History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 70

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 70

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

William C. Latson, farmer, sec. 24, Webster tp .; is a native of this county, where he was born in 1833. His parents are Will- iam and Elizabeth Latson, natives of New York, who emi- grated to this county in 1832, being among the first to open up this fair region. They lived here till death came to their release, the former dying in 1872, and the latter in 1860. Mr. L. was raised on a farm, and has followed that occupation through life, and successfully, too, for he now owns 223 acres of rich land, valued at $65 per acre. In 1859 he was married to Mary J., daughter of Henry and Mary Johnson, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York. They were old pioneers of the county, coming here in 1831, where the former died in 1857, but the latter is still living, at the age of 72. This marriage has been blessed with 14 children -- Frank A., Antoinette E., George H., Aline, Ada N., Lawrence, Elmer, Jennie, Edwin, Anna, and the twins, Lottie and Lizzie. Two twin infants are deceased. Mr. Latson adheres to the Republican administration.

L. R. Lee, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 30, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; is a native of this county, where he was born Sept. 5, 1843. His parents were Frederick and Polly Lee, the former a native of Vt., and the latter of N. Y. They emigrated to this county in 1833. The subject of our sketch was married in 1867 to Hattie P. Nordman, who was also born in this county, Sept. 26, 1846. They have one child by this marriage-Anna L. Mrs. Lee's parents came to this county in 1832. Mr. Lee's father died in 1878, but his stepmother, who came to this section of the country in 1830, is still living with him. She has beheld many changes since first coming here, and can hardly realize that this prosperous region, with its thousands of intellectual inhabitants, and in wealth only sec- ond to Wayne, was once a wild and uninhabited section, when land

702

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

could be bought for a mere song. Mr. L. is a well-respected and honored citizen of the county. He is a Republican, and the owner of 190 acres of valuable land.

Alva P. Litchfield, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 34, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born at Brooklyn, Conn., Oct. 1, 1854. His parents were Edward and Amanda ( Preston ) Litchfield, and old pioneers of this county. On March 1, 1854, he was joined in holy wedlock to Almira Boyd, daughter of Louis and Sophia ( Cush- man ) Boyd, natives of N. Y. and where she was born in 1829. Her parents emigrated to Washtenaw Co. in 1836. They have one child' by this marriage-Louis A. born in 1854. Mr. L. and his brother Foster are partners in the stock business, in which they are successful dealers. Mr. Litchfield is not a member of any Church, but leads a strictly moral and temperate life, and one worthy of imitation in many respects. Mrs. L. is a member of the Baptist denomination. Politically he votes with the Republican party.

Foster Litchfield, farmer, sec. 34, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Conn., June 18, 1830. He is the son of Edward and Amanda ( Preston ) Litchfield, both natives of Conn., and who emigrated to this county in 1833, therefore ranking among the early pioneers of Washtenaw. The former was born in 1799, and died in 1880, and the latter born in 1802, and died in 1833. The grandfather of Mr. L. purchased 80 acres of land in this county from the Government in an early day. Mr. Litchfield was married in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1852, to Lucy E. Smith, a native of Conn., and daughter of E. S. and Allie E. ( Hays ) Smith, the former a native of New York, and of English parentage, and the latter a native of Mass., and of German ancestry ; emigrating to this county in 1825. Mrs. L. attended the first school taught in Ann Arbor, and in company with seven other young ladies, rode 40 miles on horseback to attend a 4th of July celebration. Her father and mother are still living, in Lake Co., Mich. This marriage was blessed with 6 children-Ida M., wife of David Waite, of Scio tp .; they have 1 child, Jay D., born Nov. 19, 1879; Allie, wife of Clinton .J. Snyder, and mother of one child, Lucy M., born April 23, 1879; Fred J., Ernest M., Almira J. and Edward S. Mr. L. has been a prominent man in the township, and has held several local offices. Both are members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican. In connection with farming he is extensively engaged in the stock business. He owns one-half interest in 160 acres of richly cultivated land.

James Lucas, miller; P. O., Dexter; was born in England in 1833. He is the son of Edward aud Jemima ( Metcalf ) Lucas, both natives of England. He received but a limited education, and in 1847 was put to work in a mill to learn that trade. This he did, and thoroughly, too. He came to Washtenaw county in 1856, and was married to Susan Hubbard. They have 3 children- Calvin, Hattie and Jay. Mr. L. rented the Peninsula Mills, in Dexter, some time ago, and has been operating it successfully since.

John Stanhope Reale

705

WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

He is the owner of a farm of 50 acres in Webster tp., valued at $100 per acre, and has a good house on it, costing him $1,800 when erected. He lives on the farm at the present time. Mrs. L. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Alexander Mallion, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 28, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter. His parents are William and Jane Mallion, the former of English, the latter of Irish descent, who emigrated to this country in 1844. Alexander was born on a farm in this county in 1839, and has lived in the neighborhood the greater part of his life. He owns 72 acres of cultivated land, valued at $75 per acre, and is a respected and honorable citizen of the county in which he resides. He was married in 1868 to Mary J. Clark, daughter of Asahel and Mary Clark, natives of Connecticut, where Mary J. was born in 1842. Mr. Mallion is connected with the Democratic party.

Robert McColl, farmer, sec. 26, Webster tp .; P. O., Delhi Mills; is the son of Hugh and Jane (Trotter) McC.,both of Scotch nativity, who emigrated to this county in 1830, after purchasing a piece of land from the Government in 1829, and where the former died in 1864, at the age of 69. The subject of this sketch was born in Pennsylvania, in 1824. In 1855 he was married to Sophia D. Lat- son, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Latson, natives of New York, and who immigrated to this county in 1831, where their deaths occurred, the former in 1871, and the latter in 1860. Mrs. M. was a native of the county, being born here in 1831. Seven children have been sent to this happy couple-Ora, Mattie J., Irving G., the twins, Jay R. and Ray J., Willie and Jennie. Mrs. McColl ranks second of the oldest persons now living who was born in Webster township. Mr. M. is a prominent Republican, and has been elected to fill the position of Supervisor from his tp. several times. He possesses a fine, richly cultivated farm of 325 acres.

George W. Merrill, farmer, sec. 2, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Washtenaw county in 1844. His parents were Win- throp and Mary (Haight) Merrill, the former born in Canada, in 1810, and the latter was born in 1817. They came to this county in 1833, where they still reside. Mr. Merrill was married in 1871 to Frances Ball, daughter of Amos and Polly Ball, who immigrated to this county in 1834, where the latter still lives. Mrs. Merrill was born in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are genial and kind- hearted people, and enjoy the respect of all with whom they are acquainted. In religion they are Liberal. Mr. Merrill is a Dem- ocrat.

Hon. Morgan O' Brien (deceased) was a native of Ireland, where he was born in 1814. His parents, Cornelius and Mary O'Brien, emigrated with Morgan to America, and believing that Washte- naw county offered inducements in soil, climate, and locality supe- rior to any part of the United States they had formerly seen, they located in this fertile and healthful region, where they resided un- til death called them away. Among pioneer associates and pioneer

706

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

scenes, young Morgan took his first lessons in the practical part of life. He worked on his father's farm, and acquired a love for agri- cultural pursuits, which grew stronger as each succeeding year came and went, and never ceased until the soul had fled from this earthly form, and he was laid at rest in the silent tomb. In 1845 he united his fortunes with those of Mary T. Nanry, she, too, being a native of Ireland, where she was born in 1812. As time fled swiftly along, it brought 2 children to this happy and peaceful couple, and they were named Ellie M. and Anastatia, now the wife of Timothy Fohey, of this county. Mr. O'Brien became a promi- nent farmer of Washtenaw county, and in 1850 was nominated by the Democratic Convention as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He was elected, and became a member of what was familiarly called the " Constitutional Convention," and right well and honorably did he serve his constituents in this county. He served one term, and in that short time gained such a knowledge of State affairs as to enable him in after years to be able to see the why and wherefore of the acts that were passed and the bills that were offered, better than many men who had been elected for several years in succession. When he came to Washte- naw county he had but little capital, but with a strong arm and a brave heart he went resolutely to work to make for himself and family a home, and in the years that followed he prospered exceed- ingly, so at the time of his death he left a farm of 220 acres of choice land, which is now occupied by his two daughters. The date of his departure from this earth was June 1, 1876, and in his death the wife lost a kind husband, the daughters a loving father, and the neighbors and friends a warm-hearted and sympathetic neighbor and counselor. His wife did not survive him long, and when the leaves began to drop in the autumn, she too began to decline, and in the month of October she followed him to the place where the dead shall rest till the " angel of God shall stand with one foot on land, and one on sea, and swear that time shall be no more."

A portrait of Mr. O'Brien appears in this volume.

Thomas O' Brien, farmer, sec. 24, Webster tp., was born in this county in 1839, and is the son of John and Bridget O'Brien, na- tives of Ireland. The former came to this county in 1834, the latter following in 1836, both remaining here till they died. The subject of our sketch was married in 1874 to Catherine Bunes, who was born in this county in 1837, and is a daughter of Edward and Honora Bunes. They have 2 children by this union-Thomas, born July 29, 1876, and Edward, born June 4, 1879. Mr. O'Brien is a well-respected citizen, and owns 190 acres of choice land. Both are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat.

Michael O' Hara, jr., farmer, sec. 34, Webster tp., is a son of Michael and Ellen O'Hara, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to this county in 1835, where the former died in 1973, after a long and well-spent life. The mother is still living, and resides with the subject of this sketch. Mr. O'Hara owns 112 acres of richly

707

WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

cultivated land, valued at $70 per acre, on which he resides, a good share of his attention being devoted to stock-raising. Mr. O'Hara and his mother are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church, and politically, is a faithful adherent to Demo- cratic principles.

Alonzo Olsaver, farmer, sec. 10, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in this county, April 18, 1843. He is the son of Cornelius and Uramia Olsaver, both natives of New York, who emigrated here in 1833. The former passed away in 1875; the latter is still living. On Nov. 4. 1869, he was married to Alice L. Ball, who was born in this county Oct. 6, 1845, and the daughter of Samuel and Celia Ball, the former a native of Vt., and the latter of N. Y. They had 2 children, one of whom is now living; Ray, born Ang. 27, 1874, and Mary A., born Nov. 26, 1877, and died in August, 1879. Mr. O. is a Republican in politics and represents his tp. in the Board of Supervisors. Heowns 155 acres of land, valued at $55 per acre.

Lawrence Olsaver, farmer, sec. 2, Webster, tp., was a native of N. Y., and born there in 1811. His parents, Martin and Frances (Williams) Olsaver, emigrated to Livingston Co., Mich., in 1834. Mr. O. was married Jan. 5, 1840, to Nancy Bennett, who was born in N. Y. Sept. 4, 1819, and is the daughter of John S. and Mary (Smith) Bennett, the former of English and the latter of German ancestry. This union has been blessed with 1 child, Mary, who is the wife of Adam A. Bennett, of Webster tp. Mr. O. is a Re- publican in politics, and was elected as Justice of the Peace but de- clined to serve. He came to this county a poor man, but by toiling hard and saving what he made has acquired a good farm of 107 acres.

John O' Neill, P. O., Dexter, was born in Lower Canada in 1832. In company with his mother he emigrated to Mich. in 1835, and the same year to Dexter, where his mother still resides, at the good old age of 84. When the late war broke out he enlisted in Co. K, 4th Mich, Vol Inf., and served three years in the defense of his adopted country. He was at both the battles of Bull Run, and at Malvern Hill received a ball in the breast; was also severely wounded in the right hand by a bayonet thrust given by an enemy, and aimed at his wounded breast. At the end of his time of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to Dexter, where he has since lived. He draws a pension from the Government, for injuries mentioned before. He is a Democrat.

Daniel Parsons (deceased) was a native of England, and born there in 1823. In 1840 he immigrated to the United States, and in 1853 was joined in the bond of holy wedlock to Miriam Chamber- lain, who was born in England in 1831. Seven children were born to this couple-Jacob H., Jesse A., Peter A., William J., Joseph D., Sarah E. and Mary E. Mr. Parsons, at the time of his death, owned 60 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre. He died in 1872, and was laid at rest by a large circle of sorrowing friends and neigh- bors. An intimate acquaintance says of him, "He was a kind father,

708

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

an affectionate husband, a good neighbor and an exemplary Chris- tian." He was a faithful and consistent member of the M. E. Church, and died believing he should receive the reward prepared for those who do God's will on his footstool here below. In politics he was Republican. His widow still resides on the old homestead, with her children.

Reuben Queal, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 28, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Pennsylvania in 1825. His parents were Henry A. and Eliza (Bennett) Queal, both natives of New York; the latter died in New York in 1837, and Mr. Queal married again, and with his new wife and children immigrated to this county in 1835. Mr. Q. was but 10 years of age when he came here, and from that time to the present has successfully followed the occupation of farm- ing. At present he owns 120 acres of richly cultivated land. He was married in 1856 to Louisa Kinney, a native of Vermont, where she was born in April, 1827. Her parents were among the first settlers of the county, coming here in 1819, and her mother, a lively old lady, is living with her, at the advanced age of 87. By this mar- riage they have 4 children-Nellie, Kate, Henry M. and Dor. Mrs. Queal is a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Q. is a prominent and influential citizen of the county.

John Stanhope Read, retired farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Dexter; was born in England in 1811, and immigrated to America in 1835, settling in Webster tp., Washtenaw county, where he still resides. He was married in 1836 to Louisa Walton, who was born in New York in 1815, and was brought by her parents to Washtenaw coun- ty, settling west of Dexter in the year 1833. By this union 6 chil- dren have been born to them, 5 of whom are living-Carrie, George, Emeline (wife of Leonard Greene), Walter, Louisa (wife of Albert Peirce, of this county). They are both members of the M. E. Church. He came to this county when it was wild and nearly uninhabited, and when it was a common thing to look out of the door and see 25 or 30 deer, but has toiled hard, and by good management has made enough to keep him the remainder of his life. He owns a fine farm of 340 acres. Mr. R. has an old and valuable relic in the shape of a family Bible printed over 300 years ago, and for which he has been offered $50, but refused to sell, as the Bible does not look old, and will bear handling for another hundred years.

Mr. Read's portrait appears in this work.

Edward Reeve (deceased) was born in this county April 17, 1836, and was the son of Philip and Eliza (Kenney) Reeve, old and honored pioneers of Washtenaw county. Mr. R. was a farmer by occupation, and quite successful in his calling. He was married in April, 1859, to Adelle Doane, born in this county Dec. 1, 1840, and the daughter of J. D. and Anna (Moor) Doane, the former a native of New York, the latter of Massachusetts, and old settlers of this region, having immigrated here at an early day. They had 3 chil- dren born to them-Frank W., Giles W. and John. Mr. R. left a fine farin of 120 acres on sec. 29, Webster tp., where his amiable

709

WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

widow still resides and superintends the education of her children. He was well respected by all who knew him.

Russell C. Reeve, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 29, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; is a native of Washtenaw county, where he was born June 14, 1842. His parents were Philip and Jerusha M. (Cooley) Reeve, both natives of New England, who emigrated to this county in 1833. Mr. R. was married in 1866 to Mary Willets, who was born in this county in 1846. They had 1 child born to them,

and soon after Mrs. Reeve died. He married again, this time Alice Sill, a daughter of Thomas and Almira (Phelps) Sill, and also a native of Washtenaw county. They have 2 children by this mar- riage. In addition to being a successful farmer, Mr. R. has made a specialty of raising fine, blooded cattle, and to-day owns a large herd of genuine short-horns. He has been a prominent politician in his section of the country, and has held several local offices. He is a Mason, and himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Politically, he adheres to the Republican administration. He has a large farm where he now resides, valued at $80 per acre.

John Roberts, farmer, sec. 6, Webster tp .; P. O., Bass Lake; was born in Ireland in 1830, and immigrated to America in 1847. He located in Washtenaw county in 1863, and has followed the occupa- tion of a farmer since that time, at present owning 200 acres of good land. He was married in 1863 to Catherine Gallagher, born in Livingston county, Mich., in 1833. Eight children were born to this couple, 3 of whom are living -- Catherine, John and James. Mrs. Roberts' parents settled in Livingston county in 1832, where the former died; the latter is still surviving, at the advanced age of 81 years. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Charles Rogers, farmer, sec. 5, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Livingston county, Mich., in 1852, and is a son of Jasper and Apama Rogers, natives of New York. They emigrated to Michigan in 1835, and like many others had to bear their part of the trials and hardships attendant upon pioneer life. On Sept. 27, 1876, Mr. Rogers married Helen A. Ball, born in Washtenaw county in 1850, and daughter of S. H. and Olive (Seeley) Ball, who came to this county at an early date, where the former died in 1876; the latter is still surviving, and resides on the old homestead. Mr. R. is an excellent musician, and a young, energetic and enter- prising business man. He is a Republican.

William H. Scadin, farmer, sec. 26, Webster tp., is a success- ful farmer of Washtenaw county. He is the son of Henry and Lucy (Stowell) Scadin, both natives of New England, of Scotch- Irish descent, and who were among the early pioneers of the county, having come in 1828 and settled on sec. 26, where the former died in 1846, and the latter in 1873. The subject of this sketch was born in this county Oct. 12, 1836. Being raised a farmer's boy, and liking the occupation, he has still continued to follow it, and with very successful results, as he is now the happy possessor of

710

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

150 acres of fine farming land. In 1860 he was married to Susan J. Twomly, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Twomly, the former of English descent, and the latter of Irish ancestry. They emi- grated to this county in 1837, where Susan was born Jan. 16, 1841. To this union 6 children have been born, 5 of whom are living- Russell H., Bertha M., Effie L., John S., Willie R., and Edith L., deceased. Mr. S. is a Republican in politics and an honorable man.

R. M. Snyder, farmer, sec. 12, Webster tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in New Jersey in 1806, and is a son of John and Eleanor (Stan- ford) Snyder. Mr. S. came to Washtenaw county in 1838, where he has since been engaged in farming and blacksmithing. July 24, 1830, he married Mary N. Hart, born in New Jersey Oct. 12, 1812. Seven children were born to them-Alexander, Harriet, wife of Henry Arms, of Lansing; Eleanor, wife of John McCloes; Emeline, wife of Oscar Grison; Rebecca, wife of Aaron Burkhardt; Theodore and George. Mrs. Snyder died in 1873. In 1874 he married Hannah Harrison, born in England in 1832. They have 4 children: Keyes W., Martha, Roswell and Charles C. Mr. Sny- der has been Justice of the Peace of Dexter tp., and for 53 years, in connection with his wife, has been a faithful member of the M. E. Church.

John Stanton, jr., farmer, sec. 20, Webster tp., is the son of John and Rebecca (Chase) Stanton, natives of New York, and em- igrated to this county in 1834, settling on sec. 20, where the former died Oct. 20, 1847, and where the latter still lives with the subject of this sketch, who was born there in 1844. In 1873 he was married to Harriet Williams, born in this county in 1853, and daughter of Harmon and Emily Williams, natives of New York. To this union 4 children have been born-Nellie A., Jay B., Charles H., and Alma. Mr. Stanton is quite a successful farmer, and owns 150 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. He raises a great amount of stock on this land. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Theodore R. Stanton, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 19, Webster tp., is the son of John and Rebecca Stanton, both natives of New York, and who came here in 1834, and settled on sec. 20, of this tp., where the former died, but the latter is still living with her youngest son, John. Mr. S. was married in 1866 to Flora Smith, daughter of James and Mary (Neece) Smith, and a native of New York, where she was born April 20, 1844, and emigrated to this county in 1861. They have been blessed with 6 children-Theron, May, Harley, Ernest, Orville, and Deo. He formerly belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He came to this county a poor man, and by industry, perseverance and economy has increased in " worldly goods" till he now owns a fine farm of 180 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He adheres to the Republican administration.

Cyrus M. Stark, farmer, sec. 10, Webster tp., was born in this county in 1832. He is the son of Charles and Hannah (Tuttle) Stark, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Can-

711

WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.

ada, and among the first settlers in this county, having come here in 1826, when there were but three or four other families in the tp., those being Judge Dexter, Israel Arms and Mr. Boyden. The former died in 1852, while the latter is still living at the advanced age of 77. Mr. S. was married Dec. 9, 1856, to Harriet A. Stoll- steiner, a native of Livingston Co., Mich., where she was born in 1839, and a daughter of Alexander and Caroline Stollsteiner, both natives of Germany. They have been blessed with 5 children- Maria L., born Jan. 30, 1858; Mary C., born Nov. 31, 1859; Hat- tie E., born March 11, 1861; Fred. M., born March 4, 1867; and Burr, born Feb. 29, 1868. He is a prominent Republican, and has been Commissioner of Highways several terms. He owns a good farm, valued at $80 per acre.

Patrick Sullivan, sec. 7, Webster tp., was born in Ireland in 1807, and emigrated to America in 1825. His parents were Pat- rick and Honora Sullivan. The subject of this sketch settled in Washtenaw county in 1836, where he has since resided. He was married in New York in 1830, to Johanna Mayniha. who was born in Ireland in 1805. Of their 7 children, 4 are living-IIonora, Margaret, Mary A. and Eugene. The deceased are-John, Catherine and Ellen. Mr. Sullivan is 75 years old, but retains pos- session of all his mental faculties to a remarkable degree. His wife is also bowed with age, but is like her husband in this latter re- speet. They own 80 acres of land where they reside with their son, Eugene. They are both members of the M. E. Church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 70

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