USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 14
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William H. Warner was reared amid frontier environment, and with the limited opportunities for education common in pioneer districts, but experience, observation and reading have largely broadened his knowledge as the years have gone by. He has always devoted his attention to farm- ing, and still resides on his farm in York town- ship. He was united in marriage to Miss Sevira Chase, a native of Monroe county, Michigan. who died at the age of twenty-two years. when her son Edward was only three months old. The father afterward married again, his second union being with Miss Mary Bird. and by this marriage there was one son. Homer B., who is now living in South Bend. Indiana.
Edward P. Warner pursued his education in the public schools, completing the high school course in Milan, and throughout his entire life has been connected with general agricultural pur- suits. The practical knowledge which he gained of farming in his youth has proven of the utmost value to him in his later years as he has carried on the work of the home farm. He was mar- ried on the 21st of December. 1892, to Miss
Minnie E. McMullin, a daughter of James and Polly McMullin, of York township. They now have one son, Raymond, who was born May 20. 1807.
Mr. Warner is identified with two fraternal orders, being a valued member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges in Milan. In community affairs he has been interested, and as a supporter of the democratic party has done effective service for its success. He was treas- urer of York township in 1897 and 1898. and for four terms, from 19of until 1905. was supervisor. His lines of life have been cast in harmony with the record of a worthy ancestry, and the work which was instituted by his grandfather and car- ried on by his father is being continued by him in practical and beneficial manner.
JOHN ORREN THOMPSON.
John Orren Thompson was born in the state of Vermont. August 24. 1862, the son of Leamon Orren and Orra ( Chamberlain ) Thompson, the former a native of New York and the latter of Vermont. In February. 1868. they removed from their farm in Monroe county, Michigan, to Dexter. Washtenaw county. which was there- after their home and where the father carried on the business of a carpenter and builder. He (lied April 10. 1800, and the mother November 21. 1897.
It was in Dexter that the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. his education being obtained in the Dexter schools. After leaving school he worked at the painter's trade for sev- eral years, spending about a year. in 1883-4. in the state of Colorado. In January. 1880, he de- cided to engage in newspaper work and obtained employment an the Dexter Leader. continuing there until July. 1887. when he accepted the position of eity editor on the Alpena Pioneer. at .Alpena, Michigan, where he remained until 1889. when he returned to Dexter and again entered the employ of the Leader. In 1801 he accepted the position of city editor on the Mount Clemens Press, at Mount Clemens, Michigan, which posi-
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tion he resigned to return to Dexter and engaged in business for himself, establishing the Dexter News in December, 1891. This paper he pub- lished until September, 1893, when he purchased the good will and subscription list of the Dexter Leader and consolidated it with the News under the name of the Dexter Leader, which was the pioneer paper of the village and of which he is still the editor and publisher.
Although never especially active in politics, he has always taken a deep interest in political af- fairs. In 1902 he was elected a member of the school board of which he was moderator for three years, and was re-elected as a member of the board in 1905: was also elected a member of the village council in 1004; has been clerk of the Dexter Cemetery Corporation since June, 1898, and is a member of the following societies : Wash- tenaw lodge, No. 65. A. F. & A. M. ; past worthy patron of Washtenaw chapter, No. 302, O. E. S .; past grand of Huron lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F .; also member of Crystal tent, No. 279. K. O. T. M. M., and of Division No. 77. K. of L. G.
On January 30. 1892, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Louise Harrington, who was also a resident of Dexter and they have a family of four children: Orren Sidney, Orra Louise, John Chamberlain and Duane Harrington.
REV. JONATHAN E. RICHARDS.
Rev. Jonathan E. Richards, a distinguished di- vine of the Presbyterian church, well known throughout Michigan, was born near Trenton, New York, in 1845. His parents. Lewis and Emeline (Camp) Richards, were natives of Wales, and crossing the Atlantic in early life. became residents of the state of New York. The father purchased a farm near Trenton and be- came one of the wealthy agriculturists of that lo- cality, where both he and his wife spent their re- maining days. The capable management of his business interests, his keen discernment and tin- flagging energy proved the basis of his success and made him a wealthy man.
Rev. Jonathan E. Richards, reared in his na- tive county, began his education in the public schools there, and afterward attended the Wes- levan University. Subsequently he became a stu- dent in Boston Theological Seminary and after- ward entered Yale College, thus receiving super- ior educational facilities. Having prepared for the ministry he went to New Haven, Connecti- cut, where he took charge of the Methodist Epis- copal church, remaining there for three years. He then went to St. Johns, Michigan, where he accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian church, remaining in charge at that place for eight years. Subsequently he traveled over the state for sev- eral years, delivering lectures and winning wide fame as a platform orator. Eventually he settled in Momit Clemens, where for three years he was pastor of the Presbyterian church. He had been in ill health for several years, and traveled largely in the hope of being benefited thereby. At length his health, however, forced him to resign his pas- torate, but he continued to make his home in Mount Clemens until called to his final rest.
Rev. Richards was married in Fulton, New York, to Miss Huldah Loomis, a native of that place and a graduate of the Falley Seminary at Fulton, of the class of 1868. The Loomis family were the first to locate at Fulton, and Mrs. Rich- ards is a member of the Order of Colonial Dames. and also the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion. She was to her husband a most devoted companion and helpmate, and since his death she has displayed splendid business and executive force, at the same time possessing those true womanly traits of character that have endeared her to all, while her social qualities have made her a leader in society circles here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richards were born four children. Anne, the eldest, a graduate of the Michigan Uni- versity of Ann Arbor, is the wife of Harry Cole- man, who was also a university student, and was prominent in literary circles in Ann Arbor. He is now the owner and publisher of the Daily Press at Pontiac, Michigan, where he and his wife re- side. He has had several flattering offers to re- turn to Ann Arbor and take charge of one of the daily papers here, but is meeting with gratifying success in Pontiac, and therefore does not make
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the change. Florence L. Richards, also educated in the State University, is now a teacher in the Shortridge high school in Indianapolis, Indiana. and the superintendent of that school has spoken of her as its best teacher. Lewis L. is a talented musician now studying in Europe. A contempo- rary publication said of him: "Lewis L. Rich- ards, the young American, who has won such signal honors aboard. evinced at an early age. a remarkable musical talent. and was encouraged by several eminent teachers to make his life work along musical lines. His early musical educa- tion was received from Mrs. Boris I .. Ganapol. the Detroit pianist, and he later studied with Al- berto Jonas, while attending school in Ann Arbor. The inspiration and guidance of his early studies followed the young man through his whole ca- reer and culminated in 1902 in a trip abroad. Young Richards applied for admission to the pri- vate class of DeGreef. the great Belgian pianist. and was immediately accepted and continued to work with that great master for one year. De- Greef greatly encouraged him to go further, and chose him as one of six young men, whom he se- lects each year from a large number of appli- cants, for his class in the Royal Conservatory of Music located at Brussels, Belgium. Here Rich- ards continued to make such rapid strides that at the end of the year. he was the only one of his class who successfully passed the rigid conserva- tory examinations. In the middle of the second years of his conservatory work, on a visit of King Leopold to the institution, young Richards was presented to his majesty as "one of the most gifted pupils" in the great conservatory. At the end of the year-June, 1905-Richards entered the conservatory contests and was awarded by a jury composed of Gaevaert, director of the Brus- sels conservatory. Kozul, director of the conserva- tory at Roubaix. Ghymers, Potjes, Tinel, etc., the first prize with distinction, the first time in the history of that institution that an American had captured the honor. Mr. Richards returned to Europe in September for further study and for concert work, he already having a tour arranged for Belgium and Holland." Theodore Nelson. the youngest member of the Richards family. is now a student in the high school of Ann Arbor and resides with his mother.
Rev. Richards departed this life on the ist of October. 1803. He was a distinguished minister and a prominent citizen of Michigan, well known as a lecturer throughout the state. His scholarly attainments won him the admiration of all, while his humanitarian principles gained him the love and esteem of his fellowmen. He lived for others. and his devotion to his family was largely ideal. As Mrs. Richards intended to make Ann Arbor her future home, she had the remains of her hus- band brought here for interment. It was her de- sire to have her children educated in Michigan University, and in 1804 she removed from Mount Clemens to this city and her children continued their studies here. Mrs. Richards is very promi- ment in social circles, being recognized as a leader by reason of her tact, her kindly disposition, her superior culture and her generous hospitality. Moreover. she possesses splendid business ability and has made judicious investment of her means. She has built several houses, and has recently erected two nice residences on East Huron street. one of which she has sold, while the other. at No. 713 East Huron street. she and her children now occupy. She has every reason to be proud of her family, for all have attained distinction in literary or professional circles, and the influence of the members of the Richards family has ever been on the side of intellectual and aesthetic culture.
JACOB A. GWINNER.
Jacob A. Gwinner, who is now living retired in Ann Arbor, was born in this city in 1869 and is a representative of a worthy German family of Washtenaw county. His parents were Wil- liam Albert and Amelia ( Rupff ) Gwinner. The father was born in Germany and in that country he was engaged in the cutlery business. He came of Italian ancestry, his father having re- moved from Italy to Germany, where he changed the spelling of his name to its present form. Wil- liam A. Gwinner continued in the country of his nativity until 1857. when he crossed the Atlantic to America, going first to Ohio. There he was employed for a year, after which he came to Ann
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Arbor, where his people had preceded him. Here he began working for J. C. Mead as a farm hand and when Mr. Mead was elected sheriff of the county he chose Mr. Gwinner as his deputy, and the latter held the office for two years. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of his adopted country and enlisted in 1861 in de- fense of the Union as a member of the First Michigan Military Band, serving for three months, when he was mustered out. He then went into business with his father and brothers under the firm style of Gwinner & Sons, dealers in cutlery, on Washington street, Ann Arbor. This mercantile enterprise claimed his attention until 1867, when he rented the Hanscliff Block. which contains the opera house, and was not only manager of the opera house but also con- ducted a confectionery and ice cream parlor and saloon. In May. 1869, he bought property at No. 220 Detroit street, where he handled liquors up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 3d of June, 1901.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Gwinner were six children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being : William, Jacob, Emma, Julia and Ernest. In his political views the father was a democrat and never faltered in his allegiance to that party.
Jacob A. Gwinner acquired his education in the public schools of Ann Arbor and on putting aside his text books he worked for Luick Broth- ers, in whose employ he remained for eight years. Following his father's death he took charge of the liquor business in connection with his brother William, and after a partnership of four years he purchased his brother's interest in 1897 and conducted the business alone until 1902, when he sold out. He later went into business at No. 109 North Main street, where he conducted the Orient until May, 1905, when he again sold out.
In 1894 Mr. Gwinner was united in marriage to Miss Matie Carr, of Ann Arbor. He votes with the democracy, but is without political as- piration. However, he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the city and has given active co-operation to many move- ments for the general good. He lives at No. 504 North Fifth avenue, where he owns a fine
residence. He has a very wide and favorable ac- quaintance among the German-American citizens of Ann Arbor and the circle of his friends is constantly increasing.
CHRISTIAN SCHLENKER.
Christian Schlenker, who has recently com- pleted one of the fine brick business blocks of Ann Arbor. in which he is successfully engaged in business as a dealer in hardware, stoves and furnaces, is not only classed with the leading rep- resentatives of trade interests, but is also num- bered among those, who aside from business life. have contributed to the public welfare through support of measures that are based upon the gen- eral need and the possibilities for accomplishment in behalf of the city. . \ native of Germany, he was born in Wurtemberg, March 20, 1860. His father. John G. Schlenker, is deceased. He was an agriculturist and came to Ann Arbor in the year 1871. His wife bore the maiden name of Anna Haller.
Christian Schlenker acquired his education in the schools of his native country until 1871. when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. and has since been a resident of Ann Arbor. Here he at- tained his majority, and in 1885 was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Roehm, a native of this city. They now have five children: Ernest E .. who is associated with his father in business : Martin Adolph, who is in the shop connected with his father's store : Emil Henry and Anna, both in school ; and Paul Otto, yet at home.
After completing his education. Christian Schlenker became familiar with the hardware business as an employe of John Pfister, and since 1885 has conducted a store on his own account. being now located at Nos. 213-215 Liberty street west. He has recently completed a new brick building which is a handsome structure, and in which he carries a large line of hardware, stoves furnaces, paints, oils, pumps, cutlery and general supplies. His business methods have shown him worthy of the support and confidence of the pub- lic, and a liberal trade is accorded him. Ilis dili-
CHRISTIAN SCHLENKER.
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gence and persistency of purpose constitute the basic elements of his prosperity and prove that success may be attained by all who have the de- termination to win it through methods that he has employed.
Mr. Schlenker holds social relations with the Arbeiter Verein, the Sharp Shooters and with the Odd Fellows. He has taken all of the degrees in the last mentioned. and has been representative to the grand lodge. His religious faith is that of the Zion Lutheran church. His political views accord with democratic principles, and he has been elected and served as alderman of the sec- ond ward. As a member of the city council he has exercised his official prerogatives in introduc- ing and supporting measures which have their root in the needs and possibilities of the city and that are intended to promote its welfare and sub- stantial improvement. He is practical in all that he does-in his business life, in his official serv- ice and in his social relations-and an investiga- tion into his life history brings forth many sterl- ing elements that are worthy of emulation and of commendation.
FRIEDRICH HEUSEL.
The business interests of Ann Arbor have a worthy and well known representative in Fried- rich Heusel, the extent and scope of his opera- tions having made him a successful man. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May I, 1850, a son of Friedrich Heusel, Sr., who died in the fatherland in 1900. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Steinmaier, has also departed this life.
Friedrich Heusel, reared and educated in his native country, came to America when twenty- three years of age. He located first in New Haven, Connecticut, where for four years he was employed in a machine shop, but the better business opportunities of the west with its greater competition and advancement more quickly se- cured, attracted him and he made a visit to the Mississippi valley in 1877, spending some time in Chicago, Omaha, St. Louis and other cities.
However, at that time he returned to New Haven, where he worked in a large bakery, which he conducted until 1879. That year witnessed his arrival in Ann Arbor and for fourteen years he was employed by the firm of Koch & Haller. In 1894 he established a large bakery at the pres- ent site of 206 East Huron street, and is now con- ducting an extensive wholesale bakery and con- fectionery business with a well equipped plant, and the excellence of the product secures a very extensive and growing patronage.
In 1883 Mr. Heusel was united in marriage to Miss Mary Niethammer, of Freedom, Michi- gan, and they have two sons and two daughters : Friedrich J., who is in business with his father : Amanda Paulina: Erwin Carl: Frieda mar- guerita.
Mr. Heusel is a member of the Arbeiter Ver- ein and his political views are in accord with re- publican principles. He has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and is distinctively one of the leading citizens of Ann Arbor, being the founder and owner of the busi- ness which contributes to general commercial prosperity as well as individual success. It is a matter of history that the Teutonic race has been a most important element in the colonization, up- building and progress of many lines and the Ger- man-American citizenship of America possesses a worth acknowledged by all. Mr. Heusel dis- plays many of the strong and sterling character- istics of the fatherland, which, combined with the enterprise and progressive spirit that domi- nates the middle west has made him one of the prosperous residents of his adopted city.
EUGENE OESTERLIN.
Eugene Oesterlin, who is engaged in the real estate, insurance and conveyancing business in Ann Arbor, is among the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Washtenaw county. His birth occurred in the fatherland in 1837, his parents being Eugene and Nanette (Stenger) Oesterlin, both of whom were natives of Ger-
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many. They never came to America, and have now departed this life. In their family were five children. Eugene being the only one who ever sought a home in the new world. He ac- quired a good education in the schools of his na- tive place, and in early manhood became a for- ester, being employed in that way until his emi- gration to the new world. Business ambition prompted his coming to America, and he settled in Ann Arbor in 1864. He was first employed in a tannery in Saline township, Washtenaw county. and subsequently secured a position as book- keeper for the firm of Finnegan & Howard, deal- ers in agricultural implements. He afterward went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the Champion Machine Company of Ohio, which he represented for some time, when he again took up his abode in Ann Arbor and opened an office for the conduct of a real estate and fire insur- ance business. He is also conveyancer for the German citizens of the county, settling up estates for them in Germany and performing other such services. He has acted as their representative in the matter of inheritances and does a general conveyancing business. He has also handled some valuable property and negotiated a number of important realty transfers.
In 1866, in Ann Arbor, Mr. Oesterlin was married to Miss Barbara Weis, who was born in this city and is of German lineage. They now have five children : Eugene, who married Julia Kress, a daughter of John Kress, and has one child. Elsie: Julius, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who married Maggie Stahl, of Tonia, this state : Ida, the wife of John Gahringer, and the mother of one son. Eugene : and Oscar and Luella, both at home. The family attend the Catholic church, of which Mrs. Oesterlin is a communicant. Mr. Oesterlin is a charter member of the German society called the Allgemeiner Arbeiter Bund, in which he is holding office. likewise Germania lodge, No. 457. of the Deutcher Order of Haru- gari. In politics he has been a democrat since becoming a naturalized American citizen, and for the past sixteen years he has been supervisor for the second ward, where he makes his home. He is a reliable, trustworthy business man, held in high esteem, and is one of the leading German-
American citizens of Ann Arbor. His hope of benefiting his financial condition has been more than realized in the new world, for he has found here the position he sought and through the im- provement of opportunity has gained a place among the substantial residents of Washtenaw county.
D. PEYTON SULLIVAN.
D. Peyton Sullivan, deserving mention among the most prominent of Ypsilanti's business men and representative citizens, has made a creditable record in connection with one of the most im- portant productive industries of this city. His force of character, unquestioned business integ- rity and control of circumstances have contributed in an eminent degree to the solidity and progress of the entire community, and he is to-day the secretary and treasurer of the Scharf Tag. Label & Box Company, operating an immense establish- ment with a large output. Mr. Sullivan was born in Wells, Somersetshire, England, in 1863. His father. John Peyton Sullivan, was a native of Ireland, and was a paper manufacturer, becom- ing an expert at that business in all of its branches. He was provided with exceptional ed- ucational facilities, having been a student in Dub- lin University, and for many years he was an honored and valued resident of Ypsilanti, to which city he came in 1875. He married Miss Emma Coles, whose birth occurred in Wells, England, and both passed away in 1903. Mr. Sullivan departed this life at the age of seventy- eight years. His wife died very suddenly a few months after his demise when sixty years of age. In their family were five children: Harry C .. D. Peyton, Jessie A .. Annie L. and Arthur I.
D. Peyton Sullivan was only three years old when he was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in Can- ada, where he acquired his early education. He was a youth of fourteen when he came with his father and mother to Ypsilanti, and in the schools of this city he continued his studies and also took up the study of bookkeeping. He likewise prof-
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ited much from the instruction of his mother, who was a highly educated lady. After finishing his studies he returned to Canada and entered upon his business career as an employe in the mills of the Canada Paper Company at Sherbrooke. where his father was acting as manager. He thoroughly mastered the paper business both in principle and detail and remained with that com- pany until 1883. when he returned to Ypsilanti and entered the employ of the Ypsilanti Paper Company. He acted in different capacities until he was made one of the office force. so continu- ing until 1891. when he entered the employ of H. P. Glover, of the Ypsilanti Dress Stay Manu- facturing Company, of which Mr. Glover was the head. Mr. Sullivan served as bookkeeper in con- nection with this and other enterprises controlled by Mr. Glover, until he became secretary and man- ager of the Scharf Tag. Label & Box Company, which is his present business connection. The com- pany owns and controls an extensive plant, occu- pying a handsome brick and stone building on Pearl street, where are manufactured shipping. merchandise and metal edge tags and advertising labels. They also conduct a book and job printing department and are book binders and engravers, with a trade that has made them well known in business circles. Their patronage has steadily grown and they employ from seventy-five to one hundred hands, while their annual pay roll amounts to about forty thousand dollars. They have traveling men representing the house on the road in every state in the Union, and in Canada as well, and their output is shipped from coast to coast and from Canada to the gulf. The business was incorporated in 1887 under its present name with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars and the surplus now amounts to seventeen thousand dollars. The company is officered by the follow- ing: H. P. Glover. president : Fred C. Andrews. vice president. and D. P. Sullivan, secretary. treasurer and manager.
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