History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 45

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 45

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ALEXANDER WINCHELL, LL. D.

One of the most widely known authors, and one whose works have been more extensively read than any other citizen of Washte- naw county, is Prof. Alexander Winchell, of the Michigan Univer- sity. For a period of 31 years he has constantly been giving to the public the results of his studies and observations, the catalogue now reaching 139 published volumes and pamphlets. Prof. Winchell has devoted his life to scientific pursuits, and his writings show the thorough scholar, the great thinker, and the independent reasoner. His thoughts are clothed in language pleasing to the ear, but strongly written. One of Prof. Winchell's best known works, at least among general readers, is that entitled " Recon- ciliation of Science and Religion," published by Harper & Bros., in 1877. Of this work the New York Tribune says: "Without, dwelling on other points discussed in this suggestive volume, we may venture to thank the author for an original and fruitful con- tribution to the questions which now engage the attention of so many of the profoundest thinkers of the day. This work is of a critical character, commenting freely on opinions and systems which have found a place in the history of philosophy; but it also presents the mature points of independent research and reflection. It

betrays an intimate acquaintance with the development of thought in the best ages of scientific culture; but its principles are not the result of sympathy and adoption. The author acknowledges no man as his master; he admits no conclusions which he has not made his own by processes of thought and study similar to those in which they had their origin. The materials which he has obtained by scholarly labors, have been thoroughly fused in his own mind, and are reproduced in forms which bear its image and superscription. He is evidently embarrassed by the fertility of his conceptions. *

* * The rare intellectual fairness which marks the volume, is a feature of no less interest than the philosophical ability with which its discussions are conducted." The Northern Christian Advocate says of the same work: " We do not remember ever to have read a work which more impressed us. It is a book for the believer and the doubter, for the student and the theologian. It is both comforting and disquieting. It solves some difficult problems, and in this time of perplexity and mental conflict every helpful utterance should be heeded. It is not a belligerent work, but a thoughtful and explanatory one. It is a reconciler. As a matter of style it is gracefully but strongly written. Exhibiting a wide acquaintance with ancient and modern forms of thought, it is never dry or obscure. The book is full of thought; it is a noble contribution to American literature."

On the 27th of April, 1880, the first edition was given to the public of a new work entitled "Pre-adamites, or the Demonstra- tion of the Existence of Men before Adam; together with a study of their condition, antiquity, vacial affinities and progressive dis-

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persions over the earth." This work is an octavo of 500 pages, and published by S. C. Griggs & Co., Chicago. As a literary pro- duction, this work was received with universal favor. As to the positions assumed, it is noteworthy that most of the religious journals either occupied a non-committal attitude, saying time was required for due consideration, or they dogmatically condemned the doctrines of the book. The leading religious journals of the North treated the discussion with most intelligence, and therefore with most tolerance. Some of the religious papers denounced the work, and sometimes the author, without the slightest attention to the tenability of the positions assumed. On the contrary, the secular and scientific journals have reviewed the work in a very favorable manner. The New York Evening Post says of this work: "There has been no work recently published upon the subject which can compare with this in importance. Prof. Winchell's reputation for learning and sincerity, his repute as a student of physical science, and his special attitude toward what is called the conflict between science and religion, render anything which he writes upon such a theme important." The leading papers of the country all review the work.

Among other works written by Prof. Winchell are " Voices from Nature," " On the Origin of the Prairies of the Valley of the Mis- sissippi," "A Plea for Science," "Sketches of Creation," "Grand Conclusions of the Sciences in Reference to the History of Mat- ter and Life," " Religion and Science," " The Geology of the Stars," "The Genealogy of Ships," "The Battle-Fields of Faith," and "The Religious Nature of Savages."

A biographical sketch of Prof. Winchell appears elsewhere in this work.

RANDOLPH ROGERS.

Randolph Rogers, " America's famous sculptor," was born in the village of Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, on the 12th day of July, 1822. When but a small lad, Mr. Rogers' parents moved to Lyons, Wayne Co., in his native State, and six years later, in 1829, to Ann Arbor, Mich. Being the youngest of a family of eight chil- dren, Mr. Rogers had not as many educational advantages as the older members of the family, and wishing to make himself useful. in 1835 he entered the bakery of D. W. & C. Bliss, in the city of Ann Arbor, where he worked as an apprentice for three or four years. While in this business, the wonderful genius which after- ward made him so famous began to be shown in the rude works of art made in the leisure hours he had at his command. When he was not busy he often would take a piece of dough and fashion it in such a form and shape as to correctly represent some of God's finest handiwork. Also at leisure hours he directed his attention to drawing and sketching, and became quite proficient in that line of art. After serving his time as an apprentice in the bakery, he

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turned his thoughts to the dry-goods trade and obtained a position with Gen. J. D. Hill, then one of the most prominent merchants of Ann Arbor. After remaining with his new employer for some time he concluded to visit New York city, and, if possible, find some work there which would keep him comfortably, and yet give him plenty of spare time to pursue his long-cherished ambition of making himself famous in the pursuit of art. He secured a situa- tion in the silk house of John Stuart, Jr., in the year 1848, when but 26 years of age.

While engaged in this branch of business, Mr. Rogers conceived the idea of putting his genius into active account, and concluded to make a marble bust of some prominent person. He selected a sub- ject, and by hard work, toiling many an hour after his day's labor was finished, and sometimes far into the night, he finished his pro- duction. It was a full and perfect marble bust of the famous Lord Byron. His employer happened to see this piece of work, when the author was out. Upon his return, Mr. Stuart asked him who had produced the wonderful imitation of the famous poet. Mr- Rogers humbly replied, that he was the author. Mr. Stuart's sur. prise at this declaration was unbounded, but when he found expres- sion, he asked Randolph if he desired to proceed to Europe and put himself under the tuition of some of the master artists. Mr. Rogers replied that he would be most happy to do so, but his present financial resources would not admit of such an extended drain as this would naturally subject them to. Mr. Stuart then told him that if he wished to go, he would advance him such funds as would be required, and when he got so proficient with his mallet and chisel as to make his calling remunerative he could pay back the loan. Mr. Rogers was very grateful for this kind offer, after reflecting, concluded to accept it.

He left New York in 1848, after being there less than one year, and sailed for Florence, Italy, where he arrived in safety, and im- mediately placed himself under one of the leading sculptors of that renowned city. He studied hard and patiently for some time, but thinking he could improve his genius and obtain better advantages and facilities for his work by being alone, he opened an humble studio for himself, and here toiled earnestly, early and late, to per- fect the art which in the near future should bring him rich returns.

After laboring in Florence for nearly six years, he returned to his native land. His residence abroad had enabled him to accom- plish much, and the future seemed full of rare promise. He had been successful, in a financial point of view, in the old country, and was able to repay his generous benefactor, and to have about $6,000 left. He was now recognized, both at home and abroad, as an artist of no small ability; even his brother artists in the old world fully acknowledged his genius in the art.

After remaining but a short time in his native land, he returned to Italy, this time to the center of art, the Imperial city, Rome, where he has since resided, with the exception of a few short inter-

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vals of absence in this country. He has crossed and recrossed the ocean a dozen or more times. He prefers sunny Italy even to his own native land. He loves its history, its romance, but above all, he loves it because it is the home of art.

Among Mr. Rogers' works may be mentioned the following: A statue of John Adams, in Mount Auburn cemetery, Boston; a col- lossal bronze statue of Lincoln, unveiled in Philadelphia in 1871; a statue for the Colt family monument in Hartford, Conn., called the "Angel of the Resurrection," [and an allegorical figure of the " Lost Pleiad," made expressly for a resident of San Francisco. He has produced a magnificent work in the statue of "Nydia," a character taken from Bulwer's " Last Days of Pompeii." of which he has made several duplicates. Other creations are the ideal statues of "Ruth " and "Isaac." The original production of "Nydia " and " Ruth " are in the art museum of Michigan University. For several years he was occupied in completing the designs for the Washington monument at Richmond, Virginia, begun by the cele- brated artist, Crawford. Since the rebellion he has designed and executed memorial monuments for Rhode Island and Michigan, besides several other prominent States. The one in Providence, unveiled in 1871, is some 50 feet in height, and is crowned with a statue of " America." This latter is 10 feet high. On the angles of the pedestal are statues seven feet high representing the four branches of the service. The monument in Detroit, erected on the Campus Martius, is similar in design to the former, though larger and much more elaborate. It is surmounted by a statue of " Michi- gan."

Perhaps an achievement giving Mr. Rogers as much genuine publicity as anything from his hand, is the bronze door for the eastern entrance to the rotunda of the national capitol. This work was designed and modeled in Rome during the year 1858, and cast at the Royal Foundry at Munich. It was finished in 1861. Its en- tire weight is 20,000 pounds, and cost over $30,000. This work-a master-piece in every sense-is 17 feet high and nine feet wide, and is divided into eight panels, each representing in alto-relievo some scene in the career of Columbus. Between the panels, and on the sides, are 16 statuettes representing the eminent contemporaries of the great discoverer. It is a work which has called forth the ad- miration of the world. The frieze on the Lincoln monument at Springfield, Ills., was also executed by this master artist. A bust of his daughter-a production of his art-was on exhibition at Paris during the Exposition.

A few years since, Mr. Rogers received the appointment of pro- fessor of St. Luke's Academy of Fine Arts, in Rome. In all his work there is an impersonation of dignity and grace. Nothing is left incomplete, but everything to the minutest detail shows the touch of a real master.

In personal appearance, Mr. Rogers is about five feet ten inches high, and weighis nearly 200 pounds. His forehead is broad

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and massive, and shows the wealth of intellect and genius. His former employers of Ann Arbor, and particularly Dr. Calvin Bliss, one of the proprietors of the bakery wherein he worked, say he was the very soul of honor and integrity in everything, but lit- tle did they think at that time to be giving employment to a boy, who in future years would astonish the world with his natural genius.

MISS KATIE J. ROGERS.

Miss Katie J. Rogers, an artist of more than ordinary ability, was born in Ann Arbor, and was educated in the public schools of that city, graduating at the high school in 1869. At quite an early age she exhibited a talent for painting, which was encouraged by her parents. Desiring to become proficient in the art she resolved to attend some good school of design, and made choice of the Chicago Academy of Design, and placed herself under the tuition of Prof. Gookins, a graduate of the Munich School of Art, and one of the most skillful artists in his line, that of portrait- painting. Miss Rogers remained in this institution for some time, and in 1876 graduated the first of a class of 16. The last produc- tion of her art in that place was a full-sized portrait of a Venetain page of the fourteenth century. This picture was executed by Miss Rogers with great rapidity and while the other members of her class were making only a half-length portrait. Prof. Gookins was so well pleased with his pupil's work, that he insisted she should let it be placed on exhibition at the Centennial. Miss Rogers, being of a retired and modest disposition, kindly refused, and the portrait which, undoubtedly, would have attracted attention even among the many fine works that adorned the walls in the Art Hall, is now hanging in the studio of Miss Rogers in Ann Arbor.

After graduation, Miss Rogers returned to her home in Ann Ar- bor and opened a studio, since which time she has painted many portraits and landscapes which show the touch of a true artist. She has made a specialty of portrait-painting, and excels in this line of art. Every portrait from her easel has been life-like and striking. Whether painting the soft dimple upon the ckeek of the innocent babe, or the harder lines of the aged pioneer, there seems to be a reality about the work which makes one feel that he is in a living presence.

Among the portraits executed by Miss Rogers may be mentioned the following: Randolph Rogers, the famous sculptor, and an uncle of the artist, a very finely executed work, and considered the most natural of any ever painted; one of Moses Rogers, the father of the artist, and a very striking likeness; one of Mr. Sweetland, Lodi township; one of Judge Kingsley, very nicely executed; one of Squire Leland, of Ann Arbor; a full-sized portrait of Eddie Lawrence, son of Judge Lawrence, of Ann Arbor; a portrait of Mrs. J. M. Bailey, wife of the editor of the Ann Arbor Argus.

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Miss Rogers has also finished a portrait of Prof. DuPont's child, and two or three fine pieces for ex-Gov. Alpheus Felch, both of Michigan University. One of Miss Rogers' most admired pict- ures is that of a small babe of some two months, lying on a snowy pillow of down. In looking at this faithful representation of the crowning glory of the Heavenly Father, and noticing the little dimples, which almost seem to come and go, with the little hands raised as if in supplication to the Father of mercies, one can read- ily fancy the soft cooing of its melodious voice as heard. Miss Rogers, indeed, shows wonderful genius in this painting. In fact, the whole soul of the artist is in all her work, and whatever she does is well done.

EZRA D. SEAMAN.

A full biographical sketch of Mr. Seaman will be found in another part of this work. In this connection his literary work only is spoken of. Mr. Seaman's first work was entitled "Essays on the Progress of Nations," and passed through several editions. In 1870 appeared "The American System of Government." The author, in his preface, states that he had been a close observer of the workings of our system of Government for 40 years, and in the work gave the results of his observations. The New York Observer says of this work: "The scope of the work is well indicated by its title. It presents a mass of information, valuable in itself, and such as should be possessed by every American citizen. The author's views are generally sound and well considered. The book is comprehen- sive in its plan, and indicates careful and honest reflection." The New York Evening Post says: "Mr. Seaman writes vigorously, and has decided opinions-one of these being that an elective judi- ciary is a mistake, and another that women are much better out of politics. His ability has been established by former essays, which have been highly and widely praised, and the present volume is likely to attract a large share of attention." Of Mr. Seaman's first work the New York Tribune says: "The work will be readily understood by any one, and no one can read it without acquiring broader and juster views of National policy, and a wise public econ- omy." The third work of Mr. Seaman, to which reference is here made, is " Views of Nature, and of the Elements, Forces and Phe- nomena of Nature, and of Mind." This work appeared in 1873, from the press of Scribner, Armstrong & Co. Like his other works, this is written in a vigorous style which at once arrests the atten- tion of the reader, and convinces him that the author thoroughly believes in the views presented.

THOMAS M. COOLEY, LL. D.

Thomas M. Cooley, Professor in the Law Department of Michi- gan University, is well known as an author of legal works. In 1868,

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he published his "Treatise on Constitutional Limitations," his first work. His catalogue now consists, in addition to the work men- tioned, " Treatise on the Law of Taxation," "Treatise on the Law of Torts," an edition of " Blackstone's Commentary, " of "Strong on the Constitution," and of "Harrington's Chancery Reports." Judge was the editor of the law articles in the revised edition of the " American Encyclopedia," and has also largely written for reviews and magazines.

B. F. COCKER, D. D., LL. D.

An author of note, one whose works have been read by the most intelligent men in the land, is B. F. Cocker, Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy in Michigan University. "Christianity and Greek Philosophy " was given to the public in 1870, and well received by critics and readers. In his preface, Dr. Cocker says: "The central and unifying thought of this volume is that the neces- sary ideas and laws of the reason, and the native instincts of the human heart, originally implanted by God, are the primal and ger- ininal forces of history; and that these have been developed under conditions which were first ordained and have been continually supervised by the Providence of God." Prof. Winchell says of this work: "It is a brave defense of the fundamental truths of Christi- anity. It is a grammar of religious thought, illustrated by citations from Grecian thinkers. It is an attempt to introduce to personal consciousness the axioms of religious philosophy, and familiarize it with their characteristics and implications."

" The Theistic Conception of the World " is, perhaps, Dr. Cock- er's best work. In it he gives the results of years of investigation and thought. IIe fully considers every position of a class of self- styled " advanced thinkers" of what they have been pleased to call " the tendency of modern thought." The issne is now sharply and clearly defined between a God and no God, and in this work the author defends in a masterly way the existence of a Divine Being. " Hand-Book of Philosophy," and " Lectures on the Truth of the Christian Religion," are also works of Dr. Cocker, and have met with favorable reception.

Dr. Cocker has for many years been a contributor to the various reviews and magazines of the country, and has done much in strengthening believers in the revealed will of God and in the Chris- tian religion.

EDWARD OLNEY, LL. D.

Prof. Edward Olney, author of Olney's Mathematical Series, and Professor of Mathematics in the University of Michigan, is worthy of a place, not only among the authors of Washtenaw county, but of the world. The first of his series of mathematics was published in 1870 by Sheldon & Co., of New York. The favor with which this work was received encouraged the author to continue his labors,

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resulting in the compilation and publication of a series of 15 books, in parts, or eight complete works, as follows: "First Lessons in Arithmetic," "Practical Arithmetic," "Science of Arithmetic," "Introduction to Algebra," " Complete School Algebra," "Univer- sity Algebra," " Elements of Geometry," and " General ( Analyti- cal ) Geometry and Calculus."¿No series of mathematics ever came into such general use in so short a time. They have been intro- duced and are in use in nearly every leading college and university in the Union, including, Yale, Harvard, Bowdoin, Dartmouth, Cornell, Washington and Lee University, Michigan University and others. In this course, the whole subject of pure mathematics is sharply outlined according to the best modern philosophical views, and the exact province of each separate branch is clearly shown in general statement, and in the details of execution is closely adhered to. The adaptation is such as to make the pupil feel, at every step of his progress, that he is required to reason, not merely to perform certain operations. Intelligent and unbiased critics and educational men pronounce this the most complete mathematical series ever issued.

Prof. Olney does not confine his literary labor alone to mathe- matics, but is a frequent contributor to the religious, educational and literary magazines and reviews of the country. He has been for many years assistant editor of the Christian Herald, published at Kalamazoo, and has since 1870 prepared the Sunday-School les- sons for that periodical, requiring much study and examination, not only of the Bible, but the religious literature of the world. The Professor was also, at one time, associated in the publication of the Educational Weekly, in Chicago.

DONALD MACLEAN. M. D.

Dr. Maclean is Professor of -- - in Michigan University. The first literary work of the Doctor was that of editing " Symes' Medical Works." published in 1865, by J. B. Lippincott & Co., of Philadel- phia. This work was, at the request of Dr. Symes himself, and met with a favorable reception from both critics and readers. It has passed through several editions and is recognized as a standard work by the medical profession. The Doctor is the author of nu- merous articles in our current medical literature, and has delivered many addresses before medical societies.

A. B. PALMER. A. M., M. D).

Dr. Palmer. Professor of Pathology, Practice of Medicine and Hygiene in the University of Michigan, as an author is well known, especially among the medical fraternity. Numerous reports and addresses have, from time to time, appeared in pamphlet form, of which the Professor was the author, and which have been well received by those interested in everything pertaining to the science

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of medicine. In 1865 appeared " A Report upon the Epidemic occuring at Maplewood Young Ladies' Institute, Pittsfield, Mass. including a discussion on the causes of Typhoid Fever." During the same year appeared " A Lecture on Sanitary Science: Its Impor- tance as a Branch of General Education." This address was pub- lished by the class in Michigan University before whom it was delivered. In 1866, " Epidemic Cholera: Its Pathology and Treat- ment," appeared from the pen of Prof. Palmer. "Dry Earth as a means of Disposal of Excreta," was published in 1870. "Law and Intelligence in Nature and the Improvement of the Race in accord- ance with Law," appeared in 1873. " The New Departure in Medical Teaching in the University of Michigan," in 1877. "Quinine in Acute Pneumonia," in 1879. In 1880, appeared the Doctor's most pretentious work, " A Review of Homeopathy." This work was favorably received by the medical fraternity of all schools, save the Homeopathists, whose position it combats. Prof. Palmer is now ( in the spring of 1881 ) engaged in the preparation of an elaborate work on the general practice of medicine, which will embody the experience of a long and busy life.

EDWARD C. FRANKLIN, M. D.

Dr. Franklin, Professor of Surgery in the Homeopathic Medical College, Michigan University, is the author of a number of standard medical works. In 1864 he wrote a work on the "Principles of Surgery and the Treatment of Surgical Diseases," 874 pages, which met with a favorable reception. In 1874, the "Art of Surgery," a work devoted to operative surgery in its various branches, showing the various methods of operating in surgical disorders requiring interference, 870 pages. In 1877, he wrote a monograph on "Spinal Curvature and Deformities," showing the beneficial results of the new treatment by the plaster jacket and artificial spine. Dr. Franklin has also written monographs on "Cancer." "Heart Diseases," "Diseases of Bones," "Tumors," "Formation and Union of Bones," " Operations on the Head from Injury," "Ho- meopathy in the Army," "Transfusion of Blood," "Anomalous Fractures," " Amputation from Gun-shot Wounds," and many other subjects of professional interest. Dr. Franklin has been elected President of the American Institute of Homeopathy, of the Western Academy, and Mission Institute. He has, on account of his many valuable contributions to medical literature, been elected honorary member of more than a dozen State Medical So- cieties, and a half dozen other societies of medicine.

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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 45

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