History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 85

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 85

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1851

Lorenzo M. Lyon. 1852

Nathan H. Miller 1869

George L. McAllister 1853

William Dowlman. 1854

Frederick Carlisle

1855

Charles H. Town. 1856

Alfred Beal. 1857

John Costello.

1858-59

TREASURERS.

Jacob A. Polhemus 1843

Gilbert Blood. 1844

Hiram Arnold 1845

Tim. M. Palmer 1846

Edward Moore 1864

Albert Guest. 1847

John G. Miller. 1865

Hamilton Rogers. 1848

William Eaman. 1866

Charles S. Gregory. 1849

Michael Meiner. 1867

Timothy Tuomy. 1850

Nathan Keith. 1868

William Popkins. 1851

Christopher C. Waite 1852

Lewis Clarke .. 1853

Tim. W. Palmer. . 1854

William D. Briggs 1855

Joseph Croman -1856

James R. Rood.

1857

William April. 1858

James W. Hicks, jr. 1859

J. Gotlieb Laubengayer 1860

Henry P. Arnold 1860

Amos Gray. .

1844

Homer P. Finley 1861

Aaron M. Nash.

1845

Amos Gray. . 1846

John S. Pacey .1863

Aaron M. Nash.

1847

John C. Pacey 1863

Amos Gray.

1848

Charles Goodwin. 1864

Lorenzo M. Lyon. 1849

John S. Pacey. 1865

Robert P. Popkins

1850

Charles Goodwin. 1866

Lorenzo M. Lyon. 1851

Henry E. Peters 1867

Robert P. Popkins 1852

Levi P. Wasson. .1868

William B. Case

1853

John S. Pacey 1869

John Pacey. 1854

William Buss 1870

William B. Case 1855

John S. Pacey .1871

David M. Finley 1856

William Beers. 1872

Charles H. Town 1857

John S. Pacey 1873

John S. Pacey. 1858

Jacob J. Jedele 1874-75

Charles S. Gregory

.1858

Wm. F. Buss. 1878-9

Lorenzo M. Lyon

1859

Andrew J. Haven 1861

William April. 1862

A. W. Gleason 1869

Christopher S. Bilby. 1870-71

Christian Rehm. 1872

Jesse O. Hoyt. 1873-74

James Page. . 1875

Jacob Jedele, jr. . 1878

Byron C. Whitaker. 1879

Harvey D. Allmendinger 1880

SCHOOL INSPECTORS.

Lorenzo M. Lyon .1843

William G. Shrig. 1860

Amos Gray 1867

W. Irving Keal 1868

Michael Seevy ... 1870

Edward E. Appleton 1871-73

W. Irving Keal. 1874-75

Volney H. Potter

1877-80

Jacob J. Jedele 1863

John L. Curtiss. 1862

Andrew T. Hughes 1880

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Victor M. Bostwick. 1843

John B. Dow 1861-62

William Burnett. 1844

George P. Page. 1862

George P. Page 1845

Norman C. Goodle 1863

James McMahon. 1846

Comstock F. Hill 1864

Abraham Vandermark 1847

Israel Bailey 1865

Tim. M. Palmer. 1848

George P. Page 1866

Alexander D. Crane. 1849

Rufus Knight 1867

James McMahon. .1850

John S. Pacey

1868

John G. Morse. 1851

Nelson Chamberlain.

1869

James W. Wing. 1852

Israel Bailey. 1870

George P. Page. 1853

George P. Page 1871

William S. Martin 1854

William April. 1872

James E. Foster 1855

Jeremiah F. Sullivan. 1873

James W. Wing

1856

Edward E. Appleton. 1874

Rufus Knight.

1856

Franklin R. Copeland 1875

George P. Page. 1857

George A. Peters 1876

Charles H. Jeffries 1858

George P. Page 1878

Rufus Knight. 1859

Peter Tuite. 1879

Volney H. Potter

1861

John Hughes. 1880

MISCELLANEOUS.

There are eight cemeteries in the town,known as the Dexter, Scio, Popkins, Catholic, Phelps, Lutheran, Methodist and Allmendinger cemeteries.

The record of Scio in the Rebellion is a subject of pride. Every quota was filled without resort to draft or the issuing of bonds by the township to pay bounties.

From the various railroad stations in this township, the following shipments were made in 1880: Delhi Mills, flour, 41,000 barrels; Osborne's Mills, flour, 9,425 barrels; Osborne's Mills, wheat, 6,500 bushels; Dexter Mills, wheat, 111,200 bushels; Dexter Mills, flour, 11,000 barrels.

The township of Scio contains one incorporated and two unincor- porated villages-Dexter, Delhi and Scio, of each of which special mention is made in connection.

VILLAGE OF DEXTER.

The village of Dexter is located on the two northwestern sections of the township of Scio, within a semi-circle formed by Mill creek on the west and the Huron on the north and east. Its location is picturesque. Stretching from the plateau on the south to the river bank, it exhibits, as it were, its numerous and beautiful churches, large school-buildings, comfortable residences, and well built busi- ness houses to the thousands of travelers who pass onward by the M. C. R. R. The land on which it is located was purchased by Samnel W. Dexter, in 1824, but the village was not laid out and platted until the summer of 1830, though previous to this time several families had settled here, among whom, in addition to Mr. Dexter's family, were Dr. Cyril Nichols, Samuel W. Foster, A. D.

Matthew Andrews. 1860

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

Crane, and one or two others. Judge Crane thus speaks of his ad- vent in the village:

" March 1, 1830, I came here with my wife, to whom I had been married but a few days, and I have resided here ever since. When I came I found here as residents of this village, Hon. Samuel W. Dexter, Dr. Cyril Nichols, and Samuel W. Foster, who, with their families, constituted the whole of the village, and their dwellings were the only dwellings upon the village plat at that time. Judge Dexter had been here a few years, and then owned a large tract of land, and had erected a grist and saw-mill on Mill creek. The grist- mill stood where J. H. Evarts & Co.'s flouring mill now stands, and the saw-mill stood on the opposite side of the creek. John A. Conaway and his father then lived in the log house on the rise of ground beyond the saw-mill, where Dennis Warner's farm house now stands. They kept a tavern there, and that was the only tav- ern west of Ann Arbor anywhere in this region of country."

Of the three heads of families mentioned by Judge Crane, Judge Dexter has long since passed to his reward. A sketch of him will be found among the " Noted Dead." Dr. Nichols erected a house on the west side of the river, near where the bridge has since been built. He was a man of considerable intelligence, was very popu- lar among all classes, and had an extensive practice throughout the whole region of country for many miles north, south and west of Dexter. He was a native of Vermont, and immigrated to Michi- gan at a very early day, and settled in this village in 1826. He died in 1843. Mr. Foster was a native of Rhode Island, and was a miller by profession. He was employed some years by Mr. Dex- ter, but finally removed and laid out the village of Scio, erected here a mill, which he ran for a time, then sold out and erected another mill at Foster's Station. Not being as successful as he anticipated, he again sold out, and when the first great stream of emigrants passed over the plains to California, he accompanied them, and when within sight of the Golden Gate, he was called to his final re- ward.

The first store was opened in the fall of 1830 by Charles P. Cow- den, and the second merchant was Nelson H. Wing, who embarked in business here in the spring of 1831. William C. Pease was the next to select Dexter for a business location, while the fourth mer- chant was Richard Brower. Dennis Warner began business in 1843, as a boot and shoe manufacturer, his business gradually in- creasing until he finally employed 14 hands. He then commenced the business of a general merchant, continuing in the same until 1866, when he disposed of his stock. Rice A. Beal established him- self here in 1847, and carried on a successful business until 1865, when he sold out and removed to Ann Arbor. Since that time many others have come and gone, some doing well, others not.

At present the village mercantile business is represented by the following firms:

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Frederick Yager, grocer and baker, and dealer in liquors, Ann Arbor street; R. J. Langdon, dealer in sewing-machines; John Dolan, dealer in groceries, liquors and provisions, established in 1869; W. W. Waite, drugs, stationery and tobacco; Joe. T. Jacobs, clothing, gents' furnishing goods, hats and caps, established May, 1880; Tuomey Bros., dealers in general merchandise; G. C. Sill, dealer in hardware, tin shop in connection, established in 1861; John Croarkin, dealer in general merchandise, established in 1857; P. Fitzsimmons, tobacco and liquors, established in 1878; G. Wall, groceries, crockery, boots and shoes, established in 1865; J. H. Devine & Son, dealers in agricultural implements; J. C. R. Day, tinware and hardware, Main street; B. J. Sutton, jeweler, and dealer in watches, clocks and musical instruments, established in 1875; W. Irving Keal. druggist, and dealer in patent medicines and toilet articles; Ball & Hoyt, boots, shoes and groceries; T. C. Etchells, general merchandise, No. 5 Phoenix block; S. W. Mur- dock, jeweler, with Etchells; John Costello, boots, shoes, groceries and furniture; B. Alley, dry goods, groceries and crockery, corner Main and B streets; W. F. Schlanderer, dealer in tobacco and liq- uors; Jacob Rehm, boots and shoes, general repairing, established in 1869; Warner & Whitaker, dealers in lumber and agricultural implements, near depot.

OTHER BUSINESS.

In addition to the business of Dexter mentioned under the sev- eral heads, the place is represented by J. W. Jones, J. T. Forchue, and Benjamin Roper, barbers; Norman E. Allen, photographer; T. S. Ewing, dentist; J. Schueherle and Emanuel Jedele, meat markets. The hotels are conducted by David Blanchard, who is the landlord of " Dexter Exchange; " C. W. Guest, Western Hotel; Henry Stebbins, Eureka Hotel; James R. Joyner, Franklin Hotel.

PROFESSIONAL.

No village is complete without its professional men-physicians to cure the sick, and lawyers to settle disputes.

Physicians .- The first to minister to the afflicted in this place was Dr. Cyril Nichols, who settled here in 1826, of whom mention has already been made. Dr. Philip Brigham came next, in 1832; after two or three years' residence he moved to Ann Arbor, where he afterward died. Dr. Amos Gray was the third physician who located here. He came in 1832, and has been in constant practice ever since. A biographical sketch of the Doctor appears elsewhere in connection with the history of this village, and therefore nothing more need be said in this connection. Dr. Gray was followed by Dr. John H. Cardell some four years after. Dr. Cardell practiced his profession here until his death, which occurred in 1842. Dr. C. A. Jeffries was the next physician. Next after him came Dr. Ew-

831

SCIO TOWNSHIP.

ing, who died here in 1879. Others of the medical fraternity have practiced their profession in the village and ministered to the sick in its vicinity, among whom were Drs. Hollywood, Dowlman and Clark. At present the profession is represented, in addition to Dr. Gray, by Drs. C. Howell, E. F. Chase, John Lee and W. E. Ziegenfuss.

Lawyers .- Its proximity to Ann Arbor has tended to keep out representatives of the legal fraternity. Calvin Smith was the first. Mr. Smith moved to the village in 1830, but did not commence a general practice until two years afterward. He was also the first justice of the peace in the village, and did more in this latter work than in the practice of his profession. In 1838 he was elected a member of the Legislature but died before taking his seat. After Mr. Smith, the next attorney was A. D. Crane, who was admitted to the Bar in 1843. A sketch of Mr. Crane appears elsewhere. James T. Hovey came next in May, 1861, and James Gorman in 1879. Messrs. Crane, Hovey and Gorman each are present mem- bers of the Bar of Washtenaw county.

Dentistry .- The dental profession is represented by T. S. Ewing, D. D. S., and S. L. Jermey, each of whom has a fair patronage.

BANKS.

There never has been a regularly incorporated bank in this vil- lage. Not even during the days of the famous "wild-cat" banking system were the people of Dexter favored (?) with a bank of issue. There has been, however, from time to time men who engaged in brokerage, accommodating the villagers with exchanges on the large cities and receiving deposits. The first broker's office was established by Rice A. Beal, who continued it a few years and then sold it to George E. Southwick & Co .. who in turn disposed of it to C. S. Gregory, N. A. Phelps, and W. H. Potter, who continued the business under the firm name of C. S. Gregory & Co. for four years, when Mr. Gregory purchased the interests of his partners. In January, 1877, Mr. Gregory admitted his son, Henry C., into the business, the firm taking the name of C. S. Gregory & Son. The firm are now doing a large and safe business, buying and selling exchange, and doing all business usually done by an incorporated bank. The average deposits are about $40,000.

MILLS.

No feature of pioneer life is more indelibly impressed upon the minds of the early settlers, than their early experience in milling. In the formation of a settlement, first came the saw-mill, which was to prepare the lumber for the dwellings of the inhabitants, and also for the more pretentious grist- mill that was soon to be erected. Long before Mr. Dexter laid out his village, he built a dam across Mill creek, and on the west side erected a saw-mill which was to

832

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

be run by the water-power created by the dam. This was the beginning of mills in the western part of the county. Immediately on the completion of the saw-mill he commenced the erection of a grist-mill on the east side of Mill creek, which was completed at an early day, and was a great convenience to all living in the west- ern part of Washtenaw and in Jackson counties .This mill has had a varied existence and has been owned and controlled by a number of parties, among whom were Matthews, Bond & Millard, who suc- ceeded Judge Dexter, Thomas Martin and others. While Mr. Martin was its owner, in 1851, it was destroyed by fire. The mill site was purchased by Thomas Peatt & Alva Alldridge, who rebuilt the mill. Alldridge ultimately sold out to Peatt's son, who sold to J. H. Evarts & Costello, who controlled it until August, 1880, when it passed into the hands of an assignee and is now run by H. J. Rogers. The mill is a three-story structure, 40x88 feet. Its present business amounts to about 47,000 barrels per year. Its cus- tom work is quite large, as well as its merchant work. The annual shipments to Boston and Detroit are about 10,000 barrels per year. Two grades of flour are made-straight and second. A feed mill is attached which grinds 300 bushels of feed per day. Steam and water-power is used.

The second grist-mill was erected in 1836, and is known as the " Peninsula Mills." This mill is located over the river from the village in the township of Webster, but is properly a Dexter enter- prise and has been owned and conducted from time to time by citizens of the village. It was built in 1836, by Millard, Matthews & Bond, and afterward passed into the hands of Jesse Millard & son, who ran it until 1855, when it was purchased by Beal, Marble & Southwick, who successfully operated it until 1865, when Charles Williams became its owner. Mr. Williams in a few months disposed of it to George E. Southwick. C. S. Gregory & Co. were the next purchasers, in 1868. In 1872, George E. Southwick & Co. became owners, but ran it only about one year. Copeland & Clements came next into possession, and soon after took in as part- ner Mr. Coleman, who, in 1879, disposed of his one-third interest to Mr. Gregory. Mr. Copeland sold his one-third interest in Octo- ber, 1880, to John P. Marble, of Worcester, Massachusetts, while Mr. Gregory sold one-half of his one-third interest to the Clem- ents' estate. The mill is 40x60, three and one-half stories in height and was erected at a cost of $40,000. Six men are employed in the mill. Its capacity is about 200 barrels per day. The mill was rented in August, 1880, to James Lucas. He is at present making large shipments direct to Europe, and has a large patronage in the New England States.

MANUFACTORIES.

The manufactories of the village, though not extensive, are yet creditable to the place. The grist-mills have already been men-

833

SCIO TOWNSHIP.

tioned. Next comes the woolen mill of Luther Palmer & Son. This mill was erected in 1838, by Jesse Millard & Son, who oper- ated it some 12 years, when it was sold to Rice A. Beal & Co., who ran it a few years and then sold it to Thompson & Palmer, who remained in partnership one year, when Mr. Palmer became the sole owner. This was in 1869. In 1879 Mr. Palmer took his son into partnership with him, the firm name being changed to Luther Palmer & Son. The mill has 216 spindles, is run by water-power, and uses about 10,000 pounds of wool annually. Of stocking yarn, 3,000 pounds are manufactured each year, the rest of the wool being woven into blankets and satinets. The firm has at present a con- . tract for manufacturing for the State's prison at Jackson. The sales of the mill are about $10,000 per year. Six hands are constantly employed, which is increased in busy seasons to 12. The mill is 26 x42, three and one-half stories high.

Run by the same power with the woolen, is a saw-mill, which was erected at the same time by the same men and has successively passed into the hands of the purchasers of the woolen mill. The general use of pine lumber has affected the work of this mill for many years, and but little is being done, it running only about two months in the year.

A cider and planing mill was erected in 1871 by Phelps and Sill Bros., but was burned down four years after. The ground was then sold to B. B. Williams, who erected and commenced operat- ing a planing-mill. The manufacturer of sash, doors, farm rollers and moldings was carried on, while the cider mill was not rebuilt.

Albert Guest, in 1840, commenced the manufacture of harness in this village, and has been in successful operation to the present time.

In 1876, Bross, Crampton & Miller commenced the manufacture of wagons and carriages, in connection with a general repairing shop. In a short time Mr. Bross retired from the firm, his inter- est being purchased by his partners, who continued the business until September, 1879, when Mr. Miller disposed of his interest to Mr. Rieder." The firm employ seven hands, and in 1879 made 31 carriages. The average sales of the firm are $7,000 per year. The building occupied by them is 40x60, and three stories in height.

John Bross also commenced the manufacture of wagons and car- riages in 1876, and is at present actively employed.

A cooper shop was established as early as 1850, by Alexander Souler, who carried on business for many years. He is now in Detroit. The next of any extent was Evarts & Costello; then a cooper shop was established here in 1870, by Silas Thrasher, who is actively engaged in the manufacture of flour and slack barrels.

About the year 1850, Isaac V. Wakeman built a blast furnace in the village, and carried on a flourishing business for several years. About 1865 he sold out to Hicks & Ludden. In connec- tion with the furnace was a manufactory of agricultural imple-

834

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ments, employing quite a large number of hands. It was finally destroyed by fire, about the year 1870.

In 1880 there was erected by Charles Caldwell a fruit-drying establishment on A street. This is in active operation during the fruit season, employing 10 to 15 hands, and is quite an important acquisition to the business of Dexter.

HOTELS.

In the early day almost every pioneer had to throw open his doors and welcome the tired traveler, but as the stream of immi- gration enlarged and settlements were formed, some one whose cabin was a little larger, or who desired to turn an honest penny, was designated as the inn-keeper, to whom all travelers were directed.

The first hotel in the village was built by Edward Torrey for Judge Dexter in 1831. There was, however, a tavern kept by John A. Conaway, on the west side of Mill creek, in a log house. Prior to this, Mr. Torrey gave the building over to Joseph Arnold, who was the landlord for some time, when he gave way to Richard Brower. Captain James B. Arms was the next landlord. Several others besides those mentioned " kept hotel " until it finally passed into the hands of Nelson J. Allport, during whose occupancy it was destroyed by fire. This was the only hotel in the village for many years. The next hotel was that of Nathaniel Goss, which stood on the lot now occupied by N. E. Allen, on block 20. This Following this was the

hotel was also destroyed by fire, in 1836. Goodrich House, also burned, in 1848. The next was built by Hiram E. Fields, on a lot east of the park. Another hotel, known as the " Bentley House," was destroyed by fire in 1863. Other houses of entertainment have been opened, run for awhile and closed. In this year of grace, 1881, the village is represented by four hotels-The Dexter Exchange, by E. B. Blanchard; the Weston Hotel, by Charles M. Guest, opened in 1873; and the Eureka House, by H. Stebbins, opened in May, 1880, and the Franklin House, opposite the railroad depot, kept by James R. Joyner.

FIRST THINGS.

The first blacksmith in the village was A. D. Crane, who opened a shop in 1830.

George P. Page was the first tailor, in 183 -.

Cornelius Osterhout was the first carpenter who worked in the place, while Edward Torrey was the first resident carpenter. He came to the village to reside in 1831.

Erastus Ranney was the first wagon-maker, in 1830.

Orin J. Field was the first shoemaker, in 1832.

Henry Vinkle was the first cabinet-maker, in 1832.

Julius Ranney was the first tanner, about 1834 or 1835.

835

SCIO TOWNSHIP.

ADVENT OF THE RAILROAD.

No event in the history of a village is longer remembered than the advent of the first train of cars. Says Judge Crane, in a well written article on the village of Dexter:

"The 4th day of July, 1841, was a day long to be remembered by the people of Dexter. Early in the morning of that day the people of the surrounding country came pouring into the village on foot, on horseback. in carriages and wagons, not only to celebrate the anniversary of the nation's birthday, but at the same time to celebrate the completion to our village of the Michigan Central railroad. By nine o'clock in the forenoon a large concourse of peo- ple had assembled at the depot, awaiting the arrival of the cars, which were to bring the visitors from Ann Arbor and other east- ern villages along the line of the road. We had but a few minutes to wait before the shrill whistle of the iron horse was heard, and instantly the train came in its grandeur and majesty around the curve into full view, and thundered up to the depot, when the air was filled with loud huzzas and shouts of welcome, and everybody was happy. The train brought a large delegation of visitors from the East, and as soon as it was stopped, the Washtenaw Guards (who were invited guests), about 50 strong, filed out of the cars and into line under command of their gallant Captain, E. S. Cobb, who lost his life on the ill-fated steamer Erie, early in the following August. The guards were handsomely equipped, well disciplined and made a fine appearance. After marching to the bank of the river, near the bridge, where they fired a fue de joie, the Captain placed himself and company under the orders of the marshal of the day, when a grand procession was formed, and, escorted by the Guards and their band, marched to the place appointed for the exercises of the day and the occasion. Here they were welcomed by an eloquent and stirring speech from our much esteemed friend and neighbor, Hon. Samuel W. Dexter, which was responded to by Franklin Sawyer, of Ann Arbor. The Rev. Lorenzo Davis was the chief orator of the day, and gave us a very fine oration, suited to the day and the occasion.

"On this day everything was harmonious, and everybody was happy and joyful, for we had been placed in communication by rail with the city of Detroit, which communication was soon to be com- pleted through Canada to the Eastern States. The day passed off without accident, or anything to mar our happiness. The Washte- naw Guards remained with us over night, having brought their camp equipage with them for that purpose, and camped on the open space which now constitutes the village park, where they es- tablished a regular military camp. After guard mounting in the evening, the citizens were invited by Captain Cobb to visit the camp and witness the routine of camp duty. If I may be pardoned for so doing, I will mention one or two incidents that occurred to the Guards during the night. In the middle of the night, when

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

all the citizens were at their repose, one of the sentinels discovered fire issuing from an ash-house, which was contiguous to a very fine dwelling near the camp; and considering the dwelling to be in dan- ger, the sentinel gave the alarm to the Guards, whereupon the offi- cers ordered a squad of men to repair to the fire with their camp pails and extinguish it. The men at once repaired to the well of the man on whose premises was the fire, but found the bucket locked, so they could get no water. Their efforts to obtain water aroused the man of the house, who raised his window and peremp- torily ordered them off his premises; but the Guards, not willing to let the fire go unextinguished, went with their pails a distance of twenty rods or more, to a well where the bucket was not locked, and procured a sufficiency of water and extinguished the fire, thus sav- ing the citizen's property from destruction.

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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 85

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