History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 160

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 160

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).

Ezra C. Robinson, farmer, sec 4, Saline tp., was born in Genesee county, N. Y., Aug. 2, 1826. His parents, Loammi and Isabel Robinson, were early pioneers of this county, having emigrated here in 1832. Ezra C. passed his early life in this region, and April 8, 1842, was married to Mary E. Bliss, and the result of this alliance has been the birth of two children-Ida M., wife of Jasper Perry, and Edward L., who married Lottie Bugg. Mr. R. is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife is connected with the Baptist denomination. In politics Mr. Robinson is a Republican. He owns a fine farm of 140 acres, valued at $75 per acre.

Loammi Robinson (deceased). Of the few who deserve special mention in this work, for the many labors and hardships that were incident to the founding of Washtenaw county, perhaps none stand higher than Deacon Loammi Robinson. He was born in Maine, May 31, 1879, and one year later his parents moved to Ver- mont, where Mr. Robinson spent his early life. When a young man he went to Central New York, and subsequently to Castile. in the western part of the " Em- pire State." He remained in this latter place six years, and then came westward

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to Michigan, locating permanently in Saline tp., Washtenaw Co. He imme- diately built a log cabin, and in the spring of 1831 brought his family to their " Western home." In a short time other families settled in the immediate neigh- borhood, and the settlement was called " Union District." Here, also, was organ- ized a Christian Church society, and Mr. Robinson was chosen Deacon. In addition to his strict religious principles, Mr. Robinson possessed such strong temperance qualities as to be pronounced by the majority as " rabid " and " fanat- ical." In those days it was customary to have a jug of the "ardent" always in the house, and the weary traveler, or the neighbor who might drop in, was always welcome to partake of the contents. But in Deacon Robinson's home it was en tirely different. No "little brown jug" ever greeted the eye of the tired wanderer but a large cup of "Adam's ale" was the cooling beverage that quenched his burning thirst. Two of his sons have followed the illustrious example of their father, and look back with pride to the temperance principles displayed by their sainted parent. In 1869 Mr. Robinson removed to Ann Arbor, where he passed his last days. After a long and painful illness, on Nov. 15, 1871, he heard the sweet words of his God, saying, " 'Tis enough, come up higher," and, like a bird before the relentless storm, his spirit cast off this clayey tenement, and soared to the realms of bliss above. His last words were, " I am coming, blessed Savior," -a sentiment that has filled the soul of many an earth-born wanderer, when the last duty on earth has been performed, and the gate of Heaven is just in view. On Nov. 22, 1823, Mr. Robinson married Isabel Edmunds, and the following chil- dren were born to them-Ezra C., Elvira, wife of John F. Nichols, Ann Arbor ; E. Spencer, Shiawassee county, Mich .; Mercy, wife of Charles Isbell; Paulina, wife of Rev. John D. McCord, Buchanan, Mich. ; Flora, wife of Henry A. Nichols, Bloomington, Ill .; William E., Professor of Bishop School, Detroit; Oscar L , and Ada I., wife of Oscar E. Nichols, Ogden, N. Y .; Joseph E., the eldest, died May 14, 1844, aged nearly 20 years; Louis E. died Oct. 18, 1853, aged 24 years, 11 months and 11 days, and Alden Ray, who died Oct. 18, 1864, in his 22d year. Mrs. Robinson still survives at a very advanced age, and a few years ago removed to Saline, where she intends to live until death shall release her from all the trials and sorrows of this earthly throne. "Peace and happiness be unto the aged."

Mr. Robinson's portrait is given in this book, on page 491.

Milo M. Rouse, farmer, Saline tp., was born in this county June 3, 1835, and is a son of Henry and Beda Rouse, who were early pioneers of Washtenaw, having settled on its fertile soil in 1830. Milo M. was reared on a farm, and April 9, 1857, married Julia, daughter of Albert K. and Martha Clark. To this union 3 children were born, 2 of whom are living-Arthur K. and Grosvenor M. Martha A. (dec.) died March 30, 1876, aged four years and one month. Mrs. Rouse was born in Saline tp., April 6, 1831. Politically. Mr. R. votes with the Republican party. He owns a good farm of 93 acres lying in secs. 14 and 20, valued at $60 per acre.

Harley M. Russell, farmer, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 21, 1819, and is a son of James and Electa Russell, natives of New Jersey. They emigrated to this county in June, 1837, and settled in Saline tp. The former was living at Bloomfield, N. Y., during the war of 1812, and when Buffalo was burned by the British, he was called out with the militia, but before arriving where their aid was needed, they were disbanded and discharged. He was born Dec. 10, 1788, and died in October, 1850. Mrs. Russell was born May 13, 1792, and died Feb. 23, 1867, at the age of 75. Harley M. was raised a farmer's boy, and received the educational advantages afforded by the schools of that day. He was married April 12, 1849, to Sarah E. Morris, and of the 2 children born to them, 1, James M , is now living. Mrs. Russell died March 12, 1855, and Nov. 6, 1859, Mr. R. married Mary M. Sanford, and the result of this latter marriage was 2 children- Edward E. and Fred L. Mrs. R. died Jan. 4, 1867. On Sept. 28, 1873, Mr. Rus- sell married the third time, Mary M. Dunning being the name of the lady. He has cleared off the 160 acres which he now possesses, nearly all by his own individual efforts. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics, a Democrat. Has served as Township Clerk and Highway Commissioner. His grandfather, Thaddeus Russell, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and after- ward drew a pension.

William Sanford, farmer, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March 30, 1823. His parents were Ezra and Almira Sanford, the former born in Bennington Co., Vt .. Aug. 19, 1792, and the latter born in the same place, Aug. 21, 1804. They were married in 1819, and were blessed with 9 children, 5 of whom are living --

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Ezra, William, Ann M., widow of A. G. Crane (deceased), Col. G. P. Sanford, editor of the Lansing Journal, and a prominent Democratic politician, and Chas. A., Professor in the Lansing high school. Mr. Sanford, sr., with his two sons, Ezra and William, emigrated from New York to Michigan in 1836, in search of a location. They " prospected" in different counties in this State, and finally stopped in Calhoun Co., but did not remain there long, and from thence to Noble Co., Ind., where Mr. Sanford entered about 20 lots near Rome city, and then re- turned to New York, leaving his sons at the latter place. The next spring he came to this county, buying 200 acres on sec. 21, and made a trip into Indiana, gathered up his " traps," and with his sons came back to this county. They put in their crops, and Mr. Sanford made a second trip back to the " Empire State," -- this time after his family. With them he returned to Washtenaw, arriving on July 4, and remained here until his wife's death, which occurred July 7, 1845. Mr. S. then moved to Noble Co., Ind., and lived there two years, and married. From there he went to Tecumseh, and lived there till his death, which occurred Aug. 1, 1855, at the age of 63. He was a Justice of the Peace in New York for eight years, and filled the same office in this county four years. William M. was married Nov. 9, 1845, to Mary E. Parsons, born in Saline tp., Sept. 14, 1828, and daughter of Chester and Deborah B. Parsons. Of their 7 children, 5 are living-Marion A., wife of Henry Brown; Elva P., wife of William Wright; Almon C .; William A., married to Victoria Waller, of Lansing, and Geo. P. Mr. S. owns a fine farm of 310 acres on secs. 18 and 21, and in politics is a Democrat. He had one brother, Orlo, who served in the Union army during the late war. He enlisted in the 1st Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and at the second battle of Bull Run was wounded. He lay on the field of battle four days. was then taken to the hospital at Washington, where he died, 34 days after the battle, from the effect of the wound.

George E. Schairer, of the firm of Schairer Bros., manufacturers of carriages and harness, Saline, was born in Washtenaw county, Aug. 2, 1845, and is a son of John G. and Christiana Schairer, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1840. George E. was reared in Ann Arbor, and educated in its publie schools. He followed farming for five years, and then learned his trade with Law:on & Wooster, of Ann Arbor, staying with them nearly three years. At the end of this time he went to Cleveland, Ohio, from there to Chicago, then to St. Charles, Ill., and locating in Leavenworth, Kan,, where he worked at his trade for three years. He then came back to Chicago, and from there came to Saline, and entered into partnership with his brother in the business they are now engaged in, Feb. 5, 1872. He married Sophia Sorg, and 4 children have been born to them, of whom 3 are living-Bertha J., Edward O., and Otto S. Milton S. (deceased) died Aug. 29, 1880, aged 3 years.

Henry Schlegel, farmer, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Sept. 8, 1823. His parents were Melcher and Margaret (Fisher) Schlegel. Henry was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of his native land. He came to America in 1856, landing at New York city Nov. 25. From there he went to Adrian, Mich., living there six months, and then came to Saline tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming. He was married Aug. 11, 1863, to Eliz- abeth Schmidt, born in Hesse Darmstadt, Oct. 4, 1821, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Schmidt. Both are united with the Freedom Lutheran society. His farm consists of 60 acres, situated on sec. 7. He is a Democrat.

Isaac Shaw, son of Robert and Elizabeth Shaw, was born in Washtenaw Co. Aug. 7, 1838. His parents were natives of England, and his father a farmer, rearing Isaac in this good and healthful way, and sending him to school when there was not much work to do at home. He was married Dec. 1, 1869, to Eliza- beth Wood, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July, 1847, and daughter of Marcus and Caroline Wood, the former a native of New York, and the latter being born on Long Island. The result of this marriage was the birth of 3 children, 2 of whom are now living-Ida A. and Clifford R. Mabel E. is deceased. Mr. Shaw is a " tiller of the soil," and is the owner of 100 acres of good land on sec. 30, valued at $60 per acre. Politically he is a faithful adherent of the principles expounded by the Republican party.

Robert Shaw, one of Washtenaw county's worthy pioneers, was born in Eng- land, Sept. 25, 1808, where he was reared and educated. In 1830 he sailed with his parents, Joseph and Mary Shaw, for America, landing at the port of New York. They remained there till September of that year, then emigrated West, and settled on sec. 19, York tp., in this county, where Mr. Shaw entered 80 acres

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

of land. On March 8, 1837, he married Eliza Clark, born in Greene Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1810, and daughter of William and Thankful (Rogers) Clark, the former a native of Middlesex Co., Mass., and the latter of Hartford, Conn. There were 7 children born to this union-Isaac C., who married Elizabeth Wood; Martha P., widow of William H. Wood (deceased); Everett, married to Susan E. Moorehouse ; Thankful E., wife of Robert Needham; Sarah A .; Geo. W., who married Sarah M. Martin; and Willie A. Mrs. Shaw's ancestry can be traced back to 1610, when Hugh Clark came from England to America, and settled in Massachusetts. Her father was born in 1753, and served two years in the Revo- lutionary war, under Capt. Adam Wheeler. Robert Shaw, in 1866, purchased 330 acres of land lying in Saline and York tps., but lately has divided it among his children; reserving only 48 acres for his own use. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church of Saline. In politics he is a staunch Repub- lican.

Thomas Shekell, farmer, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 11, 1823. His parents were Jacob M. and Mary Shekell, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of New Jersey. Mr. S. passed his early life on a farm, received his ed- "ucation in common schools of his native State. In 1848 he emigrated to this county and purchased 80 acres of land on sec. 16, Saline tp., where he has since resided. His grandfather was a slave-holder and lived in Maryland till 1803, when he removed to Ontario Co., N. Y .. when he afterward liberated his slaves, and died in 1828, having reached fourscore years. Jacob M., the father of Thomas, served a short time in the war of 1812, and died January, 1860, aged 74 years. The subject of this sketch, in connection with his brother John, own and farm 136 acres of land lying in sections 15 and 16, in Lodi tp., and valued at $60 per acre. Mr. S. is a Republican.

Prof. James H. Shepard, Principal Saline Public Schools, was born in Ionia county, Mich., April 14, 1850, and is the son of Daniel E. Shepard (deceased), a native of Vermont, and who died in 1856 The Professor was raised on a farm till he was nine years old, then removed with his mother to Concord, Jackson county. He remained here till 1867, then started to school at Albion College, and in 1873 entered Michigan University, graduating with high honors June 23, 1875. After finishing his studies he went to Holly, Oakland county, where he had charge of the schools for one year, then to Marquette, and was Principal of the schools there for two years. At the end of this time he contemplated a tour to Europe, but receiving an offer of the charge of the schools at Saline, he accepted, and has been holding that position since. He is a good teacher, and the schools of Saline are in a fine and flourishing condition.

Rev. D. R. Shier was born in Paterson, N. J., March 4, 1841. and is a son of Charles and Betsey (Ridgway) Shier, the former a native of New York city, and the latter of Lancastershire, England. Mr. S. removed with his parents to this county in 1847, where he was reared to manhood. He was educated at the Ypsilanti Union School, and graduated in June, 1858. He then entered the law department of Michigan University, graduating in March, 1862. From Ann Arbor he went to New York city, where he was engaged in business for some time. He subsequently removed to Decatur, N. Y., where he practiced law for a short time. From Decatur he emigrated West, and seeing a good opening at Port Huron he located there for two years. His next move was to Lampton county, Cana la West, when he was engaged in the oil business till 1868. In 1869 he was converted, and soon after was called to the gospel ministry. In 1869-'70 he lectured on temperance. In 1871 he commenced to preach, and was ordained as Deacon September, 1873, and as Elder Sept. 8, 1875. Since his ordination as a minister of the gospel he has preached in Monroe, Livingston and Washtenaw counties, and since 1879 has been located at Saline. The ardent labors of Mr. Shier have been gloriously blessed. In the temperance cause he has taken a very prominent part. In 1880 by his lectures he obtained $1,000 to aid the constitu- tional amendment fund. Jan. 28, 1874, he was joined in the bonds of holy matri- mony to Ida Keedy, born in St. Mary's, Ohio, March 22, 1852, and daughter of John H. and Margaret (Hamilton) Keedy. This alliance has been blessed with the birth of 3 children, 2 of whom are living-Florence E., born Dec. 21, 1876, and Margaret C., born Dec. 9, 1879. Charles H. (deceased) was born Nov. 25, 1874, and died Sept. 3, 1877. Mr. Shier is a member of the Knights of Honor.

John A. Smith, farmer, sec. 2, Saline tp .; was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., April 6, 1832. His parents were Ozias A. and Hannah (Lamb) Smith, the former a native of Monroe county, and the latter of Cayuga county nativity. Mr. Smith, the father of John A cure!" for all entered 80 seres of land

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on sec. 3, Saline tp. Here he remained until his death, which occurred March 11, 1869, at the ripe age of 64. Mrs. S. followed him on May 8, 1879, being then 77 years old. In the wilds and wilderness of early Washtenaw the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood. His educational advantages were limited to the district schools of the neighborhood. April 13, 1865, he married Mary Wei- nett, born in this county March 25, 1840, and daughter of Benedict and Mary Weinett, natives of Europe. They have 3 children-Walter A, Grace and Ger- trude A. Mr. S. is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and a Republican. He is the happy possessor of 156 acres of choice improved land, valued at $100 per acre.

John H. Smith, son of Jno. and Betsey Smith, was born March 27, 1833, in this county. His father was born in New Jersey, March 12, 1795, and died March 31, 1864, aged 69 years, and his mother was born in Connecticut May 16, 1796, depart- ing this life Oct. 10, 1865, aged 69. They were married Sept. 25, 1823, and came to this county in 1833. They had 7 children, of whom 2 are living-John H., and and Laura S., widow of William Egbert (deceased), who was killed a by running team at Tecumseh Sept. 10, 1872. John H. was married June 30, 1875, to Louisa M. Treat, and 1 child has been born to them-Walter D., born Feb. 27, 1878. Mrs. S. is a daughter of David B. and Sarah J. Treat, natives of Trenton, N. J. Mrs. S. was born in Adrian, Mich., Feb. 19, 1843. Mr. Smith owns a farm of 160 acres, and in politics is a Republican. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in several important engagements.

L. M. Thorn was born in Washtenaw county, July 9, 1847, and is a son of Gard- ner and Emily Thorn, natives of Seneca county, N. Y., who came to this county in 1845. Mr. Thorn was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools and the State Normal school at Ypsilanti. Nov. 10, 1869, he was joined in marriage with Sylvia L., daughter of Gilbert M. and Minerva Brown natives of New York. Mrs. Thorn was born in Saline tp , Aug. 4, 1848. Mr. Thorn is a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities. In politics he favors Demo- cracy.

Myron Webb, Saline, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., June 30, 1824. His parents, Paskel D. and Lovina Webb, were natives of Connecticut. In May, 1836, Mr. W. came with his parents to this county, and located on sec. 17, near the farm of George Cobb, where his father died Feb. 5, 1850, at the advanced age of 85. Mrs. W. had preceeded him, she dying Sept. 21, 1847, in her 60th year. Myron passed his early life on a farm in York tp., and was married Feb. 21, 1844, to Catherine Kanouse, daughter of Peter F. and Sellie Kanouse, natives of Essex county, N. J. To this union 2 children were born-Emily E. and IdaE. In 184-, Mr. Webb removed to Saline, where he still resides. In politics he is a Demo- crat and in 1867 -- '9, represented his tp. in the Board of Supervisors. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of Washtenaw county, and served in that position two years, then was re-elected as Supervisor, which he held four years. He was also a member of the Union School Board for six pears. Mr. W. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

J. M. Young, farmer, was born in Washtenaw county on the Christmas of 1832. His parents were James H. and Rebecca Young, the former born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 9, 1798, and the latter in Malden, Mass., in 1796. Mr. Young, Sr., came to this county in 1830, and entered 120 acres of land on secs. 8 and 17. He then sent for his family, and meeting them at Buffalo, N. Y., accompanied them here He lived on the land he had entered until his death, which occurred April 13, 1875, at the age of 78. His wife departed this life in October, 1865, at the age of 69. Mr. Y., the subject of this sketch, passed his early life among the wilds of Wash- tenaw county, and received the educational training the district schools of that day afforded, and then attended the Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he finished his education. March 20, 1861, he married Sarah J, Parsons, born in this county Nov. 20, 1833. They had 6 children by this marriage-Edward C., Alfred M., Lizzie D., Sarah A., James A. and Irene. Mrs. Young died Jan. 23, 1873. On Dec. 29, 1875, Mr. Y. married Clarissa Mitchell, by whom he had 2 children born to him-Cora and Alden. Mr. Young has always been a resident of this county, except six years, from 1862 to 1868, which he spent in Effingham Co., Ill. He has been Township Clerk three terms, Justice of the Peace one term, and was a member of the Board of Supervisors. He has taken three degrees in the Masonic order. His farm, situated on secs. 16, 17 and 18, contains 330 acres, and is well im- proved. Mr. Young, Sr., was a member of the Governor's guard, of Boston, dur- ing the war of 1812, and when the Black Hawk war broke out he started for the front to fight, but hal to surrende: before he arrived at the battle-ground.

YORK TOWNSHIP.

This township is singularly favored in the fertility of its soil and the variety of its water courses. In the dim past, when the aboriginal inhabitants stood on the heights of this township and surveyed the stormy Tchigikitchigami, it could not possibly occur to them that in future ages another people would take their stand there and look eastward over fields of golden grain, over a land dotted with happy homes. It came to pass, however, and now, what was once a portion of the great Erie lake, forms one of the most beautiful districts of the beautiful peninsula. The soil is gravelly and sandy, with sandy loam and clay subsoil in many sec- tions. The forest or timber tracts, thongh not large, are of great value. The Saline river, its tributaries, Sugar creek, and various other rivulets and creeks add much to its natural advantages, all conspiring to render it a fit home for a good people. The T., A. A. & G. T. R. R. passes through the township. It was completed in May, 1878. The Detroit & Butler railroad, built in 1880, passes through the southeast corner of the town.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.

York contains 14,286 acres of improved lands, 7364 acres of un- improved lands, and an aggregate acreage of 21,650. The num- ber of farms in the district is 192, which if equalized, would give an average of 112.76 acres to each farm.

In 1879, 3,129 acres were sown to wheat, which produced 63,629 bushels, or an average of 20.34 per acre. The acreage of this cereal in May 1880, was 3,834.

: The corn crop of 1879 yielded 135,270 bushels, from fields com- prising 2,018 acres; 1,209 acres of oats yielded 47,115 bushels; 474 acres of clover gave 791 bushels of seed; 49 acres of barley produced 1,150 bushels; 104 acres planted under potatoes, yielded 6,557 bushels; 2,465 acres of meadow lands produced 2,878 tons of hay.

ORGANIC.

Under Territorial government, the town was known as Ypsilanti and Saline, two tiers of sections belonging to Ypsilanti and four to Saline. At the suggestion of Hon. Wm. Moore, a member of the Territorial Legislature, it was called York, since most of the inhabitants came from the State of New York, and under this name an act organizing the township of York, in the county of

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YORK TOWNSHIP.

Washtenaw, was passed by the Legislative Council, and approved March 7, 1834, "That all that part comprised in surveyed township four south, in range six east, be a township by the name of York; and that the first township meeting be held at the now dwelling- house of Noah Wolcott, in said township." The meeting was duly held at the house of Noah Wolcott in Mooreville, presided over by Boaz Lampson. Hon. Wm. Moore was elected Supervisor and Justice of the Peace, and Othniel Gooding, Clerk. The first ballot was cast by Mr. Marvin, father of Wm. Marvin and Hon. Jarvis Marvin.

SETTLEMENT.

As early as 1824 the American pioneer came to York, and selected his lands in the midst of the wilderness. Immediately succeeding that period others followed over the blazed trail, and within a few years every quarter of the district held an occupying proprietor.

In reviewing the history of this period the labor of compilation has been rendered light indeed. Josiah Utter Fuller, in his his- torical reminiscences of York township, has treated fully and im- partially almost every fact in connection with its early settlement. and growth.

THE MATCHI AGON.

Among the first settlers in the town was Alanson Snow, known as the "Indian hater. " He was so called, Matchi Agon, on account of his inveterate hatred to the Indians. When a lad, the members of his father's family were massacred by the Indians in Ohio right before his eyes. From that hour he vowed eternal vengeance upon the redskins, a vow that he kept with unrelenting hatred. He ranged the woods for days at a time, seeking opportunities to avenge their death. It is said that the Indians believed him com- missioned by the "Great Spirit " to destroy them, and they fled from his presence as from the devil. He was strictly a "man of the forest " and his chief delight was in hunting. He roamed from morning till night with his trusty rifle in the woods, and as civilization advanced and the sturdy woodman's ax was heard fell- ing the forest trees preparatory to clearing the land and making it more habitable, he (Snow) moved farther into the forest, there to satisfy his love for hunting, and his desire to keep the terrible but just vow made in early childhood.

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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 160

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