History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 26

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 26

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Mr. Kenny was the father of seven children: Keyes, who died in early manhood; Eliza, wife of P. H Reeves, who died at the age ot 22; Martha, wife of William Babcock, who died at the age of 36; John, who lives on the homestead; Jane, wife of D. W. Taylor, of Jackson; Laura, wife of R. Queal; and C. Henry, who lives in Montcalm county. Mr. Kenny died in April, 1862, at the age of 74. The funeral services were held in the open air, the num- ber in attendance being so great the church could not accommodate them. Mrs. Kenny is yet alive, and has for 15 years found a home with her son-in-law, R. Queal.

HON. WILLIAM S. MAYNARD.

William S. Maynard was born in Berkshire county, Mass., April 25, 1802, and at the time of his death, which occurred at nine o'clock P. M., June 18, 1866, was 64 years old. He came to Ann Arbor when but a very small village, in 1830, arriving about Sept. 1, of that year. Since that time up to within a few months of his death, he was actively engaged in business enterprises of various kinds, private and public. He was elected Mayor in 1856, '57 and '65, and in the meantime served one term as Alderman. As an officer he was energetic in the discharge of his duties, but failed to make himself as popular as he justly deserved, from the fact that he had no "policy element" in his nature, and had not learned that smooth words were, many times, better than hard ones. It was Mr. Maynard's energy, perseverance and determination that helped in a

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great way to bring the Washtenaw Agricultural Society up to its present high standard, and for the unselfish devotion he displayed in assisting in the permanent location, purchase and ownership of the valuable grounds in Ann Arbor. Mr. Maynard had also been connected with the School Board and with the Cemetery Board from the organization of the company; and at various times had been identified with almost every public enterprise that could be named. It is safe to say that he has done as much as any other man, perhaps more, to promote the growth of the beautiful city in which he resided. Mr. Maynard had attended worship at the Congregational Church, of which he was a mem- ber, on the Sunday preceding his death, and in the evening appeared more cheerful than usual. He went to bed at the usual hour, appearing a little more restless than usual, and in the morning his wife found him sleeping quietly, and did not go near him again till about eight o'clock, when she noticed he did not breathe easily, and attempting to rouse him failed. Medical aid was immediately summoned, and every exertion used to resuscitate him, but he lingered, unconscious all the while, till nine o'clock P. M., when his spirit left this earthly home and winged its flight to that "far beyond." Mr. Maynard left a widow, seven daughters, a step-son, a brother, and a large circle of relations to mourn in common the loss of husband, father, brother and friend.

JOSHUA G. LELAND.

Hon. Joshua G. Leland was born in Madison county, N. Y., July 19, 1805, and died April 27, 1876, thus making his age nearly 71 years. He spent the earlier years of his life at his native place, and was married in 1827. In 1831 he removed to Michigan and settled in the town of Ann Arbor; and one year later removed to the township of Northfield, where he continued to reside up to within a few years of his death, when he removed to the city of Ann Arbor. His energy and force of character were very marked, and he was always busy, even to the last days of his life. Other men retired from business when the infirmity of old age overtook them, but Mr. Leland kept right on. He was noted for his perse- verance. Whatever he undertook he pushed forward, and when he believed he was right, and had arrived at his conclusions, he maintained his position. He was an outspoken, fearless man, and what he said to one he would say to another. His plainness of speech often brought him into opposition with others, but it is doubtful if he had an enemy in the county. He was a successful business man and farmer, and had accumulated a goodly amount of this world's goods. In the course of his life he held various responsible and honorable offices, conferred upon him by the people. He was Justice of the Peace in Northfield for many years, and was twice elected to the State Legislature, in 1840 and '44. He was once president of the Washtenaw County Agricultural Society,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

President of the Farmers' Insurance Company, and of the Pioneer Society. He has been closely identified with many public interests in the county, and perhaps no man was more missed than he. Mr. Leland was a religious man, having been converted at his home in Northfield in 1834. Soon afterward he joined the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which he remained a faithful member up to his death, and held positions of trust in the Church. The cause of his death was of an odd nature. He was in his barn about 10 days before his death, and seeing a rat, attempted to kill it with the sharp prongs of a pitch-fork he held in his hand, but missed his aim, and the rat ran up the handle of the fork and bit him on the hand. His arm and hand swelled rapidly and he had to take his bed, from which he never rose again. Washtenaw county mourns another old pioneer who has passed to the land of rest prepared for him.

REV. CHARLES G. CLARK.

Mr. Clark was born in the town of Preston, Conn., April 8, 1796. At the age of 25 he was hopefully converted and immediately com- menced studying for the ministry. He received his college educa- tion at Amherst College, Mass., where he graduated in 1827, and immediately entered the Auburn Theological Seminary and com- pleted his education in 1829. He was ordained in the summer of 1829 by the Oneida Presbytery. Although he was offered several desirable positions in the State of New York, he preferred a new field of labor and came to the new Territory of Michigan, arriving in Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 29, 1829, and preached his first sermon in the State at that place on the day following. From Detroit he immediately went to Monroe, where he preached a few weeks and then came to Ann Arbor. After supplying the pulpit of the Pres- byterian Church for a few weeks, in the absence of their pastor, he located in the town of Webster, where a Church was formed soon after. He labored at Webster during his entire active ministry with the exception of three or four years.

Although located at Webster, his labors extended to all the adja- cent towns, and many of the churches in this vicinity were organized by him. When he arrived in the Territory, there were but four Presbyterian and Congregational ministers within its bounds, and he was fully identified with the pioneer work in this vicinity. On account of failing health he was obliged to resign his charge about 13 years since, and for the last 11 years he resided in this city.

Mr. Clark was a man of strong and earnest feelings, quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, and universally esteemed and loved by those who knew him best. He died in Ann Arbor, Oct. 2, 1871.

REV. I. M. WEED.

BY MRS. MARK NORRIS.

Ira Mason Weed was born in Hinesburgh, Vermont, Jan. 14, 1804. He was the ninth of a family of 11 children. He prepared for col-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

lege with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mr. Johnson, of Hopkinton, N. Y., and entered the University of Vermont, at Burlington, in the sophomore year, graduating in 1825; after which he entered the law office of Judge Fine, in Ogdensburgh, N. Y., where he re- mained a year. It was during this period that his attention was particularly called to religious subjects, and his conversion took place. Immediately his thoughts were turned toward the ministry, his law studies were abandoned, and he soon after entered Andover Theological Seminary, going through the whole course of three years. In the spring of 1829 he was licensed by the association at Andover, to preach the gospel. From a private journal, kept dur- ing his residence at Andover, I have been permitted to make a few extracts. In this journal he seems much exercised in regard to a right choice in his field of labor. In all these deliberations his mind turned constantly to the West. The destitution of gospel privileges in the vast region beyond the Alleghanies deeply af- fected his ardent mind. I quote from the journal mentioned: "June 29, 1828, Sabbath, P. M .- I have to-day listened to two sermons by the Rev. Dr. Peters, of the American Home Mission Board." The sermon of the afternoon seems to have made a deep impression. " Text, Oct. 9: 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' In the dis- course the destitution of our own land was brought to view, and the students urged to make the text their daily prayer. I have felt for some time that it would be a privilege to labor for Christ some- where in this great field. I feel it not only a privilege, but I have a desire to go if it be the Lord's will. I hope I have a heart to mourn over the great destitution in our country, and to pray, Lord, raise up and send more laborers into the fields already white for harvest. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do in regard to this subject? This I would make my sincere prayer." Similar reflec- tions and earnest thoughts on this subject are scattered all through the pages of this journal; and not only this, but the subject of foreign missions lay near his heart, and commended itself to his best efforts. Yet, from so frequent allusions to the missionary de- partment of the West, no doubt can remain of the settled purposes of his soul. June 20, 1829, he again writes: " * * * I long to be on the ground. Whenever I think of the millions there, growing up without any religious restraint, my soul is pained. May the Lord give me strength and grace for this holy work, and send me in the way in which I can do the most good." Again, June 27, same year, he writes: " And now, having given myself up to the work of a missionary, it is my sincere desire and prayer that I may have the spirit of a true misssionary-the spirit of Christ. I do not expect a life of ease. I know that I must have trials and hardships. Oh for grace to endure these hardships as a good soldier." Writing again, Sept. 23, 1829, on the eve of his ordination, he says: "The long anticipated day is come, and is past. * * * I feel now as though I were about to step forth in the world. The responsibility of a minister of reconciliation now rests

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

upon me, and oh, who can bear up under its weight! To-morrow I expect to be ordained as a missionary to the West. Oh for the spirit of him who was ordained a missionary to this guilty world! ' My grace is sufficient for thee.' This promise will I cleave to: 'Lo, I am with you alway.' The fulfillment of this will I ever plead." During the winter of 1829-'30, he preached in vari- ous localities in New England, in one of which he was urgently solicited to remain as their pastor; but he could not be diverted from the path already indicated, viz., to go West.

In May, 1830, he was married to Miss Caroline N. Dutton, of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, and came immediately to Ypsi- lanti, arriving early in June. At that time the few members of the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches (13 in number), who had entered into covenant in the previous autumnn, were living widely apart in the settlements surrounding the new village-two, four, and six miles, sometimes more. They had to walk, or, at best, take the most primitive modes of conveyance, to get to the village. I cannot now recall one family living in town who were fully in sympathy with the Presbyterian Church. The number of profess- ing Christians of any denomination was small indeed. The young

minister and his wife found here a mixed population. Many good

people; some bad. Society was then in a transition state, like

many new country towns. Whisky drinking and profanity were looked upon as venial sins, and the Sabbath was thought to be " more honored in the breach than in the observance " by too many. Having been expected for several weeks, he received a welcome from those who waited for his coming. One of his first public acts, where he mingled with the whole people, was to take part in the patriotic celebration of Independence Day,-July 4, 1830, -- mak- ing a prayer. The oration was given by the late Elias M. Skinner. After the address, dinner was served in the grove on the ground now owned and occupied by the family of Chauncey Joslin. He entered at once upon his chosen work of preaching, both by precept and example, and in an eminent degree illustrated in his daily life the truths he constantly sought to inculcate.

In no department of his labor was his influence more powerfully exerted than over the minds of the children gathered into the Sun- day-school, of which he was for many years a faithful superintend- ent. Many of the Sunday-school children of that day are now among our best Christian people. Many others have gone to other States, where their good influences are still at work. One of these children is now a missionary in Northern India, sent from the church so long blessed with the labors of this pioneer minister. Nothing more plainly illustrates the fact that our influence cannot die. May this dear sister be enabled to keep that wave of influ- ence, received from her pastor and teacher, rolling, going forward, until the end! There were some persons then resident here who felt the influence of this new minister, and rebelled against it. They aroused no little opposition, not wishing the light of the gospel let

Bred July 25.1888 Age 85.0.12

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in on their practices. This, however, did not alarm the calm and fearless minister. He sometimes preached when stones were thrown in at the windows of the old " Red School-house "-the place where the people then assembled. Often, when riding in the darkness to meet an evening appointment in the outlying neighborhood, he has been threatened with rough treatment by the way; but nothing moved him from the purpose he had in view. In common with many others at that period, himself and family suffered much from the fevers and diseases incident to the opening of this new country ; so it was in the midst of much hardship and many privations that he toiled on, laying broad and deep the foundations of that Church whose welfare always remained so near his heart. Sharing with his people all the self-denials of the situation, he often combined the duties of the pastor with those of the sexton; and the writer has known, on a Saturday night, of his taking wood from his not largely furnished pile, for warming the meeting-house next day. IIe sometimes made the fires and saw that the place was comfort- able. It must be remembered that in those days evening service commenced at " early candle-lighting." No bell called the wor- shipers together, but with one accord in one place they gathered together in their own school-house. No one could say with truth the preacher was not in earnest; his singleness of heart and earnest manner could but impress the most careless listener.

Personal ambition had no place in his purposes or plans of life. And while forgetful of self, seeking for his people the best gifts, he was at the same time securing not only the respect and esteem of his own people, but of the community outside of Church relations. Said a business man, " If Mr. Weed's capabilities and judgment had been applied to getting a living, he might have been a rich man." We all know what a home missionary's salary was in those days. With the aid of the Home Missionary Society, the scattered congregation succeeded in raising four hundred dollars. With this, economy might keep the wolf from the door, but how many luxu- ries would it procure? Times are changed for the better now, and better salaries are provided. Ministers, we believe, do not feel obliged to receive the bag of potatoes, or the ten pounds of pork, " on subscription;" but in most towns the people are able to let the minister and his wife select for themselves. In all hardships he complained not, but cheerfully went forward, neglecting no known duty, in advancing the religious interests of the people. His labors in the surrounding country deserve grateful mention, as we to-day are reaping the benefits of this faithful work. Morning and after- noon sermons, Sunday-school in the intermission, and generally a prayer-meeting at 5 o'clock, it was the Sabbath work of summer; while the evenings of a large portion of the year were devoted to preaching in Deacon Bacon's neighborhood, or Deacon Carpenter's locality, or Deacon Hatfield's place, at Stony Creek, or again out east on the plains; whenever one, though he never came to the house of worship, would open his house for religious meetings,

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there he was sure to be. Said a minister who had traveled exten- sively among the Churches: "There is no Church of our denomina- tion in the State which is so strong in membership from the country as Ypsilanti. It is probably owing to the labors of your first minister, who made it his business to go out and gather them in."

In October, 1834, Mr. Weed was installed permanent pastor. All, I believe, then hoped this relation to the Church would be sustained through life. Previous to this time the congregation had engaged in erecting a new house of worship. In this work the perseverance and good judgment of the pastor was seen by his entering into the spirit of the enterprise, and assisting in plans for raising means to help forward their labor. It must be remembered that money and means were not as plenty in 1834-'5 as now; few were rich, and most, business men were engaged in speculations of various kinds, requiring all the means at their command.

Accidentally I lately found among my husband's papers a bun- dle of records, receipts, notes and accounts, with any amount of " subscription papers " for various objects,-ail relating to this time, and many of these memoranda are in Mr. Weed's handwriting, going to show how earnest he was in helping to encourage the peo- ple to build. In the winter of 1836 a very precious revival took place. The old Red school-house became a very Bethel indeed. Fifty members were added to the Church, and all hearts were quickened in love for their pastor and for each other. They had now-pas- tor and people-occupied the school-house as a place of worship for over six years; many precious seasons had been passed there, and it was with mingled feelings, near the end of 1836, they prepared to bid the place farewell. In November the new church was finally completed, and dedicated to the service of that Almighty Father who had led them hitherto.

I have spoken of the small salaries home missionaries received in those early times. I hope no one of the present day will misunder- stand me. The necessity was imperative, owing to the sparse population, and the uncultivated state of the country. The Home Missionary Society was created to meet the necessity of the new district. No debt was ever more cheerfully cancelled, and with manifold interest, too, than has long since been done by the Church and society. I have sufficient data to record the fact that the pas- tor's salary was gradually increased as the circumstances of the congregation improved. I find in the bundle of old records referred to, " several subscription papers " " for the support of the Gospel," in which Mr. Weed's name is mentioned. July 8, 1844, at a meet- ing held in the church, it was " voted to pay Rev. I. M. Weed $600 for the ensuing year." July, 1845, at a similar meeting, " voted that $600 be raised to pay the pastor -- to be paid in quarterly pay- ments." By this it appears that $600 a year was the maximum of compensation received during his ministry with the Ypsilanti Church, over a period of more than 17 years. Families of growing

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children could hardly be supported at present for this sum. Times have indeed changed; we must always hope for the better. Early in the autumn of 1845, while suffering, himself and family, from continued illness, Mr. Weed asked leave of absence for a year, to visit again the New England hills, hoping to return with restored health. A meeting was called, leave was granted, and resolutions passed expressing confidence and fidelity to the pastor, and a warmly expressed wish for his speedy return. A restful visit with their kin- dred in the Eastern States, some travel, and a quiet sojourn during the winter in Pittsford, Vermont, served to restore him to com- parative health. The Church at Pittsford were without a resident minister, and Mr. Weed was strongly urged to remain and fill the position. But, attached to Michigan, and drawn back to his own people, he prepared to return.

It was, I believe, early in the spring of 1846, he was surprised by receiving a letter from a small minority of the Church members, stating their belief that the interests of the Church and society required that the relation then existing between himself and them should be dissolved; that it was their opinion the only way for the question to be disposed of, so as not to hazard a division of the Church, was for him to signify to the society his determination not to return! At the same time they assured their pastor that if, con- trary to their feelings, he should still determine to return, they would offer no open opposition. No one who knows how well Mr. Weed was posted on Church order and propriety of proceeding regu- larly, would believe that, however his feelings might be burt, they were all suppressed; and he did return, but with kindly heart toward all. I need not say that the large majority of the society were filled with grief on being made aware of this movement.

Relative to the spirit of the pastor, I will quote a few sentences from a letter dated New York, July 4, 1846, written to my hus- band. After speaking of the right each person had of express- ing opinion, he said: "I hope my people will cherish no unkindly feeling toward those who do not desire my return. That they felt kindly toward me I have no doubt. I trust they still feel so. Whether they do or not, they have a right to their opinion, and a right to express it, in a kind manner. This I have no doubt they intend to do. * * * On my return I hope to show I cherish no hardness toward any, and that my kind feelings are not inter- rupted. I do hope the Church may continue to prosper. If in the providence of God I should feel I ought to leave, I hope none will leave the Church on this account." I pass over this period with little comment. That many hearts were riven, cannot be denied. A small number had arisen "who knew not Joseph;" he was not their "first love." They had brought earlier preferences; assuming the old proverb to be true, that "change of pasture makes fat calves," wished merely for a change. Those most interested in wishing a change have now passed from earth-gone where mis- takes are rectified, hidden providences made plain. We will hope

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however any may have differed in regard to the events of this time, they may have had grace given meet for repentance for all errors in life. Mr. Weed returned near the close of July.

I pass over the meetings held. At first the large majority in the Church and society thought he would remain. But the not "open" opposition did not subside, until finally, in the summer of 1847, he himself joined those wishing him to leave, in asking the Presby- tery to dissolve the relation. This was accomplished with great effort, and by the barest majority. A short time thereafter, in October, 1847, Mr. Weed removed with his family to Chicago, Illinois. On the Sabbath previous to leaving he preached his fare- well sermon, from the text: " Wherefore, I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Who that listened to the tender, loving words of that sermon, can forget while life lasts?

Of the leave-taking, and the breaking up of long-existing ties, I forbear to speak. As soon as the family were settled comfortably in Chicago, Mr. Weed entered on an agency for the American Board of Foreign Missions, becoming District Secretary for the Northwest. This field included Northern Illinois, Iowa, Wiscon- sin and Minnesota, as far as their population extended. In 1847-'8 there was hardly a railroad out of Chicago. Here was pioneer life to encounter again! long, lonely drives over "slews" and deep prairie mud, to reach a shelter at night with the new settlers. The Churches were most of them feeble, but he laid strong foundations in benevolent work. There is abundant evidence of his excellent influences upon the Churches he visited during these eight or ten years, while in the service of the American Board.

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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 26

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