History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 80

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 80

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Hiram Lighthall, who owns a half interest in the Chelsea Foundry and Machine Works, was born at Akron, Erie Co., N. Y., April 11, 1850. His parents were Lo renzo D. and Sarah A. (Kroll) Lighthall, the former being engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hiram worked on the farm until he was 18 years old, when he learned the carpenter and joiner trade, ard was employed at that business for eight years. He came to Michigan in 1854, locating in Ingham Co .; was engaged in farming near Leroy for 12 years; at Macon for four years; employed as carpenter at Saline, this county, for six years. In 1877, in connection with Lathon Miller, he estab- lished his present business. He was married in 1872 to Hannah M. North, of Saline. They have 3 children-Guy L., Lina and Myron. Mr. Lighthall is a member of the A. O. U. W.

Daniel Long, Sr., farmer and stock raiser, sec. 4, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Chelsea; was born in Ireland in 1821, and is the son of Patrick and Margaret (McCartney) Long, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Washtenaw Co. at an early day, where they are living at the present time, the mother at the advanced age of 90 years. Mr. L. was married in 1841 to Maria Conley, and the result of this union was 8 children-5 boys and 3 girls, two of the latter being married. Of his sons, Daniel, Jr., enlisted in 1861 in the 1st Michigan Vol. Inf., Co, F, and served till the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. In this memorable war he par- ticipated in 27 hard-fought battles, and was wounded three times, twice by musket balls and once by a sabre stroke. Mr. Long's son Frank is living in Indiana at present, and is considered one of the finest penmen in that section of country. It is probably through his untiring efforts that his father has prospered so well, as he has assisted him in different ways all his life. The subject of this sketch was also in the late Rebellion, enlisting in the 7th Mich. Vol. Cav., Co. K, and serving three years, when he was discharged. He did not fare as badly as his son, as he participated in only two general engagements, and was wounded once by his horse falling on him. Mr. L. has lived in this county for nearly 40 years, and in most of his enterprises success has crowned his efforts. In early life he was a gardener, but of late years has been a farmer.

James McNalley, Sylvan tp. ; P. O., Chelsea; was born in Ireland, in 1799, and is the son of Michael McNalley, of that country. He received but a limited educa- tion, and when four years of age was sent to live with his grandfather, where he remained till 1828, when he emigrated to America. He landed in New York and had hardly stepped from the ship when he met his uncle, and worked on a farm five years in that "Empire " State. Then starting once more he arrived in Mich- igan in 1836, and settled on sec. 10, Sylvan tp. He was married Feb. 1, 1825, to Mary Bert, and of the 10 children born to them only 4 are living. Mr. M. owns 40 acres of good farming land.

Lathon Miller, proprietor of half interest in Chelsea Foundry and Machine Works, was born at Oxford, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 25, 1846. His parents were Milton C. (a foundryman by trade) and Jane (Weaver) Miller. He worked with

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his father until of age, and after traveling as a "jour." over the State for some time, settled at Clinton, Lenawee Co., where he remained six years. In 1877 he engaged in his present business in Chelsea. He was married in 1871 to Elizabeth Richmond, of Clinton, Mich. They have 2 children-Frank and Charles William. Mr. Miller is a Royal Arch Mason.

Augustus Neuberger, proprietor Chelsea Marble Works, was born in Wurtem- burg, Germany, March 25, 1842. Mr. Neuberger came to America in June, 1861; and was engaged on a farm in Connecticut for a short time. He then went to Albany, N. Y., where he enlisted in the 58th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., serving until July 5, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He was employed as clerk in New York city for three months, and then came to Ann Arbor, Mich., where he learned the marble-cutter's trade with John and Anton Eisele. He established his present business in Chelsea in 1869. In 1866 he married Ellen Britain, of Ann Arbor. Mr. Neuberger is a member of the German Workingmen's Association, in which body he has acted as President. He is also a member of the Roman Catholic Church, of Chelsea. He was clerk of Sylvan tp. in 1879.

William Notten, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 19, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Francisco ; Jackson Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch was born in New York city, in 1839, and is the son of Casper and Mary (Krause) Notten, both natives of Han- over, Germany, who emigrated to America, thence to Michigan, and settled in this county in 1837. William received his education in the common schools of this State, but since that time has been a farmer. He was married in 1867 to Caroline Arty. They have 3 children-Frederick William, Elkhart John and Caroline Mary. Mr. N. and wife are members of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the office of Trustee. He owns 350 acres of valuable land in this county. Politically he is a Democrat.

George W. Palmer, M. D., Chelsea, was born in Lyndon tp., Washtenaw Co., in 1818. His parents were William and Charlotte (Goodbody) Palmer, natives of England, who emigrated to Michigan in 1846 or '47. They now reside at Water- loo, Jackson Co. George took a preparatory course of study at the Grass Lake Union school, in Jackson Co., and in 1874 entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, graduating in the spring of 1877. In 1878 he settled at Chelsea, where his practice is large and flourishing. Dr. Palmer was married in 1878 to Ida M. Collins, of Lyndon tp., a very estimable lady. While residing in Jackson Co., Dr. Palmer was Superintendent of the Waterloo school for three years.

Bernard Parker, of the firm of Parker & Babcock, Chelsea, was born at Syl- van Center, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 14, 1854; son of Austin and Olive (Loomis) Parker. He has been engaged in mercantile pursuits since his 19th year, and in 1877 purchased Durand's interest in the firm of Durand & Holmes, where he re- mained for 17 months. They dissolved partnership on Jan. 1, 1880 and 14 days later Mr. Parker formed a co-partnership with C. E. Babcock, and they have since continued business with marked success. Mr. Parker was married Oct. 18, 1876, to Jennie D. Ives, daughter of Hon. S. G. Ives, of Chelsea. Mr. Parker and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Prof. Philip M. Parker, principal of the Chelsea Union school, was born at Middlebury, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1825; son of Lyman and Lucy (Perkins) Parker, the former of whom was a farmer and died when Philip was but a year old. His mother was forced to work out at different homes in the neighborhood to obtain sufficient means to enable her to feed and clothe her fatherless children. Philip worked on a farm during his youth, the first wages he received being $3 per month. He was ambitious to learn, and during his school days attended a school taught by Stephen Ewell. After he left school he went to work on a farm, where he remained until 17 years of age. He then emigrated to Michigan, locat- ing in Monroe county, and subsequently in various counties throughout the State, where he would "farm it" in summer, and teach school in winter. In 1852 he bought land in Oakland county, and 10 years later was elected Clerk of that county, serving in that capacity for two years. In 1865 he taught in the Union school at Rochester, Oakland county; in 1868, appointed Superintendent of Schools in Oakland county ; reappointed at close of term, and resigned in 1871, to accept principalship of Milford Union school, where he remained four years; was in charge of the Quincy Union school for three years; was principal of graded school at Metamora, Lapeer county, for three years; assumed charge of Chelsea Union school in September, 1880, and has established a fine reputation as a prin-

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cipal and instructor. He was married Jan. 21, 1847, to Eliza Butler, daughter of Justin H. Butler, formerly of Massachusetts, and a relative of Gen. Benjamin Butler. They have 5 children-Elsie, wife of H. E. Richards, of Oxford, Mich .; Delia, wife of O. W. Lawrence, of Oxford ; Ella, wife of Harmon W. Moore, of Quincy, Mich .; Adele, wife of Sterling Elliott, an inventor, of Boston, Mass., and Frank C., a student of the University of Michigan. Prof. Parker is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Quincy, Mich.

Hiram Pierce, farmer, sec. 13, Sylvan tp., was born at Manchester, Ontario C'o., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1821, and is a son of Nathan and Amy (Aldrich) Pierce, natives of the same county. He accompanied his parents to this county in 1832, and his father located on the farm where Hiram now resides. He had the benefits of the common schools of early times, and has followed no other pursuit save that of farming. Dec. 4, 1848, he married Catherine, daughter of C. Cassady, of Sylvan tp. To them have been born 11 children, 10 of whom are living, 5 sons and 5 daughters. Three of the daughters are married, as follows-Nettie, wife of Adial Prudden ; Amy A., wife of Thomas Guthrie; and Susan, wife of Albert Congdon.

Hon. Nathan Pierce (deceased) was born at Cheshire, Berkshire Co, Mass., Sept. 27, 1790, being the oldest of a family of 4 sons and 4 daughters. His parents were of Scotch and Irish ancestry, his mother's maiden name being McLouth. When Nathan was five years old his parents removed to Farmington (now Man- chester), Ontario Co., N. Y., and settled on 450 acres of land, densely timbered, that he had previously bought. Nathan received the advantages of a common-school education, and also passed two terms at the Canandaigua Academy. In 1812 he was drafted into the American army, and promptly responded to the mandate of his country. He participated in the battle of Queenstown, and was subsequently taken prisoner, being sent to Fort George, but was soon released. His father died in 1814. at the early age of 44, and Nathan assisted his mother in the man- agement and settlement of the estate. Mr. Pierce, sr., largely enjoyed the conti- dence of the community in which he lived, and held the offices of Supervisor and Justice of the Peace for many years. His son succeeded to the same offices, made vacant by his father's death, and filled them for a lengthy period. In 1817 Mr. Pierce married Amy Aldrich. After pursuing various undertakings, and meeting with considerable misfortune, in 1831 he resolved to try the fortunes of a Western pioneer. He accordingly came to Michigan, and traveled extensively throughout the State. Returning home he again came in 1832, and located 30 eighty-acre tracts in Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Washtenaw counties, settling with his family in the latter county, in Sylvan tp., on the Territorial road, a locality that afterward be- came known as Pierceville. He resided there 12 years, and converted a wilder- ness into a fine and fruitful farm. In 1844 he removed to Marengo, Calhoun Co , and there passed the remainder of life. The honors of his adopted common- wealth were showered upon him, and he was a member of every Constitutional Convention held in the State. He served for several terms in the Legislature as Representative and Senator. He was a man of gigantic stature, possessing a strong will, and noted for his integrity and purity of life. He was an "old line Whig," and subsequently became a radical Republican. He had 7 children born to him, all being married except one-Mary A., Emily, Hiram, Adaline, Phoebe S., Russell and Amy A. Mr. Pierce died of paralysis March 29, 1862. His wife was a member of the Society of Friends, and one of those sweet and amiable characters who pass through life ministering to the wants of others, with but little thought of themselves. She sought not the display of the world, but lived a life of usefulness and truth. She died at her home in Marengo, Feb. 28, 1861. The third child, and eldest son, Hiram, was born in Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1821. He emigrated to Michigan with his parents, and when his father removed to Calhoun county he took charge of a fine farm of 450 acres in Sylvan tp., where he resides at present. Dec. 4, 1848, he married Catherine Cassidy, of Sylvan tp. Mr. Pierce has been Supervisor for several terms, and has always identified himself, to a great extent, with the social and political progress of Syl- van tp.

James S. Richards, farmer, Chelsea, was born at Perry, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1828. He is a son of Nathan W. and Polly S. (Bell) Richards, the former of whom was a farmer. James was reared to manhood amid the industrial scenes of farm life. When he was 12 years of age his parents removed to Michigan, and in 1857 he bought a farm of 137 acres, located in Sylvan tp. He moved into

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Chelsea in 1879, where he has since resided. He was married in 1854, and has 2 children-Albert C., who manages the estate, and James Lewis, an employe of the M. C. R. R. Co., residing at Jackson. Mr. Richards and wife are in com- fortable circumstances. He is a Republican.

William Riemenschneider, farmer, sec. 19, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Francisco; was born in Germany, Feb. 22, 1822. He received a somewhat limited education at home, and like many others of his countrymen, was seized with the desire to come to the " land of the free." He came in 1846, and worked at his trade of blacksmithing in Pennsylvania for two years. He then came west, and settled in Washtenaw county, in 1848, on the spot where he now resides. In 1849 he was married to Charlotte Schneider, but she did not survive long, and he married the second time Effie Gresbaugh, who has borne him 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls. Mr. R. has been a local preacher of the M. E. Church for nearly 30 years, and has done much hard labor for the good cause he so faithfully represents. He is the owner of 120 acres of improved land where he now lives, and obtained it through his individual exertions.

Dennis J. Rockwell, farmer, was born at Stonebridge, Canada East, March 5, 1814. His parents were Timothy and Mary (Frost) Rockwell, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Rockwell died when Dennis was seven years of age, and his mother sold their home, removing to Peru, N. Y., and two years later to Leroy, of the same State. Dennis taught school at the age of 17 years, and from that time to the present has been more or less en- gaged in instructing the youthful minds of this nation in the arts and sciences. He came to Michigan in 1831, and in 1854 purchased 120 acres of land in Sylvan tp., where he now resides. He was married in 1844 to Mary Jane Hogan, and 3 children have been given them-David, a farmer; Fanny, who married Dr. J. Rutan, formerly of Norwalk, N. J., and a graduate of the University of Michi- gan. He died in Limatp, in 1872, and Mrs. Rutan married a cousin of her hus- band, who now resides in Gratiot county, Michigan; Mary, wife of Irving Hammond, of Gratiot, Michigan.

John Ross, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Chelsea ; was born in Scotland in 1814; son of Alexander and Mary (Read) Ross. He received his education in the common schools of his native land, and has been farming the better part of his life. In 1847 he was married to Elizabeth and by this marriage had 1 child-William John, born November 24, 1851. Mr. Ross is an early pioneer and settler of this county, coming here in 1837, and permanently locating in 1838. He worked for about four years on the first railroad built in the county, but since that time has devoted his time and energy to his present business, in which he has been very successful, now owning a finely stocked farm of 80 acres.

Thomas F. Royce (deceased) was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Sylvan tp .; born near Monticello, Sullivan Co., N. Y., April 24, 1802, and son of Solomon and Nancy (Billings) Royce, the latter the daughter of Capt. Alpheus Billings, of Norwich, Conn. At the age of 22 years he came to Michigan, where on April 8, 1840, he married Martha A. Beakes, of Sylvan tp. Mr. Royce died April 22, 1864. He was the father of 4 children-Edgar W., who died in 1877; Susan Ella, wife of John Cathcart, of Jackson Co., Mich .; Estella H., and Im- ogene Oriole, who is a teacher in the Ann Arbor Union school. Mrs. Royce's parents were Mahlon and Abigail H. (Young) Beakes, natives of New York, who came to Michigan in 1830. They first resided in Scio, and subsequently in Lodi tp. They removed to Sylvan tp., where Mrs. Beakes died in 1840. Mr. Beakes passed away in 1860. The Royce estate consists of 170 acres of choice land, lying contiguous to the corporate limits of Chelsea, and valued at $100 per acre.

James Savage, retired farmer, sec. 3, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Chelsea; was born in the " Emerald Isle " in the year 1800. He is the son of Edward and Ellen (McLava) Savage. Mr. S. did not receive as good an education as he desired, and when 27 years of age concluded to try his fortune in the New World. He landed at Que- bec, Canada, and worked as a laborer there for a short time, when he started and traveled through several of the different States of the Union, till finely he drifted into Michigan, and settled on the spot where he now resides. He was married to Nancy Smith, but she died soon after, and he married the second time, and by this latter marriage 5 children were born to the happy couple, 3 boys and 2 girls. Of these children, 4 are married and doing well. One of his sons, James, is a

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Catholic Priest, and of this denomination represented by his son, Mr. S. has been a faithful member for many years. Mr. S. has been very successful in business affairs, and is the owner of a neat little farm in Sylvan tp. He has retired from active life, and is resting with one of his sons on his own farm. Mr. S. made one trip back to his native land since coming over, but was very unfortunate, the ves- sel being shipwrecked, and the passengers and crew narrowly escaping drowning. In his latter years, Mr. S. can sit down and be thankful for the prosperity which has blessed him in the past, and to use his own words, "I had to take it out of my own bones."

Jacob Schumacher, blacksmith, Chelsea, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Aug. 21, 1841, and came to America in his 13th year, with his brother George. He first worked on a farm near Philadelphia, Pa .; was located at Ann Arbor from 1859 to 1861; at Fentonville one year ; then at Howell, Livingston Co .; next at Lansing, and finally settled at Chelsea, where he was in partnership with Fred- erick Vogel for five years. He built his present shop in 1879. He is a member of the German Workingmen's Society, and their present Treasurer; is also a member of the Lutheran Church, in which body he is Trustee ; is connected with the I. O. O. F. fraternity. He was married in 1865 to Mary Ann Schleicher, of Ann Arbor. They have 6 children-Frederick William, Adolph Henry, Edward Louis, Ida, Charles and Hermann. Minnie Caroline is deceased.

Philip Schweinfurth was born in Ohio in 1850, and is the son of Peter and Mary M. (Garlardial) Schweinfurth, who were natives of Germany, and did not come to America till after they were married. Mr. S. received his education in the common schools of Ohio. He was married in 1874 to Louisa Notten, and 2 children have been born to them-Floyd and Carrie. Both husband and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican, and has held the office of Highway Commissioner in Sylvan tp. He came to this county in 1874, and at present owns 80 acres of good farm land.

Leaman E. Sparks, proprietor ' Mayflower Steam Mills, Chelsea, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1844. His father was a miller, and when Leaman was 8 years of age, his parents removed to Leoni, Jackson Co., Mich. Mr. Sparks enlisted in the 20th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., serving nearly three years. After the war, he bought a part interest in a mill at Spring Arbor, where he remained eight years. He sold his interest in 1878, and a year later bought the Chelsea steam flouring mills, then owned by Rogers & Hatch. He thoroughly refitted the mill, put in $3,000 worth of the latest improved machinery, and at present does an ex- tensive business. He was married in 1867 to Etta Burchard, and 3 children have been given them. Mr. Sparks is a member of the Congregational Church, and the A. O. U. W.

Warren Spaulding was born at Orwell, Vt., Dec., 1801, and was the youngest of 10 children, the parents of whom were Sampson and Temperance (Nott) Spaulding, the former being a farmer and blacksmith. Both father and mother died when Warren was six years of age. In the March following his coming of age, he was married to Abi Rockwell. Mr. Spaulding soon after began to farm a portion of his deceased father's estate. He remained there three years, then removed to Sharon, Vt., where he resided seven years. In 1830 he removed to Michigan and settled in Dexter tp., where he entered 40 acres of good land. After seven years of pioneer life, he became financially embarrassed. He soon after removed to Ann Arbor and worked for some time in the meat business. This, however, did not relieve his shattered fortune, and finally he left the county, giving no information of his future intentions or whereabouts. His wife subse quently heard of him in Iowa, but has never received a line or word from him since he departed, and knows not whether he be dead or alive. There are 6 children living-Lucy, wife of Mr. Shepherd, of Olivet; Emma, wife of Orrin Parker, of Scio tp., and Dennis, who resides with his mother on the farm. The deceased are Marietta, Eli and Samantha. Mrs. Spaulding is 82 years of age, yet retains her mental faculties to a remarkable degree. She is a member of the Congregational Church of Chelsea, and is a faithful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. Her son Dennis was born in Dexter tp., May 14, 1835, a short time after his father's departure, and consequently never saw but one of his parents. After this latter event occurred, Mr. Spaulding's brother, Ira, took charge of his brother's estate, and bought land on sec. 25, Sylvan tp., 40 acres of this being deeded to Mrs. Spaulding, and this has since remained the homestead. Dennis still resides there and maintains his mother. He was married Feb. 16, 1860, to

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Elizabeth Updike, of Grass Lake. Eight children have been born to them-Sa- mantha, Edward, Emma, Della, Myrtie, Edith, Addie and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding are members of the Congregational Church of Sylvan tp.

Charles Steinbach was born at Hembach, Hessen, Germany, July 15, 1844. He came to America with his parents in the spring of 1854. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Volland) Steinbach, settled on a farm near Ann Arbor, where Charles worked until he was 16 years old. He then learned the harness trade, and May 14, 1872, located in Chelsea, where he has since resided. He has been uniformly successful in business, and is the inventor of the " Boss Harness Pad," which took first premium at the Michigan State Fair, in 1880. Mr. Steinbach was mar- ried March 19, 1872, to Martha Hutzel, of Ann Arbor. They have 4 children. Mr. Steinbach possesses great musical faculties and was a member of the Chelsea Cornet Band for several years. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, a Mas- ter Mason, and connected with the A. O. U. W.

James Straith, retired farmer, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Chelsea; was born in Scotland in 1821, and lived there until he was 16 years of age. In 1842 he emi- grated to Canada and thence in 1862 to the United States, settling in Lansing, Mich. He lived there for some years, and in 1868 removed to Sylvan tp., this county, where he has since resided. In 1850 he was married to Emeline Oaks and by her had 4 children born to him-William J., Margaret E., James Alexander and Andrew T. The mother of these children was called away from earth, and on April 12, 1859, he was united in marriage to Sarah Jane Cairns, and this latter union has been blessed as bountifully as the former. The names of the 4 children are Samuel, Peter (deceased), Edward Henry (deceased), and Walter Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Straith are members of the Congregational Church. Politically, he is a Republican, and has held the position of Assessor and other township offices.

Frank H. Sweetland, farmer, sec. 3, Sylvan tp .; P. O., Chelsea; was born in Washtenaw county Aug. 2, 1853. He is the fourth child of O. C. and Delia (Hol- den) Sweetland, both natives of New York. Mr. S. was reared on a farm and received his education at the Ann Arbor high school, attending this institution till he was old enough to teach, and taught several terms, being very successful in this profession. In 1878 he was married to Julia A. Geddes, the daughter of Henry Geddes, an old pioneer and successful farmer of Washtenaw county. Mrs. S. also received her education in the Ann Arbor high school, and followed the profession of teaching some time before being married. Mr. Sweetland has been Superintendent of the public schools of Lodi tp. for three years, but at present is operating a large and valuable farm of 420 acres in Sylvan tp.

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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 80

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