward very fast, made the leap, and landed all safe on the other bank. When his

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pursuers came up, they were greatly surprised, and said "Ugh! Great Spirit in him, " and turned back, not caring to pursue him any further. Mr. Hoyt, the sub- ject of this sketch, is the youngest of a family of 8 children, all of which, except 1, have reached three-score years. Mr. H. and his entire family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Republican. His youngest son, Fred V. N., is taking a theological course in Yale College.

Milan Kidder (deceased) was born in Ontario county, N. Y., May 3, 1819. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Kidder, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New Jersey. Mr. K. passed his early life on a farm, and received his educational training in the common schools of his native State. In 1853 he emigrated to this county, where he lived till his death, which occurred Dec. 2, 1875, at the age of 56. He was married Dec. 11, 1841, to Susan K. Carr, born in Yates county, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1822, and daughter of Amos and Sarah (Arnold) Carr (both deceased), the former a soldier in the war of 1812, and departed this life Dec. 18, 1851, aged 64; the partner of his joys and sorrows through this world following him on Nov. 11, 1864. This marriage was blessed with the birth of 3 children, 2 of whom are living-Amos Y. andFrank E. Albert (deceased) was born Sept. 4, 1842, and died Feb. 19, 1877.

George King, one of the veteran pioneers of Washtenaw county, was born in Hampshire county, Mass., Dec. 29, 1800. His parents were Martin K. and Lucinda (Shephard) King. In the year 1802, Mr. King was taken by his grandparents to Montgomery Co., N. Y. There in the Mohawk valley he was reared to man- hood, receiving a very limited education in the public schools of that day. Mr. K.'s father was a Baptist minister, and died in Massachusetts in 1802. After Mr. King was of age, he returned to Massachusetts, the home of his birth, and with his brother Martin's assistance, erected a monument at the head of his father's grave. In a few years after his mother married John Foster, of English nativity, and soon after they moved to Canada, since which time her sons have never heard from her. In 1830 Mr. King came to this county but remained only a short time. He returned to Massachusetts, and May 31, 1831, he came again to Washtenaw county, and entered 160 acres of land on sec. 19, in Salem tp. He first moved into a small " shanty" belonging to a sugar camp, where they lived until a log cabin was built for their occupancy. The region around their home was wild, and filled with deer, bears, wolves, wild turkey and other animals that inhabit a region of this kind. Mr. King was married Oct. 10, 1823, to Margaret McGowan, and of the 13 children born to them, the greater part among the wilds of Washtenaw, 10 are living-Margaret, widow of Oscar Colvin, deceased; William, Sarah J., wife of Albert T. Mason; John V., Elizabeth, wife of Orpheus Church; George A., Michael E.,David W., Helen, wife of George Bailey, and Marinda, wife of Thomas Burroughs. Mrs. King was born in Washington county, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1806. In 1874 Mr. King sold his farm and moved to Ann Arbor, and in 1879 removed to Saline, where he resides at present For over 55 years Mr. and Mrs. King have trodden life'spath way together, and beheld with their own eyes the wonderful im provements that have taken place since they first came here. They are both members of the M. E. Church, and each of them have nearly reached the three- score and ten years allotted to man and woman on this earth. They will soon lie down to their final rest to wait the great Judgment Day. Mr. K.'s grandfather, Dr. David Shephard, was a Surgeon in the Revolutionary war, and subsequently a member of the famous Washingtonian Society.

Michael Klaeger, farmer. sec 7; P. O., Bridgewater; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Sept. 5, 1829, and is a son of Christian and Christiana K. who came to America in February, 1848, and settled in this county. In 1856 Michael emigrated to this county, and settled in Saline tp. He was married Oct. 2, 1854, to Barbara Bower, born in Germany, May 14, 1831, and daughter of Matthias Bower. Of their 9 children, 8 are now living-John M., Charles H., John G., Christiana B., Eliza, Ann M., Michael, Magdalena and Caroline. Amelia is deceased. Mr. K. and wife are members of the Bridgewater Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He owns a fine farm in the western part of Saline township.

John A. Klein, proprietor of the Schuyler Mills, Saline, was born in this county Dec. 26, 1836, and is the son of John P. and Mactalana Klein, natives of Ger- many. Mr. K. emigrated to this country in 1833, but in coming over the " big pond " he was robbed of $140, nearly all the money he possessed in the world, leav- ing him with barely enough to get to Detroit. He hired out as a laborer in this latter place, and worked at that until he had accumulated a sufficient sum of

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

money to enable him to buy 40 acres of land. Starting on this farm, he worked with energy and perseverance, and before long had increased his acreage to 160, which some years ago he divided among his 4 children-Catherine, wife of H. M. Jones; William, John A. and J. P. John A., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools. He was married April 2, 1864, to Christiana, daughter of Christian Burkhart, an old pioneer of this county. There were 7 children born to them, of whom 6 are living-Horace M., Charles W., George, Alice, Anna and Minnie. Lydia is deceased. Mr. Klein purchased the Schuyler Mills, Jan. 1, 1866. His parents reside with him, both in the 79th year of their age. His father distinctly remembers seeing Napoleon's army.

John La Rue, stock-buyer, Saline, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1845. He came with his parents, Thomas and Ann E. LaRue, to York tp., Washtenaw county, in 1855, where he passed his early manhood, receiving a common-school education. In 1872 he removed to Saline, where he has since been engaged in buying and shipping stock. Nov. 1, 1870, he married Marietta L. Kelsey, born in this county Oct. 6, 1852, and daughter of Joseph and Juliana Kelsey, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y. They have 2 children-Daisy M., born July 13, 1877, and Ora D., born Aug. 23, 1879. In politics Mr. La Rue is a Democrat.

Ard Lashier was born in this county June 4, 1837. His parents were Michael and Hannah Lashier, natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, respectively. In 1830 they came to Washtenaw county, and entered 85 acres of land in York tp., where they lived but a short time, then sold and entered 85 acres on another sec- tion, where they lived till they were called away-the former dying Dec. 5, 1860, aged 73, and the latter in July, 1871, aged 76. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated in the public schools of this county. When 20 years of age he came to Saline, and learned the art of making boots and shoes, subse- quently opening a shop of his own, which he operated till 1868; then entered the employ of Schairer Bros., and has worked in the harness department of their shop since. Jan. 11, 1862, he married Mary Wallace, born in 1851, and daughter of Daniel D. and Laura Wallace, early pioneers of the county. She bore him 2 children-Ottie and Fannie, and died Feb. 7, 1863 Mr. Lashier again married on Dec. 11, 1865, to Emma Palmer, born in Utica Co., N. Y., Dec. 26, 1846, and daughter of Edward and Mary Palmer. Mr. L. is a Republican.

John Layer, farmer, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Feb. 12, 1838, and son of Michael and Mary Layer, the former dying in 1843. In 1846 John, with his mother and two brothers, Jacob and Gottlieb, emigrated to America. They re- mained some time in Buffalo, N. Y., then came to this county. The mother, with her son Gottlieb, resides in Huron county, and Jacob lives in Tuscola county. Mr. L. was married March 14, 1866, to Ricka Kulenkampdaw, born in Freedom tp., Nov. 7, 1841, and daughter of Elard and Ann Kulenkampdaw. Of their 6 chil- dren, 2 are living-Emma A., born July 9, 1873, and Sarah A., born Nov 23, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Layer are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. His farm is situated on sec. 7, and consists of 140 acres.

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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 158

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