History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 56

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 56

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This is the man that we present to you; a man who stands four square to every wind that blows; a man who believes in his own ability and is not afraid to express his convictions; a man who will " do justly and fear not." [Great applause.]

Mr. Parker, of Monroe, seconded the nomination of Mr. Beal in the following language:

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention :- In accordance with the wishes of the delegates from Monroe county, and in accordance with the sentiments of the

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Republicans of that county. I support the nomination of Rice A. Beal. [Applause.] I have listened with pleasure, Mr. Chairman, to the eulogies pronounced upon the different candidates of our State. We have heard from the West, from the East, and from the North ; and as Capt. Allen well says, we now bring one who is bright and gallant and pure from the center. Like a diamond, the brightest one is always in the center of the collection. [Applause. ] We have heard 25 years ago referred to, here in the city of Jackson, the Republican party was born for a purpose. One part of this country, or one limb of this country was demanding that the body should be delivered over to it, but the Republican party and its gallant leaders,-among the greatest of whom was Zachariah Chandler [applause ], said No. To-day this same

section of the country demands that we deliver up the body again to them. After trying to secure it by the bayonet they now say they will secure it by the ballot. We need then to represent us here as our chief executive a stalwart, a man of the Chandler type, a man of integrity, a man of forcible and decided character ; a man who will take these resolutions that we have heard read-and with no uncertain sound-and carry them like a blazing shield, prone into the ranks of the enemy and secure success for the Republican party. [Applause.] We believe, sir, that such a man is Rice A. Beal, of Washtenaw county. We believe that he is eminently fitted to join that long list of illustrious Governors whose names are spread upon the pages of the history of our great State. We believe, sir, that with him in the executive chair the institutions of our State will be tenderly cared for. We believe, that the inter- ests of the people in all parts of the State will be equally and alike looked after. We believe, sir, with him as our standard bearer, that our friend from Saginaw who presented Mr. Jerome's name will find all the assistance that he desires to carry the eighth district. [Applause and laughter. ] We believe that our friend from Detroit will find the influence of Mr. Beal as effective as any other man's could possibly be; and so we say with confidence, Mr President, that this convention should. and we hope will, place as the standard bearer of the grand old Republican party of Michi- gan, Rice A. Beal, of Washtenaw county. [Great applause.]

On the first ballot Mr. Beal received 107 to Mr. Rich's 115, being the next highest on the list. Though not nominated, Mr. Beal's name was enthusiastically received, and had it been earlier pre- sented to the people, he would doubtless have secured the prize.

The winter of 1880-1 will long be remembered by the politicians of the country. This was the winter succeeding the Presidential campaign of 1880, in which Gen. Garfield was elected President. The Republican party had succeeded in electing a majority of the National House of Representatives, and the Senate was in doubt. Elections for United States Senator were to be held in several of the States in the Union, and the party in power in the several States were much divided as to choice of persons upon whom to bestow the honor of representing the State as Senator. In Michi- gan ex-Gov. Bagley, ex-Gov. Baldwin, and Hon. O. D. Conger, were each presented by their respective friends, for the o ce. Messrs. Bagley and Baldwin were in the lead, with Mr. Conger as third in the race. Mr. Beal, while saying nothing against the mer- its of the others, was a stanch advocate of Mr. Conger, and in the Courier presented the claims of his favorite in strong terms and convincing arguments. When the Legislature assembled at Lan- sing, Mr. Beal was present, and although not a member of that body, he was chosen to lead the Conger forces. He went immedi- ately to work, and, as usual, success attended his efforts, Mr. Con- ger being selected by the caucus, on the seventh ballot, and in the joint meeting of the Legislative body, received the vote of every Re- publican member. Mr. Beal's efforts in behalf of his friend, Mr.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Conger, and its successful outcome, has brought him more than ever before the people, and has made him virtually the leader of the Republican forces in this State. Higher honors yet await him.

In 1853 Mr. Beal was married to Miss Beers. For more than a quarter of a century they have traveled life's journey together, shar- ing with each other all the joys and sorrows, and reaping the bless- ings of a life well spent.

As editor of the Courier Mr. Beal pursues a straightforward course, advocating the right and condemning the wrong, without regard to who may suffer from the publication of the truth. He is an independent and fearless writer, and courts the favor of no man. Always doing a legitimate business, as already remarked, he has been uniformly successful in all his undertakings, and in nearly a half century of active business life he has never knowingly wronged any man and always paid 100 cents on the dollar. Such, in brief, is Rice A. Beal, editor of the Courier.

ANN ARBOR REGISTER.

In 1872 a stock company was formed under the name and style of Ann Arbor Printing and Publishing Company, for the purpose of engaging in newspaper, book publishing and job printing. The officers and stockholders, as first organized, were Alvin W. Chase, President and Superintendent; James C. Watson, Vice-President; Zina P. King, Secretary; Henry S. Dean, Treasurer; Sedgwick Dean and Henry Krause. In December, 1872, the first number of the Register made its appearance. It was an eight-column folio, and published at $1.50 per year. Zina P. King was managing and local editor; Edwin Lawrence, political editor. The paper was Re- publican in politics.

Among the publications from the press of the Publishing Com- pany, was "Dr. Chase's Second Receipt Book." On the appear- ance of this work, Rice A. Beal appealed to the court for an injunc- tion against the company, as it was contrary to his agreement with Dr. Chase, who, when he disposed of his interest in the Courier, and the publishing business of that office, agreed not to engage in the same line again in the State of Michigan so long as Mr. Beal continued in the business. The injunction was granted, covering not only the publication of "Dr. Chase's Second Receipt Book,' but also the entire printing business. Soon after this the remain- ing stockholders purchased the interest of Dr. Chase, and asked the Supreme Court to set aside the injunction. Nearly a year and a half expired before the case was heard in the Supreme Court. After a hearing by that body, the injunction was set aside, and the publi- cation of the paper resumed.

When Dr. Chase disposed of his stock, a new election of officers was held, when James C. Watson was elected President; IIenry Krause, Vice-President; Zina P. King. Secretary, Henry S. Dean, Treasurer. Mr. Dean was also chosen Superintendent and man-

Rice. C. Beal Died Oct 3: 1853 Age 608-14 4 d

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

aging editor, and continued in this position until August, 1880, when he disposed of his stock and retired from the office.

The Register resumed publication in December, 1875, and has since been successfully conducted. It is a six-column folio, edited with ability, and has had an average circulation of 2,900 copies. The office employs on an average, 16 men.

In August, 1880, when Mr. Dean retired from the office, he was succeeded by B. J. Conrad, as Superintendent and Treasurer, and H. P. Myrick as editor. Mr. Conrad had been connected, in a busi- ness way, with the office for some years, and was, therefore, well acquainted with the work.

All the modern conveniences and improvements have been intro- duced into the Register office, and to-day it is one of the best fitted printing establishments in the State. The mechanical execution of the job work done at this office will compare favorably with that turned from any house in Michigan. A large business has been carried on in the book publishing line. Among those issued from the presses of this company are " Watson's Interest, Discount and Investment Tables," by Prof. James Q. Watson; "Vaughan's Chemical Physiology and Pathology," by Victor C. Vaughan, M. D., Ph. D. of Michigan University; "French Reading Lessons," by Alfred Hennequin, M. A., of Michigan University.

B. J. Conrad, Superintendent and Treasurer of the Ann Arbor Printing and Publishing Company, was born in Parma, N. Y., March 6, 1833. When two years of age he went with his parents to Albion, Calhoun county, Mich., where he remained until 1852, when he went to California, remaining in that State until 1861, and making in that time a handsome sum of money. On his return to Albion he retired to a farm, which business he followed for some years. until 1868. In 1870 he removed to Ann Arbor and for four years was engaged in the book and stationery trade. In 1874 he went to China in the employ of the Government, in company with Prof. Watson and others, to witness the transit of Venus. Return- ing home in the fall of 1875, he entered the office of the Register, where he has since been engaged. Mr. Conrad was married in 1864 to Miss Helen M. Foster, of Hillsdale, Mich., and again returned to California, and remained one year. They have had two children, a son and daughter. Mr. Conrad is a good busi- ness manager, and the Ann Arbor Printing and Publishing Com- . pany will not suffer under his management.

H. P. Myrick, editor of the Register, was born in Pontiac, Oak- land Co., Mich., Aug. 27, 1857. He obtained his elementary education in the common schools of his native town, and in 1874, when but 17 years of age, entered Michigan University, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1878. In the fall of that year he entered the Law Department, but only attended one course of lectures. In 1877, while in his senior year, he became local editor of the Register, continning in that position until the resigna- tion of Mr. Dean, when he was elected managing editor, which

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

position he now occupies. He is an easy, graceful writer, with a bright future before him.

COLLEGE PAPERS.

The first paper published by the students of Michigan University was a small quarto, the publication of which was begun in 1865, under the name of University Chronicle. The Chronicle was a neat paper, well filled with college news, and was published every alternate Saturday during the college year. It suspended publica- tion at the close of the college year in 1869.

In June, 1867, appeared the first number of the University Mag- azine, a 32-page octavo magazine, filled with original matter and choice selections. The magazine had an existence of three years, when its publication was suspended.

The Chronicle was the successor of the University Chronicle, and like its predecessor, was edited by students in the University. It has had a continuous existence of 12 years, and is published weekly. It is a 16-page quarto, handsomely printed, and reflects great credit on the students and the institution they represent.

The University made its first appearance December, 1879. It is the same size as the Chronicle, and is a very handsome sheet. Michigan University is well represented by its papers.

ANN ARBOR DEMOCRAT.

The Democrat was established in Ann Arbor in 1878, its first issue bearing date September 12. John L. Burleigh, a writer of some merit, was its editor and proprietor. It was a large eight-col- umn folio, and a firm and uncompromising advocate of Democratic principles. Mr. Burleigh continued its publication until Janu- ary, 1879, when the Saline Standard was merged into it and a co-partnership effected between John L. Burleigh, B. Frank Bower and Louis Leisemer, under the firm name of Burleigh, Bower & Leisemer. This arrangement continued until Nov. 20, 1879, when the interest of Mr. Leisemer was purchased and the paper continued by Burleigh & Bower, the latter gentleman being Henry E. H. Bower, who purchased the interest of his brother, B. Frank Bower. The various changes did not affect the political character of the paper, it being true to the principles it professed when founded by Mr. Burleigh. Under the special editorial control of Henry E. H. Bower, it has taken front rank among the Democratic papers of the State, Mr. Bower being an easy and fluent writer and firm and positive in his convictions of right.

Henry E. H. Bower was born in Manchester, Washtenaw Co., Michigan, April 20, 1845, and is a son of the late Henry and Margaret G. Bower, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneers of Washtenaw county. Mrs. Bower, whose maiden name was Chase, is a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Bower,

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with their family, removed to Ann Arbor when Henry was yet an infant, and there spent almost his entire life. His education was obtained in the common and high schools of Ann Arbor. Entering the law department of Michigan University, after taking the usual course, he graduated in 1866. After his graduation he engaged for a short time in the mercantile business in Ann Arbor, and then purchased the Ann Arbor Democrat, which he published until February, 1870, when he disposed of the paper and then went to Grand Rapids, where he again embarked in the mercantile trade, continuing in the same about two years. Returning to Ann Arbor, for some years he was employed as correspondent of several of the leading daily papers in the country, among others, the Chicago Times, Cincinnati Commercial, Detroit Post and Tribune. He still continues the same relation with the two former papers. In 1877 he was elected Alderman of the third ward, Ann Arbor, and served for two years in an acceptable manner. In July, 1879, he purchased his brother's interest in the Democrat, and has continued as one of its editors and proprietors to the present time. Mr. Bower is yet a young man with a bright future before him. He is energetic and takes a special interest in all matters tending to build up the interest of his place. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Col. J. L. Burleigh, lawyer, and editor of the Democrat, was born in Mass. Oct. 15, 1842. His ancestors were among the early settlers of New England. He was educated partly in Berkshire county, Mass., and partly in New York city. At an early age he entered a mercan- tile house as a clerk, remaining until the opening of the civil war in 1861. At that time he joined the 17th New York Regiment, being the first to sign its muster roll. Soon after, he was appointed Second Lieutenant; and, within a year, he was promoted successfully to the rank of First Lieutenant and Captain,- the last for bravery on the field at Hanover Court-House, May 27, 1862. In 1863 he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seymour Light Infantry; but, owing to his wounds, he left the service and engaged in business in the East Indies. Leaving the Indies on account of ill health, Colonel Burleigh returned to New York, and engaged in business there until 1874. He then removed to Ann Arbor. Having acquired a competency, he desired to enter public life; and, to further this end, graduated from the law department of the Univer- sity of Michigan. "Politics needs missionaries more than the heathen " is one of his sayings. In the spring of 1876 he was nominated for Mayor of the city of Ann Arbor on the Democratic ticket, but declined to run. In the fall of the same year he was placed on the ticket as the nominee for State Senator, and was elected by a large majority. He was an active member of the Senate of the Legislative session of 1877, and served creditably as a mem- ber of the committees on Judiciary and Military Affairs, Claims and Public Accounts, Asylum for the Insane, Expiring Laws, and Engrossment and Enrollment of Bills. Colonel Burleigh has

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traveled extensively in England, Ireland, France, Italy, Egypt and the East. In April, 1880. he removed to Chicago, where he is now engaged in business.

THE WASHTENAW POST.

This is the first German paper ever started in Washtenaw county. Its publication was begun Oct. 3, 1879. L. J. Leisemer, the founder of the Saline Standard, and for about one year, one of the proprietors of the Ann Arbor Democrat, is the editor and proprie- tor. The paper began as a six-column quarto, and continued as such for 12 weeks, when, its advertising patronage becoming so large, a change was demanded in its size. It was therefore en- larged to a nine-column folio, with length of columns usually of a 10-column folio, being one of the largest German papers in the country. The large and intelligent German population of this county demand a paper in their native language that will take rank with the best papers published in the English language. This they undoubtedly have in the Post, and few country papers have ever attained the success of the Post in so short a time.

Mr. Leisemer, the editor of the Post, was born in Lisbon, Canada, Aug. 10, 1859. In 1870 he removed with his parents to the vil- lage of Saline, in this county, where, in 1872, he entered the office of the Saline Review for the purpose of learning the printing busi- ness. This was an important step in his life, and the wisdom of his choice of professions has been proven by the success attending him in the role of editor and publisher. At the age of 18 his career as a publisher began with the Saline Standard. His latest move was in the establishment of the Washtenaw Post, the success of which has already been stated. Mr. Leisemer was married July 2, 1879, to Miss Emma M. Helber, daughter of Dr. C. Helber, of Saline. Mrs. L. is an accomplished lady, a graduate of the department of modern languages, in the class of 1878, of the State Normal School, of Ypsilanti. She is a writer of more than ordinary ability, and since the establishment of the Post, has occupied the position of assist- ant editor, and has had almost entire control of the local and mis- cellaneous departments of the paper. To her efforts is due in part the success that has attended its publication. Mr. Leisemer en- joyed no advantages of education other than that of the common schools, save that of the "Poor Man's College,"-the printing office,-a college that has graduated some of the most eminent men of the country, among whom were Benjamin Franklin and Horace Greeley. In politics Mr. Leisemer is a Democrat, but the Post is independent in politics.

THE DAILY NEWS.

This sprightly little sheet is issued every evening ( Sundays ex- cepted ) from the office over Brown's drug store, on the corner of

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Main and Huron streets. The proprietors of the News, Messrs. Ronscup & Tanner, were formerly of Toledo, but during the au- tumn of 1880 came to Ann Arbor, and on Nov. 23 the first issue of the paper was put into the hands of the citizens of that beautiful city. The paper is a five-column folio, strictly non-partisan and entirely devoted to the local news of Ann Arbor and vicinity. The paper was printed with rented material up to Feb. 1, 1880, but since that time with their own press and material.

The typographical appearance of the News, which is the only daily printed in Washtenaw county, is neat and tasty. It is an honor to any office to send out such an excellent quality of work. The News office is furnished all through with the best material and presses, and for mechanical execution the job work done at this office will compare favorably with that turned out from the larger establishments of the State. Its editors are of the most thoroughly enterprising newspaper men of the county, and that the progress they have made is appreciated by the citizens of the place is evinced by the unusual success attending their enterprise. A short notice of the editors would perhaps be of interest to the many readers of this volume:

Henry W. Ronscup was born at Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, in 1849, and is a son of John R. and Lucretia Ronscup. Henry was educated at the district schools, but in early life sought employ- ment in a printing office, and has mainly followed that profession through life. He first worked on the Wyandotte Pioneer, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in 1868. After six months he became a compositor on the Union of the same city. IIe next went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and labored on the Daily Democrat, afterward the Daily Sentinel. In 1872, on account of poor health, he resigned his position, and secured employment on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne R. R., where he worked as brakeman and subsequently as conductor on the G. R. & I. R. R. for four years. In 1876, he again entered the profession, this time in the Gazette office, of Fort Wayne. Not long after he accepted a position as traveling salesman for a wholesale paper establishment of Fort Wayne, and in 1879, entered the office of the Toledo Commercial and Blade. On the 15th of November, 1880, he came to Ann Arbor, and has since labored faithfully and earnestly on the Daily News. On June 18, 1879, he was married to Miss May Graham, the daughter of James Graham, the oldest engineer on the P., F. W. & C. R. R. They have one child, James G.

Gustave A. Tanner was born at Toledo, Ohio, March 29, 1860, and is a son of Jacob Tanner, an old resident of that city. Gus- tavus early turned his attention to the printing business, and was first employed by Bardull Bros. He subsequently worked on the Toledo Bee, and for six months was a typo in the office of the Cin- cinnati Enquirer. Previous to his removal to Ann Arbor, he was foreman of the Toledo Telegram. Mr. Tanner is considered one of the best job printers in this section of the country, and that part of the News office is under his able and efficient supervision.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY. YPSILANTI PAPERS.

THE SENTINEL.

The first paper published in Ypsilanti was the Ypsilanti Repub- lican, by a young man named Wallace. It was published for little over a year, about the year 1837-'38, when, owing to disagreement between the stockholders and printer, it was suspended, the ma- terial scattered and the paper was never resumed. In 1844, I. M. Edmunds, John Van Fossen, Arden H. Ballard, and M. Towne, with perhaps others, procured the office of a defunct paper in the interior, and under the lead of John Van Fossen, started the Ypsi- lanti Sentinel, in the interest of Henry Clay, the Whig candidate for the presidency. It ran until the disastrous Whig defeat of that year, when the "supplies" being cut off it stopped. The owners, desirous of having a paper published in the place, did, through I. M. Edmunds, offer the use of the office to Mr. Charles Woodruff, on condition that he would resuscitate the concern. This he did, and continued the paper for three years; when, finding the proprie- tors unaccommodating in the matter of refitting the office, he abandoned it in 1848. The material passed into the hands of Aaron Guest, of New York, who published a paper called the Y psi- lanti Chronicle, for the period of one year; but he, failing to pay for the office, lost possession of it, when it was purchased by Mr. Woodruff, who revived the Sentinel. This journal has been pub- lished without interruption ever since. It is now in its 34th vol- ume, being one of the oldest papers in the State, and perhaps the oldest under an unchanged proprietorship. The People's Advo- cate and Political Register is the name of another paper started. This continued for a short time, but dropped for lack of encourage- ment. The Michigan School Journal was also an enterprise that originated in the Sentinel office, and promised fairly; but the time for success had not arrived. The Sentinel leaves little un- noticed. It is a newspaper at once comprehensive and deserving the name it bears. The editor possesses a peculiar idea of free institutions, an idea truly American, and as broad as the Republic which fostered it. Ever opposing an unjust cause, ever upholding what should be the birthright of the human family, he acts the part of a writer whose sympathies are strong and perfect, whose knowledge of the political condition of the nations is full and ac- curate.

Charles Woodruff, well known throughout the State as one of the earliest supporters of the cause of education in this State, as well as one of its veteran journalists, was born in Seneca county, N. Y. He came to the Territory of Michigan early in 1836. Be- lieving, in view of the liberal grants of land for school and University purposes, that Michigan was to be pre-eminent in edu- cational matters, and afford a good field for teachers, he repaired to the State of Pennsylvania, and, entering Allegheny College, re-

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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 56

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