History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 57

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 57

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mained until graduating in 1841. In 1842 he returned to the State of Michigan, and began the profession of teaching by establishing a private school, both for English and Classical students. This school, at its close, occupied a building where the seminary now stands, which was subsequently bought and furnished as a central school-house, as the choice of the surrounding districts. Re- linquishing the business of teaching on the revival of the public schools, Mr. Woodruff has since devoted himself to an editorial career. The veteran journalist has long since passed the summer of this life, and yet continues to wield the pen with as much ease and vigor as he did long years ago. Throughout the political wars of almost half a century the influence of his journal has been felt and approved by that party in which he places some of his political trust.

The Herald .- The newspaper known as the Ypsilanti Herald was established in 1858 by Messrs. Norris & Follett. This journal opposed the tenets of the Sentinel until July, 1860, when the orig- inal owners disposed of the office to James McCracken. Capt. Wilsie purchased McCracken's interest immediately after, and con- tinned the publication of the Herald until April, 1861, when he rented the office to the editor of the Sentinel, who carried on its business in connection with his own.

THE COMMERCIAL.

The Commercial was founded March 1, 1864, with a capital of $600. This journal at that time was a 24x36 sheet; enlarged in 1868 to a 28x40 ; in 1876 to a 30x44, and in December, 1880, to a 35x47. It is thoroughly Republican in politics. In the various political campaigns it has taken a leading part. It was the first journal in the State to denounce Andrew Johnson as a traitor ; the first to sound abroad the treachery in selling out the Republican party of the South for a mere mess of pottage by Mr. Hayes. It was among the first to protest against the re-nomination of Gen. Grant for the presidency, and a strong supporter of Mr. Blaine.

The Commercial has been marked by several exciting local con- tests of a business and social character. The first was that attend- ant on the support given to the D., H. & S. W. railroad. In this connection no less than 172 able editorials were written, showing that its construction would ultimately lead to the construction of the Toledo & Air Line road via Ypsilanti.

The temperance movement of November, 1872, in this section of Washtenaw, owes its origin and success to the Commercial.

Another war, carried on through its columns, was that against the card-players of the Reform Club. The cards were excluded, and the society became a reformed club.

During the University war this journal joined issue with the anti-Beal-ers, and formed one of their strongest supporters.

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The Commercial building is at present an office 22x60 feet, two stories high, replete in all its departments, and unquestionably a leading printing office. The circulation of this journal compares favorably with the county journals, and claims the largest circula- tion in the county of Washtenaw. The editor appears to have been raised in the school of literature. A genial temperament, benevo- lent disposition, and honesty of purpose mark his progress through this world. He entered the journalistic work while still a student, and when circumstances called him into a more practical branch of journalism, as editor and publisher of the Commercial, he carried with him a college enthusiasm and a literary man's tastes. Mr. Pattison's character as an able journalist has been well sustained. Under his care the Commercial has won for itself a high name, and a career of increasing prosperity.

C. R. Pattison was born May 7, 1824, at Forrestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. At the age of 12 years he came to Michigan Territory with his parents, Dr. S. W. and Mrs. Phoebe Pattison. From 1836 to 1840 he devoted his time to fishing and hunting and clerking in in a store. During these years he received a liberal education at his father's home, so that at the age of 17 he taught a district school. Subsequently he was appointed Principal of the High School at Trenton a few terms, and was an assistant in the Ypsilanti Acad- emy. For one year he was a pupil in the preparatory department of the Madison University, N. Y. In the fall of 1846 he entered the Michigan University. His class comprised 16 members, in- cluding Edwin Hewitt and W. C. Stevens, now of this city, Dr. Root and Dr. Hindy. Not one of these was enrolled on the sopho- more list. Among the graduates were General Barber, O. M. Barnes, Calvin Bacon, Rev. Wm. Cathcart, Rev. L. R. Fisk, Hon. J. W. McMath, Wm. A. Moore; contending with poverty as con- comitance incidental to most students of that day, in June, 1850, they spoke their little pieces in the Baptist church. Prof. A. Ten Brook was President. The title of Mr. Pattison's oration was "The Hope of Europe." Bouquets were not then in fashion on such occasions, or otherwise the orator would have received a shower. Rushing, tearing up sidewalks, and other peccadilloes of hair- brained scapegoats were not then in vogue; the freshmen, however, were initiated by a harmless, amusing performance called bump- tonism, requiring prowess on the part of the sophomores, and a gallant resistance on that of the verdant freshmen. In the tussle Root and Hendee came off first best, and of the remainder of the class Mr. Pattison saith not.

The secret society contest occurred in 1849; the faculty attempted to root out secret societies. In the conflict which ensued he was a mere spectator, as previous to his entrance into college he formed an inveterate prejudice against such societies. His mother thought them to be of a most noxious character, and to her he made a solemn promise that he would not join one during his col- legiate course. So far as this promise is concerned he has not since

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changed his mind. Through the last 15 years he has connected himself with the Masons, Good Templars, Sons of Temperance and Knights of Honor. The first inculcates some ennobling senti- ments, but still possesses serious drawbacks. Were he to pass through college again he would glory in being a " neutral," though he owns it requires pluck and nerve and a big fight to secure deserved recognition. It is his judgment that they are yet destined to drain to the very dregs the virility and true independence of college life, and tend to that accursed monopoly in college halls that is undermining the institutions and independence of our country in railroading, telegraphing, etc. He was a member of the glorious Alpha Nu, a literary society embracing a large membership and more talent than any others in college. In debate, orations, etc., he always took a full part. The weekly sessions were to him a source of pleasure, and the editorship of the Sibyl for three terms, a literary journal, aided largely in preparing him for a journalistic career. With the assistance of others, Mr. Pattison raised the standard of the Sibyl to such a high position that it was a power. One of its leading features was a review of the orators of the Alpha Nu.

Professor Ten Brook held the chair of mental and moral philos- ophy; Dr. Wheedon, general literature and history; Prof. Agnew, ancient languages; Prof. Fasquelle, modern languages; Dr. Doug- lass, chemistry and geology, and Prof. Williams, the chair of mathematics.

After graduating at Ann Arbor, Mr. Pattison went to Newton Theological Seminary, Mass., from which he graduated in June, 1853. In the fall of that year he was appointed pastor of the First Baptist Church, of Pontiac, where he remained until Oct. 1, 1855. In Pontiac the church was built up and received quite an addition. In January, 1856, he was chosen pastor of the Baptist Church at Grass Lake, Jackson Co., where he baptized over 30 persons. Ill health forced him to retire from pastoral work, and he became agent of the Baptist Publication Society, Jan. 1, 1857, for Michi- gan; also during this term he was correspondent of the Michigan Christian Herald, editing the famous "Notes by the Way."

Mr. Pattison married Miss Ellen Frey Sept. 3, 1854. This lady is a daughter of Deacon Job Frey, of Athol, Mass. They are the parents of nine children, of whom one (Willie) died in infancy. The eldest daughter, an accomplished young lady, died in 1877, at the age of 21 years. The eldest son, Warren F., now local editor of the Commercial, was a member some years of the State Normal School, and also of the Agricultural College. Lizzie, eldest living daughter, graduated last year, with honor at the Normal School, and is now a preceptress at Cairo.

Ypsilanti True Democrat .- C. R. Pattison purchased the office of the Herald Jan. 1, 1864, and issued the first number of the True Democrat March 3, 1864. The editor subsequently changed the title of his newspaper to that of the Commercial.

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THE YPSILANTIAN

is independent in politics. From its inauguration signal success has waited upon it; its typography and entire mechanical work are perfect; its columns, always replete with news, show that a rare at- tention is bestowed by the editor. The steady progress which has marked its career is evidence of the popularity of the journal; from an issue of 600 copies early in 1880, it is said to have ad- vanced so rapidly, that now an actual circulation of over 1,100 copies is enjoyed. Mr. Woodruff is an estimable young man; he has given to his journal that name which really pertains to himself. His sympathies are peculiarly Ypsilantian, and being so, there is every prospect of his reaching the summit of success,-success.

M. F. Woodruff, second son of Charles Woodruff, was born at Ypsilanti Aug. 13, 1853. Educated at the Union School, he grad- uated there in the class of 1870. Entering the office of the Senti- nel, he became foreman, which position he held until Oct. 1, 1874, when he accepted a partnership in the Sentinel. His marriage with Miss Eva Bowlby, of Ovid, Mich., was celebrated Nov. 7, 1878. He was connected with his father's journal until Oct. 1, 1879, when he left that office and became the founder of the Ypsilantian. The office was furnished in December, 1879, and the first copy of his journal issued Jan. 2, 1880.

The School .- This monthly journal or magazine was edited by C. F. R. Bellows, A. M., and published by Bellows & Co. The School was the organ of the Normal School. devoted to educational interests, contributed to by leading educators, and supported principally by the faculty of the Normal. The journal was printed in the office of the Commercial.

DEXTER PAPER.

DEXTER LEADER.

In 1868 Norman E. Allen, of Dexter, began the issue of an ad- vertising sheet, under the name of the Dexter Bulletin, publishing it semi-occasionally. After the issue of five or six numbers, the village began to see the importance of having a newspaper to rep- resentits interests. A printer from Detroit was induced to locate there, and with capital furnished by S. C. Alley, an office was pur- chased, and on the 28th day of January, 1869, the first number of the Dexter Leader made its appearance, with the names of Alley & Wickmere, as publishers. It was a seven-column folio, and a very neat and tidy little sheet. The co-partnership existing be- tween Mr. Alley and Mr. Wickmere was dissolved May 13, 1869, when Mr. Alley continued the publication of the paper for a few months longer, disposing of it in September to Archibald McMil- lan, who immediately assumed control. Mr. McMillan was a good printer and a writer of more than ordinary ability, one who had

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experienced a somewhat checkered career. He served through the war, and at its close went to Detroit and embarked in business, which. not proving successful, compelled him again to return to his trade of printer. The Leader, under his control, was made an excellent country paper, and yielded a comfortable income. Desir- ing a larger field of operation, he disposed of his paper in Septem- ber, 1876, and removed to Bay City. Mr. McMillan's successor was Orville E. Hoyt, who went to Dexter from Ypsilanti. Mr. Hoyt was a good printer and made the Leader a handsome paper. In May, 1880, David Edgar purchased the office and good will of the paper, which has flourished under his management. David Edgar was born in the county of Down, Ireland, Sept. 30, 1831. In 1844, with his parents, he emigrated to America and set- tled at Lansingburg, N. Y., where he remained until 1857. At Lansingburg he attended an academy, and went through the pre- paratory course, entering Princeton College in 1851, from which he graduated in 1854, with the degree of A. B. In 1855 he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, graduating from that institution in 1857, at which time he received his degree of A. M. On gradu- ating he received a call to minister to the Presbyterian Church at Haverstraw, Rockland Co., New York, where he remained one year. He has since served as pastor or supply for the Churches in Duanesburg, New York, two years ; Troy, New York, seven years; Napoleon, Ohio, four years ; Upper Sandusky, Ohio, two years ; Parma, Michigan, three years; Raisin, Michigan, four years. It will thus be seen Mr. Edgar has had an active ministerial career for twenty-three years.

Dec. 16, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Dummer, at Waterford, New York. One child, a son, is the result of this union. In order to educate this son, and to enable the family to be near each other, Mr. Edgar moved to Dexter and pur- chased the Leader. Mr. Edgar's excellent education, his long ministerial career, and native genius, enable him to conduct the Leader in a far better manner than falls to the lot of most provin- cial papers.

CHELSEA PAPER.

CHELSEA HERALD.

This paper is the successor of the Grass Lake Reporter, the office in which it is published having been removed by its proprie- tor from the village of Grass Lake, Jackson Co., in 1871. Like all country papers not having a large amount of official patronage, it has had its seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. As a general thing, it has enjoyed a fair amount of patronage; its advertisers are liberal, the result of having live merchants in the village. Andrew Allison, its editor and proprietor, was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, Nov. 16, 1827. He is the son of

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Andrew and Jane (Nelson) Allison. His father was a tallow chandler. When he was 10 years of age his parents came to America and located at Toronto, Can., and there, at 14, he began to work as a printer in the Colonist office. He was bound for five years as an apprentice, and after he had finished this term of ser- vice he, in 1841, went to Buffalo, N. Y., and worked in Faxon's job office. He was there two years, at the end of which he went back to Toronto and was there married to Miss Forrester Bentley, in 1850. They soon went to Oswego, and Mr. Allison there worked a week in the Times office, after which he and his wife went to Rochester, where he found employment in the Democrat office, remaining there for two years. Buffalo was Mr. Allison's next stopping place, and Cleveland the next, where he worked a week on the Plaindealer. In Sandusky he was employed a short time on the Clarion. He finally settled down in Detroit and followed his profession there for 17 years. He was an employe on the Free Press when W. F. Story, of the Chicago Times, owned that paper, and worked in numerous other offices. In 1867 he removed to Grass Lake, Jackson Co., and started the Grass Lake Reporter. After four years' trial at Grass Lake, he concluded that Chelsea was a more promising point for a newspaper venture, and removed his office to this village and started the Chelsea Herald in September, 1871. He has continued the paper ever since, and has succeeded in establishing it on a profitable basis, with a large circulation and a liberal advertising patronage. IIis office is well equipped with news and job material, and is more complete in this respect than most country offices. Mr. Allison is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities. Besides his printing establishment and newspaper, he possesses considerable town property, and owns the house in which he resides.

MANCHESTER PAPERS.

THE MANCHESTER ENTERPRISE.

This paper was established in October, 1867, by Geo. A. Spafford. This journal was an independent weekly newspaper, and continued to be issued regularly until October, 1868, when Spafford's interest was purchased by Mat D. Blosser. This newspaper is a 28-column journal, well printed, and replete with news. The office, at the time of purchase, was valued at $1,000; now it has reached a valua- tion of about $3,000. The circulation of the Enterprise in 1868 was 250 copies weekly, increased in October of that year to 350, and now to 900 copies. It circulates through S. W. Washtenaw, Northern Lenawee and S. E. Jackson. The office employs three men, and is furnished with a Washington newspaper press, a Globe job press, with cutters and new type. The job work is done in the latest styles, and equals in neatness the product of metropolitan printing houses. Mr. Spafford started the office on a capital of

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$5.00. His successor started with a smaller capital and made the enterprise a success.

Mat. D. Blosser was born at Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., Sept. 3, 1846, son of Peter F. and Sarah E. (Beyler) Blosser, of Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y. The family came to Michigan in 1844 and settled at Tecumseh, where the editor of the Enterprise was born. Having received a fair education at the Union school, he entered the Tecumseh Herald office in 1860, under W. A. Minocks, where he acquired the art of printing. Going East, he completed his knowledge of the printing business at Lockport, N. Y. There he labored in the job office of the Daily Journal and Courier until 1864, when he returned West. Between the years 1864 and 1867 Mr. Blosser worked at various places, laying up a store of experiences during his travels. He ultimately came to Manchester in 1867, where he aided Spafford in the establishment of the Enterprise, and a year later became its sole proprietor and editor. Since Mr. Blosser's editorial career was entered upon, he has followed the course of an independent journalist, and has suc- ceeded in rendering the Enterprise one of the most trustworthy journals in the county.

In 1812 Matthias Blosser, of Seneca county, N. Y., served in the independent company raised there during that year. The company served for three months in the Lake campaign, at Buffalo, Lewis- ton and Niagara. At the close of his term of service, he re-enlisted for a second term. The Blosser family arrived from Germany about the middle of the 17th century. It was here while a Euro- pean aristocracy molded the colonists to follow the paths, and be content in the condition of slaves; and when the new era arrived, when the people of the colonies had attained a high intelligence, the sons of that German immigrant entered the ranks of the Rev- olution and aided in casting off the foulest tyranny that ever crushed the energies of a people.

The Manchester Journal was established Oct. 21, 1873, by G. R. Palmer, as a weekly newspaper, independent in politics. Though published here, the paper was printed at Jackson or Tecumseh, and reached a circulation of about 300. The publication of the Journal became irregular, and was suspended entirely after a career of 10 or 11 months.

SALINE PAPERS.

Saline Review .- This was the first paper started in the village of Saline. It was established in the fall of 1872, and was an eight- column folio, neutral in politics, and was regarded with great favor for a time by the citizens of Saline and vicinity. David Sher- wood was the editor and proprietor, and succeeded in making a good local paper. The business men of the village patronized the paper quite liberally, and it had a very fair subscription list dur- ing the first year. Its success was not as great the second year,

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and at the expiration of six months on the second volume it sus- pended publication. The office was removed to Plymouth, Mich., by Mr. Sherwood, who embarked in the printing business at that place.

Saline Oracle .- The second attempt in establishing a newspaper in Saline was in the fall of 1875, by W. W. Secord, who began the publication of a five-column quarto, neutral in politics. Mr. Se- cord was the editor, but was assisted by George Miles. The paper never received any great encouragement either in the way of ad- vertising or subscriptions, and at the end of one year it was discon- tinued and the office moved to Ypsilanti. Its existence is hardly remembered by the people of Saline.

Saline Standard .- On the 1st day of December, 1877, L. J. Leisemer, who was raised in the village, and worked at the printing trade in the offices of the Review and Oracle, began the publica- tion of the Saline Standard, a seven-column folio. The paper was continued but one year, and in that time was well patronized by the business men in the way of advertisements, and by the peo- ple in subscriptions. The paper was a success from the begin- ning, and was only suspended from the fact that Mr. Leisemer could better himself by a consolidation with the Ann Arbor Democrat, and removing to the latter place. At the time Mr. Leismer started the Standard he was but 18 years of age, and was the youngest publisher in the State, if not in the Union. His success was, therefore, the more commendable.

SALINE OBSERVER.

The publication of this paper was commenced in November, 1880. It is a large folio sheet, with LeBaron & Co. as publishers, and George J. Nisely, editor. Mr. Nisely has succeeded in making an interesting and readable paper, which is appreciated by the busi- ness men, as evinced by the advertising patronage obtained, and by the citizens in sustaining it by their subscriptions. Mr. Nisely was born in Saline, Dec. 5, 1858. His parents are Daniel and Margaret Nisely. He received his education in the schools of Saline and Ann Arbor. In 1877 he engaged in the grocery and crockery trade, with Mr. Le Baron, his partner in the printing busi- ness, which business is still continued by the firm. In 1878 Mr. Nisely purchased an amateur outfit and occupied his leisure time in odd jobs of printing, especially for the firm. From this humble beginning originated the present live newspaper, the first issue of which bears date Nov. 18. 1880. Mr. Nisely is yet young, and a bright future lies before him, which he will doubtless improve.

CHAPTER XXI. MISCELLANEOUS.

TREMENDOUS TORNADO.

On Tuesday evening, July 7, 1874, occurred in Ann Arbor one of the most destructive storms of wind, hail and rain that was ever witnessed in any community. All day long the sun had been ex- cessively hot, and just at sunset two dark clouds were seen to approach from the southwest ; others of a very dark and murky appearance immediately followed, when the storm commenced in all its fury, passing in its destroying march from west to east, up- rooting hundreds of good forest trees, in some instances large oaks, two or three feet in diameter, being torn from their roots and given to the four winds ; fences were scattered broadcast, in some cases buildings unroofed, and bricks thrown from the chimneys many feet. One man had some 500 peach-trees torn from the earth ; others lamented the destruction of large tracts of timber. Many farmers found their stock running at pleasure over the farm in the morning, without hindrance from fence. The roads were made impassable by the fallen trees, and progress through them was exceedingly difficult for two or three days. Altogether it caused much destruction of property.

RAIN STORM.

On Friday, April 8, 1836, Washtenaw county was visited with a destructive rain storm, accompanied with vivid flashes of lightning and heavy peals of thunder. For several days previous it had been quite warm and pleasant. All nature seemed to wear the cheerful- ness of spring. The roads had become dry and passable after the frosts of winter, when, unexpectedly, the sky began to darken and the rain to descend in torrents. The storm continued, with slight intermission, for about 12 hours. The effects were such as proba- bly never before had been witnessed in this county. Little rivulets by the wayside were swollen into large streams, tearing up the roads, sweeping away crossways, bridges and fences. The larger streams and rivers arose with corresponding rapidity, continuing and extending the work of destruction on a more magnificent scale. The roads on all sides were rendered almost impassable, while many of the most valuable and important bridges on the main roads

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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 57

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