History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 86

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 86

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" Along in the after part of the night some of the guards came to the conclusion a little milk punch was quite desirable, and that they could procure the requisite milk from some of the village cows that were lying on the green; so one of their number was detailed to go on a foraging excursion for milk, and taking his camp pail he started forth; but the next question was, how to pass the guard, as he was not in possession of the countersign, and the sentinel had not been let into the secret of the enterprise. But, nothing dannted, he approached one of the sentinels on duty, who hailed, 'Halt! who comes there?' ' A friend.' 'Friend, advance and give the countersign.' He advanced to the point of the sentinel's bayonet, and holding up the camp pail to the sentinel, he said, 'So, bossy, so!' which was received by the sentinel as the countersign, and he passed without the line and went and found one or more cows, to which he gave the same countersign, procured his pail full of milk and returned to the same sentinel, and by the same token passed within the line. The boys had a good time with their milk punch, not forgetting the sentinel who had accepted the countersign."

FIRES.

The first building that was ever burned in the village was a dwell- ing house, built and owned by Calvin Smith. It stood where the house of Norman A. Phelps now stands, and was then owned and occupied by Thomas Martin. This occurred about 1837 or '8. Since that time Dexter has had more than its share of destruction from the devouring element. Four hotels have been consumed and innumerable other buildings. The first great fire occurred on Sun- day, Nov. 24, 1844, where a block of 12 buildings, on the north side of Main street, was totally destroyed, the loss being estimated at about $30,000. A singular thing in connection with this fire was that a rumor was current in Ann Arbor, and also at a village west of Dexter, on Saturday noon previous, that this block was burned, and that the fire originated in IIenry Vinkle's cabinet shop, the place where the fire did eventually begin.

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

The block was rebuilt and again burned in 1848. The loss by this fire was heavier than in the first, the buildings all being of a better character. Dennis Warner had a very narrow escape from being burned in this fire. He was sleeping in the upper story of. his store room when the fire broke out. When awakened the lower part was in flames, and all escape cut off. Raising a window, he threw out a chest of valuable papers, and then jumped out, thus saving his life.

Again, for the third time this block was partially destroyed by fire, in April, 1877. Five fine brick buildings were destroyed, the loss being estimated at $20,000.

The south side of the street began its series of fires in 1847, de- stroying three buildings. The loss was small.

On the 2d day of February, 1860, two buildings were burned, including the old Dexter Hotel.

The third fire was on Christmas morning, 1866, with a heavier loss than on either of the previous occasions.

In addition to these fires innumerable smaller ones have occurred, including the building where the planing-mill now stands.

SCHOOLS.

The village of Dexter, and its immediate vicinity, was first set- tled by those who appreciated the value of an education. As soon, therefore, as a sufficient number of children were in the neighbor- hood to form a school, a suitable building was erected and a school commenced. This was in 1830, and the building was on B street, near where the Baptist church now stands. It was a small frame, and for some years was used for religious services by all denomina- tions of Christians, and also for all public gatherings. A Mr.

Gleason was the first teacher. This. house did good service until 1843, when it was replaced by a larger and better edifice of brick. As the village grew, this, in turn, became too small to accommodate the pupils, so, in 1857,the present substantial Union school building was erected at a cost of about $10,000. This house is 40x60, three stories high, with six rooms. As soon as the building was ready for occupancy, the graded system of public schools was adopted. Prof. Lawton, in 1857, was the first principal. Since then the school has been under the following principals: Duane Doty. Messrs. Thomas, Bowen, Crouch, Davis, Miss Alvord, Messrs. Kratz, Field, Hill and Cook, the present incumbent.

RELIGIOUS.

The first citizens of Dexter and vicinity were a God-fearing and God-loving people, and the pioneer ministers of the gospel were welcome at all times. Holding different religious views, an agree- ment could not be reached at once for the formation of a Church.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

The Baptists and Methodists early occupied the field, the former organizing the first Church.

Baptist Church. - This church was organized August 16, 1831, by Elder E. Carpenter, who had been preaching at stated periods in the vicinity for more than a year. The constituent members of the Church were Elder Eber Carpenter and wife, David Layton, Joshua Secord, William Youmans, David Case, John Hancock, William Lennon, Lydia Secord, Mrs. Putnam, Catherine Case, Hannah Hancock, Esther Quackenbush, Amanda Hurd, Anna Force, Catherine Clements. The congregation worshiped for sev- eral years in the school-house, and in private houses. In 1840 they erected their first house of worship and dedicated it to the ser- vice of Almighty God in the month of June, 1840. This house was a small frame structure 24x36, and was used until 1866, when, becoming too small for this growing congregation, it was replaced by a handsome brick edifice, erected at a cost of $5,000, and dedi- cated in May, 1866, Elder F. Curtis preaching the dedicatory ser- mon. During the existence of the Church a number of precious revivals have been held, the Church being greatly strengthened thereby. The greatest degree of prosperity was enjoyed by the Church during the pastorate of Elder Baker. The following named have served as pastors: Revs. Eber'Carpenter, William A. Bron- son, George Walker, James Piper, Stephen Yocum, Edward Tenny, Charles Peterson, J. L. Smith, Nelson Eastwood, H. A. Brown, Dr. Wilson, J. C. Baker, H. L. Bower, C. E. B. Armstrong, C. A. Clark, L. L. Gage. The present membership of the Church is 77. The Sunday-school has a membership of 100 average attendance, with A. Y. Case, Superintendent.

Methodist Episcopal .- Rev. E. H. Pilcher, of the Ohio Con - ference, who was stationed at Tecumseh, preached a sermon in the west room of Judge Dexter's house in the month of November, 1831. It was proposed to organize a class or society; this was done, all desiring to do so retiring to the house of Dr. Nichols, where the class was organized. It consisted of 10 persons, two men and eight women. Wm. H. Brockway and John D. Doane were the male members; the first was appointed the leader. Mrs. Allen and her daughter, Miss Allen, Mrs. Kingsley, Mrs. Dunlavey (a warm- hearted Irishwoman) and Miss Eleanor Alexander (who worked for Judge Dexter) are all the names now known. In May, 1832, Evander Cooper (who still lives and is a leader) came, and some- time after, he and his wife, Martha, joined the society. In August, 1833, Wm. H. Brockway, who had been away teaching school, was recommended to be licensed as a local preacher and also to join the Ohio Annual Conference on trial. He was received and traveled as a minister of the Church for many years. He lives at Albion, and is the agent of the college there.

The following named have served as pastors of this Church: Henry Colclazer, 1831 ; E. H. Pilcher, 1831-'2; E. S. Gavit, 1832; A. Bill- ings, 1833; A B. Elliott, 1833; H. Colclazer, 1834; A. B. Elliott,

JPG, Murray

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

1834; H. Colclazer, 1835; H. Garing, 1835; W. M. Sullivan, 1836; L. Smith, 1836; Richard Laurence, 1837; Lewis Smith, 1837; Oliver Burgess, 1838; Adam Minnis, 1839; J. K. Gillett, 1839; Lorenzo Davis, 1840-'1; Resin Sapp, 1842; Hiram M. Roberts, 1843; John A. Baughman, 1844; T. C. Gardner, 1845; W. H. Collins, 1846-'7; John K. Gillett, 1848; Alexander Campbell, 1849; William Kelly, 1850-'1; W. P. Judd, 1852; Robert Bird, 1853-'4; L. D. Price, 1855; William Taylor, 1856; Erastus R. Haskell, 1857-'8; John M. Arnold, 1859-'60; J. Blanchard, 1861; D. C. Jacokes, 1862-'4; A. F. Bourns, 1865-'6; W. C. Way, 1867-'9; R. H. Crane, 1870-'1; II. C. Northup, 1873; J. McElwain, 1874; Jacob C. Wortley, 1875-'77; L. P. Davis, 1878-'9; W. J. Campbell, 1880.

Congregational .- This Church was organized Jan. 5, 1836, by Rev. C. G. Clark, as the First Presbyterian Church of Dexter. Those comprising the original organization were: Charles P. Cow- din, David Dutton, Vashti Dutton, Charles M. Smith, Mahitable F. Cowdin, Roxana Whitcomb, Abe Spaulding, Timothy Dutton, Catherine Conklin, Richard Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson, Julia Ann Tuttle, Ann Northam, Dennis; Warner, Harriet N. Warner, Jerusha T. Baker. Charles P. Cowdin was elected Elder. After the expiration of three years the Church government was changed to that of Congregational, and the body was known as the First Congregational Church of Dexter. The congregation for some years worshiped in private houses, in school-houses, and in a church building fitted up by the Episcopalians, but never consecrated by them. In 1845 a frame church was erected, in size 38x50, at a cost of $2,000. For many years the Church was quite prosperous, but finally, on account of many removals and deaths, those remaining became discouraged, and their church house was sold in 1873, and in 1874, after meeting for a time in Warner's Hall, the organization was disbanded. A total number of 339 members were from first to last enrolled on the Church books. The following named have served as pastors: Revs. H. H. Northrup, William C. Dennison, Gustavus L. Foster, Joel Boyington, G. W. Newcombe, Clark Lockwood, Lewis Bodwell, Robert Robinson, John B. Fiske, E. W. Borden and A. S. Kedzie.

St. James' (Episcopal) Church .- There is no record kept of the early time of this parish, but from the most reliable sources it is learned that in 1825 Mr. Sylvanus Noble, formerly of New York, came to Dexter, and by his exertions had this place appointed a " missionary station." The first clergyman of the Church who preached here was Rev. Mr. Cadle, who spent one Sunday here. Then Rev. Mr. Freeman, of Cleveland, Ohio, bought a farm a few miles from Dexter, and occasionally held service and preached to the few Church families here, in the log school-house one mile west of Dexter. Not long after, he leftthe ministry, and removed from the neighborhood; about this time the Bishop of the Diocese, passing through Dexter, stopped and preached to a few persons hastily gathered together.

842

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

In 1835 Rev. Samuel Marks, missionary at Ann Arbor, came over to Dexter once a fortnight and preached in the village school- house. Mr. Marks brought with him Rev. David J. Burger, who was serving his diaconate as a missionary; Mr. Burger pleased the people so well that they urged him to remain here for a time. St. James' Parish was organized under this Rev. David J. Burger, with the following gentlemen as Vestrymen: Barnabas K. Dibble, Pierrepont L. Smith, Nathaniel Noble, William A. Jones, Alex- ander D. Crane, Dr. Amos Gray, James Cunningham.

The first persons known to have been baptized here were Barna- bas K. Dibble and Mary Dibble, Aug. 13, 1837, this sacrament be- ing administered by the Rev. David J. Burger.

Subsequently, the parish was under the charge of the Revs. Darius Barker, M. Hirst and A. S. Hollister. The Rev. Caleb A. Bruce was appointed a missionary in charge of this parish and the parish in Hamburg, Livingston Co., in 1852 or 1853, and remained here till October 1, 1854 when he resigned the position and went to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Under his ministry the present church edifice was commenced, and through his exertions, a considerable portion of the funds for its erection was procured. When he left this parish the building was enclosed, roofed and shingled. He was succeeded by his father, the Rev. Nathaniel F. Bruce, during whose ministry the church edifice was so far completed as to be used by the congregation on all occasions of public worship, preach- ing, and the administration of the sacraments, and the other rites of the Church. The church was opened for divine service on the third Sunday after Trinity, it being also St. John's Day, the 24th of June, 1855. At the morning service, prayers were said by Rev. Lewis Noble, of Chicago, Illinois, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Nathaniel F. Bruce, from the 93rd Psalm, 5th verse: "Holiness becometh thine House, O Lord, for ever." Evening prayer was said by Rev. Nath. L. Bruce, and an appropriate sermon preached by Rev. - Lewis Noble. The congregations were large at both services, notwithstanding a cloudy day and some rain.

The subsequent rectors of this parish were Rev. William King, Rev. Wm. Kelly, Rev. A. C. Lewis, Rev. V. Spaulding, Rev. Aug. Bush, Rev. O. E. Fuller, and the present rector, Rev. James H. Magoffin.

Two of the former rectors died while residents here, Rev. Na- thaniel F. Bruce, and Rev. Wm. Kelly, the remains of the latter lying in the village cemetery, those of the former being taken at his own request to a small country grave-yard to whose quiet and restful appearance he had been attracted while performing the rite of burial some time before for a loved parishioner.

The parish register shows the names of 297 persons baptized, 160 confirmed, 178 married and 170 buried.

The last Annual Report to the Diocesan Convention, June, 1880, shows that there were at that time in this parish 51 families, making a list of parishioners of 186. Of this number 58 are com-

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

municants holding full membership in the Church. The present value of church property in the parish is reported at $3,500.

The present vestry of St. James consists of Charles S. Gregory and Jacob Krause, as Wardens, and Jesse O. Hoyt, Dr. Charles Howell, John H. Evarts, Lorenzo H. Jones, (Secretary and Treas- urer), George S. Crampton, James McDonald, George Lyon.

Catholic Church .- The first church of this denomination was erected in'Dexter tp., about five miles northwest of Dexter village, in 1840 or 1842, under the superintendence of Father Cullen (now deceased) who was the pastor, and assisted by Father Hennesy, afterward pastor at Marshall, Mich. It was a small frame building, and the congregation was composed of only seven or eight families. The building was shortly after destroyed by fire, and the members, assisted by Father Hennesy, immediately erected another frame building, at a cost of $4,000, on the site of the present structure at Dexter village. Father J. Pulsers became the first resident pastor, and erected the present pastoral residence. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Van Jennip, who remained nearly 15 years, and under his administration the present fine brick edifice was erected. He laid the corner-stone, and superintended the erection of the building, although it was completed under the direction of the present pas- tor, Rev. T. F. Slattery, who took pastoral charge in August, 1874. The church was dedicated Jan. 3, 1875, by Bishop Borgess, of Detroit. The building when completed cost about $27,000, and is one of the finest in the county. The congregation number nearly 600, and are free from debt.

Rev. T. F. Slattery was born Jan. 27, 1847, in Monsia Parish, county of Tipperary, Ireland, and was the son of Michael and Nora Slattery. He commenced his Latin studies at Ennis, county of Clare, and completed his preparatory course at Ninagh and Hilla- loe. He entered All Hallows College, Dublin, in 1865, where he remained two years. He then came to the U. S., and entered St. Bonaventure College, at Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., gradu- ating from that institution in 1871, and Oct. 14 of the same year was ordained a priest by Rev. Bishop Borgess, at Monroe, Mich. After officiating for different periods of time, at Bay City, Bunker Hill, Ingham Co., and Detroit, he was appointed to the charge at Dexter, where he has since labored in a faithful and earnest manner. Father Slattery is well respected by all his charge.

MASONIC.

Washtenaw Lodge, No. 65, F. & A. M., of Dexter, was organ- ized under dispensation granted to Jesse Millard, W. M., Fred. Carlisle, S. W., and John Crossman, J. W., June 30,. 1854. A charter was granted January, 1854, and at its first election the lodge elected Frederick Carlisle, W. M .; John Crossman, S. W .; George W. Hays, J. W .; Osborne Aldrich, Sec .; Thomas Peatt, Treas .; H. H. Noble, S. D .; O. M. Smith, J. D .; Marquis Peatt,

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Tyler. In 28 years the lodge has had only six W. M's .; in addition to those mentioned were George H. Lyon, A. D. Crane, John W. Spoor and A. W. Gleason. The lodge has had a prosper- ous existence, now numbering 54 members. The officers for 1881 are A. D. Crane, W. M .; Marquis S. Cook, S. W .; Jacob Rehm, J. W .; N. A. Phelps, Treas .; A. Lathrop, Sec. ; George Crampton, S. D .; Henry Ide, J. D .; Frederick Lathrop, E. R. Doane, Stew- ards; James Harris, Tyler.

THE VILLAGE OF SCIO.

In 1835 S. W. Foster, who purchased a mill site and erected a mill on section 9, laid out and platted the village of Scio. At one time it was thought the village would be a prosperous one, but its proximity to Dexter and the establishment of a rival village two miles below, now called Delhi, all three being within eight miles of Ann Arbor, served as a barrier to its growth. To-day it numbers about 15 or 20 houses, has a store, flouring mill and postoffice, Mr. Geo. A. Peters acting in the capacity of postmaster, having been appointed by President Grant, under his first admin- istration and continuing to the present time.

At the village of Scio is said to be the best water-power on the Huron river, having a fall of some ten feet.

VILLAGE OF DELHI.

This pleasant little village is situated on the Huron river, about midway between the city of Ann Arbor and the village of Dexter. It was surveyed and platted July 25, 1836, by Jacob Doremus. The plat was recorded under the name of Michigan Village. The name, being regarded as too lengthy, was soon afterward changed to the short one by which it has ever been known -- Delhi.

In 1842 all unsold lots in the village plat passed into the hands of N. C. Goodale, a man whose memory is cherished by all who were so fortunate as to be numbered among his acquaintances. The village has always been regarded as a model one with respect to morality and good order. One of the conditions made to every deed to each lot sold was that no intoxicating drinks should ever be sold upon the premises, under forfeiture of the lot and all im- provements made thereon. Thus the great promoter of vice and immorality has never been permitted to obtain entrance to the village. While the village has never attained any special degree of prosperity so far as numbers are concerned,it has ever been a neat and attractive place. Every house in the village, with all its sur- roundings, exhibits a pleasing and inviting appearance. Its prox- imity to Ann Arbor has retarded its growth, the country not being advanced to that degree enabling two or more large villages or cities to exist and prosper while being within such short distance of each other.

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

The two large flouring mills have always been the main stay of Delhi, their home business being quite large and shipments exten- sive to all parts of the country. At present there is, in addition to the flouring mills, one general store and cooper shop.

The postoffice was established in 1868, with F. W. Goodale as the first postmaster. Mr. Goodale has been re-appointed after the expiration of each term.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

We complete the history of Scio township, with its beautiful villages, by adding biographies of many of the prominent and representative citizens on the succeeding pages.

Gottlieb Abcle is the son of Christopher Abele, and was born in Germany in 1835. He was educated in his native land and in 1854 emigrated to the United States, locating in Washtenaw county the same year. In 1863 he married Anna Kipp, and 5 children have been born to them-Mary, Frank, Frederick, Edward, Henry and Lilian A. Mr. and Mrs. Abele are faithful members of the Lutheran Church, and he is Democratic in politics. He owns 84 acres of well-improved land, with a $2,500 house erected thereon.

David Allmendinger was born in Pennsylvania, May 12, 1823, and is a son of Daniel F. and Christiana Allmendinger, natives of Germany. David received a common-school education, and in 1845 married Alvina Croman. Four children have been born to them, 3 sons and 1 daughter-Harvey D., George W., Cynthia A. and Franklin E., all married and residents of Washtenaw county. Mr. A. has been honored with several offices of trust in Scio tp., and politically is a Demo- crat. He possesses 112 acres of land, the improvement thereon, such as house, barn, and out-buildings, costing him over $4,000.

Harvey Allmendinger, farmer, was born in Scio tp., March 9, 1847. His parents are David and Alvina (Croman) Allmendinger, of German descent, the former a native of New York and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. He received his education in the district school of Scio tp. He has been a farmer the greater part of his life, and in the harvest season operates a threshing-machine. He was mar- ried in 1873, and 2 children have been given to him-Lewis E., born Nov. 18, 1876, and Eda, born June 17, 1878. He is Democratic in politics, and Treasurer of Scio tp. He is also a prominent member of the grange.

Edward E. Appleton, attorney-at-law, Dexter, was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1845, and is the son of Stacey T. and Sarah (Gleason) Appleton, the for- mer a native of New York, and the latter of New Jersey, and old pioneers of this county, coming here in 1831, and settling in Webster tp. The subject of this sketch graduated at one of the most noted law colleges in the country, and was admitted to the Bar in 1866. He engaged in the drug business in Dexter for some time, but resumed his practice, and to-day is one of the leading lawyers in that section of country. He has been honored with several village and township of- fices, having served as Village Recorder, 3 terms; Township Assessor and Clerk, three terms; while at present he is Village Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He was married in 1870 to Ellen M. Sill, daughter of Thomas and Elmira Sill, and among the early pioneers of this county. They have 1 son-Robert.

Jacob Aprill, farmer. sec. 32, Scio tp., was born in Germany in 1808, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Linger) Aprill. He received a very fair German ed- ucation, and has a very good understanding of the English language. In his early manhood he learned the shoemakers' trade, which he followed successfully for 16 years, partly in Germany and partly in New York. He came to Washtenaw county in 1833, settled on sec. 32, where he now lives, and went to work at his trade, for some time being the only one working at that trade in a radius of 10 miles. He was married May 28, 1832. They have 3 children living. Mr. and Mrs. April are members of the Lutheran Church, in which body he officiates as a Trustee. He has been very successful in his farm operations, at one time owning 350 acres of well-improved land, all of which was accumulated by years of indus- try and privation.

846

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Capt. Eugene Arnold was born in Scio tp., Washtenaw county, in 1833. His parents, Hyram and Lydia (Sawtelle) Arnold, located in Scio tp., in 1828, on land the former had entered in 1826. They were natives of New York, and of German descent. The father was a school-teacher at Saratoga, N. Y., but after immigrat- ing to Michigan, was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death, owned 340 acres of choice land. He died Jan. 21, 1880., He was the father of 7 children, all dead but 2-Eugene and Mrs. Green. One son, Henry Clay, en- tered the service of " Uncle Sam,".during the Rebellion, as a private. He rapidly rose in the ranks, and had hardly put on the straps of a Captain, when he was de- prived of his life, at the second battle of Bull Run. Eugene is unmarried and lives on sec. 14, Scio tp., where he owns 280 acres of valuable land. In early life he " sailed the raging main," and continued on the waters for 28 years. He has had many hair-breadth escapes, and was on board two vessels that were destroyed by fire. Five boats on which he was employed were sunk, two of them in collis- ion. He officiated as Mate for 20 years, and Captain for six years. All his sea- life was mostly spent on the great lakes that lie in the northern part of the United States. He is not a member of any political party, but votes for the men whom he thinks will best serve the people.

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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 86

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