History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 81

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 81

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David B. Taylor, attorney at law, and member of the firm of Taylor Bros., prod- uce merchants, Chelsea; was born near Halifax, England, and son of Isaac Tay- lor. His parents came to America in 1842, and settled in Livingston county, Mich. David attended school at Ypsilanti, and subsequently graduated from the literary and law departments of the Michigan University. In 1869 he was ad- mitted to the Bar, and in 1870 became associate editor of the Springfield (Mo.) Times, where he remained six years. In 1876 he returned to Michigan and located at Chelsea. On Dec. 31, 1872, he married Libbie S. Congdon They have 5 chil- dren-Cora, Ione, Frank Congdon, Eva May and Mark Arthur. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Methodist Church, and is also connected with the Masonic frat er- nity. He is President of the Chelsea Reform Club, and also a member of the A. O. T. W.

Isaac Taylor, farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1811. He remained there until he was 33 years of age, being employed on a farm, as a wool comber. He was the son of John K., and Sally (Gee) Taylor, the former of whom was a wool finisher. He was married in England in 1834, to Charlotte Lamb. Five children were born in his native land-George, John C., James, Thomas and David B. The sixth child, William R., was born in America Mr. Lamb and family settled at Unadilla, Livingston Co., Mich., in 1842. He bought 120 acres of land, and increased it to 300 acres. In 1860 he settled in Sylvan tp., on a farm of 300 acres, where he has since resided. He laid off a portion of his farm in town lots, and it is called "Taylor's Addition to Chelsea." Mr. Taylor is an Episcopalian, and a Democrat. He educated his children in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti schools.

John C. Taylor, dealer in agricultural implements, Chelsea, was born in York- shire, England, Dec. 23. 1834, and six years later accompanied his parents to Liv-

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ingston county, Mich. At the age of 17 years he entered the State Normal school at Ypsilanti, and completed his studies in 1858. In 1861 he leased the Hoag Hotel at Chelsea, where he remained four years. He has been engaged in his present business for some years, and since 1876, in co-partnership with his brother, D. B. Taylor. He was married in 1865 to Hannah Kirkland. They have 3 children-Lorenzo Kirkland, Celestia May and George Anson. Mr. Taylor is a member of the M. E. Church, and was a Director in the Chelsea School Board from 1872 to 1878.

Orrin Thatcher, manufacturer of drain tiles, Chelsea, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1821. His parents were Peter and Mary (Ellsworth) Thatcher, the former of whom was a farmer and blacksmith. In 1841 he went to sea in a whal- ing vessel, shipping at Sag Harbor in the Crescent. He visited New Zealand, Rio Janeiro, and returned to the United States after a profitable cruise of two years. He then spent one year on the Northern lakes, and then returned to his father's farm. In 1849 he removed to Michigan and bought a farm in Sylvan tp., where he remained until 1854, when he built the mill at Sylvan Center. In 1860 he sold his mill and farm, and removed to Franciscoville, Jackson Co., where he engaged in the mercantile trade with Albert Congdon. In 1864 he came to Chel- sea, and in 1871 established his present business. He has filled different offices in Sylvan tp. and Chelsea, and was Collector of Sylvan tp. when the taxes amounted to only $900 annually. Mr. Thatcher is a Free Mason of the seventh degree.

Daniel Tichenor, retired merchant, Chelsea, was born in Essex county, N. J., in 1802. His parents were Caleb and Martha (Dickenson) Tichenor. Daniel worked at mill-wrighting and shoe-making until he was of age, when he went to Georgia, and was employed in the pine regions of that State. Mr. Tichenor built a mill in Maryland; drove a four-horse team to and from Elizabethtown, carrying goods ; drove a beer cart in New York city, and was night watch in that city during the cholera plague of 1832-'3; was in Ohio in 1835; in New York from 1836 to 1841; came to Michigan in 1841, and located land in Waterloo tp., Jackson county ; and also 80 acres, and afterward 130 more in Sylvan tp., Washtenaw county, where he remained for 23 years. In 1864 he sold his farm and invested the proceeds in vil- lage lots in Chelsea, where he has since resided. He was married Sept. 17, 1825, to Elizabeth Maxwell, and 8 children were born to them, 4 of whom are living- Leander, Mary Ann, Charles and Elizabeth. Mrs. Tichenor died in October, 1877. Mr. Tichenor is over 78 years of age, but remains strong and vigorous. He is a member of the M. E. Church. Leander Tichenor, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Tichenor, was born at Newark, N. J., July 11, 1826. He remained with his father on the farm until his 24th year, when he became engaged in the boot- and shoe trade at Chelsea, manufacturing his own stock. He remained in that business for seven or eight years. He is now engaged in boot and shoe-making. In 1850 he was married to Olive Becker, of Sylvan Center, and 1 child is living- Seaborn B. Several children are deceased. Mr. Tichenor was a member of the Board of Trustees of Chelsea for several years, and is a Junior Deacon of Olive Lodge of Masons in Chelsea and is a Good Templar. He is also a member of the Methodist Church.

Charles W. Vogel, proprietor meat market, Chelsea, was born in Lima tp., Feb. 27, 1858. His parents are John F. and Annie (Kappler) Vogel, the former of whom is a blacksmith of Freedom tp. Charles learned the blacksmith trade but did not work at it very long. He obtained a common-school education and obtained a knowledge of the meat trade, while working for William Reyer, of Ann Arbor. He subsequently bought a half interest in George Taylor's meat market at Chel- sea, and a few months after purchased the entire establishment. He owns the building where he does business, and also handles ice to some extent. In 1879 he married Elizabeth Neuoffer. They have 1 child-Annie Matilda Phoebe. Mr. Vogel is a member of the German Workmen's Society and of the Lutheran Church.

Frederick Vogel, carriage-maker, Chelsea, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Sept. 27, 1838, and son of John George and Caroline (Dieterle) Vogel, the latter of whom died when Frederick was 18 or 20 years of age. He came to America in 1858, and after serving three years as a clerk, entered the carriage manufactory of Lawson and Wooster, and subsequently worked in Lansing. He established his present business in Chelsea in 1865. He was one of the originators of the German Workingmen's Society, and is its present cashier; is a member of the Lutheran Church and Trustee in that body. He was married in 1865 to Mary Kirn. They have 3 children-Edward Albert. Frederick and Hermann Ernst.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Curran White, an early settler in Michigan, is a descendant of Perogrine White, who came to America in the Mayflower, and whose son was the first white child born in New England. Mr. White was the youngest of 6 children, and his mother Jane (Robinson) White, died March 25, 1815, leaving him an infant but 14 months old. In 1832 his father came to Michigan and bought land in Lima and Freedom tps., Washtenaw county. He was 57 years of age when he died. When his father left New York, Curran was 18 years of age, and in 1833 accompanied his two oldest brothers to Michigan, locating near Adrian. For two years Mr. White worked with his brother clearing land. In the fall of 1833 he invested his earn- ings in 80 acres of land in Hillsdale county, and the following year bought a sec- ond 80-acre tract. In 1835 he returned to New York, but came to Michigan again in 1826, remaining with his father for three years. In 1839 he married Jane S.

Keyes, formerly of Oneida county, N. Y. In October of 1836, he settled on his father's farm in Lima tp., comprising 210 acres of timbered land. In 1855 he set- tled in Chelsea, where he has since resided. Mr. White is a member of the Pio- neer Society of Washtenaw county, and is a very interesting converser.

Thomas Wilkinson, merchant, Chelsea, was born in Sylvan tp., Oct. 14, 1837. His parents were Thomas and Jane (Clarey) Wilkinson, who came to this county about 1835. The former was a native of Ireland, and on coming to this county entered 160 acres of land and went to farming. When the Michigan Central rail- road was in course of erection, he was engaged in their employ, and in January, 1839, was killed by a mass of falling dirt in a deep cut. Thomas was at that time only 15 months old, and in due time his mother married William Judson. She was the mother of 10 children (one son, named Patrick, being killed by a thresh- ing-machine on Aug. 3, 1858,) and departed this life in the autumn of 1873. Thomas remained on the farm till he was 13 years old, when he bought his time of his step-father, and then started in life for himself. He was employed by S. D. Whittaker, to work on a farm at $5.50 per month. From that time till 1861 he was engaged in almost all kinds of business, and in the latter year, in connection with several others, he erected the fine block extending from Middle street north. He placed a stock of goods in his portion of the block, and in 1862 took H. S. Holmes into partnership with him, a relation which existed till 1864, when Mr. W. pur- chased his partner's interest and has since continued in that business alone. He has built up a fine trade and is one of the most prominent merchants of Chelsea. He was married in 1864 to Riza M. Morse, an adopted daughter of J. C. Winans. They have 3 children-Archie W., Nettie Jane and Thomas M. Mr. Wilkinson is a mem- ber of the Congregational Church in which body he officiates as Trustee. He has been elected to several local offices and filled them with satisfaction to all.

John C. Winans, retired merchant, Chelsea, was born at Watervliet, Albany Co., N. Y., in 1808. He emigrated to this county, and settled in Sylvan tp., in 1833, taking up 160 acres of Government land on section 35. He was married in 1833 to Betsey M. Fenn. In 1839 he entered into mercantile pursuits at Waterloo, and two years later removed to Sylvan Center, where he was engaged in the same business for 10 years, serving as Postmaster a good share of the time. In March, 1850, he removed to Chelsea and built and stocked a store on the corner where the Chelsea Bank is now located. He was engaged in business in the latter place for over 19 years, dealing exstensively in produce and lumber. In 1872 Mrs. Winans departed this life, and he subsequently married Mrs. Hannah Johnson. Mr. Winans is a member of the Congregational Church, in which body he offici- ates as Trustee and Deacon. Since 1868 he has retired from active business life, and will spend the remainder of his days in rest and contentment.

Charles H. Wines is numbered among the most prominent and honored pioneers of this prosperous county. He was born at Shoreham, Addison Co., Vt., Nov. 25, 1823. His parents were Mahlon and Anna (Morrison) Wines, the former of whom was a farmer, mechanic and school-teacher. Charles was 10 years of age when his parents removed to this county, in 1834, and joined the Vermont settlers in Dexter (now Sylvan) tp. Charles learned the mason's trade when quite young, and assisted his father throughout the neighborhood for several years. Mr. Wines desired to become a physician, but his father earnestly requested that he should remain on the farm, and support him in his declining years; filial duty conquered his ambition, and he yielded to his parent's wishes, remaining a farmer up to the present time. In the winter of 1842 he labored with his brother at Jackson, Mich., on the M. C. R. R., then in process of construction. In 1848 he traveled for Filkins Bros., dealers in patent medicines, visiting 18 of the

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38 states of the Union. At the outbreak of the civil war, he was em - ployed in recruiting troops, and was chairman of the "war club" of this county, formed for the purpose of enlisting troops, and forwarding hospital supplies. Mr. Wines has taken great interest in the Washtenaw Agricultural Society, hav- ing served on the executive committee; also as President and Secretary of the Western Washtenaw Society. He was a member of the Washtenaw Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co., from Sylvan tp., for 12 years. He was member of the first Presbyterian Church organized in Sylvan tp., but on the forming of a Congrega- tional Church united his membership with the latter body, where he has since worshiped. Mr. Wines is Republican in politics, and a man of sterling charac- ter, strict integrity and unblemished honor. He was married in 1846 to Emily Durand, and 4 children were born to them-Georgia, Ella, Walter Colton and Charles Sumner. Mrs. Wines died Dec. 10, 1874, and he was again married Aug. 20, 1878 to Mrs. Fanny Emmett, of Augusta tp. They have 1 child-Henry Morrison.

Mahlon Wines (deceased) was one of the first to settle in Sylvan tp. He was born at Hanover, Morris Co., N. J., Oct. 24, 1793, and was a son of William and Nellie (Baldwin) Wines. His parents were poor, but gave their son such advan- tages for education as the period and their circumstances permitted, and Mahlon improved the opportunities that were offered, in a very wise manner. When he was but a lad, he made profession of religion, and united with the Presbyterian Church. At the age of 19 he went to Vermont and taught two terms of school before reaching his majority. In 1812 he enlisted in the U. S. Army and partici- pated in the memorable battle of Plattsburg. In 1814 he married Miss A. Mor- rison, and 20 years later removed to Michigan, joining their early Vermont friends, in their new home in Sylvan tp., Washtenaw county. Mr. Wines located land on sec. 24, but having learned the masons' trade he followed that vocation, and laid the foundations of many of the best residences in Chelsea and Sylvan tp. He built the foundation for Elisha Congdon's store, the first business building erected in Chelsea. Mr. Wines assisted in the organization of Sylvan tp., and was subsequently elected Justice of the Peace, serving in that capacity for 13 years. He was present at the organization of the first Presbyterian Church, and the first school district of the new tp., and was otherwise identified with the civil and social progress of that section of Washtenaw county. He died at a ripe old age, and in his death Sylvan tp. lost a good citizen, and Washtenaw county a worthy pioneer.

Henry L. Wood, of the firm of Wood Bros., merchants, Chelsea, was born at Stockbridge, Ingham Co., Mich., Oct. 11, 1839. He came to Chelsea in 1855, and learned the trade of carriage-making, with Boyd & Harlow. In the early part of the war he enlisted in the 24th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was leader of the regimental band until the organization was dissolved. He then entered the Iron Brigade bands, and served therein until the close of the war. He was engaged in carriage-making, in connection with his brother for some time, and when they sold out, they established their present business. Mr. Wood was married in June, 1873, to Ada Dancer, of Lima tp. They have 2 children-May L. and Henry C. Mr. Wood is a member of the M. E. Church, and Superintendent of the Sunday- school. He is also leader of the singing.

Ira Wood, a prominent and well-respected pioneer of Washtenaw county, was born at Gorham, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1803, and was the son of James and Clarissa (Hurd) Wood. His father was a farmer, and before the Erie canal was constructed, did considerable teaming on the road to Albany. He was drafted into the army in 1812, and escaped participating in the battle at Queenstown, by the fact of there not being boats enough on the American side to convey all the troops across the river at Lewiston. At the age of 21 years, Ira made the journey to Michigan on foot, crossing the Niagara river at Lewiston, and passing through Canada, without an acquaintance or companion to relieve the monotony of the route. He arrived at Detroit, and entered into the employ of T. W. Palmer, the father of the Palmer who was a prominent Senatorial candidate during the autumn of 1880. Detroit then contained only 2,000 inhabitants, mostly French, and the fort was garrisoned by about 80 soldiers. A few months after his arrival, Mr. Wood removed to Ann Arbor, and was employed by a Mr. Dix. His uncle arrived in the new territory soon after, and Mr. Wood assisted him in farming the 80 acres of land he had purchased. They worked together for three years, doing their own house-work all the while. This kind of a life grew monotonous,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

and they held a matrimonial council. The uncle had brought a fine vest pattern with him, and it was decided that whoever married first should become the happy owner of this treasure. To assist them in choosing a bride, they decided on a party, and invitations were sent to all the marriageable ladies for miles around. The time came, also the ladies. Mr. Wood was fortunate enough to select a maiden of his choice, and before long he was joined in marriage with Miss Jane Pullen, that happy event occurring July 5, 1827, thus securing two prizes-the bride, and the much coveted vest pattern. The following autumn, he dissolved partnership with his uncle, as one partner was all he needed, and bought a farm of his own in Ann Arbor tp., his parents having removed to Ann Arbor. In 1836 Mr. Wood sold his farm and purchased 160 acres of timbered land in Ingham Co., Mich., where he removed. This tract of land he cleared and improved, residing there over 28 years. The panic of 1837 placed Mr. Wood under serious business embarrassment for several years, and he finally removed into Stockbridge, a village of that county. There he was elected to, and served in every official position in the tp., with the exception of supervisor.

Mr. Wood bought 60 acres of land near the village, from which he derived considerable resource. Mrs. Wood died Feb. 15, 1847, and in 1848 Mr. Wood married Mrs. Caroline Bellinger. He then sold his property and removed to Rives tp., Jack- son Co., where he bought 80 acres of land, which proved a profitable investment. In 1869 he sold this property and bought 10 lots in Chelsea, Washtenaw Co., and removed to that place. He now resides with one of his sons. Mr. Wood has been the father of 7 children, 4 of whom are living-Mary, James P., Henry L. and Francis. Louisa, Marcia and Harvey, an infant, are deceased. Mr. Wood has been a faithful and consistent member of the M. E. Church for 40 years, and a staunch Republican since the existence of that party.

James P. Wood, of the firm of Wood Bros., merchants, Chelsea, was born at Putnam, Livingston Co., Aug. 17, 1836. His parents were Ira and Jane (Pullen) Wood. In 1852, he learned the trade of a carriage-maker, and in 1857 engaged in business with John L. Harlow, of Chelsea. In 1861 he enlisted to serve as mu- sician in the 24th Mich. Reg. band, and subsequently in the band connected with the famous Iron Brigade. He engaged in business with his brother in 1868, where he has since remained. He was married in 1859 to Sarah A. Freer. They have 1 child living-James Francis. Two children died while Mr. Wood was in the army. Mr. Wood is President of the Trustees of Chelsea village; has been one of the Trustees of Oak Grove cemetery for 18 years; is a Trustee of the M. E. Church, and has been connected with that body since its organization.

Heman M. Woods, hardware merchant, Chelsea, was born at Batavia, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1849 ; son of Mason M. and Sarah Jane (Morgan) Woods. His father was a farmer, and Heman passed his early life in agricultural pursuits. At the age of 14 years, his parents removed to Ingham county, Michigan, but Heman located at Jackson. He came to Chelsea, Jan. 1. 1869, and was subsequently Cashier of the Chelsea Bank for two years. On Jan. 1, 1874, he entered into copartnership with W. J. Knapp, and their present business was established. He was married July 23, 1873, to Mary H. Sergeant- They have 3 children-Walter H., Jennie and an infant. Mr. Woods is a member of the Chelsea School Board, and one of the village Trustees. He is connected with the Congregational Church, and a Free Mason.

Dr. George E. Wright, dentist, Chelsea, was born at Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1842, son of John B. and Catherine (Marquette) Wright. Mr. Wright was raised on a farm, and at the age of 17 years began a course of study in the West- ern Reserve Institute, at Hiram, Ohio, under the efficient supervision of Prof. James A. Garfield, now President of the United States. In 1861 when the war broke out, Prof. Garfield raised a regiment for the Union army, and 160 of his students, electrified by their teacher's example, joined his regiment, Dr. Wright being among the number At the close of the Rebellion Mr. Wright resumed his studies at the Institute, and two years later began the study of dentistry. In 1868 he engaged in dental practice at Leslie, Michigan, and four years after in Chelsea. In 1875 he entered the dental department of the University of Michi- gan, graduating the following year ; since that period he has been engaged in the successful practice of his profession at Chelsea. He was married Feb. 27, 1876, to Lauretta Ellsworth, of Chelsea. They have 1 daughter-Nina E. Dr. Wright is connected with the Congregational Church, and the I. O. O. F., having passed

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SYLVAN TOWNSHIP.

all the chairs in the latter institution, and is a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of Michigan.

Charles Young, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10, Sylvan tp .; was born in Eng- land, in 1822. He is the son of John and Ruth (Powell) Young. He received his schooling in the public educational institutions of this State. He was mar- ried in 1847 to Betsey Loomis, and to this union have been born 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. His first wife died, and the maiden name of his second wife was Harriett Gordon, daughter of James Gordon, whom he married in 1877. Mr. Young's parents came to this county in 1833, and has mother is still living here. He is the owner of 80 acres of fine farming land. Politically he is a Democrat.

LIMA TOWNSHIP.

The physical characteristics of Lima township compare very favorably with those of any division of Washtenaw. In the north- ern sections are found Goodrich creek, the county drain, the north branch of Mill creek, with the southern extention of Four-Mile lake and Forty-Acre lake. The marshes of the northern half of the township extend over a thousand acres, while the southern half may be said to want in this respect. Mill creek, with its south branch and other feeders, flows through southern Lima. The creek affords a good water-power. The population is made up of Americans, with a large German element. The people are industrious and claim as good farms as those found in other sections of the county.

THE ORGANIC.

The first township meeting was held at the house of John Hart- ford, on the first Monday in April, 1834. The meeting was called to order by Russel Parker, one of the justices of the peace, between the hours of 9 and 12 o'clock in the forenoon, and the electors pres- ent then proceeded to choose, viva voce, a Moderator and Clerk. John K. Bingham was chosen Clerk and Oliver L. Cooper, Judge of election. The meeting being duly organized and proclamation duly made for the opening of the polls, the electors of the township proceeded to business, and the following persons were duly elected to fill the several offices;

Supervisor-Russel Parker.

Township Clerk-John K. Bingham.

Assessors-Elijah Cooper, Darius Pierce, Lemuel S. Scott.

Constable and Collector-Elias Easton.

Commissioners of Highways-Rodney Ackley, Samuel Cooper, John Davis. Commissioners of Common Schools-Frederick S. Sheldon, Solomon Suther- land, Oliver L. Cooper.

Directors of the Poor-Samuel Clements, John Davis.

Inspectors of Common Schools-Samuel Bradley, Oliver L. Cooper, Darius Pierce, Elkanah Downer, Deacon G. Willits.

Pound Master-John Harford.

Fence Viewers-Curtiss Hurd, Joseph P. Riggs, John K. Bingham.

The electors at this meeting also passed the following resolutions: Resolved, That the present Township Clerk purchase a suitable book for Township Record, at the expense of the Township of Lima; that this township pay as much bounty for wolf scalps as the county.

Of the foregoing officers, Darius Pierce and Elkanah Downer still reside in the township. Oliver L. Cooper ( who had the honor of

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LIMA TOWNSHIP.

naming the township ) lives in Jackson county. Rodney Ackley emigrated to Oregon in the year 1873. Elias Easton lives in an adjoining county ; the remainder are dead.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The purchasers of the township lands, the greater number of whom settled here, are named as follows:

SECTION 1.

Morse, James H., e h sw qr.

Branch, William T., w h se qr.

Loomis, Jerome, jr., w h sw qr.

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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 81

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