History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 88

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 88

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Dr. Alexander Ewing (deceased), one of the most prominent physicians of Washtenaw county, was born in the north of Ireland, April 5,1819. In 1833 his parents emigrated to America. Mr. Ewing graduated from the Geneva Medical College in 1839, and then settled in Lima tp., this county. In 1847 he removed to Dexter, where he practiced his profession the remainder of life. In 1852 he was elected to the Michigan Legislature, of which he was a prominent member. He married a sister of Luther James, Esq., of Lima tp., who still survives. He was Surgeon of the 13th Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and was once an inmate of Libby Prison. Up to the time of his death he held the position of Examining Surgeon for pen- sions. He was a firm believer in Christianity, and gave liberally toward the sup- port of religion. In politics he was a Republican. He was a worthy Free Mason, and loved Masonry for its morality, and practiced its teachings for love of them. He died at Dexter, and was buried from St. James' Church on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1879. The business of the village was entirely suspended during the funeral, and an immense concourse of friends followed his remains to the grave.

David M. Finley, farmer, sec. 16, Scio tp., was born in Livingston county, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1830, and is the son of William and Sarah (Wattles) Finley, both na- tives of Connecticut, and of Scotch parentage. He was sent to the district school of his native State, and finished his education in an academy. He was endowed by nature with considerable talent, and as a doctor or lawyer would have stood high in the profession. But he chose farming as an occupation, and it has been a finan- cial success to him, as he now owns and farms 400 acres of rich alluvial land. He was married at Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Fin- ley are members of the M. E. Church. When a boy, his father and brother were civil engineers, and Mr. F. gained a good knowledge of surveying, so when elected as Drain Commissioner of Washtenaw county, he put his knowledge to a practi- cal test, and with very satisfactory results. He served eight years as Secretary

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

of the Washtenaw County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and officiated four years as its President. He has been elected several times to represent his township in the County Board of Supervisors, and has filled several local offices. Politically he is a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party. He is a natural mechanic and has done the greater part of the labor in the construc- tion of the buildings erected on his farm. He is the 11th child of a family of 14 children, of whom only 4 are living.

John T. Forchue, barber, Dexter, is a native of Virginia, and the son of Alfred and Amanda (McZaro) Forchue, the former an American Indian, and the latter a native of Spain. In his early days John came to Illinois, and hired out to Mr. Bradford, of that State, to labor in the field. When his day's toil was ended, Mrs. Bradford would teach him the letters of the alphabet, and how to spell, and he soon became so proficient as to be able to read and spell for himself. He has added to this early knowledge from time to time, and at present can read and write as well as if he had been educated in the public schools In 1860 he removed to Michigan, where he worked on a farm till he was 25 years old. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union army, and served three years fighting for the star- spangled banner, being engaged in four great battles, and twice wounded, once a prisoner, and when escaping brought away also a contraband. He came to Dex- ter in 1877, and the following year opened a tonsorial parlor, in which business he has been successful. He married Elnora Elonzo Arito, a native of Spain, and she bore him 1 child, Elonzo, and then died. In 1875 he married Anna Bunda, and this alliance has resulted in the birth of 3 children-Anna, Elnora and Alice. He is a Republican, and a prominent member of the Dexter Red Ribbon Club.

W. C. Foster, farmer, sec. 26, Scio tp., was born in Orange county, N. Y., Oct 11, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Crist) Foster, natives of the "Em- pire State." Mr. Foster came with his parents to this county at an early date, and settled on the farm where he now resides. In 1865 he married Alice Anderson, and 7 children have been the result of this union-Charles S., Carrie, Cora, Bertie L., Frank, Benjamin L. and Keron. Mr. Foster owns 80 acres of richly cultivated land, and also farms 80 acres belonging to his father. He resides in a neat and substantial brick residence, and in business matters has been financially success- ful.

Elder L. L. Gage, pastor of Baptist Church, Dexter, was born in Madison county, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1830. He was the son of Solomon and Irena (Howe) Gage, the for- mer a native of Connecticut, and the latter a native of Massachusetts, both of English descent. His father was a farmer, and Mr. G. worked on the farm in summer, and attended the district school in winter, till he was 19 years of age, when he commenced to teach school, though still assisting his father on the farm during the months of vacation. In a few years he went to Rochester University, where he studied faithfully for some time, finishing his literary course in 1854, and graduating from the Theological Seminary in 1856. This same year he was married to Cornelia A. Hill, who lived only a few months after their nuptials were celebrated. In October, 1861, he was again married-this time to Angie M. Ved- der, who has proved a faithful wife to him through many a weary year. The fruits of this marriage are 2 children-Frank B., born in 1862, and Nellie L., born in 1868. Elder Gage had united with the Baptist Church of his native place when but 18 years of age, and believing he could assist in his feeble way to build up the cause of Christ, he was ordained to preach in 1856, and shortly afterward emi- grated West, and settled in Tama City, Iowa. In his new field of labor he worked incessantly for the good of the cause he represented, and had the satisfaction of seeing a Church organized with a membership of 50, and a building erected for public worship. He afterward removed to Dexter, where he has since resided. The Church under his charge in this latter place is in a flourishing and prosperous condition, and Elder Gage ministers to the spiritual wants of his flock in a kind and fatherly manner, being highly esteemed by all with whom he is acquainted.

Frank W. Goodale, senior member of Goodale & Henley, proprietors Delhi Mills, and dealers in ground plaster, lumber, lath, and shingles, is a son of Nor- man C. and Amanda M. T. (Smedley) Goodale. He followed in the footsteps of his father, and has made a success out of the milling business. The firm give steady employment to about 20 men, and make flour, which finds a ready sale in the New England markets. In 1870 he married Jennie Patterson, who died in 1871. His second marriage was to Jennie Burt, in 1872, and they have 2 children

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

-N. C. and Fred. B. Mr. Goodale is Postmaster of Delhi Mills, and Justice of the Peace. He once served as Constable.

Norman C. Goodale (deceased), the founder of Delhi Mills, was born in Am- herst, Mass., Feb. 11, 1813, and was a son of Levi and Harriet (Church) Goodale, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. He received a common-school education, and when 14 years old was so unfortunate as to have one of his arms crushed, depriving him of the use of it ever after. He early learned the milling trade, and in 1835 came to Washtenaw county and bought a saw-mill, where now stands the village of Delhi Mills, paying for it $50, the entire amount of his ready money. Many prophesied his financial ruin, but, strange to say, he prospered, and soon started the flouring mill, which still makes a first-class quality of flour. He owned the land thereabouts, and such were the feelings toward whisky and its attending evils, that before selling any of the ground, he made each and every one sign a contract never to sell any intoxicating drinks on his or her premises, and this agreement has been respected up to the present time, the consequence being that the people of Delhi Mills are all comfortably settled in life, and crimes and brawls are seldom seen. He married Appama Burnett, but death came to her release, and some time after he was joined in marriage to Ruth E. Smedley. The destroying angel once more claimed a victim in this happy house- hold, and Mrs. Goodale was laid at rest in the tomb. His next marriage was to Amanda M. T. Smedley, and this union was blessed with 1 child-Frank W. Mrs. Goodale was the youngest of a family of 13 children, and born in Pennsyl- vania in 1832. Her parents were of Welsh descent. Mr. and Mrs. Goodale were members of the Congregational Church, and in politics he was a Republican. He was a man who always stood firm for the right, and was a kind and needy counselor and friend to all with whom he had acquaintance. As before stated, he was comparatively poor when he commenced business in this county, but by economy. thrift and perseverance, he acquired property whose estimated value at the time of his death was $200,000. He died in 1877, and was lamented by a large circle of friends and neighbors. Even in his last will and testament, he did not forget the poor, but made them handsome presents.

A portrait of Mr. Goodale is given in this volume.

Hon. James S. Gorman, member of present Legislature from Washtenaw Co., Dexter; was born in Lyndon tp., Washtenaw Co., Dec. 28, 1850. He is the son of Peter and Catharine (Conlon) Gorman, both natives of Ireland, and early settlers in this county, Peter coming here in 1834, and his wife following some two years later. Mr. P. is one of a family of 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls, the lat- ter being dead, and was sent to the Chelsea common school, where he received his primary education. He worked on his father's farm till 18 years of age, when he met with an accident which deprived him of one of his strong arms. Soon after he was sent to the Michigan University, where he graduated in 1876, with high honors. He then entered the law office of Hammel & Parkinson, Jackson, Mich., where he remained for some time. He was Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson county for two years, and then opened an office of his own. He remained in Jackson till Nov., 1879, when he came to Dexter and soon after- ward was elected by the Democratic party to the office of Justice of the Peace, and in 1880 to the honorable position of member of the Legislature from Wash- tenaw Co., which position he now fills with honor and credit to himself and the many citizens of his native county.

Amos Gray, M. D., Dexter, was born in Windham Co., Vt., Feb. 2, 1804, and is the son of Amos and Betsy (Taylor) Gray, natives of Massachusetts. Amos at- tended the public schools of his native village until 19 years old, subsequently being a student at Brattleboro College for three terms. He taught school seven winters, and then entered a medical college in Vermont, and graduated from college at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1830. He came to Michigan in 1832, and settled in Dexter village the same year. When the cholera broke out in Calhoun county, Dr. Gray was one of the first physicians called, and remained with the sufferers till the epidemic had passed. Dr. Gray was an allopathic physician the first 17 years of his medical life, but at the expiration of that period he was converted to the other school, and up to 1875, was a homeopathic physician of great prom- inence. Since that time he has mostly retired from active practice. Dec. 11, 1833, he married S. Jenetta Noble, born in Otsego Co. N. Y., May 13, 1813. Six children were born to them, 4 of whom are living-Charles G., Helen, wife of J. B. Farrand, Fort Harrison, Mich .; Emily S., wife of Samuel C. Cook, of Grand

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Rapids, and Cora E. Augusta and William A. are deceased. Dr. Gray is the oldest practicing physician in Washtenaw county, and assisted in organizing the Episcopal Church of Dexter about 1840, officiating as Trustee of that body until 1876. He has held several local offices, and in politics adheres to the principles of the Democratic party.

C. S. Gregory, senior member of the firm of U. S. Gregory & Son, bankers, Dex- ter; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1816; son of Matthew F. and Nancy (Seymour) Gregory. His parents were natives of Connecticut, and descendants of bonny Scotland. Mr. G. was raised on a farm, and received but a limited edu- cation, only being allowed to attend an academy one term. He was married be- fore arriving at his 21st year to Margaret Vannest, and began married life on a rented piece of ground, even going in debt for a team of horses and a wagon He worked this land on " shares " for three years, and then bought a quarter sec- tion of wild land, and moved upon it. This union has been blessed with 6 children, 5 of whom are still living-Nancy S., John V. N., Elizabeth J., Mary L., Henry C. and Olive Leland, the latter dying on May 30, 1874. Mr. Gregory and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church, in which Mr. G. holds an official position. In politics Mr. G. is a Democrat, and has been connected with that party ever since he became of age to vote. He has been honored with the office of member of the Michigan Legislature, which he held for three years, also has been Supervisor of Scio tp. for four years and Trustee of Dexter High School 18 years. Mr. G. has been blessed abundantly in a financial way, and is to-day probably the wealthiest man in Dexter.

Mr. Gregory first came to the Territory of Michigan Sept., 1834, and located with his father's family on sec. 20, Scio tp., he then .being about 18 years of age. Mr. Gregory's parents lived in this county for nearly 25 years. They thad a family of 7 children-only one, the subject of this sketch, coming to Michigan with them. Their names were Abigail, Henry, Curtis, Olive, Ezra, Almond and Chas. Seymour. In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. G. went to live with their son Henry, who was then President of Devaux College at Niagara Falls, which was under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of New York, he being a clergyman. Here they lived until 1859, when Mrs. G. succumbed to the consumption, a disease with which she had been afflicted for many years. She died Dec. 13, 1859, aged about 78 years. Her husband returned to Dexter and resided with the subject of this sketch, at whose house he died Jan. 11, 1869, aged 90 years, 5 months and 10 days.

Mr. C. S. Gregory is one of the oldest settlers now living in the county.

Albert Guest, merchant, Dexter, was born in New York State, Jan. 27, 1817. He is the son of Richard and Phoebe (Riggs) Guest, both natives of New Jersey, the former of Welsh, and the latter of French descent. His father was a black- smith in the early part of his life, but was farming when Mr. G. was born, and the subject of this sketch had the advantage of being raised on a farm, and com- mencing life in a hard and rugged way, for which he was very thankful afterward. He was allowed to attend school in the winter, and received his early education in the primitive methods taught in the " deestrict skules" of that day.In 1841 he was united in marriage to Catharine Waldo, and she bore him 2 children, 1 of which, a son, is still living, and is at present a successful portrait-painter in the city of Chicago, Ill. His wife was called away from her earthly home in 1848, and in 1849, Mr. G. was married to Ellen Muscott, a lady of more than ordinary culture and refinement. She is also a native of New York, and the fruit of this latter marriage is 1 child, a daughter-Ella H., born July 7, 1852. She was married to Edmund C. Hoyt, a bookkeeper and stenographer of good ability. Mr. Guest commenced to learn his present trade (harness-making) at the age of 16, and has faithfully adhered to it since, with the exception of two years (from 1851 to 1853) when he was forced to go to California to regain his lost health. He has operated his trade in Dexter for over 40 years, and has been very successful withal, owning a neat shop and a neat and substantial residence in the village.

John Henley, of the firm of Goodale & Henley, proprietors Delhi Mills, is a native of New Jersey, and the only member of that family in this region of coun- try. His parents, brothers and sisters are dead and he knows of no relatives of that name in the Western States. He was thrown upon his own resources at the early age of 10 years, and the only schooling he received was two months at Ann Arbor. At the age of 14, he entered a grist-mill at Ann Arbor, and learned the trade, continuing in that business through life. In 1862 he married Harriet

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Kimberley, a native of Webster tp, Washtenaw county. Three children have been the result of this union-Cora A., Minnie C. and Nina Bertha. Mr. Henley casts his vote with the party that placed Abraham Lincoln in the Presidential chair.

James H. Hollis, Dexter, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1819. His parents were Ira P. and Eunice (Woodward) Hollis, of English descent, the former a na- tive of New York, and the latter a native of Connecticut. James H. received a common-school education, and in 1856, moved to Washtenaw county, where he has since resided. During his life, he has been engaged in several different kinds of business, first starting as a stone-cutter, and operated a quarry, for nine years. He owned a livery stable for four years, but of late has turned his attention to farming, and doing carpenter work. He married Thana Saponia Hesmere, but she departed this life in 1875. He was then married to Jane Van Fleet, a daugh- ter of John Van Fleet. They have 3 children-George Marcus, Jeanette C. and Arthur. Mr. Hollis is a Democrat.

S. W. Holmes was born in New York, in 1816, and is a son of John and Eliza- beth (Wygant) Holmes, who were early settlers in this county. S. W. learned the carpenter's trade when young, and worked at that business in Ohio, and later at Ann Arbor. In 1838 he married Frances C. Peters, daughter of G. W., and sister of George A. Peters. They have 5 children living-Frances J., now Mrs. Copeland, Adda, widow of Mr. Wurster, deceased, who was killed by falling from a scaffold, on Mr. Holmes' farm in 1876; Libbie, widow of Mr. Brigg, deceased, who de- parted this life in 1877; Herman S., who married Edith Cushman, and is engaged in mercantile pursuits, in Chelsea, and Eva, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. Holmes is a convert to the Greenback policy, and is a member of the Scio Grange. He is also a member of the Freemason and I. O. O. F. fraternities. He has been successful in life, and at present owns a good farm.

Tobias Holmes, a pioneer of Washtenaw county, was born Aug. 26, 1824. Mr. Holmes' grandparents on his father's side were natives of Ireland, and his mother's parents were born in Pennsylvania, the father being of German descent, and the mother of Scotch and German ancestry. Mr. Holmes' parents removed from Ohio to Livingston Co., Mich, in 1836, with an ox team, and to this county in 1842. Upon arrival in Scio tp., he immediately set to work to build a log cabin. He did so and left a hole in the roof to let out the smoke, not having time to build a chimney. He had so much labor to do, that Tobias, although only 13 years old, was set to work, and did not have time to attend school, only in the winter months. Schools, like chimneys. were scarce in those pioneer days, but in a few years they became plenty, and Tobias received a good common-school education. In 1847, he married Catherine Warren, and six children have been given to them-Ellen J., Elizabeth, Isabella, G. W., Mary E. and Herbert. Mrs. Holmes died, and Mr. Holmes subsequently married Ida R. Lamphere, a native of Washtenaw county. Her parents emigrated to this county in 1830, and settled near Ann Arbor. The mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are connected with the M. E. denomination. .

J. T. Honey, attorney at law, Dexter, is a native of New York, where he was born in 1837. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Honey, the former a native of England, and the latter a native of Canada, emigrated to Michigan in 1850, and settled in Ingham county, where the former is still living. J. T. had a great de- sire for an education, so he worked out by the month, first at four dollars, and finally at eight, and with the money thus earned, he was enabled to somewhat gratify this thirst for knowledge. He commenced to study law in 1857, and in 1860 was admitted to the Bar. The same year he moved to Chelsea, Washtenaw Co., and entered into partnership with A. J. Sawyer, now of Ann Arbor. He con- tinued in this relation until 1861, when he removed to Dexter, where he has since resided in the practice of his chosen profession. He was appointed Postmaster of Dexter, by President Lincoln, which office he has since filled. He married Mary E. Deviney, born in 1842, and of English and French descent. They have 3 children-Bell, Robert and Kate.

J. O. Hoyt, of the firm of Ball & Hoyt, dealers in general merchandise, Dexter, was born in Orange county, N. Y., March 20, 1829. He is the son of James and Lydia (Leeds) Hoyt, both natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. He at- tended school but a short time, and then learned the harness trade, which he afterward followed successfully for 34 years, traveling through many of the States. He came to Washtenaw county in 1858, and settled in Ann Arbor, but

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

two years later removed to Dexter, where he has since resided. At 28 years of age he was married to Jane W. Ludlum, also a native of Orange county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. H's political views are Republican, and he has been President of the corporation twice, and served two terms as Township Treasurer. He entered into the present partnership in 1870, and has been very successful in his new enterprise.

Jacob Jedele, sr., was born in Germany, in 1828. He is the son of Jacob and Mary Jedele, who came to this country at an early day. He was sent to the dis- trict schools, but finished his education in Ann Arbor High School. Since his school days he has been a farmer, in which business he has been very successful, as he now owns 280 acres of choice improved land. In 1850 he was married to Martha Rohm, and the result of this alliance has been 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls, 2 of each being married. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a Democrat. Mr. Jedele came to this county a poor man, but by industry and perseverance has succeeded in accumulating a competency sufficient to make smooth his path during the remainder of his days. He al- ways stands in the front rank in any enterprise that tends to elevate or ennoble the moral or educational views of the community. He resides on sec. 29, Scio tp., with P. O. at Dexter.

S. L. Jenney, dentist, Dexter, was born in New York, July 28, 1844. He is the son of James and Abba L. (Taylor) Jenney, his father a native of Massachu- setts, and his mother a native of New York. Mr. J. attended the school of his native place for some years in his early life ; after being some time at the graded school he went to Poughkeepsie, where he obtained his commercial education. He came to Washtenaw Co., and commenced to study dentistry with Dr. Miller, of Dexter, and some time after opened an office of his own, where he soon obtained a lucrative practice, and is at present enjoying a good run of custom. In 1867 he was married to Eliza Tewksbury, and this union has been blessed with one child-Ethel A. Mr. Jenney's office is in Masonic Block, Dexter.

Stephen G. Johnson, farmer, sec. 3, Scio tp., was born in Ontario, Canada. His parents are William and Esther (Turney) Johnson, of English descent, the former a native of New York, and the latter a native of Connecticut. S. G. received his education in the schools of Canada, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for 13 years. In 1837 he came to Washtenaw county, and in 1844 settled in Scio tp. In 1843 he married Ellen Jane Seymour, a na- tive of New York. They have 5 children-William T., Jane E., Esther H., Le- vinia W.and Chester S. Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and has been elected to sev- eral positions of honor and trust, in Scio tp. He owns a valuable farm.

James R. Joiner, hotel and livery, Dexter, was born in Pennsylvania July 20, 1830. He emigrated to this county in 1859, where he has since resided. He was married in 1859 to Miss A. Butterfield, a native of this county, where she was born Feb. 22, 1838. Her parents were among the early settlers of this county, having come here in 1826. By this marriage 6 children have been born to them-Fred- erick, Fate, Nellie I., Minnie M., Louisa B. and William N. Mr. J. is a prominent man in this county, and has filled the office of Deputy Sheriff, and minor offices for several terms. He is doing a good business in Dexter, and is well-respected by all with whom he has acquaintance.

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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 88

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