History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 166

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 166

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George Moffitt, farmer, August+ tp., was born in Worcester county, Mass., Feb. 16, 1827. His parents, Horace and Phoebe Moffitt, removed to Monroe, Mich., in 1836. His father was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and died at Akron, O., in May, 1878, aged 78 years. Mrs. Moffitt died in July, 1876, aged 76 years. George passed his early life in Monroe, obtaining his education in the public schools. His occupation is farming and dealing in lumber. He owns a saw-mill on sec. 28, and 40 acres of land on secs. 28 and 32. He was married March 20, 1848, to Tirzah Rose, born in Yates Co., N.Y., August, 1828, and daughter of John and Matilda Rose, natives of New Hampshire. They have 3 children-Horace, who married Ellen Sunbury; William, husband of Ida Vanderwaker, and Clara, wife of Joseph Boltz, Wayne Co., Mich. Mr. Moffitt is a Democrat, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for six terms.

Andrew B Minzey, Augusta tp., was born near Montezuma, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1826. His parents, John and Phoebe Minzey, located in Augusta tp., in April, 1833. In this wild, yet beautiful region, Andrew was reared from the tender years of youth to the sterner scenes of manhood, and beheld many strange and wonderful sights during this time. He well remembers the first time he went to Ypsilanti, for he saw a band of 400 Indians, who but a few years before were the only inhabitants of Washtenaw county. One summer evening when only 10 years old, he was driving home the cows, when suddenly they stopped and started into the forest. He looked forward and saw a huge black bear standing on his haunches in the center of the path, but when he saw young Minzey, he slowly moved from his position and returned to the forest. On Dec. 31, 1854, Mr. Minzey married Mary Fullerton, the birth of 3 children being the result of this union, 2 of whom are living-Ella E. and Daniel E. Phoebe E. (deceased) departed this life June 13, 1862. Mrs. Minzey was born in Monroe county, N. Y., Ap il 23, 1835, and is a daughter of John and Caroline Fullerton, the former a native of England, and the latter a native of New York. Mr. M. now owns a fine farm of 200 acres on sec. 20, surmounted by a handsome residence. Politically he is a Democrat.

John Minzey, an early settler in Augusta tp., was born in Albany, N. Y., April 4, 1800. His parents, Duncan and Jeanette Minzey, were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1798, settling in Montgomery county, N. Y. John was reared on a farm and educated at the district schools. On March 22, 1820, he married Phobe Avery, and 12 children were born to them, 8 of whom are living -William, Duncan, Andrew B., Redner, Allen, Martha J., Phoebe A. and Jeanette, wife of Jacob E. Leaser. Mr. Minzey came to Washtenaw county in May, 1833, and entered 80 acres of land on secs. 7 and 8, Augusta tp. He built a log cabin which was without windows and doors till the leaves began to fall in the autumn. When Mr. Minzey arrived in this county he had only one dollar in money, and was first employed as a farm hand, receiving 20 bushels of wheat per month, this cereal being worth 50 cents per bushel. He has worked long and earnestly, and the results of his labors are seen in the fine farm he possesses, with a good resi- dence, and all the conveniences necessary to make home comfortable and happy. He was one of the organizers of Augusta tp., and aided in building its first school- houses. Mrs. Minzey died March 15, 1875. Politically, Mr. M. is a faithful ad- herent to Democratic principles.

Charles Rogers was born in Augusta, Jan. 12, 1842. His parents, Andrew and Christiana Rogers, were natives of Seneca Co., N. Y., and emigrated to Augusta tp. in the spring of 1832, where he entered 160 acres of land on sec. 8. He first erected a rude dwelling, and then resolutely went to work to clear the forest surrounding his new home. By incessant and laborious efforts, he finally cleared the land, and on Jan. 25, 1868, his soul went back to its Maker. He had lived 65 years on this earth, the greater part of it being spent in pioneer labors. His companion through the rough and thorny path of life died in June, 1876, aged nearly 70 years. Charles passed his early life on a farm, and was educated in the Union school of Ypsilanti. He was married Dec. 5, 1866, to Mary A. Wood- ard, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 23, 1842. Her parents, Richard H. and Amanda E. Woodard, came to Washtenaw Co. in 1864, but now reside in Grand Traverse Co., Mich. In politics Mr. Rogers is a supporter of Democratic doctrines. He has held the office of Township Clerk two terms. His farm, a portion of the old homestead, is situated on secs. 8 and 16, and is finely improved. William Sanderson is one of the few surviving pioneers who first set foot in

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Augusta and laid the foundation on which was built the churches, school-houses business and agriculture, that is now enjoyed by the inhabitants of that section of Washtenaw Co. He was born in Franklin Co., Mass., July 29, 1809. His parents, William and Mary Sanderson, were natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Sanderson came to Washtenaw Co. in 1830, and settled near Ypsilanti. In 1832

1 he removed to Augusta tp., entering 40 acres of land on sec. 11, where he has since resided. Dec. 17, 1835, he married Catherine Flowers, born March 7, 1817, and daughter of William and Lodemia Flowers. Five children have been born, to them, 2 of whom are living, namely: William E., who married Annetta Beckley, and George W., husband of Miriam Bennett. Miriam, Charles H. and Lyman, are deceased ; the latter enlisting in Co. A, 4th Reg. Mich. Cav., and died of small-pox at Louisville, Ky., hospital Feb. 23, 1864, aged 21. He had served only one year and a half for his country, when that fatal disease carried him off. Mr. Sanderson and wife are members of the Free Methodist Church, and politi- cally he is a Republican.

A. B. Shay was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1805. His parents were John and Lucy Shay, natives of New York. Mr. Shay passed his early life and manhood on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. He came to Augusta tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich., in June, 1836. He entered 80 acres of land near Lansing, subsequently selling it and purchasing in Augusta tp. While a native of New York, on Oct. 3, 1824, he married Polly Ambrose, and 4 children were given to him-Mary A., widow of Monroe Smith (dec.) who enlisted in Co. D, 27th Mich. Vol. Inf., Jan. 2, 1863, and received the fatal bullet at the battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. He was buried on the field, and is numbered with the heroic dead. The other children are-Lucy, wife of Duncan Minzey ; John and James W. Mrs. Shay was born Aug. 28, 1799, and was a daughter of James and Hannah Ambrose. She departed this life Nov. 8, 1880, at the ripe old age of 81 years. Mary A., the eldest daughter, has 2 sons-William W. and Joseph M. Their father they never knew. Mr. Shay's father was a soldier in the Continental army under Gen. Washington.

Harmon Vedder was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., June 3, 1826. His parents, Philip and Mary Vedder, were natives of Schenectady Co., N. Y., where the former was born Dec. 3, 1788, and the latter March 31, 1798. They removed to Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1818, where Mrs. Vedder died. In 1832 Mr. V. married again, and a year later came to Washtenaw county, locating in Augusta tp. He bought 160 acres of land, built a cabin, and moved into it. He was one of the or- ganizers of Augusta tp., and attended every election and town meeting, except one, from the first until the time of his death. He was also a prominent leader in the organization of the M. E. Church societies, and was a " substantial pillar," and

ardent worker in that body, until the last. He died Dec. 15, 1879. Harmon was . reared on a farm, and July 3, 1851, married Elizabeth Mudge. They have 4 chil-

dren-Lewis H., husband of Emma Holt; Mary M., wife of Chester Higley, Allegan Co., Mich .; Lydia A., wife of Samuel S. Bibbins, and Arthur H. Mrs. Vedder is a daughter of Uri and Charlotte Mudge, and was born in Upper Canada, Oct. 10, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. V. are members of the M. E. Church, and in politics he is Republican. His farm, comprising 100 acres of well-improved land, is situated on sec. 23.

John Wardle, farmer, Augusta tp., was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 11, 1841. His parents, James and Esther Wardle, were natives of England, and emi- grated to America in 1834. They first stopped near Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1835 came to Augusta tp., where Mr. Wardle entered 160 acres of land on sec. 30, living there until Jan. 1, 1861, when death called him to a higher and brighter home. John was raised a " farmer's boy," and April 30, 1867, married Susan Arm- strong, who was born in Canada, Jan. 1, 1843. They have 1 child-James A., born April 7, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Wardle are connected with the Baptist denomina- tion. Politically Mr. W. is a Republican. He owns 120 acres of choice land.

The following are residents of Northfield tp .:

Mrs. Alvira Allen was born in Columbia Co., N.Y., Feb. 16, 1809, a daughter of Ira and Mercy (Sherwood) Chubb, who came to this county in 1835. Mrs. Allen was married June 5, 1835, to Nathan Sutton, and their sorrows and joys were shared alike until June 21, 1844, when death called the fond husband and loving father to a higher realm. Of the 4 children born to them only 1 is living-George. Mrs Sutton again married, Dec. 9, 1847, to William Allen, who departed this life De . 9, '853, leaving her twice widowed. Mrs. Allen's father subsequently so't'ed in Livingston Co, Mich., where he passed the remainder of his days.

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HISTORY OF WVSHTENAW COUNTY.

Nelson Brundage, farmer, was born at Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1821. His parents, Nathaniel and Avis Brundage, were natives of New York and Connecticut, and came to this county in 1828, locating on sec. 35, Northfield tp., where the former died August, 1829, and the latter June 21, 1874. Mr. Brund- age has been a resident of Northfield tp. since 1828. He was married Sept. 12, 1872, to Ann Bartlette, who was born in England Nov. 22, 1839. They have 2 children-Elizabeth and Cora B.

William Doty is one of the most prominent farmers of Northfield tp. He was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 19, 1824. His father was a descendant of one of three brothers who came to America in the Mayflower, and was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y. He came to this county in September, 1831, and settled in Pittsfield tp., and five years later in Ann Arbor city, In 1814 they removed to Northfield tp., where Mr. Doty died Jan. 23, 1866, and his wife May 13, 1846. William was reared a farmer, and has followed that vocation with the exception of 10 years spent working at the carpenter's trade. He was married Feb. 21, 1850, to Eliza J. Curtis, who was born in Yates Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1827, and daughter of Roswell and Jerusha (Bennett) Curtis, who came to this county in 1842, locating in Northfield tp., where the former died Oct 29, 1869, and the latter July 24, 1869. They were both members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Doty and wife are the parents of 2 children-Jennie E. and Etta. Mr. Doty was Post- master of Gravel Run (which was discontinued in 1876); Census Enumerator in 1880, and has been Commissioner of Highways. He resides on sec. 11.

Christian F. Kapp was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 26, 1806. He is a son of John and Margarette C. Kapp, the former of whom died Jan. 31, 1837, and the latter, December, 1839. Christian learned the weaver's trade with his father, and in 1836 came to America. Feb. 10, 1838, he located in Northfield tp., where he has since resided. He was married Feb. 26, 1838, to Mrs. Rachel (Schlechtar) Danner, and of the 8 children born to this union, 6 are living-Margaret C., Dr. John, Mayor of Ann Arbor; Dr. C. F., of Manchester, Mich .; Anna M., Caroline, Sarah and Olive. Mrs. Kapp had 2 children by her former husband-Simeon and George. Mr. Kapp is a well-respected citizen of this township, and was active in building the present Lutheran church. He is giving his children good educational facilities, and his daughter a good musical education.

Frederick Kapp was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 9, 1832. His parents, John and Annie Kapp, came to America in 1852, locating at Albany, N. Y., where the former died in 1853. Mrs. Kapp came to this county, where she died, May, 1867, leaving 7 children. Frederick was reared on a farm, and March 22, 1862 ,married Fredericka Schuaitman, who was born in Germany, Dec. 12, 1838. They have 7 chil- dren living-Clara, Charles, Lydia, Daniel, Emanuel, Emma and Julia. Mr. Kapp and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and own 103 acres of good land in sec. 27.

Hascal Laraway, agriculturist, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1822. His parents, Jonas and Sarah Laraway, emigrated to this county 'in 1829, locating in Salem tp., where the former died in September. 1863. Mrs. Laraway still survives. Hascal came to Northfield tp. in 1865. He has been a farmer through life, with the exception of 15 years spent at the carpenter's trade. He was married Feb. 17, 1856, to Sylvia Leland, who was born in this township, Oct. 25, 1834, and a daughter of Joshua G. and Nancy Leland. Of the 5 children born to this union, 3 are living-Guy, Joshua B. and Grace. Mr. L. owns 254 acres of good land, 134 of which is in Northfield tp. Mr. Laraway and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Emory E. Leland is a life resident of this county, and born March 26 1845. His parents were Joshua and Nancy (Bly) Leland, who came to this county at an early day. Emory was reared on a farm, and received a good English education. He was married March 30, 1868, to Sarah Sawyer, who was born at Bennington, Vt., July 14, 1844, and a daughter of Andrew J. and Martha M. (Rudd) Sawyer, the latter of whom died in Lenawee county, Mich, in 1862. Mr. Rudd resides in Penn- sylvania. Six children have been given Mr. Leland and his estimable wife-Joshua G, Thaddeus E., Claude R., Gertrude L., Anna M. and Ira. Mr. Leland resides on sec. 26.

James H. Ldland was born in Madison Co. N. Y .. Jan 17, 1820. His parents were Orison and Sally (Davis) Leland, and came to this county in 1838, locating on the farm where now resides the subject of this sketch, and where the former died Sept. 2, 1875. Mrs. Leland died June 18, 1876. James H. was married Nov. 25,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

1868, to Mary A. Whiteman, who was born in England, Nov. 6, 1848, daughter of Rope and Mary Whiteman, residents of Livingston Co., Mich. They have 1 child- Orson. Mr. L. owns 124 acres of land on sec. 15.

Mrs. Mary Moroney was born in Ireland Aug. 25, 1816, and is a daughter of Michael and Julia O'Neal. She was married May 7, 1836, to James O'Connor, and 6 children were given them-Ann, Morris, Michael, Patrick, Mary and John. Mr. O'Connor died in the Catholic faith Oct. 4, 1847, and Mrs. O'Connor subse- quently married John Moroney, who departed this life December, 1875. Mrs. Moroney owns 120 acres of land and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church

C. W. Taylor, a prominent farmer on sec. 34, was born at Mound Holly, Bur- lington Co., Vt., Oct. 6, 1811. His parents, W. and Ann E. (Horn) Taylor, came to this county in 1831, locating at Ann Arbor, and in 1834, in Northfield tp., where they passed the remainder of their days. C. W. was married in 1837 to Louisa Fraker, a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., who died in 1838. Mr. T. again married, June 7, 1857, to Emma Greenville, a uative of London, Eng., who came with her parents, Benjamin and Mary Greenville, to America, at the age of two yea: s. Her mother died in 1853, and her father, in Texas, in 1864. Three chil- dren were born to this union, 1 of whom is living-Emma L. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Taylor was a carpenter 10 years of his life, but has lately followed farming.

Capt. James B. Arms, retired farmer, Webster tp., was born in Franklin county, Mass., Aug. 4, 1801, and is the only son of Eleakim and Tabitha (Leonard) Arms, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and when 33 years of age came to Michigan, locating in Wash- tenaw county. He immediately purchased 200 acres of Government land on sec. 4, this tp., where he still resides. He went resolutely to work to clear and im- prove his land, and at present owns 240 acres of as good land as can be found in this county. He was married at Albany, N. Y , in 1827 to Clarissa Smith, who was born in Massachusetts, in 1802, daughter of Joseph and Sallie (Cooley) Smith, also natives of the Bay State. Seven children were born to this union, 2 of whom survive-Charles, a resident of Marshall Co., Ill., and James B., jr., who was married in 1869 to Cora, daughter of Cornelius and Mary Cronan. They have 2 children-Alice E., born Dec. 8, 1870; and Lulu M., born May 12, 1876. The deceased children are George C. and Benjamin F., who was killed in the late civil conflict. Capt. Arms received his military title in his native State, when he served as Captain of the Massachusetts State militia. Since his residence in this county he has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and has seen the wonder- ful development of the county that was once a wilderness, into a busy, bustling, lively community, teeming with wealth and activity. He can tell many amusing and interesting stories of pioneer life, which are startling and surprising to many of his youthful auditors. He is a Republican in politics, and his wife is a mem- ber of the Congregational Church.

A portrait of Mr. Arms is given in this volume, on page 693.

Alexander Ewing, M. D. The late Dr. Ewing was for many years one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Washtenaw county.

He was born in the north of Ireland, April 5, 1819, and was the youngest of a family of 6 children, all of whom, with their parents, emigrated to this country in 1833. Soon after, as a student of medicine, he entered the office of Dr. Alfred Digby, at that time the leading physician in Brantford, Ontario, and graduated from the Geneva, N. Y., Medical College in 1839. The following year he came to Michigan and located at Lima, where he married Sophia A., daughter of the late Dr. Thomas Sears.

After several years of extensive and laborious practice at Lima, he spent a year in the colleges and hospitals of New York city, and on his return, settled in Dex- ter.

In 1852 Dr. Ewing was chosen to represent his district in the Legislature, which position he filled with signal ability. At the breaking out of the late war, he was active in raising troops, and in the summer of 1861, he offered his services to Governor Blair, who promptly appointed him Surgeon of the 13th Mich. Inf., with which regiment he went to the field and saw much hard service participat- ing in the leading battles of the Army of the Cumberland.

As Surgeon in charge of Hospital No. 3 at Nashville, Tenn., and subsequently at Lookout Mountain, he had an experience equaled by few army surgeons. At the

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

battle of Chickamauga, he was the operator of Gen. Wood's Division, and remained to care for the wounded of that division, who were captured by the enemy. After many days of constant operating he, with other surgeons, was taken to Richmond to spend six weeks in the famous Libby prison.

Upon his exchange, and while enjoying a much needed rest, he assisted the Ladies Sanitary Society by relating at public meetings his interesting army experience Soon after the expiration of his three years, he was mustered out of service to resume private practice, which was continued without interruption until feeble health warned him to desist and to seek medical advice, which he had so often given and seldom received. New York city's best medical talent was invoked in vain, and he died in Dexter, Sept. 17, 1879, in his 61st year, leaving a wife and 3 sons to mourn the loss of a kind and an affectionate husband and a loving and indul- gent father, and a community bereft of a public-spirited and faithful citizen.

His portrait appears in this volume on page 547.

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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 166

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