History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 89

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 89

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L. II. Jones, retired merchant, Dexter, was born in New York, March £6, 1819. He is the son of Ezra and Sarah (Calkins) Jones, both natives of Connecticut and the former of Welsh descent, while the latter is of English ancestry. Mr. Jones' parents came to Washtenaw county when he was but 14 years of age, and he as- sisted his father on a farm in summer, and attended school in winter, till he was of age to do for himself. On Dec. 27. 1849, he was married to Mary Dexter, daughter of Samuel W. Dexter, an old pioneer and settler of Washtenaw county, and at one time owning 1,700 acres of land in this county. Mr. Dexter was also at one time the proprietor of the land where Dexter village now stands. Of this marriage 1 child has been sent to make happy the old age of this good couple- Fanny E., a member in good standing in the Episcopal Church, as are also he father and mother. Mr. J. was in the mercantile trade in Wayne county, Mich., for five years, and then coming to Dexter, be engaged in the same business, but of late years, having acquired a competency, has retired from the active pursuits of life, and is resting the balance of his days in comfort and quietude. He is the owner of 270 acres of land in Scio tp., and has a neat and substantial residence in Dexter, where he now resides., Mr. Jones is a Democrat in politics, and has served four years as Supervisor from Scio tp.

Dennis Warner

Martha In. Warner

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

John Kalmbach, jr., farmer, sec. 1, Scio tp., was born in Germany in 1857. His father, John Kalmbach, sr., came to Washtenaw county in 1869, where the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. His mother's maiden name was Katie Bebley, and she has borne her husband 5 children-George, Jacob, Christine, Katie and John. John Kalmbach, sr., and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

W. Irving Keal, druggist, Dexter, was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1842. He is the son of Thomas and Rosalind (Ela) Keal, the former a native of England, and the latter a native of New Hampshire. He attended the schools in Ann Arbor in his early life, but since 1861 his occupation has been that of a druggist. He came to Dexter in 1863, and entered into partnersnip with Dr. Ewing, but the latter dy- ing in 1866, he has operated the business alone. He was married in 1864 to Jen- nie E. Smith. and they have 3 children-Nellie, George, and a baby not named. Mrs. Keal is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. K. is a member of the Green. back party, and has served as Township Clerk for three terms. He is thoroughly versed in all points of his business, and is making a success of his calling.

James Kearns, of the firm of Andrews & Kearns, carriage manufacturers, Dexter, was the only son of Richard and Bridget (Dargen) Kearns, natives of Ireland, who came to Ann Arbor in 1836 or 1837. The subject of this sketch was one of two children, and born in Ann Arbor July 19, 1843. His sister married John Mil- len, a farmer of Lyndon tp., but died in 1879. Mr. K. is the only living member of the family, having lost his father when but four years old, and his mother some few years later. He attended the high school in Ann Arbor, where he received his education. In 1866 he was married to Mary Walters. They have 3 children- Richard, William and Mary Tressia. Mr. Kearns came to Dexter Nov. 4, 1867, and worked at his trade of blacksmithing, and of late years has added the present trade to the one he possessed. He is doing well, financially. Mr. K. and wife are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat, having filled several offices in Dexter. He is a strong advocate of the temperance cause.

Marten Keck, farmer, sec. 33, Scio tp., was born in Germany April 5, 1827. He came to Washtenaw county in 1854, and settled on the land where he now resides. In 1857 he was married to Catherine Shibley. This alliance has been blessed with the birth of 3 children, 2 boys and 1 girl-Catherine, aged 19; John, aged 16 and Samuel, aged 10. Mr. Keck owns 100 acres of excellent farm land in Scio tp. and 18 acres in Lodi tp. All the family are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically, Mr. K. votes with the Democratic party.

Daniel Larkins, P. O., Dexter, was born March 4, 1794, and is the son of Daniel and Bridget (Haran) Larkins, both natives of Ireland. He was raised a farmer's boy and received his education in the common schools. He came to Michigan some years ago, and settled in Livingston county, where he held the office of Jus- tice of the Peace, then came to Dexter about 1865, where he has since resided. He sold his farm of 160 acres some time since, and has now retired from active life. He was married in 1829 to Mary Cortney ; of their 5 children all are mar- ried and doing well. Mr. L. and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and politically he is a Democrat.

Dr. John Lee, physician, Dexter, was born at Toronto, Canada, March 1, 1848. His father and mother were natives of North Ireland, and settled at Toronto, when the name of the place was Little York, and contained only six or eight houses. John graduated from the University of Toronto in 1867, also finishing a course of study at the Commercial College the same year. He came to Michigan in 1868, settling in Detroit, but remained there only six months, when he removed to Washtenaw county, and found employment as a school-teacher. He gradu- ated from the medical department of the University of Michigan, in March, 1876, and subsequently located at Dexter, where he now enjoys a good practice. He is a very promising young man, and enjoys the respect of all with whom he is ac - quainted. In 1867 he married Miss E. F. McCausland, and they have had 3 chil- dren-John W., Mary E. and Clara A.

Daniel Lyon, farmer, sec. 15, Scio tp., was born in this county in 1834, and is the son of L. M. and Luna (Lane) Lyon, natives of New York, and of English descent. His early education was obtained in the district schools of Scio tp., and finished in the Union School in Ypsilanti. He was married April 4, 1864, to Sarah E. Ruckman, a native of Freedom tp., daughter of John and Phoebe (Lane) Ruckman, natives of New Jersey. To this union 6 children were born-Mary, Clara, Elmer, Sarah, Luna and Alma. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Congregational Church. He is the owner of 187 acres of choice improved land, which he has accumulated by 21 years' hard work. He is a member of the Grange, and of the Washtenaw Co. Agricultural and Horticultural Societies. He is a Re- publican, and had two brothers serve in the Federal army during the war of the Rebellion.

Elisha Marsh was born in Scio tp. in 1845. His grandparents were John and Margaret Marsh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His parents, Jonas and Philinda (Quick) Marsh, settled in Washtenaw county at an early day. They were married Nov. 20, 1830, and on that day of the month in 1880 they cele- brated their golden wedding. They were the parents of 10 children, all of whom are married and doing well. The names of the children are-Amelia (now Mrs. Metcalt), Hiram, Thomas, Harriet, Elisha, Henry, Jane, Ezra, Stephen, Ellen (now Mrs. Riley) and Rosanna (now Mrs. Young). Mr. Marsh was married in 1867 to Ellen Cunningham. They have 4 children-Henry Nelson, Stephen, Anna F. and Rose Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he is Liberal. He was educated at the Delhi Graded School.

Patrick McGuinness was born in this county in 1836, and is the son of John McGuinness, an old pioneer of Dexter tp., settling there in 1835, and is still living there. Mr. McG. traveled extensively when young, all over the Western Territories, and walked from the mouth of Columbia river to the top of the Rocky Mountains. He came back to the county, and in 1868 settled on sec. 8, in Scio tp. He was married in 1869 to Julia O'Hara, and 8 children have been born to them-John W., James F., Robert A., Nellie E., Margaret L., and the twins, Carrie E. and Mary E., and Elizabeth L. MI McG. and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a Democrat. IIas been Supervisor two terms, and held other tp. offices.

Edward Moore, farmer, sec. 34, Scio tp., was born in England in 1813. He is a son of Edward and Mary (Sapey) Moore, both natives of England. He received a good educational training in the schools of his native land, and in 1837 emi- grated to this country, and the same year to Washtenaw county, where he arrived with a lone 25 cents constituting his entire fortune. He hired out for $13 per month, and by years of hard labor, perseverance and frugality managed to make enough money to buy a piece of ground. He purchased the farm where he now resides in 1850, and since that time has been very successful as a farmer and stock- raiser. His estate comprises 150 acres of richly cultivated land, valued at $65 per acre. In 1847 he was married to Charlotte Reed. and to this union 4 children have been born-Emily J., George E., John H. and Carrie Ann. Mrs. Moore is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Ann Arbor. He is a Demo- crat.

Charles A. Morris, farmer, sec. 18, Scio tp., was born in school district No. 8, Scio tp., Washtenaw county, in 1834, and has resided there the greater part of his life. He is the son of James and Elizabeth (Carson) Morris, the former of English descent, and the latter a native of New York, and of Irish parentage. In 1855 he was married to Mary Williams, and to this union have been born 6 chil- dren-Nellie J., Rosie J., Charles D., George A., Olive and Willie. He owns 140 acres of richly cultivated land, and in politics adheres to the Republican adminis- tration.

Henry Osborne, lessee of Peninsula Mills, Dexter, was born in New York, Feb. 2, 1822, and is a son of Horace and Waty (Dunham) Osborne, natives of New York. He received his educational training in the public schools of the "Empire State," and learned the trade of a miller, which vocation he has successfully followed through life. His parents came to Washtenaw county in 1837, and built the mill, a sketch of which will be found in another portion of this work. A few years since Mr. Osborne leased the mill and has been operating it since. In 1854 he married Catherine Casement, a native of the Isle of Man, and of English descent. They have 1 child-Maria. Mrs. Osborne is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Osborne owns 100 acres of well-improved land, and is a Republican in politics.

James Osborne was born in New York, March 18, 1833. His parents were Horace and Waty (Dunham) Osborne, who emigrated to Washtenaw county when James was but four years old. He received his educational training in this county, and learned the miller's trade, which he followed for some time In 1855 he married Ellen Tuomy. They have 6 children-Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, Nellie, Horace and Harry. Mrs. Osborne is a member of the Roman Catholic Church . Mr. Osborne is Republican in politics, and is a grain buyer at Ann Arbor.

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

Edward Pacey, farmer on sec. 17, Scio tp., is a native of this county, where he was born in 1836. His father is Edward Pacey, a native of England. He received his educational training in the district schools of Scio tp., and since old enough has been engaged in farming. He has been married three times. In 1860 to Ann Gilkes, and 2 children were born to them. Mrs. Pacey died in 1870. His second wife was Rosetta Peach. His present wife was Margaret Jane Smith, and the latter union has been blessed with 1 child, a bright-eyed little girl named Reasa Bell. Mr. P. has resided in this county all his life, with the exception of nine years spent in Livingston county, Mich. He is a Democrat, and owns a fine farm of 280 acres.

John S. Pacey, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 20, Scio tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in England in 1828. He is the son of Edward and Hannah (Sales) Pacey, who came to this county in 1832. He received part of his education in the common schools, but also attended the Ypsilanti High School for several terms. He was married in 1856 to Nancy S. Gregory, a daughter of C. S. Gregory, a prominent banker in Dexter. Mr. P. is a prominent farmer of Scio tp., and is the possessor of 300 acres of richly improved land. He is a Democrat, and held the office of School Inspector for nearly 20 years. . In business, he has been successful.

George C. Page, J. P., Dexter, was born in England Dec. 25, 1810; son of William and Mary (Bunn) Page. He received but a limited education, only be- ing allowed to attend school till he was 13 years of age, when he was bound to a tailor and served as an apprentice at this trade for six years. At the end of this time, and when but 19 years old, he concluded to try his fortunes in the Western world. He landed in New York city, and went from there to Rochester, where he stayed for about one year. In 1830 he went to Canada and remained there some two years, but desiring to go further into the wilds, he started once more, and finally settled down in Washtenaw Co., where he has since resided. Soon after arriving in this county, he was united in marriage, May 8, 1833, to Ann Brown, and the fruits of this union are 4 children, all living except 1 son, who gave up his life for his country's cause in the late Rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Baptist Church in which body Mr. P. has held official trusts, being Clerk and Treasurer for several years. In politics Mr. P. is a Republican, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace in Dexter for 31 years. Mr. Page is one of the old pioneers of Washtenaw Co., having lived and worked on a farm in Scio tp., the first 17 years of his residence in the county, but of late years being placed in some official position, where he has given general satisfaction to all.

Lester O. Palmer. manufacturer, Dexter, was born in Michigan in 1851. He is the son of Luther and Hester C. (Lyon) Palmer, natives of New England. His father came to Michigan, from New York, in 1830, and settled in Scio tp., when it was but a wild and uncultivated region, and has often beheld over 40 deer pass- ing his door in search of food. Mr. P. and his father are in the business of manu- facturing woolen goods, under the firm name of L. Palmer & Son, and are doing a good and substantial business, turning out a heavy grade of woolen cloths. In 1875 Mr. Palmer was married to Paulina Baker, and 1 child, Gertrude, has been born to them. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. P. is not a member of any political party, but always casts his vote for the man of his choice, regardless of party. In early life he was a clerk, but since then has been connected with his father in the business he is now engaged in.

Orin T. Parker, farmer, sec. 30, Scio tp .; P. O. Dexter, was born in this county in 1833, and is the son of Russell and Hannah (Cowan) Parker, the former of English and the latter of Scotch descent. He was sent to the district school to receive his education, and when old enough was put to work on the farm, which occupation he has successfully followed for several years. In 1856 he married Emma Spaulding. They have 2 children-Alfred L., born Sept. 14, 1861, and died Aug. 29, 1863; Clifford O., born Sept. 8, 1864. Mrs. P. is connected with the Congregational denomination, a native of Virginia, and of Scotch ancestry. Her parents were early settlers of Washtenaw Co. Their son Clifford is receiving his educational training in the district school of Lima tp.

George A. Peters, farmer, sec. 10, Scio tp., was born in New York in 1825. His parents were G. W. and Amelia (Bolles) Peters, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. They came to this county in 1826, where George A. was reared and educated. He received his practical education at the end of a plow and grubbing hoe. On April 18, 1855, he married Jane Jacobs, and 5 children have

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

been born to them-C. M. Clay, Howard S., Clarrie E., F. A. B. and Cora May. Mr. Peters is familiarly known as " Pay-as-you-go," and had that motto cut in a stone that formed part of the foundation of his barn. He is also a member of the Scio Grange, who have the previously mentioned motto engraved on their ban- ners. Politically he adheres to the principles adopted by the Greenback party. He started in life as a laborer, receiving $8 per month, and now owns 200 acres of valuable land. The example is plain enough to need no comment. The pub- lishers of this work are under special obligations to Mr. Peters for his valuable labors as a member of the Historical Committee from Scio tp.

Amos B. Phelps, farmer, sec. 7, Scio tp. ; P. O., Dexter; was born in New York in 1824. He is the son of Alexander and Margaret (Bigelow) Phelps, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent, who came to this county in 1831, and set- tled on sec. 18, Scio tp. Mr. P. was raised a farmer's boy, and received his edu- cation in the public schools of the county. On July 26, 1855, he was married to Elizabeth Pacey, and the fruits of this marriage are 4 children-Franklin, Charles A., Everett J. and Carrie J. Mr. P. is a successful farmer, owning 340 acres of land. He is a Republican.

Norman A Phelps, insurance agent, Dexter, was born in Connecticut Jan. 27, 1808, and was a son of Alexander and Margaret (Bigelow) Phelps, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter a native of Massachusetts. In 1830 he emi- grated west and settled in Washtenaw county, locating on 80 acres of land on sec. 17, Scio tp., which he bought of the Government. On May 12, 1835, he married Mary A. Young, born in England, March 5, 1812, and daughter of George and Sarah (Ellis) Young, natives of England, who emigrated to this country in 1832. Seven children have been sent to bless this union-George W., Harrison T., Al- fred E., Harry M., Sarah J., wife of Marcus Cook, of Lima tp., Thomas Y. and Edgar, the latter being killed during the Rebellion. Mr. Phelps has represented Scio tp. in the Board of Supervisors, and has officiated in several other township offices. In 1865, he assisted in establishing the bank now owned by C. S. Greg- ory & Son. Mr. P. is a member of both the Mason and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and politically is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are faithful members of the M. E. Church. Although Mr. Phelps had but little with which to commence life, yet by hard labor, economy and perseverance, he accumulated a large landed es- tate and a few years since divided his farm of 280 acres among his children.

George W. Pratt, lumber dealer, Dexter; was born in Washtenaw Co. Aug. 3, 1841. He is the son of Reuben and Charity (Peatt) Pratt, both natives of New York, and of French descent. He received his education in the common schools of Dexter, attending school about three months in each year, and assisting his father on the farm the remainder of the time. In about 1855, he started in the lumber business in Dexter, which he has followed since, with the exception of three years. These three years he spent doing service for his country in the war of the Rebellion, entering the 11th Mich. Vol. Inf., Co. H, as private, and soon after appointed as Orderly on the staff of Gen. Terry, and then officiating as Cor- poral, Surgeon, and lastly as Post Quartermaster Sergeant. He was married Dec. 8, 1869, to Emeline Arnold. They have 2 children-Harry and Aggie.

H. J. Rogers, miller, Dexter, was born in New York, Feb. 18, 1853. His parents, Ira M. and Margaret (Ceichard) Rogers, were natives of New York, and of German descent. The subject of this sketch was married in 1879 to Mary Potter, a faithful and consistent member of the M. E. Church. His father was a successful farmer, and well-to-do in this world's goods. Mr. R. learned the miller's trade when quite young, and coming to Michigan in 1874, he stopped in Jackson county, where he worked at his trade for some time, and then removed to Dexter, Washtenaw county, and in 1880 rented the City Mills, which he has operated very successfully since.

Matthew P. Rogers, mason, Scio tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Vermont in 1814. He is the son of Uriah and Typhena (Boyden) Rogers, the former a native of Connecticut, of Irish descent, and whose grandfather came over in the May- flower; the latter was a native of Vermont, and of Irish descent also. Mr. Rogers learned the mason's trade when a young man, and has followed that business since. On July 30, 1846, he was married to Jane R. Ames, and they have been blessed with 4 children, 3 of whom are living. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Stone, whose maiden name was Lucinda Patient, and the daughter of an old pioneer, her father having settled near Dexter tp. in 1828. The lady

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SCIO TOWNSHIP.

was born in this county in 1818. Mr. Rogers lives just outside of Dexter village. In politics he belongs to the Democratic party.

John W. Rosier, farmer, sec. 7, Scio tp., was born in this county in 1856. He is the son of Horace and Christina A. (Walton) Rosier, who were early settlers in this region of country. The former was a successful farmer, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1874, was worth about $30,000. J. W. is the second of a family of 6 children, 3 of whom are living-Alice, Horace and Willis M. He was reared on a farm, and has followed that occupation the greater part of his life. His early education he received at the district schools in the neighborhood, and afterward attended the public schools of Dexter. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Emma B. Smith, daughter of John Smith, of this county. She is a faithful member of the Baptist Church. Mr. R. is connected with the Greenback organization, and has ably represented that body in several county and State con- ventions.

John Smith, farmer, sec. 9, Scio tp., was born in Ireland in 1814, and is a son of Thomas and Rosa (Sloan) Smith, natives of the "Emerald Isle." He learned the weaver's trade in early life, and worked at it for several years. In 1842 he married Ann McGinn. They have 3 children-James, Henry and Richard. In 1843 Mr. Smith emigrated to the United States, and settled on the farm where he now resides, which is under a high state of cultivation. When he first came to the county he worked on the M. C. railroad as a day laborer, receiving only $12 per month, for over five years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John L. Smith is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Scio tp. He was born in England in 1827, and is the son of Adam and Margaret (Lamb) Smith. He received his education in district eight, of Scio tp., and is still living on sec. 18. He came to Washtenaw county Sept. 13, 1833, and settled where he now resides, being the owner of 370 acres of well-improved land. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and has the confidence of the people so well that when Scio tp. went 60 majority for the Democrats, he carried it for Supervisor by 68 majority. Nov. 25, 1852, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Smith, a lady of the same name but no connection. Five children have been born to them-Jennie, wife of Thomas Y. Phelps; Emma, wife of John Rosier, a prominent farmer and Green- backer; Thomas, Sarah Ann and Jay. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Baptist Church.

Charles H. St. Clair was born in New Jersey, Jan. 1, 1840. His parents, William and Sarah Ann (Dixon) St. Clair, were natives of New Jersey, and of French descent. Mr. St. Clair has been engaged in agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life, and now owns 130 acres of good farm land. In 1860 he married Maria J. Tremper, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Roosa) Tremper, early settlers in Washtenaw county. The father was born in 1790, and died in September, 1878. The mother was born in 1802, and is still living. This marriage was blessed with 7 children-Jacob E., John C., Alvin C., Ida May, Willie, Lucy Maud and Myrtle Ann. Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair are members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican.

William Stephens, farmer, Scio tp., was born in Ireland in 1835, and is a son of John Stephens. William was raised and educated in Ireland, and emigrated to America at an early day, and to Dexter, Washtenaw county, in 1850. Immedi- ately upon arrival he opened a shop, and began the manufacture of boots and shoes. His business prospered, and he added a stock of dry-goods and groceries, doing a fair mercantile business for over 20 years. In 1876 he married Mrs. Cas- sanda Hall, widow of S. T. Moore, who died in 1864. By her first marriage she had 3 children-Maud, Omar and Mabel. Mrs. Stephens' father was an early settler in Dexter tp. At present Mr. Stephens is engaged in farming 270 acres of land which he possesses.

Henry B. Stonnard, farmer, sec. 31, Scio tp .; P. O , Dexter; was born in Ver- mont in 1825, and emigrated to Michigan in 1852, and to Washtenaw county in 1860. In 1862 he married Julia D., born in Connecticut in 1835, and a daughter of Samuel W. and Melilcent (Bond) Stonnard. They have 4 children-Charles H., Gordon E., Howard D. and Jane. Mr. Stonnard resides on the old home- stead of Judge Dexter.

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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 89

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