History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 87

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 87

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Joseph Audette was born in Lower Canada in 1843. He is a brick-mason by trade. In 1857 came into the United States, and soon after to Washtenaw county. In 1870 he established a brick yard in Ann Arbor, where he has been very suc- cessful. He was married in 1872 to Catherine Scanlan. Of the 3 children born to them, 2 are living-Mary Elizabeth and Francis John. Mr. Audette is Demo- cratic in politics, and a resident of Scio tp. Mr. and Mrs. Audette are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Alford R. Beal, retired merchant, Dexter, was born in New York, Dec. 4, 1828. He is the son of Emery B. and Sophronia (Rice) Beal, both natives of New York, and of English descent; is also the brother of Rice A. Beal, editor of the Ann Arbor Courier, and publisher of Dr. Chase's Receipt Book. Mr. B. received his education in the public schools of Michigan, and when old enough entered the mercantile business, which he has followed since. In 1855 he came to Washtenaw county, and has resided here since. He owned a general store in Dexter for 15 years. He was married in 1858 to Mary Damon, who has borne him 2 daughters- Mattie and Mabel. Mrs. Beal is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Beal now resides in a large brick residence in the village of Dexter, and in his active life has worked and toiled very hard, making the competency which he now enjoys, by his own individual exertions. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as Clerk and other tp. offices a large number of times.

Godfrey Beck, farmer, sec. 28, Scio tp., was born in Washtenaw county in 1840, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine Beck, both natives of Germany. He received his educational training in the Scio tp. district schools, and was reared on a farm, which occupation he has followed since, and at present owns 160 acres of good farm land. In addition to his farming, he has operated a threshing machine during the summer season for nearly 21 years. In 1866 he was married to Dortha L. Laubengayer, and they have been blessed with 3 children-Armenia, John Oscar and Otilda Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Beck are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and he believes in the principles of the Demo- cratic party. He has been elected to several local offices, which he filled to the satisfaction of all.

David B. Blanchard, landlord Blanchard House, Dexter, was born in New York in 1819. He is the son of David and Susan (Baldwin) Blanchard, both natives of America. David B. did not receive a very extensive education, and when old enough he turned his attention to business, and operated a saw and shingle mill for nearly 10 years. In 1835 he came to Michigan and settled in Jackson county, where he resided for two years, when he returned to New York. In 1862 the " Western fever attacked him," and he left his native State once more, and settled in Washtenaw county, where he has lived since. He operated a hotel at Grass Lake for some time, but in 1872 removed to Dexter and started the hotel standing near the M. C. railroad, and in 1877 moved up in the business part of the village, and rented a hotel standing on Main street, which he has operated since, as the Blanchard House. In 1842 he was married to Mary Ann Bowen, and their 2 daughters are both married and doing well, the oldest, Susan Elizabeth, being the wife of Jacob C. Scott, a successful farmer of Jackson county, and the second, Emily E., being the wife of Girard Cady, also a farmer in Jackson county, and

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living near Grass Lake. Mr. B. owns a fine farm of 80 acres two miles from Chel- sea, but prefers to be in the business he is now engaged in. He makes a good landlord, and keeps a good house.

Peter W. Brass, Dexter, was born in London in 1825. His parents, Charles and Sarah Brass, came to America in 1835, locating in Webster tp., Washtenaw county, Mich., where the former died in 1873. Mr. Brass was married in England, Aug- 5, 1849, to Frances A. Stevens, daughter of Thomas J. and Sarah Stevens. They have 7 children-Fanny S. (wife of Joshua Hall), Martha, Walter C., Emma S., Hannah E., ., Charles N. and Albert S. Mr. Brass has "in his possession a very large family Bible, the title page bearing the date 1616.

Thomas W. Burns, Dexter, was born in Ireland in 1830, and emigrated to America in 1842, first settling in Rochester, N. Y. He came to Washtenaw county in 1855, and settled at Dexter in 1863. He learned to make boots and shoes, which trade he worked at from 1844 to 1876. He was married in 1860 to Emily Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John W. Buss, farmer, on sec. 28, Scio tp., was born in Lima tp., Sept. 23, 1838. He is the son of William F. and Catherine (Shulte) Buss, both of German nativity. He received a liberal education in this county, and since of age has followed the occupation of farming. He was married in February, 1864, to Caroline M. Hornung. They have 8 children-Edward, Samuel C., Henry G., Albert F., Her- man, John W. and Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Buss are consistent members of the Lutheran Church. He is the possessor of 160 acres of good cultivated land, and a Democrat.

William F. Buss, farmer, sec. 20, Scio tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Germany in 1811. He is the fifth son of a family of 8, whose parents were John Peter and Mary (Osius) Buss. His father sent him to the best colleges in Germany, intend- ing to prepare him for the ministry, and he thereby received a first-class German education, besides studying foreign languages to some extent. He came to America in 1834, and started to farm a wild tract of 40 acres, situated in Scio tp., and by industry and perseverance has secured a fine improved piece of 320 acres, which he divided a few years ago between his children, reserving only a small portion for himself. He was married in 1837 to Catherine Shulte, and they have 6 chil- dren, 4 boys and 2 girls, three of whom are married and doing well, and the 2 for- mer engaged in the mercantile business in Ann Arbor. Mr. Buss and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. He has been Secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company for the past nine years.

Michael Carraher, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 3, Scio tp., was born in Ireland in 1830. He received a common-school education, and in 1848 emigrated to America, coming to Washtenaw county in 1864. He was married in 1862 to Sarah Anderson, and 1 child, Mary Ann, has been born to them. Mr. Carraher owns 40 acres of land valued at $60 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Carraher are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

A. Y. Case, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 19, Scio tp ; P. O., Dexter; was born in New York, April 2, 1827. He is the youngest of a family of five, and the son of David and Catherine Yeoman, the former a native of New York, and the latter of New Jersey, while both are of German ancestry. Of his 4 brothers and sisters, the 2 oldest, Maria and William, were both married, but are now deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of H. Kendrick, a prominent farmer of Ingham county. Augustus is married and resides in Eaton county. David Case, the father of these children, came to Washtenaw county in 1831, and settled on sec. 19, where the subject of this sketch has lived ever since. Mr. Case was married Dec. 19, 1850, to Sarah Putnam, a relative of Gen. Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. This union has been blessed with 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, and these children now form a fine quartette of voices in vocal music. They are William M., Mary R., Vernah J. and Charles P. All of this family are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. C. is no politician, but takes a deep interest in Church affairs. He was Sun- day-school Superintendent for several years.

John Costello, merchant, Dexter, was born in Dexter village in 1832. He is the son of Kyran and Hannah (Ryan) Costello, both of Irish nativity. He attended the Dexter schools, where he received his education. When 20 years of age he opened a general store in Dexter, and was in this business till 1862, when, in con- nection with Mr. Evarts, they purchased the City Mills of Dexter, which they controlled till August, 1880. Mr. C. was also largely interested in the Scio Mills,

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some three miles from Dexter, about this same time, but neither proving a finan" cial success he sold out and started in his present business. He was married in 1864 to Mary Ann Harris, and to this union have been born 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls. Mr. and Mrs. Costello are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He is not connected with any political party, but votes for the men of his choice. He has been elected President of the Village Board three times, also served as Clerk and Treasurer of Scio tp.

David B. Cowden was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1842. His parents were Ira and Lorinda (Davis) Cowden, natives of New York, the former of Irish and the latter of English descent. He received his educational training in the public schools of his native State, and followed farming as an occupation until 1870, when he entered the cooper-shop at Delhi Mills, where he has since been steadily engaged. In 1378 he married Phoebe Dwight, and 2 children have been sent to them-Norman Ira and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Cowden are members of the Con- gregational Church. Mr. Cowden is a faithful adherent of the principles of the Republican party. He came to Washtenaw county in 1862.

George S. Crampton, carriage manufacturer and blacksmith, Dexter, was born in Ann Arbor in 1852. He is the son of Adam and Ann (Beal) Crampton, who were of English descent, and emigrated to Washtenaw county in 1842, settling in Ann Arbor. Mr. C. attended the high school in Ann Arbor, where he gained what education he possesses. He learned the blacksmith trade when young, and a few years ago he started in his present business in Dexter, and it has proved a finan- cial success. In 1878 he was married to Maggie Billey. They are both members in good standing ot the Episcopal Church. He is a Republican.

Hon. Alexander D. Crane, attorney at law, Dexter, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1809, a son of Stephen and Keturah A. (Topping) Crane natives of New Jersey. At a very early date in the history of our country, two brothers came from England, and settled in Connecticut. In order to make a distinction in their names, one called himself Craine, and the other went by the name of Crane. Alexander was a descendant of this latter one, and was reared to manhood in his native State. He spent his early life on a farm until he was 16 years of age, at which time he was apprenticed to a blacksmith. In a few years he gained a thorough knowledge of this useful "art," and continued to follow it until 1832, when ill health caused him to abandon it. On Nov. 24, 1827, he first entered Washtenaw county-a region in which he was to gain for himself in the near future, honor, fame and reverence from all classes of its citizens. Notwith- standing his limited education, in 1832 he commenced the study of law, and at the same time was elected Constable, and subsequently Deputy Sheriff and Col- lector of Taxes, which latter position he filled for 10 years. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits for about 18 months, at the expiration of which time (1843) he was admitted to the Bar, and licensed to practice in the legal profession. He con- tinued at his chosen calling until 1849, when he was appointed Postmaster of Dexter, by President Fillmore. During the time of his official career he was elected as Justice of the Peace, which office he satisfactorily filled till the close of 1853, when he resigned his Postmastership to accept the office of Prosecuting Attorney, which had been proffered him by the majority of the voters of "fair Washtenaw." Four times in succession he was called upon to preside over the business of the Circuit Court as its Judge, and in 1873 he was appointed Judge of the Fourth Judicial District of Michigan, embracing the counties of Jackson, Ingham and Washtenaw, which seat he filled with honor and credit for three years. Since that time he has almost retired from active life, as the frosts of many winters have passed over his noble head, leaving behind them traces of old age and whitened locks, which prevent the Judge from accepting any of those fatiguing duties which were constantly showered down upon him in younger days. He still practices as an attorney, and his opinion on matters public and private are eagerly sought after by his numerous friends and clients, Like other pioneers of any section of this State Mr. Crane has had a war record, but so brief as to need only a slight mention in this sketch. In 1861 he raised a company of 101 men, and entered the service of the United States as their Captain. After three short months, ill health and an injury received in the service, compelled him to resign, which he did with reluctance, and sustained by the hope that he might possibly do as much good in words and actions at home as he would have done while fighting in the many battles that were chronicled in the pages of history. On Feb. 6, 1830, in Detroit, Mich., Mr. Crane married Nancy Smith, who was

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born in Erie county, Pa. There were 6 children born to this union, 1 of whom is living-James M., a telegraph operator of Grand Rapids. Mrs. Crane departed this life Sept. 13, 1842, and in 1843 he married Mrs. Julia A. Tipping, who was born in Germany in 1799. The angel of death once more laid his cold and clammy hand on the wife of his bosom, and on June 21, 1862, Mr. Crane laid her away in the tomb while his heart was heavily laden with sorrow and pain. Time passed on, and believing it was best that man should have a companion in this world, in February, 1863, he married Helen L. Palmer, a native of New York, where she was born April 15, 1823. In the years that have come and gone this couple have been gladdened by the gift of 3 children-Charles F., born Dec. 28, 1863; George and Stephen, twins, born Dec. 28, 1865. Mr. Crane was present at the birth of the Republican party, at Jackson, Mich., in 1854, and at that time and place solemnly resolved to cast his fortunes with the new party, and followed its teach- ings and precepts through the stormy days of the Rebellion, and when its mar- tyred President freed from bondage the 4,000,000 slaves within the borders of the Union, none were more thankful than the subject of this sketch, and in its welfare and prosperity none have taken a deeper interest than Mr. Crane. He was a member of the Soldiers' Convention that nominated Gen. Grant for President of the United States, and his vote was recorded as one in that vast majority which placed the "Hero of Appomattox" in the highest seat in the nation. Hon. Alexander D. Crane is a man of sound judgment, quick perception, full of gen- uine humor, frankly abrupt in speech, of a warm and deeply affectionate nature, attaching his friends to him with peculiar devotion, and making himself, all unconsciously, a general favorite in the community which has so long known him.

Sidney R. Crissy, operator, M. C. railroad, Delhi Mills, was born in Washtenaw county in 1853. His parents were James and Luna W. (Kellogg) Crissy, the for- mer a native of New Jersey, and the latter a native of New York. He obtained his education at the Pontiac High School, and the State Agricultural College, at Lansing. He was married May 24, 1877, to Jessie E. Buck. This union has been blessed with 2 children-Myron S. and Winfred R. His wife is a member of the New Jerusalem Church.

Benjamin Culy, farmer, sec. 8, Scio tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in England in 1818, and is the son of Benjamin and Ann (Ward) Culy, both natives of England. He came to America in 1835, and to Washtenaw county the same year, and set- tled where he now lives. He was a farmer's boy, and was given his education in the common schools of his native country. In 1847 he was married to Sophia Kehnle, a native of Germany. William Henry, Benjamin, Abraham (deceased), Israel and Sophia Matilda are the children who have been born to them. Mr. C. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He owns a good farm of 78 acres.

Abram Davis, employed in the Delhi Mills, was born in New York in 1830. His parents were Abram L. and Nancy (Carter) Davis, natives of New Jersey. He was reared and educated in Washtenaw county, and learned the trade of miller, which occupation he has followed the greater part of his life. He was married in 1857, and 1 child, Delos, born Sept. 27, 1863, has been given to them. Mr. Davis is the happy possessor of a well-improved farm.

James E. Davis, cooper and farmer, was born in New York in 1819, and is a son of Abram L., and Nancy (Carter) Davis, natives of New Jersey, the former of English descent, and the latter of German ancestry. In 1845 he married Mina Plow, and 5 children have been sent to them-Henry, Emanuel, Orville, Carrie L. and Louisa. Mr. Davis came to this county in 1854, and has worked at the cooper's trade for 25 years, 20 years of that time foreman in the shop at Delhi Mills. He was Road Commissioner one term. Mr. Davis owns 93 acres of good land, situated on sections 2 and 11, his residence being in the former. Politically he casts his vote for the Democratic candidates.

James Henry Davis, farmer, Scio tp., res. Delhi Mills, was born in New York in 1849, and is the son of James E. and Mina (Plow) Davis. He received his education in the States of New York and Michigan. He learned the cooper's trade, and worked at it for seven years. He was married in 1873, to Helen Laura Buck- lin, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Charles Bucklin. They have 1 child, born Nov. 27, 1879. Mrs. Davis was born May 1, 1853. Mr. Davis came to this county in 1856, and in his farming operations has been financially successful.

John Dawson, Dexter, was born in Ireland, Dec. 20, 1832. He is the son of James and Mary (Cunningham) Dawson. His father was an old pioneer of this

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county, coming to Ann Arbor in 1844. John was married in 1849, to Margaret Burns. They have had 4 children-Mary and Sarah, deceased, and Maggie and Nellie. Mr. and Mrs. D., are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the owner of 180 acres of good farm land.

John H. Devine, merchant, Dexter, was born in 1856. He is the son of John and Mary (Finnegan) Devine, the former a native of New York, the latter of Michigan, and both of Irish descent. J. H. received his education in Webster township, and the Ann Arbor High School. He was married Feb. 1, 1878, to Cathe- rine L. Denn. They have 1 child, Francis Henry. Mr. Devine is engaged, since 1876, with his father in the mercantile business in Dexter, of which they are mak- ing a success. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and politically is a Democrat. He is also Deputy Clerk of Scio township.

John D. Doane, retired farmer, Dexter, was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., July 8, 1810. He is the son of Joshua and Polly (Sauburn) Doane, both natives of Ver- mont, and the former of French descent, while the latter was of Irish and English parentage. He received his education in the common schools of the town of Shoreham, Vt. He is an old pioncer of Washtenaw county, coming here Oct. 14, 1831, and so poor that he had to hire out to different persons to get money with which to live. He lived on sec. 15 in Dexter township for over 40 years. Mr. D. was a First Lieutenant in the Black Hawk war, but since then has performed no military duty. In 1832 he was married to Emily Cooper, and 1 daughter, now the wife of a Mr. Crane, was the fruit of this union. Mrs. Doane died two years after marriage, and he was married again to Ann Mower, who has borne him 10 children, 4 boys and 6 girls. He is the owner of 80 acres of well-improved land, also has property in Dexter, where he now resides. Mr. D. told the writer a story of his early pioneer life in this section, and had we the pen of a Washington Irving we could put it before the many readers of this volume in a graphic style; however, we will do the best we can : Mr. D. had been some distance from home on busi- ness, and seeing he could not get back before dark, he resolved to go to an Indian village not far away, and pass the night there. He came to the place, but the "red men " had departed, and not a trace of their present whereabouts remained. Night was fast coming on, and Mr. D. not wishing to remain out on the prairie all night, concluded the best thing he could do was to try and get home. He started, but had not gone very far when a wolf's howl slowly resounded through the wild, falling like a death dirge on the ear of this lonely man. He immediately started on a run, but ere long another, and then another of those unearthly yells, foretold the presence of a pack of these animals who delight to feast off the bones of such pioneers as have chanced to be lost on these Western prairies. In a few minutes they were at his heels, but resolving to sell his life dearly, he backed up to a tree, and drawing his tomahawk made a lunge at the foremost one but did not hit him. They kept at some little distance, as though sure of their prey and in no hurry to begin the feast. He watched them for some time, as it was a bright moonlight night; as he was a God-fearing man, he concluded to get down on his knees and pray for deliverance. This he did, and when he arose, it was with renewed feelings of hope, and being so happy he commenced singing. He soon saw that whenever he did this, the wolves were afraid to come near him. He then started toward home, a distance of 14 long weary miles, and he was forced to sing almost the entire distance. On the homeward march he got very thirsty, and coming to a small stream of water he knelt down to quench his burning thirst. He had hardly taken one swallow, before a howl startled him, as if to admonish him not to entirely ignore the savage beasts on the bank near him. He would then take a sup and stop and sing a strain ; this he repeated till he had drank all the water he wished. This water was so dear to the tired wanderer that he re- solved to name the stream Dear creek, which name it still bears. Continuing his journey homeward, in the same way as before, he arrived all safe and sound, and very thankful for his deliverance from a horrible death. In the morning his father came to his house early and saw seven of the pack still prowling around the house. The remainder had disappeared, but Mr. Doane is confident there were more than 150 following him that long distance. Mr. Doane is a consistent member of the M. E. Church and was the first Class-leader of that denomination in Dexter village.

When Mr. Doane was first married, he met with what was quite a set-back at the time ; he with his wife and team of oxen and wagon started for Dexter to buy things suitable for housekeeping, including crockery, window-glass, groceries,

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window sash, etc. etc., spending some $30. for crockery, and other things in proportion. After procuring all these necessaries in town and loading them into the wagon, Mrs. Doane started on ahead a-foot while Mr. D. drove down to the grist- mill to get a grist that he had brought to have ground. He drove up to the mill, jumped out, and went to the door, calling for his grist, when the miller called out, "Your oxen are running," and on his looking around the oxen, wagon andeverything it contained were upset in the mill-race; and although finally the oxen were taken out alive, many of the necessary articles they had bought were destroyed, barely saving enough of the crockery for him and his wife to eat on; this was quite a severe loss at this time, as they had not the wherewith to procure more at that time.

Norman Dwight, farmer, sec. 11, Scio tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Massa- chusetts, in 1815, and is a son of Oliver and Mehitable (Keep) Dwight, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Mr. Dwight received his educational training in the common school, and in 1838 came to Washtenaw county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. He has been thrice married. His pres- ent wife's parents settled in this county in 1835. Mr. D. started in life a poor boy but by energy and perseverance he has succeeded manfully, and at present owns 100 acres of tillable land. He has 4 children, 1 son and 1 daughter being married. The daughter married David V. Cowden, a cooper residing at Delhi Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Dwight are members of the Congregational Church in Web- ster tp., in which body, Mr. D. has been Deacon for some time. He is also Super- intendent of the Sunday-school, and endeavors to the best of his ability to walk in the straight and narrow path. He is Republican in politics, and for 10 years he was a School Director of Scio tp.

John H. Evarts, formerly senior member of the firm of Evarts & Costello, pro- prietors Scio and Dexter Mills, was born in New York, April 11, 1825. His parents were Amos and Mary Evarts, natives of New York, and of English de- scent. When he was 21 years old he learned the milling business, and in 1862 came to Washtenaw county and formed a co-partnership with Mr. Costello, in the above mentioned business. Trade flourished for quite a period, the firm be- ing estimated, at one time, as worth $30,000; but ruin fell upon them, leaving each with barely nothing. Mr. Evarts has leased the Scio Mills again, and is now engaged in his chosen occupation. In 1852 he married Martha E. Wing. They have 2 children-Frank and Minnie E. Frank married Mary Willey, and is en- gaged in mercantile pursuits in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Evarts is a Democrat in politics, and has been Trustee of Dexter, and member of the School Board.

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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 87

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