History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 99

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 99

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On "tree planting" day in 1876, the society, aided by the citi- zens of Ann Arbor, planted numerous and beautiful trees to live and flourish and to perpetuate the memory of the Ann Arbor Turn- Verein throughout the future ages.

TEMPERANCE.

We do not profess to write a full history of the temperance work of Ann Arbor, as our space is too limited. The materials exist for a history of this matter that shall be of intense interest and of great local importance. Furthermore, while these materials of history exist, they are very difficult to obtain. The cause of tem- perance is like that of the Christian religion in this respect,-that it is found in a great variety of shapes and methods; in other words, it has taken upon itself the most remarkable form in the way of organizations. But unlike Christianity, which is historically traced through the various sects and societies, the cause of temperance seems to run through the more wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has lost its interest to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize, and are found laboring in a differ- ent manner. This makes it exceedingly difficult to give a true and accurate account of the wonderful work done by the temperance or- ganization of Ann Arbor. We shall therefore give a brief history of the work from the first to the present time.

In 1828 or 1829 a grand wave of temperance swept over the whole land. In every city, village and hamlet the enthusiasm was caught, and although the signing of the pledge prohibited only the use of alcoholic liquors, wine, beer and cider not included, yet it was

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the saving of hundreds of men from drunkards' graves, and restored many men to the bosom of their families, who would have undoubt- edly perished from the direct or indirect effect of the vile monster rum. A Mr. Page, of Ann Arbor, who came to the village in October, 1826, the first Presbyterian minister in the place, had occasion to visit Detroit, and while there drank in no small amount of the enthusiasm that was raging among the friends of the good and true. Upon returning to his humble home he conceived the idea of forming a temperance organization in this quiet little ham- let, and therefore a meeting was called in the Presbyterian church, then a small log house, and 12 persons responded to the appeal of the village pastor. Of the 12 persons present, Lorrin Mills and three of his brothers formed one-third of the small assemblage. An organ- ization was effected, and named the "Temperance Society." This society met with great opposition at first, as it was customary at house and barn "raisings " to always have a jug of the "ardent " on hand, and nobody thought of assisting at such an occasion un- less their spirits were kept up by pouring " spirits " down. These persons, and there were very few who did not coincide with them, considered it utterly impossible to dispense with whisky on such occasions, and therefore for several years the society had only a very feeble support from the general community. A couple of incidents relating to the effect this organization had on the custom and habits of the village and vicinity may be of interest to the readers of this volume.

When Mr. Page came back from Detroit filled with enthu- siasm and energy for this great movement, he chanced to meet Simeon Mills, who had come from New York a year previous, and had brought with him a barrel of whisky to keep off the "shakes and ager." They were discussing the question of the effect that this vile stuff had on the mind and constitution of man. Mr. Page remarked that he could get along well enough without whisky, and needn't drink one drop to assist him in his ministerial or worldly labors. This was a surprise to Mr. Mills, who had always supposed that whisky was an essential element of a person's diet, but believing firmly in Mr. Page's veracity, and about half per- suaded in the justice and feasibility of carrying out the projected movement, he grasped his friend's hand, and spoke with earnest- ness the words: " Mr. Page, if you can get along without whisky, I know I can," and he forthwith proceeded to turn his whisky into vinegar. This vow Mr. Mills faithfully kept, and was a prime mover in all matters relating to the advance of the temperance cause.

On another occasion, that sturdy pioneer, Horace Carpenter, wished to raise a barn, but thinking he would try a new experiment on the much-talked-of temperance movenent, he went around to each and all of his neighbors, as was the custom, and invited them to the raising of the barn, but was sure to tell each and every one that the raising should be accomplished without the aid of any

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

whisky. This caused each to open his eyes, and wonder if "Uncle Horace had gone clear out of his senses," as such a thing was un- heard of, and surely couldn't be done. Nearly every one said that they would go, but " didn't guess anybody else would." Mr. Car- peuter made almost the same reply to these remarks by saying: "This barn is going to be raised without whisky, or the timber may lie there and rot." The day for the raising came, andalso the neighbors. The wonderful feat was successfully accomplished, and Horace Carpenter had the honor of raising the first building in Washtenaw county without the aid of ardent spirits.

In 1840, the " Washingtonian " wave was ushered into Ann Arbor with as much zeal as elsewhere in this broad land. Meetings were held nightly in the court-house, and different churches, and the canse ably sustained by the best citizens of the village. The Sons of Temperance, Maine Law and the Women's Crusade were all pushed forward with earnestness and perseverance. The next great blast of temperance that swept over the land was called the Red Ribbon movement, and Ann Arbor did her full share of duty in the wonderful cause.

The following review of the city temperance societies as they exist in 1881, must be of special interest:

W. C. T. U .- The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of Ann Arbor, is the oldest in the city, having been founded in March, 1874. Its members are quiet but indefatigable laborers in this great field, and maintain a weekly prayer-meeting besides con- ducting one service each month on Sunday afternoon, at the Opera House. The following are the officers, whose terms expire April 1, 1882: President, Mrs. J. F. Bishop; Vice-President, Miss M. S. Brown; Secretary, Mrs. Phebe Steele; Asst. Secretary, Mrs. E. N. Gilbert; Cor. Secretary, Miss Sarah Fletcher; Treasurer, Mrs. M. J. Dygert.

Ann Arbor Reform Club .- This famous organization came into existence March 26, 1877, and has been one of the hardest work- ing societies of any kind ever organized in the city. Its power for good has been felt near and far, and its fame spread to the utmost confines of the State. Some of the most eloquent temperance speakers and workers in the nation have been brought to the city and county through its exertions, and strong temperance senti- ments planted, which are growing vigorously. The club has fur- nished speakers and maintained meetings for four years in nearly every township in the county where the people have taken any interest in the work, and much good has been accomplished through their efforts. The officers and workers are largely com- posed of men who have turned from an intemperate life, and conse- quently can appeal to intemperate people with great sympathy and feeling. The club is officered as follows: President, John Schu- macher: 1st Vice-President, Chas. M. Jones; 2d, Fred Esslinger; 3d, Chas. Boylan; Recording Secretary, Jas. B. Saunders; Financial Secretary, B. J. Conrad; Treasurer, David J. Fisher; Steward,

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Wm. Copeland; 1st Marshal, Chris. Schumacher; 2d Marshal, Wm. Copeland; Sergeant-at-Arms, Wm. Mathews; Janitor, Wm. Fisher.

St. Thomas Society .- In the spring of 1877, shortly after the Red Ribbon boys organized, Father Van Erp, whose memory is green with good deeds, took hold of the temperance work in his Church and organized the St. Thomas Temperance Benevolent Society. While its founder lived the society flourished, having at one time a membership of 100. Members who have maintained good stand- ing for six months are entitled in case of sickness to $3 per week for a period of 13 weeks. The following are the officers whose terms expire Jan. 1, 1882: President, Andrew Norton; Vice-Presi- dent, John Flynn; Treasurer, Dan J. Ross; Financial Secretary, Peter Dignan; Corresponding Secretary, Frank O'Hearn; Coun- selors, John O'Grady, sr., and William Clancy, sr .; Marshal, John O'Hara.

University Temperance Association .- This society was organ- ized in the fall of 1878, with Prof. E. Olney as President. The main object is to obtain signatures to the total-abstinence pledge among the students, and it has been eminently successful, 600 names being obtained the first year. Committees are appointed by the society for the various departments, and from the law alone during 1880-'1, 180 names are reported. During the visit of Mr. Bain to the city in the fore part of 1880-'1, 170 students signed the pledge. It is thought 800 of the students have given their names to the tem- perance cause within the year. The following is the list of officers: President, Prof. E. Olney; Secretary, Prof. T. P. Wilson; Treas- urer, Prof. W. J. Herdman; Chairman Ex. Committee, Prof. J. B. Steere, with two members from each department.

U. of M. W. C. T. U .-- The lady students of the University, about 1878, organized a branch society known as the University of Michigan Woman's Christian Temperance Union, having in view the same objects as the unions all over the country. Several prom- inents lady speakers delivered addresses under its auspices in Uni- versity Hall. This organization has a membership of 35, and is officered as follows: President, Miss Mary Clark; Vice- President, Anna Underhill; Secretary, Fanny P. Andrews; Treasurer, Mary Harding.

A. A. H. S. T. A .- Which translated means the Ann Arbor High School Temperance Association, came into existence in November, 1878. It has a membership of 250 students, and has held public meetings at various times, but its principal object is to keep the high-school students enrolled under the temperance banner. Its officers are: President, E. A. Jenkins; Secretary, Carrie W. Frazer.

Juvenile Temperance Union .- This organization is the bottom round of the ladder. Its object is to take the little ones as soon as they are able to understand, and enroll them in this temperance army. It is a training school, as it were, for the next round above,

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the high school society, and so on up the ladder. It meets every Tuesday, and is under the immediate supervision of the Christian Union. The following are the officers :- President, Mrs. R. E. Frazer; Vice Presidents, Ernest Perry, Nellie Ames; Secretary, Mrs. D. M. Tyler; Assistant Secretary, Hattie Barnett; Treasurer, Mrs. W. Thomas; Assistant Treasurer, Willie Thomas.

Royal Templars, Ann Arbor Council .- This is a new organiza- tion in the city, a branch of the society known as the Royal Tem- plars of Temperance, whose object is life insurance, and allowing none but strictly temperance people in its membership. It was organized Monday evening, Jan. 31, 1881, with 24 charter members, and the following elected officers :- Select Councilor, C. B. Davison; Vice Councilor, H. E. H. Bower; Past Councilor, L. B. Kellogg; Chaplain, E. A. Spence; Recording Secretary, J. B. Saunders; Financial Secretary, Geo. W. Moore; Treasurer, Nelson Suther- land; Herald, David Fisher; Guard, L. D. White; Sentinel, Henry Richards.

The first anniversary of the Ann Arbor Reform Club commenced in Ann Arbor, on Wednesday, March 27, 1878. The exercises were opened by the reading of the history of the club by R. B. Pope, and this being followed by a poem by D. Bethune Duffield, of De- troit. On Thursday evening, Jerome Murray, of Toledo, Ohio, told what he had passed through while leading an intemperate life. Mr. Murray spoke with a tone of voice that carried conviction to every heart. He presented the temperance cause in such a light that at the conclusion of his remarks, many names were enrolled on their pledge. Friday evening came, and although the weather was rainy and disagreeable, the attendance was so large as to turn many away, there being not even standing room in the building. The speaker for the evening was the Rev. Mr. Hildreth, of Grand Rap- ids, and he made one of the most eloquent and persuasive appeals for the cause which leads men to be more true to themselves and family, than ever was heard before in the city. At the close of his clear and forcible argument, some 65 men were added to this noble band. On Saturday eve. Joshua W. Smith, of the Detroit Reform Club, and Prof. Dickie, of Albion College, delivered elo- quent addresses in behalf of the cause they loved so well. Mr. Duffield, by special request, read a poem written for the Detroit Club, that was read at their last anniversary. Again the pledges were laid upon the desk, and 42 more men were willing to " dare to do right." Sunday evening was the crowning glory of this ex- tended temperance feast. The Regents of the University kindly lent the society the University Hall, and when evening came, a very large audience, estimated at 2,500 persons, were present to listen and take part in the exercises. Mr. R. E. Frazer was the orator, and well and nobly did he do his duty. IIe caused such an enthusiasm among that large audience that when he closed nearly 250 persons were convinced that " truth will prevail," and were glad to enroll themselves on that ever-increasing pledge. Election day then came,

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and the ladies of the White Ribbon Club and their many friends gave the members and such others as wished, in fact to almost every body, some good and substantial refreshments, for which they were duly thanked. In the evening another public meeting was held, and Joshua Smith, Barney Morrison, Mrs. Mary E. Foster, and R. E. Frazer made addresses. When the roll of names to the pledge was added up late at night, it was found that 134 had "put their shoulder to the wheel," and intended to help along the good cause. On Tuesday evening the last meeting was held, and addresses made by local speakers, and the members of the club. About 33 more names were added to the pledge, that they will never be ashamed of as long as life lasts, making a grand total of 566 names, and increas- ing the membership roll to 1,866. Thus ended the first grand anni- versary of the Ann Arbor Reform Club. An important feature of the club is the semi-monthly lectures, which are well attended, and given by the most learned and experienced professors of science and religion throughout the State.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

On subsequent pages are given personal sketches of many of the most prominent citizens of Ann Arbor city and township, which will be found of interest equal to the more general history.

Eugene B. Abel, junior member of the dry goods house of Bach & Abel, at Ann Arbor, Mich., was born at Glen, Montgomery county, New York, in 1854, where he spent his earlier years. In 1868 he entered Ann Arbor high school, where he pursued his studies three years, when he returned to New York. On the death of his brother, in 1877, he came to Ann Arbor to continue his interest in the business, and became a partner in the firm of Bach & Abel, the firm name continuing as before. Although one of the young business men of this city, Mr. Abel has become one of the first, and in his connection with the house has done a large amount of business.

Charles K. Adams, LL. D., Professor of History in the University of Michigan, was born Jan. 24, 1835, at Derby, Vt. His parents, Charles and Susan M. Adams, moved to that State from Massachusetts a short time before his birth. His early education was obtained in the common schools and the Academy of Derby. Having a special fondness for mathematics, he acquired considerable proficiency as a sur- veyor. In 1855 he went to Iowa, where, after a year of preparatory study at the Denmark Academy, he entered the University of Michigan as a classical student. In 1861 he received the degree of A. B., but remained in the University during the following year, pursuing a post-graduate course in history. In 1862, during Pro- fessor White's absence in Europe, Mr. Adams was appointed instructor in history, with roll charge of the classes in that branch of study; the following year he was

appointed Assistant Professor of History and Latin, and when, in 1867, Professor White resigned, he was appointed to the Professorship in History, which he has

since filled. On accepting this position he obtained leave of absence, for one year

of study and travel in Europe, and visited the principal universities in Germany, France and Italy. His lectures at the University have been largely attended. Pro- fessor Adams has been a frequent contributor to the North American, Review, and other literary journals. In 1874 he published Democracy and Monarchy, in France. a work which was received with great favor by the scholars of Europe and America, He is the author of a Syllabus of 2 courses of lectures on Modern History; one on Eng. Gov't., and one on the Rise of Prussia; also Questions and Notes on the Const'l Hist. of England. He will soon publish a Bibliographical Manual, descriptive of the best historical works, for the use of students, general readers and librarians, containing sketches of about one thousand works and giving three courses of reading to be

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

followed. In 1879 the University of Chicago conferred on him the honorary degree of LL. D. At the Psi Upsilon Convention held at Michigan University, May 26, 27, 1879, with the Phi Chapter, Professor Adams was made the President of the convention. In 1880 he was elected Dean of the faculty of Literature, Science and Arts of the University of Michigan. In August, 1863, he married Mrs. A. D. Mudge.

Robert K. Ailes, machinist and manufacturer, Ann Arbor, was born in Lan- caster county, Pa., in 1819, and son of Amos and Elizabeth Ailes. At an early age Robert was apprenticed to learn the trade of a millwright. In 1840 he went to Jackson, Mich., where he worked at his trade for a short time, then coming to Ann Arbor, where he located permanently. His business is of such a nature as to re- quire his almost constant presence in the different mills throughout the State; so he really knows no home, although his family is at Ann Arbor. In 1863 he married Huldah Ann Bentley. Mr. Ailes was largely engaged in the foundry business with Messrs. Tripp and Price, but of late years has been connected with Mr. Grattan, a well-known skillful machinist of Ann Arbor, and the firm enjoy a large trade.

William Allaby, dealer in boots and shoes, Ann Arbor, was born in England in 1823. He was there educated and learned the trade of cordwainer, or shoemaker. When 21 years of age he came to the United States and located at Rochester, N.Y., in 1845. In 1846 he came to Ann Arbor. He at once began working at his trade, and was employed by various men until 1848, when he began business for himself. Since that time he has been almost continually in the business. He has built up a large trade, and by careful habits and strict integrity and attention to business has secured a competency for his declining years. In 1866 he built the fine store build- ing, number 18 South Main street, which he now occupies.

Fred Allen, blacksmith, of the firm of Jones & Allen, Ann Arbor, was born at Albion, Orleans Co., N Y. When but a lad his parents removed to Illinois. In 1865 they removed to Ann Arbor, where he was educated. He visited a number of States, and while in Wisconsin was married. He learned his trade at Fond du Lac. In 1879 he came back to Ann Arbor and connected himself with Mr. Jones in the blacksmith business.

Henry C. Allen, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Clinical Medicine. Homeopathic Department University of Michigan, was born in, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 2, 1838, and is a son of Hugh and Martha (Billings) Allen of English d scent. His great grandfather was one of the first settlers of Salem, Mass., and owned a farm where now stands a large portion of that city. He gave the ground on which the first church was erected in that place. Henry C. Allen was reared on a farm, and received his literary education in the high and grammar schools of London, Ontario. He graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic Medi- cal College in 1861, with high honors. He practiced his professio 1 in connection Dr. T. P. Wilson for 18 months. In Aug, 1862, he went to Branford, Ontario, and the following autumn received the appointment of Professor of Anatomy in the Cleveland Medical College, remaining there until 1868. He also held the same position in the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, for one term, the chair of surgery being tendered him at the same time, but he declined. He acted as Super- intendent of the Homeopathic Mutual Life Insurance Co. for a year, resigning in 1877. In 1878 he began the practice of medicine in Detroit, and in 1880 was appointed Lecturer on Therapeutics, Gynæcology, Diseases of Women and Children, and in August following, to his present position. He was married Dec. 24, 1867, to S. Louisa Gould, and 3 children have been born to them, 2 of whom are living- Frank L and Helen M. Dr. Allen is author of the " Homeopathic Theory of Inter- mittent Fever," and is a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Ontario, Canada.

James C. Allen was born in Augusta Co., Va., Oct. 4, 1816, and is a son of John Allen, one of the founders of the city of Ann Arbor. In 1824 his parents removed to this State and settled where the city of Ann Arbor now is. In 1828 his grand- mother returned to Virginia, his grandfather having died in that year, and Mr. Allen and his sister went with her. In 1832 he returned to Ann Arbor, where he remained until 1836, when he was sent to Lima, N. Y., where he entered school. Owing to ill health he remained in school but one year. He then returned to Ann Arbor and began farm work. During his earlier years he lived with his grand- parents and later he kept bachelor's hall in Pittsfield, on a farm which he sold to James Kingsley. In 1846 he went into the store of E. T. Williams, by whom he was employed some time, and then entered the store of William S. Maynard. In

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1854 he returned to farm life in Pittsfield, where he remained until 1866, when he moved into Ann Arbor city. Here he lived but three years, and in 1868 moved upon his present farm in Ann Arbor township, where he has about 600 acres of fine land. Mr. Allen is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. In 1848 he was married to Miss Martha T. Porter, of Ann Arbor, whose parents came here from New York in 1847. Two children were born to them, 1 of whom is still living. Jan. 8, 1852. Mrs. Allen died. In 1856 he was married to Miss Mary J. Ayres, of Brooklyn, Jackson Co., Mich., whose parents were among the pioneers of Jackson county. Mrs. Allen died in 1868, leaving 4 children, of whom 3 are living. March 29, 1872, he was married to Miss Frances E. Ayres, a sister of his second wife. To them have been born 3 children, 2 of whom are living.

Michael Andrus, Ann Arbor, dealer in ice, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1826, where he was educated. In 1843 his parents came to this country and set- tled in Scio tp., in this county, where he engaged in farming. In 1864 he went to Europe to visit the home of his childhood. In 1866 he purchased his present busi- ness in this city, where he has since lived. In 1880 he put up 1,600 tons of ice, all of which found a ready market. In 1851 he was married to Miss Catherine Yager. of Ann Arbor, formerly from Wurtemburg, The fruit of this union is 4 children, all of whom are living.

S. C. Andrews, bookseller and publisher at Ann Arbor, was born at Kinsman, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1851. When he was but a small child his father went to the Sandwich Islands, as a missionary, taking his family with him. There he received his elementary education under the instruction of his father. In 1870 the subject of this sketch came again to America, and entered Oberlin College. He remained there but a short time and came to Ann Arbor, where he entered the Michigan University, pursuing selected studies. In 1874 he went into the book business, which he continued for a time alone. He then took into the business as partner Mr. Sheehan, and this partnership continued five years. In 1877 this firm opened the store on Huron street, now occupied by Mr. Andrews. In 1879 they purchased the business of Douglass & Co. The stock was then divided and the partnership dissolved. Since then Mr. Andrews has continued the business alone. In 1878 he married Miss Emma M. Pugsley, of Paw Paw, Mich., who graduated from the Literary Department of Michigan University in 1877.

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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 99

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