History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 159

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 159

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James B. Lindsley, farmer, was born in Washtenaw county Oct. 25, 1835. His parents were Samuel and Rachel Lindsley, the former born in the county of Down, Ireland, February, 1789, and the latter in the county of Antrim, Ireland, in Octo- ber, 1807. The former came to this country in 1816, and stopped in New York city, and the latter followed with her parents in 1821, and settled in Livingston county, N. Y. Mr. L. was engaged in business in New York city for four years, then removed to Long Island, where he followed gardening for the same period. In 1833 he came to Michigan and entered 160 acres of land on sec. 32, and also 80 acres in Clinton tp., Lenawee county. He returned to New York and the follow- ing winter was married to Rachel Baty. In June, 1834, he again came West, bringing his young wife with him. They suffered the privation that all pioneers are sub- ject to in a new country, but bore them with cheerful hearts and ready hands. In this wild region 4 children were born, 3 of whom are living-Sarah J., Mary A., and James B. Mr. L., sr., aided in laying out and surveying many of the roads in Saline tp., and was a prime mover in organizing school districts, and building school-houses. He died March 27, 1856, at the advanced age of 73. Mrs. L. fol- lowed him on Feb. 12, 1880, being of the same age at [time of death. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, but never connected himself with any religious denomination in this country. In politics he was a Democrat, and James B. has followed in his political footsteps. He left a farm of 111 acres on

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secs. 31 and 32, which was the land he had entered upon first coming into the county.

William Manifold, an old pioneer of Washtenaw county, was born in York county, Pa., June 18, 1795. In May, 1834, he came to this county and located in . Saline. In 1836 he entered two 80-acre pieces of land in Genesee county, but remained in Saline, where he made his home. He also entered 80 acres of land on sec. 14, in Saline tp. In 1853 he sold his farm and removed to Detroit, where he worked at the carpenter's trade till February, 1872, then returned to Saline, where he has since resided. He was married Dec. 14, 1843, to Sophia Reynolds, born in Seneca county, N. Y., May 4, 1804, and daughter of Enos Reynolds, born near Waterloo, Pa., and an early settler in the county. Mrs. M. died Dec. 14, 1872, after 29 years of wedded life. Mr. Manifold is a member of the Presbyterian Church, being at present in his 85th year. The band of pioneers who are left among the settlers of the early day are few, and the subject of this sketch de- serves honorable mention in this volume. His father was a soldier in the Rev- olutionary war.

G. B. Mason, Postmaster, Saline, was born in Washtenaw county, Aug. 30, 1838, and is the son of Mial and Dorthy Mason, the former born Nov. 29, 1808, and a native of Massachusetts, and the latter born Dec. 25, 1796, and of New York nativity. They came to this county in 1836, and Mr. Mason clerked in a hotel for two years, and for three years kept the toll-gate on the Chicago & Detroit turnpike. He then engaged in the grocery business, and subsequently in the dry- goods trade. In 1861 he was appointed Postmaster of Saline by President Lin- coln, which position he held till his death, which occurred Sept. 8, 1875, at the age of 67. His companion had preceded him, her departure taking place April 23, of the same year. The subject of this sketch was reared in Saline, and ob- tained his educational training in the schools of that village. He clerked in the P. O. till 1863, then for five years was engaged as clerk in a store. In 1868 he was appointed Postmaster, which position he still occupies. He is also a dealer in drugs and stationery, and carries a stock valued at $2,500. On Nov. 8, 1866, he married Anna E. Clark, born Aug. 1, 1847, and daughter of Albert R. and Martha Clark, of Saline. They have 1 child, Ralph C., born June 14, 1873.

Silas F. Mead (deceased) was born in Greenwich, Conn., March 17, 1812. In 1835 he came to this county. He was a school-teacher, but spent four years as clerk for his uncle, Silas Finch, in his store at Saline. He then rented and oper- ated the York Mills for two years. In December, 1840, he married Harriet Ris- don, and 4 children were born to them, 2 of whom are living-William D., who married Annie Hickmott, and Lewis R., husband of Blanche Durant. Both sons live in Oakland, Cal. Mary E. and Henry R. are deceased. Mrs. Mead is a daughter of Orange and Sallie (Newland) Risdon, and was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1847. After their marriage they moved on a farm in Pittsfield tp., where they lived till 1851. In the latter year they removed to New Orleans, La., where Mr. Mead owned a shoe store till the Rebellion commenced He then engaged in making oil-cloths for the soldiers' sacks, and continued at this till New Orleans was taken by the Union forces. He was then engaged for four years in the commissary department of that city. At the expiration of that time he returned to Washtenaw county, where he worked on his farm till his death, which occurred Sept. 9, 1877, at the age of 65. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church, also connected with the Sons of Temperance. His widow survives him, and is an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.

Dudley Miller (deceased) was born at Mendon, N. Y., July 24, 1812. His par- ents were Leonard and Rachel (Octrum) Miller, of German descent, and the former a native of Connecticut, the latter being born in New York. In 1824 they re- moved to Michigan, and the same year to a spot which now forms part of the city of Ypsilanti. They remained there one year, and then removed to the old Indian burying-ground, called the "Reserve." Here they built a double house, and used it for an inn and dwelling. Many of the pioneers seeking a home in the wilds of Michigan Territory, have found a resting-place beneath the roof of this humble tavern; and often the only pay the proprietors would receive would be the " God bless you " that came from the grateful heart of a foot-sore and weary traveler. The nearest market places were Detroit and Monroe, and several days were consumed in making a trip to either of these " frontier villages." Dudley grew up amid these surroundings, assisting his father until death claimed him in 1831, after which he cared for the family, farming the greater part of the time.

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He was married October 23, 1831, to Rebecca Gillett, and the same year settled on 160 acres of land in sec. 24, Saline tp. Mrs. Miller was born at Benton, Yates Co., N. Y., July 18, 1814, and was the daughter of Joseph and Deborah (Watson) Gillett, natives of Connecticut, and of Scotch descent. They had 5 children born to them, and 1 was adopted, Angeline Lowell, born Nov. 8, 1838, and adopted in 1840. She is now the wife of Byron Hobbs, Kalkaskia, Mich. The children were-E. Addie, born May 30, 1841, married May 30, 1876, to Lewis L. Bissell, Lakeview, Montcalm Co., Mich .; William Norton, born Oct. 22, 1847, and died April 22, 1859; Amos Jason, born March 11, 1850, married Dec. 4, 1879, to Sarah E. Bozelle, now residing on sec. 24, Saline tp .; Hattie M, born Nov. 18, 1852, and Ettie M., born July 4, 1855, married Oct. 27, 1880, to Miles A. Stoddard, Hubbardston. Ionia Co., and at present reside on sec. 24, Saline tp. Mr. Miller was a firm advocate of the "Golden Rule," and the latter. part of his life was filled with noble and philanthropic deeds. He died March 27, 1877, mourned by a whole community. His widow still survives.

Charles Moore was born in Ontario county, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1821, and is a son of Washington and Susanna Moore, natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Moore was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In September, 1840, he came to this county, and purchased 110 acres of land in Saline tp., on sec. 25. He then returned to New York, and Sept. 26 he married Olive B. Baggerly. He returned to Michigan with his new bride, and has resided in Washtenaw county since. To this marriage 5 children were born, 3 of whom are living-Ther- esa S., wife of Jerome B. Hartwell, of Eaton county ; Fletcher E. W., who mar- ried Mary Phillips, and Lillie D., wife of Newell Hubbard, of Milan, Mich. Helen U. and Lottie A. are deceased. Mrs. Moore was born in Ontario county, N. Y., April 20, 1824. Her parents were Everett and Sarah (Larned) Baggerly, the former a native of Maryland, born Aug. 7, 1785, and died Jan. 16. 1875, aged 90 years, and the latter a native of Connecticut, born April 11, 1794, and died May 4, 1871, at the age of 77. Mr. Moore's father was born Sept. 25, 1778, and died May 25, 1856, aged 78. Mrs. Moore departed this life April 1, 1852, aged 71. They were married Nov. 6, 1800, and 10 children were born to them, 8 of whom are living -Lorain, Jane, Lucy, Polly A., William, Betsey, James W. and Charles. Caleb and Morris are deceased. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and saw many thrilling sights during that long and eventful conflict. An Indian once aimed a shot at his head but fortunately it struck his wrist and thereby his life was saved.

Benjamin Munroe, farmer, son of Alexander (deceased) and Huldah Munroe was born in Lodi tp., March 31, 1845 He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. March 5, 1872, he married Hattie Coryell, born in Seneca county, N. Y., June 21, 1849, and daughter of John and Abigail Coryell, natives of New York. To this union 1 child was sent-Carrie L., born Jan. 30, 1877. Mr. M. owns a fine farm of 80 acres on sec. 35. He is a Republican.

Harrison A. Nichols, M. D., Saline, was born in Oakland county, Mich., Oct. 26, 1848, and is a son of John A. and Elizabeth Nichols, both natives of New York. He was reared on a farm, educated at Ann Arbor, and commenced the study of medicine in 1865 with Profs. Palmer and Cheever, of Ann Arbor. He was under the instruction for one year, then studied with Dr. C. C. Kingsley, of Ypsilanti, for two years, at the end of which time he entered the medical depart- ment of Michigan University, graduating as Doctor of Medicine in March, 1868. He first commenced to practice in Deerfield, Lenawee county, and remained there about two years. From Deerfield he removed to Ann Arbor, laboring in his pro- fession in that city till 1876, when he came to Saline, where he has since resided and engaged in his chosen profession. By close attention to business he has established a large and growing patronage.

Simon Nissley, farmer, was born in Germany, March 3, 1830, and is the son of Simon F. and Libbie Nissley, natives of Germany. In 1847 Simon emigrated with his parents to America, and came westward, settling in Bridgewater tp., this county, where his father still resides. In 1854 Mr. N. married Mary Rapp, who was born in Germany Aug. 9, 1831. Eight children have been given to this alliance-Simon, Oseo, Carrie and Polly (twins); the former married David Mandt; Daniel, Mary and Libbie (twins), and Minnie. The loving mother departed this life Nov. 17, 1879. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Bridgewater Lutheran Church. Mr. Nissley owns 144 acres of well-improved land, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since coming to this county,

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with the exception of seven years, from 1854 to 1861, when he was in the employ of the Great Western Railroad, in Canada. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and politically is a Democrat.

Garry M. Osborn, farmer, was born in Greene Co., N. Y., Nov. 11, 1818, and son of Barrett and Nancy (Stone) Osborn, natives of Connecticut. Mr. O. was raised a " farmer's boy," and received the educational advantages the schools of that day afforded. Dec. 20, 1857, he married Emma Hartwell, born at Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1838, daughter of Aaron and Maria Hartwell, of Con- necticut. Of their 3 children, 2 are living-Lizzie M., born Oct. 18, 1857, and Min- nie A,, born Aug. 7, 1867, wife of John Fowler, of Eaton Co. Ethel (deceased) was born May 29, 1867; died May 11, 1870. Mr. O. came to Monroe Co. in 1840, and bought land in Exeter tp., where he lived six years. He then went to Moore- ville, and kept a hotel a short time, and from there came to Saline tp., where he still resides, engaged in farming a piece of land comprising 167 acres. Mr. Os- born's grandfather served as a teamster in the Revolutionary war. Miss Jennie Wilkinson, more commonly known as the " Universal Friend," was Mrs. Osborn's great aunt.

George Osborn, farmer, was born in Greene Co,, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1825, and is the son of Barrett and Nancy Osborn, natives of Connecticut. Mr. O. passed his early life working on his father's farm in Greene Co., and received a limited edu- cation in the public schools. He came to this county in September, 1840, and soon after purchased land on sec. 26, Salinetp., erected a house theron, and moved in. He was married May 4, 1854, to Nancy Robison, a native of Lenawee Co., Mich., where she was born May 4, 1835, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Robi- son. This union was blessed with the birth of 2 children-Jennie A. and Barrett. Mrs. O. is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church at Mooreville. Polit- ically Mr. O. is a Republican. His father died in 1862, aged 75, and his mother in October, same year, at the ripe old age of 83.

Chester Parsons, retired farmer, was born at Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Dec. 1, 1799. His parents, John and Mary Parsons, removed to Greene Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1802, where the former died in 1813, but the latter resided there til, 1826. Mr. P. lived at home till he was 19, then learned the tanner's trade. In 1820 he commenced active life for himself, working at $8 per month. In 1823 he accepted a position as fireman in "Beam House," of John Bray, and on Nov. 26 of the next year was united in marriage to Deborah B. Maben, daughter of Robert and Electa Maben, the former born July 5, 1781, and the latter Dec. 18, 1783. Mrs. P., was born Sept. 12, 1805. To this union 7 children were born, of whom 1 son and 2 daughters remain to cheer their home-Mary, wife of William Sanford; Melissa, wife of Charles Fellows, and Alfred, married to Percia Tallmage. In May, 1826, he emigrated to this county, and entered 80 acres of land, one and a quarter miles south of Saline village, which then consisted of two log houses, and was second farm south of the "Salt Spring Reserve." He was assisted by a resident friend in locating his land, and fearing some one might accidentally get the start of him, he, in company with his brother Orrin, started one evening, an hour before sunset, for Monroe, 30 miles distant, through a dense wilderness, with not a single house on the way. They plodded along an old Indian trail, it being so dark they had to feel their way with their hands. By morning they had accomplished 20 miles of the distance, and in a few hours the remainder. On returning from Monroe, he erected a log house, and the floor was put in at odd times. He would do a day's work, and every evening would put in a split log, till the floor was finished. To Chester and Orrin Parsons are due the honor of erecting the first building in Saline tp., being a much-needed saw-mill. In 1834 Mr. P. purchased 160 acres of land, where he now resides, and devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. Subsequent additions to his original purchase has increased his acreage to 374, finely improved, with good buildings and a steam saw-mill on the premises. In 1847 Mr. Parsons erected a saw-mill, but it was soon after de- stroyed by fire. He rebuilt it, and operated it successfully for several years. In 1835 the Benton P. O. was removed to his house, and he has since that time filled the position of Postmaster. Soon after coming to Saline, he, with his brother's assist- ance, cut a road from Saline village to intersect the Tecumseh road, and the day after it was completed Mr. P. started with a team of " horned horses " (yoke of oxen) to Monroe for a load of provisions. The trip occupied three days, and was the first traveling done on this now busy thoroughfare. He also kept a hotel where he now lives, before the railroad was completed to Ann Arbor. Mrs. Parsons was

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at an advanced age when she died, and remarkably intelligent, while she also possessed a brilliant memory. A short time before her death she wrote a history of their trip from New York to Michigan, and connected with it an interesting ac- count of the hardships and privations of their early pioneer life She did not live to finish it, but was called to her reward where pioneer life is unknown. He again married, this time to Mrs. Jenette Wakefield, on Nov. 9, 1876, widow of Utley Wakefield, who died July 25, 1850, and daughter of John and Electa Arnold. Mrs. Parsons was born near Albany, N. Y., June 10, 1823. By her first marriage, she had 2 children-Eva E., wife of George H. Jewett, and Mary J., wife of William Wallace. Mr. Parson's father was born Nov. 18. 1764. and died April 7, 1813, aged 49, and his mother was born May 20, 1767, and departed this life March 26, 1857, at the ripe age of 90. He has been 54 years in Washtenaw county, and is now 82 years old, with locks as white as the driven snow.

We give Mr. Parson's portrait on page 437 of this volume.

Cornelius Parsons, merchant, Saline, was born in Washtenaw Co., Jan. 14, 1833. His parents, Orrin and Rebecca S. (Fuller) Parsons, were natives of New York. They came to this county in 1830, and located 112 miles south of Saline, where the former built a saw and grist mill, the first erected in the place. He also opened a tavern near the junction of the Chicago and Tecumseh road, which he kept for 10 years. The mills Mr. P. operated till his death. Mrs. P. died in 1854 Cornelius was reared in the country, his educational facilities limited to the common country schools. In 1854 he came to Saline, and for several years clerked for Davenport & Miller; was with Mr. Northrop in the hardware business six years ; then worked for Parsons & Co .; then opened a store with HI. J. Miller, remaining there one year, at the end of this time opening a dry-goods establish- ment of his own, which business he is now engaged in. He was married June 3, 1853, to Mary A. Ross. They have 3 children-Edith L., wife of Andrew J. War- ren. Grosvenor H. and George W.

Capt. Orrin Parsons, son of Orrin (dec. ) and Rebecca S. Parsons, was born in Washtenaw county, Oct. 16, 1833. He was reared on a farm, and entered the lit- erarv department of Michigan University, graduating June 20, 1859. He then went to Brunswick, Mo., and taught school one year. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 3d. Mich. Cav., under Col. Mintey, and participated in the battles of Madrid, Corinth, and Iuka, with an almost innumerable number of skirmishes. At the close of the war he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, and remained there for eight months, when he was honorably discharged. He enlisted as a private, soon after was elected 2d. Lieut., then 1st Lieut., and subsequently was assigned to the rank of Capt. of Co. M., in which capacity he served for the last two years of the war. June 20, 1866, he was married to Miss Olive R. Eddy. Two children were born to them, and 1 of whom, Mabel, is living. Mrs. P. was born April 9, 1846, a daughter of Henry T. and Olive R. Eddy, natives of New Jersey. She died May 12, 1873. Mr. Parsons is connected with the Masonic order, and in politics is a Republi- can.

Levi II. Reynolds, Vice-Pres. of Pioneer Society for Saline tp, was born in Schenectady county, N. Y., June 2, 1808, and is a son of Asa D. and Betsey (Ortlyp) Reynolds, natives of New York. In 1816 Mr. Reynolds removed with his par- ents to Livingston county, where he was reared and educated. In July, 1842, he came to this county, and located in Saline, and worked in the Saline flour-mills for three years. He had learned the trade and worked at it for six years, in Avon, N. Y. In 1846 he started the Schuyler Mills, and operated them for three years: at the expiration of this time, he entered into partnership with Mr. Van Housen, and they purchased the York Mills, and operated them for one year. Mr. R. then retired from the firm, and located in Manchester, remaining but a short time. He came back to Saline, worked in the York Mills two years, then removed on a farm, and devoted his time alternately to milling and farming till lately, when he moved to Saline, where he resides at present. He was married Sept. 1, 1835, to Irene C. Kennison, born in Orange county, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1816. Of the 4 children born to them, 3 are living -Eugene A., who married Lizzie II. Taylor; Helen A., wife of William D. Simmons; William W., married to Eliza Phillips. Sarah L., the eldest, is deceased. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the M. E. Church, and is a Democrat. Both of his grandfathers served in the Rev- olutionary war, and Mrs. Reynolds' Grandfather Ortlyp was a Hessian, but dis- liking the cause for which he was fighting, he deserted the British and joined the Continental army, remaining with them three years, and doing splendid service.

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Orange Risdon was born at Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt., Dec. 28, 1786. When he was three years old his father removed to Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he attended a common school until his thirteenth year. From that time until the day of his death he was dependent upon his own efforts. He studied surveying under a Mr. Rice, of Ballston Springs. N. Y., and in 1807 made an engagement with Elisha Johnson, a noted surveyor of Lester, N. Y., to assist him in surveying 100,000 acres of land in the new counties of Allegany and Genesee. His duty was to carry the chain, for which he was to receive $16 per month, but scarcely a week had passed when his skill in surveying was discovered, and with the consent of the land agent, the work was divided, and his wages increased to about five times the amount of the first stipulation. In 1809 he assisted in laying out the infant cities of Lockport, Brockport and Buffalo. During the war of 1812 he served two years as assistant surveyor. At one time he owned nearly 1,000 acres of land on the Genesee river. In 1817 a great commercial crisis occurred; he suffered with others; this led to the determination to remove to the new Territory of Michigan. In 1823 a month was passed in exploring, on foot, this and other counties. The next year, in com- pany with Judge Dexter, he rode nearly 2,000 miles on horseback, carefully in- specting the eastern portion of Michigan. Aug. 12, 1824, he bought 160 acres of land on sec. 1, of Saline tp., Washtenaw county. The road from Detroit to Pontiac was surveyed under his direction the same year. In 1825 the great military road from Detroit to Chicago was commenced by the U. S. Government, and Mr. Risdon was chief surveyor. From this time until 1856 he was mainly employed in the U. S. service. At least 75 townships were surveyed by him and about 45 others exam- ined or re-surveyed. In 1869 he made a journey to California on a visit to his son. For 12 years he was a Magistrate; for 10 years Postmaster at Saline, but resigned this office in 1840. He officiated at the first wedding in Saline tp. Mrs. Risdon accompanying him on horseback several miles through the timber.

For many years he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. He re- ceived the Master's degree in 1810, which was his 24th year; the Royal Arch in 1813; the order of High Priesthood in 1815; the Knight's Templar degree the same year, in the city of New York. At the time of his death, Mr. Risdon had held the latter degree longer than any man in the United States. He stated to a relative that at one time the noted Gov. De Witt Clinton and himself were the most advanced members of the Masonic order in the state of New York. He officiated as Deputy Grand Master at the laying of the corner-stone of the Michigan capitol, in Detroit, in 1823, and was also present at the laying of the corner-stone of the new State capi- tol at Lansing, in 1873.

Mr. Risdon was truly a pioneer, and the families coming at a later date were sure of his sympathy. His advice was often sought in the selection of lands; very many miles were traveled by him to point out desirable locations, and yet ever unwilling to receive a reward. He was genial in his disposition, unselfish, benevolent, and liberal almost to a fault. He was married at Stillwater, N. Y., in 1816, to Sally Newland. Her death occurred in 1866. A few days would have completed the half-century of union. Mr. Risdon's last illness was short; from the effects of a severe cold he could not rally and gradually sank. He passed away, Monday, Nov. 27, 1876, without a groan or struggle. His funeral was held the following Thurs- day, and the Masonic demonstration was of a high order, and very impressive. Great numbers of people from neighboring towns and cities were in attendance.

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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 159

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