History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 69

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 69

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Charles Bleicher, farmer, sec. 22, Webster tp., P. O., Dexter; was born in Germany, in 1826. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1844, and settled in Washtenaw county, the same year, where the former lived until their death. Mr. Bleicher was mar- ried in 1850 to Ann Burkhardt, who was born in Germany, in 1830. Seven children were sent to bless this union, 4 of whom still survive-Charles W., Frederick M., John C. and Anna S. Mrs. Bleicher's parents came to this county in 1836; and therefore experienced a few of the " trials and tribulations " incident to pio- neer life. Mr. B. owns 132 acres of choice farm land, and himself and wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.

Worcester Blodgett is a wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of Web- ster tp., owning 384 acres on sec. 28, valued at $70 per acre. He is the son of Luke and Mary A. (Anderson) Blodgett, both na- tives of England. They immigrated to this county in 1836, and set- tled where the subject of this sketch now resides, where they lived till death overtook them; the former died in 1879, and the latter in 1877. Mr. Blodgett, Sr., was an earnest advocate of the abolition of slavery, and lived to see it accomplished; he was also a worthy member of the Dexter Temperance Society, or Reform Club, and when his death occurred, a resolution eulogizing him was passed by the members. He was an old pioneer and beloved by all who knew him. Worcester was born in New York, Nov. 11, 1831, and raised a farmer's boy. He has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising the greater part of his life. In 1879 he was married to Francelia Biodgett, whose maiden name was Derby, and a native of this county, having been born here in 1838. She has 1 child, May L., by her first husband. Mr. B. is a Republican.

Edward L. Boyden (deceased) was a prominent and successful farmer of Webster tp. He was the son of Luther and Theodosia (Bond) Boyden, both natives of Mass., and early settlers of this connty, having come here in 1826, and settled on sec. 2, where they remained till death called them from their earthly home; the former dying in 1879, at the advanced age of 91, and the latter in 1863, at the age of 73. Mr. B. was married Feb. 8, 1854, to Fran - ces A. Burnett, daughter of William and Helen (Smith) Burnett, both natives of New York, and where Frances was born Nov. 6, 1833. They were blessed with 3 children-Helen F., wife of Austin Kimberly, of Livingston county; they have 1 child-Har-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

riet E., wife of Otis W. Cushing of - tp .; they have 2 children; William E. is the youngest child, and resides on the old homestead with his mother, superintending the farm of 600 acres, and raising short-horn cattle, of which he makes a specialty; and the barns and sheds for their comfort and use cost over $15,000. A fine brick residence adorns this large and well-cultivated farm. These build- ings are insured for $23,000. Mr. Boyden was one of the most en- terprising and progressive men in the county, and his son bids fair to become a worthy successor. Mr. B. had but one brother, a Col- onel of the 10th Mich. Vol. Inf., and who lost his life in 1864, leav- ing a widow and two children to battle with the world alone. Mr. B. died Oct. 17, 1880, at the age of 49 years, and left behind him a record for honesty and uprightness rarely excelled by any man.

Mr. Boyden's portrait is given in this volume.

Luther Boyden was the first to do away with the use of liquor at barn raisings, supplying a good supper in its place. After the first bent was in place he mounted it and told them that no liquor would be given, even if the barn remained there until it rotted; that same barn was the temple in which the connubial knot was tied between Abram Moe and a Miss Miriam Sears; also was the church for that community for a long time. Mr. Boyden was a successful business man, and at his death, left an estate of 400 acres, and all under a high state of cultivation. In his farm life he was very neat and tasty, and probably had better facilities for carrying on farming than any man in this county. He was a liberal sup- porter of religious and educational matters, and rendered valuable assistance in the social and material improvements of Webster tp. Hon. William Burnett (deceased) was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1806, and was the son of Gen. William and Apamsia (Gran- ger) Burnett, of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y. His mother was the daughter of Gen. Granger, of Revolutionary fame. In 1828 he was married to Helen, daughter of Fawnia Cole, widow of Gen. Philetus Swift (dec). In 1835 he brought his family, consisting of a wife and two children, to Michigan, where he lived up to the time of his death, honored and respected by all who knew him. In the various offices of honor and trust conferred on him by his friends and con- stituents from Supervisor to member of the Legislature, he earned a reputation worthy of desire and remembrance. At the time ot his death, he was Treasurer of the Washtenaw County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and that body appointed a committee of three to pass resolutions in regard to the death of their worthy and efficient officer. None knew him but to admire his integrity, his love of truth and justice, and his desire to do his whole duty to his constituents, his country, and his God. But in his domestic and church relations more particularly, he earned a fame and memory worthy of being written out in imperishable lines in the heart's dearest memories. He died Oct. 8, 1856, aged 50 years. One son, Henry S. Burnett, a young man of estimable character, was raised upon his father's farm, and afterward studied civil engineering

J. B. Anus

- Died Dec. 17. 1885. Hoe85.5

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WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

under Gen. Van Cleve, which profession he followed until about the time of his father's death, when he returned to this county and resumed control of the old homestead. A few years after he entered into the hardware business in Shiawassee Co., Mich., remaining there until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he raised a company of men, and was elected Captain. They tendered their services to Gov. Blair, who assigned them as Co. A, 10th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., where they served with distinction through all the hard-fought battles and tedions marches. Capt. Burnett was pro- moted Major of the Regiment, to rank from Dec. 29, 1863. In the battles near Atlanta, Georgia, the 10th Mich. was detailed to cut off the railroad communications at Jonesboro, and to prevent the confederates from receiving supplies. Major Burnett was put in command of the detailed force, and was attacked by a large number of the enemy. The brave boys of the North led by Major Burnett made a gallant charge on the rebels, but in the thickest of the fight their noble commander fell a victim to the enemy's wrath, and they were obliged to retreat. Major Burnett was undoubtedly one of the bravest soldiers in the U. S. service, and deserves to be com- memorated in the hearts of the many whose cause he so gallantly espoused. Frances A. Burnett, the second child of Hon. William Burnett, was educated in the Ann Arbor schools, and was married to Edwin L. Boyden, one of the most prominent farmers of Wash- tenaw county.

A portrait of William Burnett appears in this work.

John Boyle, farmer, sec. 25, Webster tp .; P. O., Delhi Mills; son of John and Bridget Boyle, both natives of Ireland, and who immigrated to America in 1825, thence to Washtenaw county in 1836, and settled on sec. 25, where they remained till death called them away, the former dying in 1870, at the age of 74, and the lat- ter in 1877. Mr. B. is a native of New York, but came to Washte- naw county with his parents, and has followed farming since. He resides on the old homestead, now .comprising 225 acres, with his two maiden sisters, and deals to a great extent in stock. He is an honorable member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics a Democrat.

W. C. Brass, farmer, sec. 31, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in this county in 1835. His parents were P. W. and F. A. Brass, both of English nativity, who immigrated to Washtenaw county in 1833, when it was almost a wilderness, and helped in a great measure to bring about the present prosperous condition of this country. W. C. was raised a farmer's boy, and has followed that occupation through life, and at the present time is the owner of 145 acres of choice farm land, valued at $65 per acre. He was married in 1880 to Carrie Allport, daughter of Nelson and Carrie Allport, and a native of this county, where she was born in 1849. Mr. B. is a well-to-do farmer, a member of the M. E. Church, and a Republican.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

A. A. Buckelew, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 20, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in New Jersey in 1822, and is the son of Richard and Sarah (Johnson) Buckelew, both natives of New York, and of French descent. The subject of our sketch lived in his native State till nine years of age, when he went with his parents to New York, and remained there till 1845, when he was married to Amanda Schneider, daughter of John and Catherine (Cartelyan) Schneider, natives of New York, where the daughter was born in 1825. They have 5 children by this marriage-Oselo O., Es- tella L. (wife of Timothy C. Moore), Sidney, Ophelia J. (wife of Charles C. Ludden, Pomeroy, Ohio) and Austin W. The same year he was married he immigrated to the fair county of Washtenaw, where he has resided since. Mr. B. and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Republican. He has filled the office of Road Commissioner for nine years. He owns a valuable farm of 80 acres in Webster tp.

Averill Burnett, sec. 10, Webster tp., is a farmer and stock-raiser, which occupation he has followed successfully through life, now owning and operating 160 acres of richly cultivated land, valued at $65 per acre. He was born in New York April 26, 1818, and is the son of James and Amanda Burnett, both natives of Connecticut, the former of Welsh and the latter of Irish ancestry. Mr. B. immi- grated to this county in 1833, and has been twice married,-in 1843, to Anna Cooley, daughter of Russell and Betsey Cooley, both natives of Massachusetts, and a native of the same State, where she was born in 1823. They had 5 children by this marriage, 2 of whom are living-Maria, wife of James A. Wilson, of Jackson county, and Lilia, wife of E. M. Smith, of Emmett county. The mother died in 1859. He was again married, this time to Eliza A. Boyden, a native of Livingston county, where she was born in 1842, and a daughter of Alexander and Caroline Boyden. By this marriage they have 4 children-James A., William A., Ethel D. and Nellie. Mr. B. lately found some curious relics of the past on his farm, one of which is a thigh bone, found seven feet be- low the surface, and supposed to belong to an Indian ; also has in his possession a stone ax found on his farm some 50 years ago. Mr. B. is a firm believer in the Republican administration.

William Burnham, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 26, Webster tp .; P. O., Delhi Mills; was born in New York in 1820, and is the son of James and Louisa (Johnson) Burnham, both natives of Con- nectient, and who immigrated to this county in 1855, settling on sec. 26, Webster tp. Mr. B. is a farmer and stock-raiser of considerable ability, and has been very successful in these lines, at present the possessor of 93 acres of richly cultivated land, valued at $75 per acre. He was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock in the State of New York, in 1846, to Ellen M. Spencer, daughter of Michael and Mary Spencer. To this union 3 children have been born, their names as follows: William (deceased), Katie (deceased) and Al-

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bert S. Mr. B. was elected Justice of the Peace, but declined to serve. He votes the Republican ticket.

B. F. Chamberlain (deceased) was the son of David G. and Jane (Osborn) Chamberlain, both natives of Vermont, and old and honored pioneers of the county, having immigrated here in 1832. The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, where he was born in 1823. In 1857 he was married to Almira M. Taylor, a daughter of Obed and Almira (Merriam) Taylor, natives of Massa- chusetts, who came to this county in 1832, and settled in Scio tp., where they lived till they were " called up higher." The former died in 1853, at the age of 54, and the latter in 1847, at the age of 43. Mrs. C. was born in Massachusetts in 1829. To this union 3 children were sent-William J., born Aug. 18, 1859; Lewis G., born May 12, 1863; Charles F., born Jan. 12, 1871. The sur- viving widow still resides on the old homestead, where her three sons carry on the farm, dealing extensively in stock-raising. In the death of Mr. Chamberlain, the family lost a kind husband and affectionate father, and the neighbors a well-respected and honored citizen. In politics he voted with the Republican party.

Mr. Chamberlain's portrait appears in this work.

Thomas Chamberlain, farmer and mechanic, sec. 21, Webster tp .; was born in England in 1833, and immigrated with his parents, William and Eleanor Chamberlain, to America in 1836, coming to Washtenaw county the same year. In Ingham county, Mich., he married Marietta De Camp, who was born in New York in 1832. They have 1 child-Charles. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is Democratic.

Michael C. Conley, farmer, sec. 16, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Ireland in 1829, and is a son of Richard and Margaret Conley. He came to America in 1849, and in 1865 was married in Washtenaw county, to Mary A. O'llara, daughter of Michael and Ellen O'Hara. They had 5 children born to them, 4 of whom are living-Ellen D., Katie L., John F. and Richard H. Edward is deceased. Mr. Conley owns 120 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre, and is a Democrat.

Felix Courtney, farmer, sec. 2, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born Jan. 9, 1857, and is a son of Judge and Alice Courtney, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to Washtenaw county in 1830. Felix was married Nov. 23, 1880, to Margaret McQuillan, born in this county in 1856, and daughter of Patrick and Anna McQuillan, natives of Ireland. Mr. Courtney devotes a large share of his time to the raising of cattle and sheep, and, like his father, is possessed of more than ordinary business qualities. Politically, he is in sympathy with the Democratic party. Mr. Courtney owns a fine farm of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre.

John Coyle, farmer, sec. 12, Webster tp .; was born in Rhode Island in 1835, and is a son of Patrick and Ellen Coyle, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to America the same year of John's birth. Mr. Coyle's sister lives with him, on a farm of 300 acres, which he

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

cultivates. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and well respected in the neighborhood in which they reside.

Edgar Cranson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 33, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; is the son of Elisha and Heroine Cranson, the former a native of New York, while the latter was born in Canada. Ed- ward was born in Ionia county, Mich., in 1846, and was married in 1870, to Saletta A. Waldron, a native of this county, having been born here in 1852. They have 1 child by this marriage, Herbert E., born in 1872. Mr. C. is making a specialty of sheep- raising, and has been very successful in that line. Mr. Cranson and wife are members of the Congregational Church. He is a prominent Republican.

Otis W. Cushing, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Washte- naw county in 1847, and is a son of Jesse and Sophia (Butler) Cushing, natives of Vermont. He was married Jan. 12, 1876, to Hattie E. Boyden, born in this county in 1857, and daughter of E. L. and Frances E. Boyden, natives of Massachusetts. Two chil- dren have been given to them-Lawrence, born Dec. 18, 1876, and Frankie M., born March 9, 1878. Mr. C. has been honored with several township offices, and has proven himself to be entirely trustworthy. He is a man of enterprising business principles, and politically a Republican. Mr. Boyden, the father of Mrs. Cushing, possessed one of the best improved stock farms in the State of Michigan; the out-buildings alone were valued at $15,000.

Felix Dunlary, farmer, sec. 8, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in New York in 1830, and is a son of Felix and Abagail (Fanny) Dunlary, the former a native of North Ireland, and of Spanish descent. Mr. Dunlary came to America in early days, and spent the fore part of his life at Columbus, Ohio. He was mar- ried in 1854 to Anna J. Gallagher, daughter of James and Bridget ( Reams) Gallagher, natives of Ireland. Nine children were born to them, 6 of whom are living-Frank E., John J., William II., Mary, Edward F. and Anna M., the two latter being twins. Mr. Dunlary came to Washtenaw county in 1860, and has since resided here, engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-rais- ing. When he came to this county he possessed but very little money, but in the years that have intervened, he has toiled long and hard, and succeeded in acquiring a large landed estate, consisting of 740 acres. Ile is Liberal in both religion and politics.

Moses Gleason (deceased) was an old pioneer of this county, and a beloved and respected citizen and friend. He was born on the shore of Lake Champlain, in Vermont, Dec. 29, 1785. He moved to Batavia, N. Y., when but a boy and lived there till he married. He lived for some time at Enfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he was licensed to preach the gospel by the M. E. Conference, and soon after,in 1832, emigrated to Michigan, where he followed his noble and cherished calling till old age compelled him to desist. He settled on sec. 26., Webster tp., where he resided till death called

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WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

him to that place prepared for those who obey their Master's will. He died Jan. 20, 1870, at the ripe age of 85.

Thoms Guinon, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter, was born in Ire- land in 1809, and emigrated with his parents to Washtenaw county in 1848, where the latter lived till their death. Mr. G. was married in Ireland in 1836, to Bridget Brizdall, born in Ireland in 1809. Five children have been born to them, 3 of whom are living-Kerin, Michael and Matthew, the latter a graduate of the law department of Michigan University, and at present practicing his profession at Kalamazoo, Mich. The other boys remain at home and carry on the farm, which consists of 165 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre, and situated on sec. 34. Mr. and Mrs. Guinon are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John Haab, farmer, sec. 20, Webster tp .; P. ()., Dexter; was born in this county in 1838, and is the son of John and Anna Haab, both natives of Germany, and who migrated to this region in 1832, therefore numbering among the pioneers of "fair Washtenaw." Mr. H. was joined in marriage in 1862 to Christina Cohn, daughter of Michael and Hannah Cohn, both of whom are still living, the former at the age of 74, and the latter at 70. Mrs. H. was born in this county in 1840. They have 10 children by this marriage- Theodore E., born Oct. 31, 1862; Emma J., born April 10, 1864; Carrie A., born Nov. 16, 1865: Catherine B., born July 27, 1867; Mary II., born April 25, 1869; Louis J., born Feb. 4, 1871; George R., born Dec. 8, 1872; Michael F., born Sept. 19, 1874; Rosa C., born Aug. 1, 1876, and Alfred S., born Ang. 30, 1879. Mr. II. and wife are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran Church. IIe is the happy possessor of 165 acres of excellent land, valued at $65 per acre. He is a Democrat.

John Harris, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 9, Webster tp .; was born in Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1839. IIe is the son of John and Margaret Harris, natives of New York, and who settled in Livingston Co. in 1835, where they remained till 1854, when they removed to Washtenaw county, at which place the former died in Dexter village, in 1878, while the widow still lives. The subject of this sketch was married in 1876, in Livingston county, to Catherine Colman, daughter of John and Mary (Conelly) Colman, who emi- grated to this county in 1853. They have 2 children-Mary A. and Kittie M. Mr. H. owns a valuable farm of 200 acres, on which he, raises some very fine short-horn cattle. They are both members ot the M. E. Church. He votes the Democratic ticket.

Jason Hudson, farmer, sec. 17, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in New York in 1811. He is the son of William and Rhoda (Chapman) Hudson. He was married in 1837 to Nancy Haggerty, born in New York in 1822, and daughter of Reynolds and Sarah Haggerty, both natives of New York. They have 9 children by this marriage, 3 of whom are living-Angeline, wife of Henry Simms, of Webster tp .; Melvina, wife of Nelson Johnson, and Eme- line. When Mr. H. came to this county he had but little property,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

but by perseverance and economy has acquired enough to keep him comfortably during old age. He owns a farm of 90 acres, valued at $50 per acre. In politics he is a Republican.

William E. Johnson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 29, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in this county, Ang. 6, 1836. He is the son of Edward and Nancy (Walker) Johnson, the former a native of England, who emigrated to this country in 1835, and the latter a native of Vermont. The father died in 1838, and the mother followed in 1849. Mr. J. was raised on a farm, and has followed that calling successfully for many years. At present he is the owner of 130 acres of good land valued at $75 per acre. He was married in 1861 to Melvina N. Hudson, a native of this county, having been born here May 16, 1839, and a daughter of Jason and Nancy Hudson. By this marriage they have 2 children-Eva N. and Irwin W. Mr. J. is a Republican in politics.

Patrick Kearney, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 23, Webster tp .; is the son of Thomas and Julia Kearney, and was born in Ireland in 1832. His mother died when he was four years old, and a few years after, his father, with nine children emigrated to America, and in 1840 to this county and settled on the farm where the sub- ject of our sketch now resides. In 1825 Mr. K. started for Cali- fornia by way of Cape Horn, where he safely arrived and remained in the "land of gold" for 15 years, during which time he was en- gaged in mining and operating a large cattle ranch. In the latter business he was very successful, but suffered a great deal from the thieving Indians who infested that region. In one winter they

stole about $5,000 worth of stock. In 1867 he removed to Texas, where he remained three years, and then came back to this county and purchased the old homestead, consisting of 280 acres, of his sisters, paying them $20,000 for it, and has resided there since, doing a successful farming business, and one year raised 1,600 bushels of wheat from 45 acres of land. He also deals extensively in stock, his long experience in that line in the Western States being quite beneficial to him in his later years. In 1877 he was married in Oakland county, to Margaret Daugherty, who was born in that county in 1845, and the daughter of Nicholas and Marga- ret (Crotty) Daugherty, natives of Ireland, and who settled in Oakland county in 1834, where they are still living. They have mo children. They are both members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Kearney is considered one of the most solid and influential citizens of the county.

John Kenny, farmer, sec. 22, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Vermont in 1822, and is a son of Munnis and Patty Kenny, who settled in this county in 1828, where the former died in 1864. The mother is still surviving, at the age of 87 years. John grew to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, and in 1850 he married Adelia Queal, daughter of Henry M. and Eliza (Bennett) Queal, natives of New York, who emigrated to this county in 1829, and rank among the early pioneers of the "region along the

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Huron." Six children were born to them, Byron D., Ossian, Eliza J., wife of Warren Waldron; Ida B., born Jan. 18, 1858; Munnis, born March 13, 1864, and Bert, born May 9, 1866. Mr. Kenny is quite an extensive stock-raiser, and sells annually about 400 sheep. In politics he is a Republican.

Jerome B. Lanphear, farmer, sec. 9, Webster tp .; was born in Washtenaw county Feb. 4, 1840. His parents, Ashley A. and Lovina Lanphear, were natives of New York, and settled on the farm now owned by Jerome, in 1833, where the former died in 1877. The mother still survives, and has passed the allotted time, three score and ten. They were the parents of four children-three sons and one daughter, Jerome being the youngest. He was mar- ried in 1864 to Mary M. Page, daughter of George C. and Anna Page, natives of England, the former being at present a Justice of the Peace in Dexter. Two children were given to bless this alli- ance-Ellery L., born in 1870, and William A., born in 1876. Mr. L. is a farmer of some prominence, and devotes a good share of his attention to the raising of stock. He owns 120 acres of land, and in politics, votes with the Democratic party.

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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 69

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