History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 84

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 84

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Darius Pierce had 4 sons, 2 of whom, Henry and A. W., were soldiers in the Union army. The former was in command of a cavalry charge during the second battle of Bull Run, and while gallantly leading his men toward victory, a stray ball found a lodging place in his breast, and he fell dead from his horse. He was carelessly buried by the enemy, but subsequently disinterred by his brother Nathan, and now rests in Chelsea Cemetery. The other warrior, A. W., was in Co. K, 20th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and had served in Virginia, Kentucky and Mississippi. He had been in bad health for some time, but refused to be dis- charged. He died on board a steamer, near Memphis, Tenn. The other two sons,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Nathan and Edwin, went to California, on the overland route, in 1852, remaining there four years, when they returned to Michigan. Nathan went once more to the Golden State in 1859, but returned in 1863. Mr. Pierce has led an unusually active life, but now in his declining days he is quite feeble, and health much im- paired. We present as one of the pioneers, Mr. Pierce's portrait.

Thomas Sears, jr., a well-known citizen of Lima tp., is the son of Thomas Sears, sr., a prominent practitioner of that section of Washtenaw Co. The latter was a native of Ashfield, Mass., and a son of Rowland and Jedediah (Conant) Sears, residents of Massachusetts. They were descendants of Richard Sears, a Pilgrim, who came over with the last company of Leyden exiles, landing at Plymouth, May 8, 1630. Rowland Sears was a farmer by occupation, but his son, Dr. Thomas Sears, prepared for a medical practice under the preceptorship of Peter Bryant, father of the famous deceased poet, William Cullen Bryant. He received his degree from a medical college of New York, and began to practice in Peru, Mass. IIe removed to Michigan in the summer of 1837, and settled on a farm in Lima tp., now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He was married in 1815 to Sophia James, of Goshen, Mass., daughter of Capt. Malachi James, and sister of Luther James, an honored pioneer of this county. At the time of their settlement in Michigan they had 7 children-Claudius W., a graduate of West Point; Frances, wife of William S. Martin, now a resident of Dexter; Sophia A., a wife of Dr. Ewing (dec.) of Dexter; Clara C., wife of H. H. Noble, of the firm of Dexter & Noble, Grand Rapids, Mich. (who died in 1868); Thomas S., our subject; Eliza- beth L., who married Freeman Rowley, and now resides at Canton, Dakota, and Sarah J., wife of Edwin Rowley, who also resides at Canton, Dakota. After lo- cating his farm, Dr. Sears resumed his practice, and as sickness was prevalent to a great extent in pioneer days, he had more than his share of physician's labor. The arduous duties to which he was subjected undermined his health, and he died of chill fever on Aug. 25, 1839. His family were left to strive with fortune on an unimproved farm. Thomas, jr., was the eldest, and only 12 years of age. Although so young, he was obliged to bear the burden and responsibility of the farm labor and management of the estate, and manfully and cheerfully did he perform the allotted task. The original farm consisted of 160 acres; but now Mr. Sears, who succeeded to his father's estate, has a fine and well-improved farm of 400 acres. He was married Dec. 23. 1858, to Anna Congdon. Mr. Sears' mother was a graduate of Westfield Academy, of Massachusetts, and departed this life Jan. 16, 1879, at the ripe old age 87 years.

Mr. Sears' residence, near Chelsea, is contemporaneous with the history of the village, and its owner remembers distinctly when the country adjacent was cov- ered with heavy timber and thick underbrush. During the season of 1880, Mr. Sears improved his residence by the erection of a large addition, and at present has one of the finest dwellings in Lima tp., and a farm well supplied with all the modern improvements. Mr. Sears is a member of the Congregational Church Society, and assisted materially in the erection of the church at Chelsea. He has been a farmer of no mean ability, always paying the closest attention to little things about the farm and home, thereby learning the art of knowing how to save crops and large sums of money whenever it came to his lot to do so. He well de- serves the success which he has attained. A portrait of Mr. Sears may be found in this work.

Uriah Stephens, farmer, sec. 30, Lima tp .; P. O., Chelsea; was born in New York, May 20, 1825. His parents, Allen C. and Joanna (Crane) Stephens, natives of New York, and English descent. The former died in New York in 1845, and the latter died in this State several years ago. Uriah emigrated to this county in 1837, and settled in Dexter tp., but since 1855 has resided on his present farm, consisting of 80 acres. On Jan. 1, 1855, he married Caroline Whitaker, born in New York Dec. 24, 1822, and daughter of Isaac and Achsah Whitaker, natives of New York, and of German ancestry. They came to this county in 1836, where the latter still lives at the advanced age of 85. Mr. Stephens has been blessed with 5 children, 3 of whom are living-Isaac A., Chauncey M. and Anna E. Mr. S. has been Township Treasurer one year; also has been member of School Board and School Director for six or eight years. Politically, he is a Republican.

Hiram Ward (deceased) was born in New Jersey in 1788, and moved with his parents to Cayuga Co., New York, in 1795, where he spent his early life. He served in the war of 1812, and in 1815 married Olive Vanguisen, born in New .Jersey in 1793, coming with her parents to New York in 1805. In 1835 they

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LIMA TOWNSHIP.

emigrated to Michigan, and settled on sec. 23, Lima tp., Washtenaw county, where Hiram died in 1842, and his wife in 1855. Three children were born to them, all of whom are living-Alonzo De Witt, Linval and Phebe Caroline. Lin- val was born in New York, in May, 1819, and came with his parents to Michigan, and still resides on the old homestead. In 1845 he married Mary Peck, and 2 children were born to them-Merritt and Frank. Mrs. Ward died in 1857, and in April, 1861, Mr. Ward married Martha Barch, born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1827, and came with his parents to this county at the age of 10.

Elias Westfall (deceased) was an old pioneer of Washtenaw county. He was born April 29, 1798, in Sussex Co., N. J., and was the son of Solomon and Par- melia (Westbrook) Westfall, the parents of 12 children. His father wasa school- teacher, and Elias, when 14 years old, was bound as an apprentice to a tailor, the conditions of such bargain being the allowance of three months each winter to attend school, and when he attained his majority to receive a new suit of clothes. Not many years after, he went to Yates Co., N. Y., and Sept. 1, 1821, he married Christiana Sprowls, born in New Jersey March 20, 1830. He then settled on a farm, following that occupation in summer, and working at his trade in winter. A few years after he married, he moved with his wife and son, Palmer, to Canadice, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he worked as before mentioned, and united with the M. E. Church. In 1835 he came to Michigan, bought a farm in Jackson county, built a log cabin, and returned to New York. In 1836 he emigrated to his new home with his family. In 1837 he sold his farm, and went to Lima tp., Washtenaw Co., where he bought a farm of 200 acres, residing there till his death, which occur- red March 6, 1876. His son, Wesley Westfall, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1830. He came with his parents to this county in 1837, and spent his youth- ful days on his father's farm. Oct. 1, 1867, he married Jennie Stewart, daughter of De Witt and Mary Stewart, of Isabella Co., Mich. They have 2 children- Nelson and May. Mr. Westfall used the first steam thresher ever brought inside the borders of Washtenaw county, on July 28, 1870.

Mr. Westfall made religion the most important feature of his life. When he lived in Jackson county, he would often ride an ox to Church in the winter sea- son, and when he arrived at his destination would tie the rope around the ox's horns and let him go home. After meeting, Mr. Westfall would trudge home alone over the dimly marked-out path. He had 6 children born to him, 5 of whom are living, 4 sons and 1 daughter. The other daughter, Christiana, is deceased. Mrs. Westfall died Jan. 4, 1845, after a sickness of only two weeks du- ration. A friend remarked: "She died a triumphant death, proclaiming happi- ness to the last, and her bedside was one of joy rather than of sorrow. She was the firmest Christian I ever met." We give Mr. Westfall's portrait ..

Levi Whipple, farmer, sec. 33, Lima tp., was born in New York in 1817. His par- ents were Mason and Polly (Tiffany) Whipple, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. They came to this county in 1833, and settled in Lima tp., where the former died in 1842, and the latter in 1863. Levi has followed the occupation of a farmer through life, and at present owns 120 acres of good land, valued at $60 per acre. In 1853 he married Amanda Owens, born in New York in 1832. They have been blessed with 4 children-Mason, Warren, Clara and Edmund J. He is also raising a little girl by the name of Mabel Oliver. Mr. W. is politi- cally a Republican, and in religion is a Free Thinker.

Finley B. Whitaker, farmer, sec 19, Lima tp .; P. O., Chelsea .; was born in this county Dec. 21, 1846. His parents were Charles and Laura (Beech) Whitaker, natives of Yates county, N. Y., the former of Scotch and the latter of German de- scent. They came to Washtenaw county at an early day, and rank among the pioneers of "fair Washtenaw." Finley B. was married in this State in 1878, to Alice J. Conklin, a daughter of Calvin F. and Nancy E. (Preston) Conklin, the former a native of this county, the latter a native of New York. They have 1 child by this marriage-Burleigh C., born Sept. 16, 1878. Mr. Whitaker has held several local offic 3, and is a member of Chapter 98, Blue Lodge, Grass Lake, of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he votes with the Democratic party.

Walter C. Wines, son of Charles Wines, of Sylvan tp., was born in Sylvan tp., Sept. 21, 1852. His life was mostly spent on his father's farm, but in 1878 he went to Detroit, and was engaged in the lumber business. In the spring of 1880 he returned to Washtenaw county and purchased his present farm, near Che sea. Feb. 22, 1826, he married Mrs. Sarah J. Pratt, born in Sylvan tp. in February, 1845, and a daughter of Cyrus Beckwith, a former resident of this county. They : have 3 children-Sydney and Alice Pratt, and Walter C. Wines.

SCIO TOWNSHIP.

The town of Scio was organized by the Territorial Council March 25, 1833, and the first township meeting was held at the residence of Horace Leek, on section 9. It embraces township No. 2 south, of range 5 east, and is one of the best agricultural towns in the county.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The first settler in the town was Alexander Laverty, who came in October, 1825, and located on section 25. He lived here but a few years, when he disposed of his place, moved west, and dropped out of the recollection of nearly all of the early settlers.

Hiram Putnam located the west half of the northwest quarter of section 18, in 1825, and moved his father and mother there in 1826. Mr. Putnam sold out and moved to Ingham county, in 1835.

Geo. W. Patterson and Elias Smith came in 1826 and settled on section 15. In the fall of this year Russell Parker located the northwest quarter of section 30, and James Cleland the southwest quarter of section 21. Robert McCartney and Samuel Rath pur- chased farms on section 28, and moved to them in the spring of 1827. Hiram Arnold was a settler of 1827, locating his homestead on section 14. Mr. Arnold remained on his farm until his death, which occurred in 1879. He, in the 52 years of a busy life in this county, accumulated a large fortune. Rufus Knight was also a settler of 1827, and located his homestead on section 34. He was a fine man, a good citizen, and was quite successful in life. James Popkins settled on section 14 in 1827. When Mr. Popkins first began life in this county he was as ignorant of farming as a child, but having a will and a determination to do, he became a successful farmer. He was a good man and a conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Cornelius Brink, Vreebon Bates and George Babcock all came in 1827. David Godfrey settled on sec- tion 22, in the spring of 1828. Mr. Godfrey is now living a retired life in Ann Arbor. Mr. Beck and Mr. Roys also settled the same year on section 27.

The settlement of the township was quite rapid from 1828. From 1829 to 1831 came Miller, Paul, Bissinger, Laubengeyer, Case, Yeoman, Hancock, Courtwright, Morris, Sloah, Richardson, Cro- man, Lacey, Seydam, White. Blood, Gregory, Phelps, Bingham,. Mains, Smith, Swift, Rosier, Foster, Crane, Wing and others.

. In 1832 Capt. Hays, who settled on section 8, contracted with , Clark Sill to build his house, which he described to his neighbor as

(820)

Allviale

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

follows: "She is to be built after the most approved model; her bulwarks are to be large trees; and she is to be seven feet lower deck, and five feet upper deck, with port-holes in the upper and lower decks, with scuppers on the upper deck. She is to be alto- gether sea-worthy." Captain Hays had an adventurous life. He was born in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, a few years before the Rev- olutionary war, and enlisted as a sailor when but a mere youth. He followed the sea until just prior to his removal to Washtenaw county. He was a privateer during the war of 1812, and captured more prizes from the enemy than could be cared for. He was twice taken prisoner by pirates, on one occasion of which his crew was given seven days' rations and told by the pirates to keep out of their way, for if again taken they would all be slain. The rations were divided so as to last a month, instead of a week, before the expiration of which time they fell in with a friendly vessel and were relieved. After the war the Captain entered the merchant service. As already stated, he moved here in 1832, and both himself and wife will long be remembered by old settlers. They were a remark- ably kind-hearted couple and had one son and daughter. On one occasion the Captain attended divine services at a church in the neighborhood. A protracted meeting was in progress, with some excitement. One individual was very much excited and prayed long and loud, and exhorted sinners at once to repent. The Cap- tain sat in silence during the whole service, never raising his eyes from the floor. This excitable person, witnessing his down- cast looks, went to him, and placing his hand upon his shoulder, said: "Well, Captain, what do you think?" Raising his eyes for the first time, and looking square at the questioner, he replied: "Think! Why, I think a steady helm is best in a storm! "

WATER-COURSES.

This township is well watered by the Huron river, Mill creek, Honey, and their tributaries. The Huron river, in its serpentine course, flows through the two northern tiers of sections, and is crossed by the Michigan Central railroad six times in the township. As noticed in detail elsewhere, the water-power from this river, is well;utilized at Dexter, Delhi, Scio and Farmer's. Mill creek enters this township on section 18, and runs almost due north through sec- tions 7 and 6, emptying into the Huron river at the village of Dex- ter. Honey creek, with its numerous small tributaries affords excellent privileges for stock purposes.

The following very graphic description of Honey creek valley was written for this work by J. W. Wing:

In this township, and about midway between the city of Ann Ar- bor and the village of Dexter, is situated the beautiful and pictur- esque little valley of Honey creek. On either side its banks are natural meadows that look very bright and beautiful in the sum- mer time, and where large quantities of hay are annually secured

824

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

for the wintering of stock. Beyond the natural meadows, the land is very productive, especially on the northwest side of the stream. On the southeast side the land is sandy, and was originally covered with yellow and black oak timber, but on the northwest side of the stream the soil is a deep, rich, gravelly loam, and was originally com- paratively free from timber, but there were many fine specimens of burr-oak and white oak to be found.

The stream itself is not large, but very beautiful. It is fed by numerous large springs, nearly all of which are in the township of Scio, and the water is so clear that the smallest fish can be dis- tinctly seen as it glides over its pebbly bottom. It being fed by large springs so near at hand it seldom ever freezes over in winter, and is so cold in summer that it is used by the haymakers to quench their thirst while they are securing the crops that grow upon its banks. For many years after the first settlement of this county it was quite common to find in this little stream large fish that had found their way up from the Huron river, but when the Central railroad was built it was found necessary to place a large embank- ment at the mouth of this stream, and it greatly obstructed the free passage of large fish to its source, and now we seldom find any in its waters that weigh more than a pound or two. This stream derived its name from the large number of bees and bee-trees that were found in its immediate vicinity, when it was first settled by the whites.

The plains for several miles up and down the stream ou either side before they were disturbed by man were one vast flower bed during the summer season, which made a happy hunting ground and a fine field for labor for these little industrious and far- seeing creatures, and it is said upon good authority that single trees were found in that locality by the early settlers from which were taken more than 300 pounds of honey; and those containing from 100 to 150 were quite common. These acquisitions to the stores of the pioneers were of great benefit to them, for fruit was scarce and sugar dear; but nature seemed to have prepared this portion of the State, and especially this little valley, for the settlement of civilized man in a pre-eminent degree. The natural meadows furnished hay for their stock; the deer that roamed plentifully over the plains, and the fish that were numerous in the streams furnished them with provisions; cranberries were obtained from the native mead. ows, and honey from the flower beds was stored away in the trees of the forest, apparently waiting their coming.

The land in this valley was mostly located by the pioneers in the year 1826-'7. They have nearly all passed away. There are a few yet remaining-J. W. Wing, Geo. A. Peters, Robert Popkins, and Mrs. Samuel Holmes, all of whom removed to this locality with their parents when they were very young.

The people of this neighborhood for some years after settlement here went to a French settlement on the Rouge river for fruit. Three or four of the neighbors would club in and go with their

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

teams for apples and be gone some days. The children were so anxious for the return of their parents with the rare fruit that they often went two or three miles to meet them.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house was of logs, and was erected in 1829, on section 14, and was known as the Arnold school-house. Here assembled the boys and girls for many miles around, and were drilled in the rudiments of a common-school education. As the country became settled other school-houses were erected and dis- tricts organized and re-organized to suit the conveniences of the patrons of the schools. At the present time there are nine whole and fractional districts in the township.

MILLS.

Mill interests in the early history of the county were considered. of much greater importance than at present. The easy communi- cation between neighborhoods, towns and cities by means of the railroad has revolutionized almost everything, but nothing more than that of transforming the grain into flour or meal. To the early settler one of the most important items in his calculations was the grinding of his grain. There were no steam mills then, and a site for a water mill was an important thing. The pioneers were all poor, and, although mill sites might have been plenty, they could not improve them, therefore numerous devices were invented to convert wheat and corn into bread. A few were possessed of hand- mills not greatly unlike those in use some thousands of years ago, and to which allusion is made in the Bible (Matt. xxiv: 41): "Two women shall be grinding at the mill," etc. The first mill in Scio was that of Judge Dexter, at the village of Dexter. This mill was followed in due time by one at Scio, two at Delhi and one below Delhi, in Scio, known as Osborne's mill.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

Scio Grange, 329, P. of H .-- This grange was organized by L. R. Brown, March 12, 1874, and has had a very flourishing existence. Those composing its charter members were Sampson Parker, Daniel* Lyon, Geo. A. Peters, Wm. C. Foster, Jacob Tremper, George E. Peters, Albert Tremper, Arthur S. Lyon, Harvy Allmendinger, Henry E. Peters, Frank Linten, Richard Lebbs, Tobias Holmes, John H. Haines, George Sebolt, Charles Dixon, Israel Kuhnle, James M. Hill, David Allmendinger, George Allmendinger, James W. Wing, August Sebolt, Samuel W. Holmes, Mrs. Geo. A. Peters, Mrs. William C. Foster, Mrs. Albert Tremper, Mrs. Harry Allmen- dinger, Mrs. Henry E. Peters, Miss Bell Holmes, Mrs. Charles Dixon, Mrs. Israel Kuhnle, Mrs. James M. Hill, Mrs. George Sebolt, Mrs. Samuel W. Holmes-in all 34. Its first officers were Tobias Holmes, Master; Sampson Parker, Overseer; James W.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Wing, Lecturer; Arthur T. Lyon, Steward; Samuel W. Holmes Assistant Steward; Daniel Lyon, Chaplain; Israel Kuhnle, Trea- surer; George A. Peters, Secretary; Henry Allmendinger, Gate Keeper; Mrs. George A. Peters, Ceres; Mrs. Charles Dixon, Flora; Mrs. James M. Hill, Pomona; Mrs. Tobias Holmes, Lady Assist- ant Steward. Present officers: David M. Finley, Master; Arthur S. Lyon, Overseer; James W. Wing, Lecturer; Tobias Holmes, Steward; Charles Dixon, Asst. Steward; Mrs. Tobias Holmes, Chaplain; Daniel Lyon. Treasurer; George A. Peters, Secretary; Harvey Allmendinger, Gate-keeper; Mrs. Charles Dixon, Ceres; Mrs. Harvey Allmendinger, Pomona; Mrs. Foster Litchfield, Flora; Mrs. George A. Peters, Lady Assistant Steward.

Since its organization 26 members have been added, making a total of 60. Of this number one-half have withdrawn or have been suspended, leaving its present membership 30. Of those with- drawn, the most of them have removed from the vicinity. Those holding the position of masters since organization have been Tobias Holmes. Sampson Parker, James W. Wing, George A. Peters, Foster Litchfield, A. Y. Case and Daniel Lyon. In relation to this grange a member thus writes: "The grange in this locality has had a very favorable influence upon its members, and we think that influence has extended to many outside the order. It has shown the farmer the importance and necessity of system and science in his business, it has made him a thinker, it has enlarged his views, it has developed his talents, aroused his social nature, made him better morally, brightened his life and beautified his home, increased his income, kept his boys and girls on the farm, and has given him that honored place among men to which his intelli- gen ce and the importance of his vocation justly entitles him."

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

In consequence of the loss by fire of the early records of the town, a complete list of its officers is not obtainable. The follow- ing comprises the list of supervisors, clerks, treasurers, justices of the peace and school inspectors since 1843:

SUPERVISORS.

Benjamin W. Waite. 1843

Stephen G. Johnson .1860

Norman A. Phelps 1844

Luther Palmer. .1861

Benjamin W. Waite 1845-46

Stephen G. Johnson 1862

Nelson Mosher. 1847

Luther Palmer

.1863

Benjamin W. Waite. 1848

Patrick Tuomy 1864-65

Jacob A. Polhemus. 1849

John L. Smith. 1866

Benjamin W. Waite 1850

Patrick Tuomy .1867

Jacob A. Polhemus 1851

John L. Smith. 1868

Samuel P. Foster. 1852

Henry E. Peters. 1869-70

Abraham Vandermark 1853

Patrick Tuomy. 1871-73

William Burnett. 1854

Samuel W. Holmes 1874

Charles S. Gregory 1855

Stephen G Johnson. 1875-76

William Bennett. 1856

Charles S. Gregory 1857

Jacob Jedele, jr. 1879

David M. Finley 1858

Charles S. Gregory 1859

Patrick McGuinness 1877-78

John L. Smith. 1880

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

CLERKS.

Alexander D. Crane. 1843-44

Lorenzo M. Lyon .. 1845

Louis W. Briggs 1861

Truman P. Stickney 1846

Keiran Costello. 1862

Garra B. Noble. 1847

John Croarkin. 1863

John Crossman . . 1848

Keiran Costello 1864

Nelson Mosher. 1849

George S. Sill

1865-66

Hamilton Rogers.

1850

Sylvester Hand.

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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 84

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