USA > Michigan > Lenawee County > Illustrated history and biographical record of Lenawee County, Mich. > Part 23
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contributed to a considerable degree to his financial success in con- nection with the extensive furniturestore, of which he was the head. The factory where these articles are made is one of our valuable in- dustries. The automatic rug machine was Mr. Scofield's invention, and at one time had a large sale. Mr. Scofield had an alert mind and was an indefatigable worker, continuing his active labors con- siderably beyond the time when the majority of men are ready or forced to retire. He was married to Miss Emily A. Wakefield, his now bereaved wife, January 1, 1850, and they were the parents of six children, three of whom are dead, namely: Andrew, aged 8 years ; Josephine, aged 19; Vernon, 16 years. Those living are : Mrs. F. E. Cawley, of Morenci; Ernest Wilber Scofield, his father's faith- ful and efficient partner since 1884, and Mrs. M. E. Keyes, of Detroit. There are eight grandchildren. Mrs. Emily A. (Wakefield) Scofield was born in Thompson, Windham County, Conn., June 29, 1831. Mr. Scofield belonged to a family of 12 children of whom there are six living, Mrs. P. A. Rae, of Fremont, Neb .; Mrs. Eliza Simmons, Nora, Ill .; James A. and William N. Scofield, also of Nora ; John B. Scofield, of Carson City, Mich., who was at the funeral, and Mrs. Adele Winchell, of Lysander, N. Y. Mr. Scofield was not a poli- tician, yet took a keen interest in local and general politics, and kept himself well informed, always having pronounced views. He voted the Republican ticket. Such, in brief, is the life work of an enterprising, industrious, valued citizen-one whose life labors form a conspicuous place in the annals of Morenci, and whose name will long be perpetuated. Ernest W. Scofield was born in Morenci, Mich., September 9, 1863, and has always lived there. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Morenci, and at a business college in Detroit. He became a partner in his father's extensive business in Morenci, January 1, 1884. Since his father's death he has become the sole owner. He is the owner of the only electric lighting plant in the village, and carries on an extensive manufactory of casket shell hardware, devices patented by his father and himself. He is one of the largest dealers in furniture, carpets and undertaking goods in Southern Michigan, and employs from ten to twelve men permanently. December 29, 1886, Ernest W. Scofield married Miss Mertie V. Packer, daughter of Isaac D. and Lavina C. (Carscaddon) Packer, of Morenci, and they have had five children, as follows: Harold W., born May 14,. 1888 ; Gladys L., born April 18, 1890, died February 18, 1896 ; Marguerite E., born June 18, 1892 ; Eleanor V., born October 11, 1899 ; Ernest W., born September 8, 1901. Mrs. Mertie V. Scofield was born in Morenci, July 18, 1863. Her father, Isaac D. Packer, was born in Berks County, Pa., April 2, 1819, and was the son of Eli and Ann (Thomas) Packer, of Center County, Pa. He came to Michigan in 1851, first settled in Medina, and afterwards in Seneca, where he died June 20, 1897. Mrs. Lovina C. Packer was born November 1, 1821, in Center County, Pa., her father being a native of Ireland, and her mother of Scotland. She died in Morenci, October 9, 1902.
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William W. Bliss.
Mrs. Elizabeth G. Bliss.
The old Homestead, erected by Hervey Bliss, in Blissfield Village.
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W. IRVING BLISS was born in Blissfield, Lenawee County, Mich., December 23, 1840. His father, William W. Bliss, was born in Raisinville, Monroe County, Mich., March 28, 1817, and was the oldest son of Hervey and Nancy Bliss, the first settlers and founders of Blissfield, after whom the township and village were named. William W. Bliss came to Lenawee County in December, 1824, with his par- ents, and ever after resided in Blissfield, with the exception of about four years, which he spent in Hillsdale. When a young man he embarked in the mercantile business in Blissfield, in company with James T. Kedzie. After a partnership of about five years, Mr. Kedzie withdrew, Myron E. Knight taking his interest. The firm of Bliss & Knight ex- isted until 1861, when Mr. Knight's interest was pur- chased by W. W. Bliss & Son. The business was carried on by this firm until 1885, when W. Irving Bliss, of Blissfield. the son, W. Irving Bliss, pur- chased his father's interest. W. W. Bliss was one of the foremost men of Blissfield, ard was highly regarded. His honorable career as a business man and citizen, during his entire life, endeared him to all who knew him. He held many political offices, and was postmaster, member of the School Board, an elder in the Presbyterian church, in addi- tion to many other positions of trust and honor. He died at his home in Blissfield, Jan- uary 4, 1897. William W. Bliss married Miss Elizabeth G. Knight, daughter of Ros- well W. and Hannah (Granger) Knight, and became the par- ents of three children, as Charles M. Bliss, of Toledo.
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follows : W. Irving, born as above; Roswell L., born June 8, 1845, died September 6, 1847; Charles M., born August 16, 1849, resides in Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Elizabeth G. (Knight) Bliss was born in North Almond, Allegany County, N. Y., February 16, 1818, and now (1903) resides in Blissfield, in good health. Her parents were pio- neers in Blissfield and Riga. W. Irving Bliss, subject of this sketch, has spent most of his life in Blissfield, and is the only male member of the Bliss family who now resides there. He was brought up in the mercantile business, and it is only on account of poor health that he is not actively engaged at this time. For many years he was interested in a "general store," and was closely identified with all the business, public and social progress of Blissfield. He has served several years upon the Village Board, and was on the School Board nine years. He is now interested in a real estate business, loaning money, and looking after and renting his property in village and country. He does a prosperous insurance business. May 23, 1867, W. Irving Bliss married Miss Rose E. Whitman, daughter of Jephtha and Alvira (Mitchell) Whitman, pioneers of Lenawee County, settling in Adrian previous to 1830. Mrs. Rose E. (Whit- man) Bliss was born in Morenci, this county, March 10, 1849. [For a complete history of the Bliss family, see Almond L. Bliss' record in this volume.]
REV. GEORGE HUMPHREY was born in Pittsburg, Pa., August 5, 1849. He came to Michigan with his parents in 1852 and settled in the city of Adrian. His father, Thomas Humphrey, was born near London, England, where he resided until about the year 1847, when he came to America. He was like many another English- man, when a young man he married the girl of his heart's choice, and was disinherited. He learned the carpenter's craft and on com- ing to America, followed that trade in Pittsburg and Beaver, Pa., until his death, which occurred at Beaver, in 1850. About the year 1840, he married Miss Anna White, of Windsor, near London, England, where she was born, and where her parents resided. In 1852 she married her second husband, John C. Smith, with whom she came to Adrian. She was the mother of eight children, four by each husband. She died in Palmyra, this county, November 7, 1860. George Humphrey, the subject of this sketch, was left an orphan in his eleventh year, and became a township charge, but was inden- tured by the County Poor Commissioners to W. H. Colvin of Pal- myra, where he remained until he was nineteen, when he purchased his remaining two years' time of service. No orphan was ever more fortunate in finding a good home, or kinder or more sincere friends, than were Mr. and Mrs. Colvin. During his service there he was allowed three months' schooling each year. He became so anxious for an education, that in 1869 he became a student of Adrian Col-
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RECORD OF LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
lege, where he remained two years. In the spring of 1871 he en- tered the scientific department of Hillsdale College, where he re- mained for two terms, when his health failed him and he was obliged to abandon study for a time. In the fall of 1871 he pur- chased his present farm home on Sections 8-5 in Palmyra township, this county. Following this purchase he taught six terms in the graded school at Palmyra village. His farm consists of 166 acres which, since his marriage, he has given intelligent and successful attention. At the age of eighteen years he became a convert of the Palmyra Presbyterian church, and being of a spiritual and religious nature, made deep and fervent study of all moral and religious thought. He was called to the ministry by the congregation, which petitioned the Presbytery to license him to fill its pulpit with the end in view that he be ordained and installed as its pastor. In the spring of 1889 he was licensed to preach, and after taking the neces- sary course of study in theology, he was ordained and installed. For a period of five years he was the stated supply of the Blissfield Pres- byterian church. The Palmyra Presbyterian church is known as one of the most prosperous in Lenawee County. March 21, 1872, George Humphrey married Mrs. Sarah C. Latham, youngest daugh- ter of George and Mary Ann Colvin, of Palmyra, and they are the parents of six children, as follows: George C., born February 13, 1875, married, June 25, 1902, Eva Doty, daughter of William and Caroline (Raymond) Doty, of Raisin, and resides in Lansing, where he is a professor of animal husbandry in the Agricultural College ; Ethel C., born June 15, 1876, a teacher in the public schools of Lud- ington, Mich .; Thomas W., born May 24, 1878, at home; Edwin L., born June 30, 1879, married, December 25, 1902, Miss Beulah Atwell, daughter of Herrman and Elizabeth Atwell, of Palmyra, and a res- ident of Palmyra; Elizabeth A., born February 5, 1883, at home ; Mary A., born November 29, 1886, at home. Mrs. Sarah C. Hum- phrey was born February 28, 1846, in Palmyra, this county. Her father, George C. Colvin, was born in Cranston, Providence County, R., I., January 6, 1808. He came to Michigan in 1831, took up land in Raisin, in 1833, but finally located on Section 15, in Palmyra, August 6, 1834, he married Miss Mary A. Rogers, daughter of Dea- con Obediah and Lydia (Reed) Rogers, of Raisin, and they became the parents of six children, Mrs. Humphrey being the youngest. [For the ancestry of Mrs. Humphrey see pages 167 and 304, Vol. 1, Whitney & Bonner's History and Biographical Record of Lenawee County.]
HON. WILLIAM SEWARD WILCOX was born in the town of Riga, Monroe County, N. Y., April 25, 1819, and came to Michigan with his brother-in-law, Ira Bidwell, September 18, 1836. His par- ents were Austin and Clarissa Wilcox, who, during the childhood of our subject, removed from Riga to Bergen, Genesee County, N. Y.,
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Hon. William S. Wilcox.
and purchased a farm. Here Mr. Wilcox, Sr., established a farmers' hotel, a stage line, and became postmaster, the son, William S., liv- ing at home and assisting until he was seventeen years old. In 1836 he came west to Milan, Ohio, where he engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of Mr. Ira Bidwell. That fall Mr. Bidwell removed his stock of goods from Milan to the then growing village of Adrian, Mr. Wilcox coming with him. Here Mr. Bidwell prospered, and for many years was a respected and leading citizen. Mr. Wilcox re-
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RECORD OF LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
mained in his employ until 1840, when he became a partner in the business, continuing four years. In 1844, in the spring, Mr. Wilcox commenced business for himself, with a new and suitable stock of dry goods. He was successful in this venture, and during the fol- lowing ten years, a portion of the time taking in as partners Justus H. Bodwell and William D. Tolford. In 1854 he sold out to Bod- well, Carey & Clay. He at once engaged in the hardware business, and opened a store, the firm being Wilcox & Chappell. This firm continued for about eighteen months, when Mr. Chappell withdrew, and Mr. Wilcox carried on the store until 1867, when his brother Henry became a partner. In 1873 the firm name was changed to Wilcox Bros. & Co., when George A. Wilcox, son of W. S., was taken in. In 1864 William S. Wilcox was elected to the Michigan Leg- islature, was re-elected in 1866, and was chairman of the ways and means committee. He was elected Mayor of Adrian in 1865. In 1870 he was elected State Senator, and was chairman of the finance committee. In 1869 he was appointed by Gov. Baldwin, State Prison Inspector, and was at once elected chairman of the Board. He was elected President of the Michigan State Insurance Company in 1866, which position he held for seventeen years. In 1863 he was elected President of the Oakwood Cemetery Association, and held the office at the time of his death. He became an active member of the Adrian Volunteer Fire Department in 1841 and continued until the paid department was organized in 1867. He became superintendent of the Baptist Sabbath School in 1839, and for over fifty-one years he faithfully filled that posi- tion. In 1880 he became in- terested in banking, and after that time gave most of his at- tention to the interests of the Commercial Exchange Bank of Adrian. He was a man of large affairs, and did much for the upbuilding of Adrian. He erected two fine residences, and in both instances added to the beauty and importance of the city. He was active and liberal in every public enter- prise, and his good judgment and business ability were sought in every public under- taking. He died in Adrian, September 15, 1893, beloved and respected by all classes of citizens. William S. Wilcox was twice married. His first Mrs. Sarah Frances Wilcox. wife was Miss Sarah Frances
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Clay, daughter of Rev. Bradbury S. and Mary (Raymer) Clay, and they had three sons, two of whom died in infancy, George A. being the only survivor. Mrs. Sarah Frances Wilcox died February 12, 1852. August 17, 1854, Mr. Wilcox married Miss Josephine Southworth, daughter of Dr. William Southworth, of Avon Springs, N. Y. There were no children by this marriage. Mrs. Josephine Wilcox died in Adrian in October, 1897. She was a lady of much intelligence and possessed rare literary ability, being highly esteemed by all who knew her. Previous to her death, she bequeathed the sum of five thousand dollars to Oakwood Cemetery Association, for the purpose of constructing an entrance way to the beautiful grounds, to the memory of her husband.
JOSEPH H. SMITH was born in Cambridge, Lenawee County, Mich., April 26, 1853. His father, William H. Smith, was born in Onondaga, N. Y., April 16, 1831, came to Michigan with his par- ents in 1833, and settled on Section 4, in Cambridge, this county, in 1836. He followed farming until he was about twenty years old, and helped in clearing up a new farm. When they located in Cam- bridge he assisted his father in cutting a road for a distance of nearly four miles to get to their land, which was located on Stony Lake. About the year 1851 he went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. He has been a resident of Tecumseh for many years. In 1849 he married Miss Julia Herrick, and they had six children, four of whom are now dead, Joseph H. and Charles D. being the survivors. Mrs. Julia (Herrick) Smith was a native of Ireland, was born June 12, 1830, and came to America with her par- ents in 1844. She died in Tecumseh, this county, August 22, 1897. Joseph H. Smith, the subject of this sketch, can trace his ancestry back for five generations. His great-great-grandfather was Aaron Smith, who was born in 1745, and always lived in Worcester, Mass., where he died in 1840. His son Aaron was born in the same place in 1773, and died there in 1848. His son, Henry Smith, was also born in Worcester, in 1798, emigrated to Onondaga, N. Y., in
1803, coming to Michigan in 1833. He died in Cam- bridge, this county, in 1891. Joseph H. Smith was educated in the district schools of Cambridge, and at Adrian College. When he was seventeen years old he went at carpenter work, and served five years' apprenticeship, after which he followed contract- ing and building until 1883, when he removed to Tecumseh and took charge of a lumber yard and sash and blind factory. In April, 1893, he organized the Tecumseh State Savings Bank, and he became its cashier, which position he holds at the present time. Previous to organizing this bank he was cashier of the bank of O. P. Bills & Co. for five years. He was township clerk of Cambridge for four
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RECORD OF LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
years. Has served in Tecumseh as township clerk and treasurer, and village treasurer, and three terms as president of the village of Tecumseh, his last term expiring in March, 1903. He is also serv- ing his tenth year as trustee of Tecumseh High School. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has served as trustee for five years. He is a prominent Mason, has held nearly all the chairs in his lodge, and is a member of Adrian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. January 1, 1877, he married Miss Mary F. Rogers, daughter of R. L. and Susan A. Rogers, of Cambridge, and they have had two children, as follows: Laverne W., born in Cam- bridge, this county, October 10, 1877, graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1896, entered S. W. Anderson's dry goods store in Tecumseh, where he remained five years, and is now in his second year with W. C. McConnell, in Adrian ; Lena F., born in Cambridge, this county, January 19, 1883, is a graduate of Tecumseh High School class of 1900, at home. Mrs. Mary F. Smith was born in Cambridge, August 22, 1854. Her father, R. L. Rogers, was a pio- neer of Cambridge, where he now resides. He was born in Steuben County, N. Y., February 3, 1831. Mrs. Susan A. Rogers was born in Erie County, Pa., September 1, 1833. They were married Sep- tember 28, 1853.
JOHN W. DEWEY was born in Cambridge, Lenawee County, Mich., March 17, 1841, and has always lived on the farm upon which he was born. His father, Francis A. Dewey, was born at Three Rivers, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, February 25, 1811. He came to Michigan with his parents in 1829, and settled in Tecum- seh. In 1836 he took up from the government 160 acres of land on Sections 17 and 18, in Cambridge, and ever after resided in that township. [For the full family record of Francis A. Dewey, see Whitney & Bonner's History and Biographical Record of Lenawee County, Vol. 1, page 375; also the Life of Admiral Dewey, and the Dewey Family History, published in 1898.] John W. Dewey, subject of this sketch, was born upon the farm on which he now lives. He always followed farming for a business, and has been reasonably successful. He has never been an active politician or sought after office, but has given his attention to domestic affairs and the gen- eral welfare of his township. When he was seventeen years old he became a member of St. Michael's Episcopal church of Cambridge. Ever active in church work, he has been superintendent of the Sun- day School for more than thirty years, with an attendance of from sixty to eighty scholars. The parish was organized in 1843, by Rev. William N. Lyster, and the society built a fine brick church in 1855, near Cambridge Junction. Mr. Dewey has been an officer in the 18
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ILLUSTRATED HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL
church for forty-one years. April 3, 1866, John W. Dewey married Miss Caroline White, daughter of Samuel and Ann (Smith) White, of Cambridge, and they are the parents of three children, as follows : Anna H., born April 21, 1867, married December 12, 1894, Emery D. Neeley, has two children, Leroy J., born June 17, 1897 ; Glenn D., born October 31, 1899; Lydia Bell, born October 9, 1869, died April 12, 1875; Bessie L., born October 2, 1879, mar- ried March 21, 1900, Percy I. Alderdyce. Mrs. Car- oline (White) Dewey was born November 5, 1843, in Cambridge township. Her parents were natives of Sus- sex, England, where they were married in 1830, and immedi- ately came to the United States, first settling near Pal- myra, N. Y., where he fol- lowed his trade of carpenter and joiner until 1836, when he came to Michigan and settled in Cambridge, this county. He died there February 20, 1892, aged 81 years. His wife Francis A. Dewey, of Cambridge. died in Cambridge, June 22, 1877, she being the mother of eight children.
AARON R. TUFTS was born in Stafford, Genesee County, N. Y., April 21, 1825. His father, Aaron Tufts, was born in Massa- chusetts, November 5, 1803, and resided there with his parents until 1821, when he emigrated to Genesee County, N. Y., where he after- wards purchased a farm and lived until his death in 1882. The an- cestors of the Tufts family in America were Irish, and naturally be- came patriots, some of whom participated actively in the Revolu- tionary war, as well as the war of 1812. About the year 1822 Aaron Tufts married Mehitable Persons, daughter of Eli Persons, of Gen- esee County, and they had six children, Aaron R. being the first son, and fourth child. Mrs. Mehitable (Persons) Tufts was born in Connecticut, and died in Genesee County, N. Y., in her 29th year. Aaron R. Tufts, subject of our sketch, lived with his father until he was twenty-one years old. He followed farm work until 1850, when he came to Michigan, having saved about $500 in money.
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RECORD OF LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
In November, 1850, he purchased of Sumner W. Rice, one hundred and sixty acres of land on Section 3, in Seneca, this county, and has resided there ever since. In 1855 he purchased an adjoining 80 acres. Since that time Mr. Tufts has devoted all his time and energies to systematic, intelligent farming, and by applying himself to his own affairs, and giving serious and reasonable attention to the public weal, he has been successful in his efforts. His methods have been progressive, and his ideas that mixed farming is the most lucrative and pleasant have been demonstrated to his satisfaction. Mr. Tufts has his ideals, and one of them is a comfortable and commodious home. He has been fortunate enough to be able to gratify his taste and desire, in building, under his personal supervision, one of the most complete rural homes in his township, and perhaps, the county. We are pleased to be able to give a fine illustration of it. To fully appreciate its completeness and imposing appearance, a visit is necessary. It is one of the beauty spots of old Lenawee, where beau- tiful homes and pastoral scenes abound. Mr. Tufts is located about thirteen miles from Adrian, and seven miles from the village of Mo- renci. January 17, 1850, Aaron R. Tufts married Miss Margaret Ann Perry, daughter of Roswell and Dolly Perry, of Bethany, Genesee
Home of Aaron R. Tufts, Seneca.
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ILLUSTRATED HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL
County, N. Y., by whom he has had four children, as follows: Flor- ence V., born December 25, 1851; Eva A., born January 1, 1855, married Harvey Upton, of Medina, and has three children ; Mary Ann, born December 27, 1859, married Thomas Clarkson of Seneca; Charles L., born March 8, 1865, resides at the homestead, married Miss Ida M. Deline, October 21, 1885, has three children, as follows : Bertha M., born August 12, 1888, Altha N., born July 15, 1890; Alice M., born February 16, 1896. Mrs. Margaret Ann (Perry) Tufts was born in Pavilion, Genesee County, N. Y., March 5, 1830, Her father was a native of the State of New York, and died there, in Erie County, in 1840. Her ancestors were English, but her grand- father was a soldier in the Revolution. Her mother was a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born in 1786, and came to Michigan after the death of her husband, to reside with her daughter, and died in Seneca, this county, in 1865. Mrs. Margaret Ann (Perry) Tufts died at her home in Seneca, April 2, 1890. October 28, 1892, Aaron R. Tufts married Frances M. Winship, daughter of W. L. and Emma. Winship, of Fairfield, this county.
RICHARD A. BURY was born in Albany, N. Y., February 20, 1830. He was the son of an Episcopal clergyman, Rev. Richard Bury, who came West as rector of St. Paul's church in Detroit in 1832. It was during the residence of the family in Detroit, that the son, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the famous school of the Rev. Moses H. Hunter, at Grosse Isle, Mich., his education being finished in the schools of Cleveland, Ohio. From the age of twenty he was in business for himself and made a mark in the lumber traffic. In 1862 he moved to Adrian, opening a lumber yard and planing mill, on the lot bounded by Frank, Church, Locust and Center streets. He removed later to the corner of Michigan and Division streets, where he took in D. M. Baker as a partner. January 1, 1872, he was appointed lumber agent of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, selling his interest in the lumber business to Mr. Baker. He retained his position with the railroad until the time of his death. He was a member of Adrian Lodge, No. 19, F. & A. M., Adrian Chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., and one of the oldest members of Adrian Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. He gave freely of his time and money to the construction of the present Masonic Temple in Adrian. He was a member of Michigan Consistory, Ancient Ac- cepted Scottish Rite, and was made a member of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third Degree, at Boston, on August 28, 1872. In religious work, born and raised in the fold of the Protestant Episcopal church, he never wavered in his allegiance : every effort to strengthen and upbuild he aided to the
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