USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 16
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JOSEPH F. FOLEY.
Joseph F. Foley, deceased, was born in the town of Newbridge, County Wicklow, Ireland, in January, 1834. and was the ninth in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom two others came to America, these being Richard, who settled in Detroit; and Felix. in Superior. Joseph spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native land and prior to his emigration to America learned the cutter's trade in his broth- er's tailoring establishment in Manchester, En- gland. It was in 1854 that he crossed the At- lantic and made his way direct to Detroit. where he joined his brother Richard who was en- gaged in the tailoring business at that place. He remained with his brother for six months and then came to Ann Arbor, where he worked at his trade for about two years. He next went to
Marshall, Michigan, where he engaged in the tailoring business on his own account for two years, after which he returned to Ann Arbor for a year, and then spent the following year in Ypsi- lanti, conducting the same business for Mr. Fol- lett. In 1862 the Civil war broke out and he was awarded the contract of furnishing the uniforms for the Post Light Guards of Ypsilanti. Later Mr. Foley enlisted in Company K. Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and was in the service about nine months when he was discharged on account of rheumatism contracted in the service. He then returned to Ann Arbor, but a year later removed to Roches- ter, New York, where he was employed as cutter in a clothing house for about ten years. He then formed a partnership with a Mr. Clark and to- gether they engaged in the clothing business with success for some time or until Mr. Foley was taken ill, when he again removed to Ann Arbor, where he died about a year later, passing away on the 13th of May. 1873. honored and respected by all who knew him. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he was a communi- cant of the Catholic church.
On the 7th of May. 1855. Mr. Foley married Miss Bridget Clancy, who was born in Ann Ar- bor. January 1. 1839. and still survives her hus- band, living in the residence which she erected about 1880 on land purchased forty-eight years ago. She became the mother of seven children : Edward Joseph, who died in infancy; Mary A., the wife of Dr. J. H. Heron, of Salt Lake City, Utah : Joseph Edward, who also passed away in infancy: Elizabeth, living in Ann Arbor: Fred- erick Richard, who died at the age of twenty- five years; Clara Josephine, the wife of Charles R. Moore, a lawyer residing in Chicago; and Dr. John William Foley, who wedded Mary Rin- sey and lives in Leadville, Colorado.
Michael Clancy. the father of Mrs. Bridget Foley, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, on the 6th of March, 1800, and on coming to America in 1812, resided in Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, for some time. For a time he was also engaged in seal fishing off the coast of Nova Scotia, but, not finding that em- ployment congenial, he returned to Boston and later went to Providence. There he wedded Mary
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A. Buckley, whose birth occurred in County Cork, Ireland, and two of their children were born in Providence: John, who is living in Blackwell, Missouri; and Jane, the widow of Richard Cullen, residing in Detroit, Michigan. The other children of the family were James and Edward, both deceased; Mary Ann, who became Mrs. Richard Foley ; Edwin, deceased : Bridget, who married Joseph F. Foley; and Eliza, who became the wife of Edward Quinn, of Brighton, Colorado.
In 1828 Mr. Clancy removed to Ann Arbor and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in this county, carrying on general agricul- tural pursuits for several years, after which he turned his attention to merchandising, and was thus connected with the business life of Ann Ar- bor for a long period, or up to the time of his death. He was a democrat in his political views and in religious faith was a Catholic. His last years were spent in the home of his daughter. Mrs. Bridget Foley, and there he passed away on the 26th of March, 1885. His father lived to the age of one hundred and three years, while his mother was one hundred and five years of age at the time of her death. They retained their residence in Ireland until called to their final rest.
CHARLES E. KING.
Charles E. King, a well known business man of Ypsilanti, was born in that city in 1851, and is a son of Charles King and grandson of George R. King, who came to this country from England and located in Washtenaw county in 1837. Three years later the father and grandfather established the business now carried on by our subject at its present location. Charles E. King attended the public schools of Ypsilanti, and after con- pleting the high-school course entered the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating from the literary department in 1873. He at once became connected with the business established by his father and grandfather in 1840 and has since devoted his time and attention chiefly to that enterprise, as a dealer in staple and fancy
groceries, though he is now serving as vice presi- dent of the First National Bank of Ypsilanti. His political support is given the men and meas- ures of the democratic party.
EDWARD G. DOERSAM.
Edward G. Doersam, deputy sheriff of Wash- tenaw county and a resident of Ypsilanti, was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, March 15. 1863. His father was a native of Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, and conducted a hotel at Water- loo for forty-five years. He married Marguerite Grittman, a native of Baden, Germany, and their children was as follows: George, a retired black- smith, living in Lena, Illinois; Jacob, who is en- gaged in the tobacco business at Waterloo, On- tario : John, who is agent for the Kuntz Brew- ing Company at Panetangne, Ontario ; Peter, who is proprietor of a hotel at Ayton, Ontario; Mrs. Caroline Ruthig, of Millbank, Ontario: Mrs. Louisa Hoefler, of Rochester, New York; Mrs. Emma Froechlich, of Sand Creek, Michigan : and Mrs. Katie Witmer, of Preston, Ontario.
Edward G. Doersam, of this family, pursued his education in Waterloo and was graduated from the high school in 1879. He then continued in the hotel business with his father until twenty- one years of age, and in 1883 he went to Brad- ford, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the bottling business for two years. In 1885 he re- turned to Waterloo and the same year made a three months' trip to Great Britain, visiting Lon- don. Liverpool and Glasgow. On again return- ing to his native city he established a bottling business, in which he continued until 1889, when he sold out to the Kuntz Brewing Company. In 1800 he came to Michigan, settling in Milan, where he was in business with Charles Smith, and in 1895 he came to Ypsilanti, where he obtained a position at the Hawkins House. He afterward bought the Senate, which he conducted for a year, selling out in 1807, when he began dealing in horses, in which business he is still engaged.
In politics Mr. Doersam is a republican and was appointed deputy sheriff in January, 1905.
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He has been a delegate to several county conven- tions and is recognized as an active and earnest worker for the party.
On the 25th of March, 1890, Mr. Doersam was married to Miss Clara Stannard, a daughter of Edward and Mary Stannard, of Waterloo, On- tario. They have two children, Rosie and Charles. Mr. Doersam holds membership relations with the Odd Fellows, the Maccabees and the Elks. and is also a member of the German Lutheran church.
THEODORE E. WOOD.
Theodore E. Wood, cashier of the State Bank of Chelsea, is one of the oldest representatives of banking interests in the village, and his position in business circles has long been an enviable one. for he has the entire confidence and respect of the general public. A native of the state of New York, he was born in Canandaigua, on the 19th of December, 1844. his parents being Garrett and Mary (Ashley) Wood. The father was a car- penter and contractor and came to Michigan in 1845. settling in Hamburg. Livingston county, where he worked at his trade until 1850, when he removed to Dexter, and was there engaged in contracting and building. The mother died there and the father afterward took up his abode in Pinckney, this state, where he passed away in 1871. In their family were seven children : Silas L .: William, who died in 1808: Andrew J. : Chauncey G., who died in 1866: Theodore ; Saralı and Elizabetlı.
After mastering the elementary branches of learning Theodore E. Wood continued his edu- cation in the high school of Dexter, Michigan, and in August. 1862, responded to the country's call for troops, he enlisted for three years' service in the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry. The regi- ment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he was discharged at the close of the war. He participated in many battles and was wounded on the 12th of May. 1864. He made a most creditable military record and was often in the thickest of the fight, also took part in long marches and arduous campaigns.
For eleven years after the close of the war Mr. Wood was engaged in teaching school, and in 1876 accepted the position of cashier in the private banking house of George P. Glazier. This in 1880 was changed to the Chel- sea Saving Bank, of which he became assistant cashier, serving until Igor, when he succeeded George Glazier in the cashiership. He is one of the oldest men in the banking business in Chelsea. and his reliability is above question, while his uniform courtesy and obliging manner have made him a popular bank official.
In 1891 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Blake, of Chelsea. a daughter of Da- vid Blake, and their circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Wood is a valued representative of several fraternal organizations, belonging to Olive lodge. No. 156. A. F. & A. M., and to other branches of Masonry, ultimately becoming a member of the Mystic Shrine at Detroit. He also affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Grand Army of the Republic. 1 republican in his political views. he has served as trustee and treasurer of the village, and he has also hield office in the Masonic lodge, filling the position of secretary until 1901, when he retired. He was the first past patron of the Eastern Star. In a busi- ness career marked by a close application and mastery of every duty that has devolved upon him. he has made a creditable record and won justly merited success.
E. G. HOAG.
It would seem almost trite to say to those ac- quainted with the history of Mr. Hoag that he has risen unaided from a comparatively humble position to rank among the leading and prosper- ous merchants of Ann Arbor, but in the history that will descend to future generations it is but just to say that his rise has been the legitimate outcome of his own labors and that he has fol- lowed methods that have commended him to the confidence and support of all. In his business career he has been notably prompt and reliable,
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never incurring obligations that he has not met nor making engagements that he has not filled, and he enjoys to the full extent the trust of his co-laborers in commercial circles here. He was born in Columbia, Jackson county, Michigan, June 2, 1862, his parents being Henry G. and Deborah G. (Hawley) Hoag. The father, a na- tive of Queens county, New York, removed from the Empire state to Michigan about 1852, settling in Jackson county, where he engaged in general farming. His wife was a native of that county, and there they reared their family of three chil- dren : James H., who is now a physician of Hope, Indiana ; Nina Jennie, deceased ; and E. G. of this review.
Having acquired his elementary education in the common schools, E. G. Hoag continued his studies until he had completed the high school course at Chelsea by graduation. He afterward prepared for a commercial career by a course in Bryant & Stratton Business College in De- troit, and throughout his active connection with business life he has been interested in mercantile operations. In Chelsea he established and con- ducted a large store, but seeking a still broader field of labor he came to Ann Arbor in 1902, where he established an immense general dry goods emporium and notion store. He carries a very large line of goods, each department being well equipped and his purchases are carefully made. The store is thoroughly modern in all of its appointments, and the safe, conservative policy inaugurated has brought to the establishment a gratifying measure of prosperity.
In 1887 Mr. Hoag was united in marriage to Ermina Geddes, a native of Lodi, Michigan, and they now have three interesting children: Nina Bernice, seventeen years of age; Margaret, four- teen years of age; and Kenneth, a little lad of three summers. Mr. Hoag is a member of the Congregational church, interested in its various activities and is also a helpful worker in the Young Men's Christian Association. While con- trolling an important business enterprise in the city, he finds opportunity to devote to the interests which develop man's intellectual and moral na- ture, and his own sterling worth is recognized by all with whom he has been associated. He has
co-operated in many progressive movements for the benefit of the city and his life has been indeed a busy and useful one, marked by consecutive advancement, by honorable motives and success- ful accomplishment.
ROBERT W. HEMPHILL.
Robert W. Hemphill, cashier of the Ypsilanti Savings Bank, and a promoter of business en- terprises that have contributed in a substantial measure to the growth and development of Ypsi- lanti, was born in Clinton, Michigan, in 1839. His father, Nathaniel Hemphill, was a native of Sara- toga, New York, and died in that state. The mother came to Michigan in 1839, settling in Clinton, Lenawee county, where the birth of Robert W. Hemphill occurred. He began his education in the common schools of this city and passed through successive grades until he had at- tended the high school. Later he became a clerk in the postoffice, and in 1855 he became assistant postmaster, filling the office for two years, on the expiration of which period he went to Chicago, spending a year and a half there. He was with John Gilbert in the commission business and later returned to Ypsilanti.
In 1859 he became connected with the bank business as a clerk for Follett, Conklin & Com- pany, with whom he remained until the firm was dissolved in 1860, when the firm of B. Follett & Company, bankers, was organized, Mr. Hemphill becoming a partner at that time. From this be- ginning has evolved the First National Bank. The firm of B. Follett & Company was succeeded by Cornwell & Hemphill, which was afterward changed to Hemphill, Batchelder & Company, and so continued until 1881. The institution con- ducted by the above named firms was a private bank, and in 1888 the Ypsilanti Savings Bank, so organized by Mr. Hemphill. S. M. McCutch - eon, of Detroit, and the late Stephen Moore, also of Detroit. They were the successors of Hemp- hill, Batchelder & Company, and the present of- ficers of the bank are: Augustus Beyer, presi- dent ; H. P. Glover, vice president ; R. W. Hemp-
R. W. HEMPHILL.
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hill, cashier ; and P. W. Carpenter, assistant cash- ier. From the beginning Mr. Hemphill has oc. cupied his present position. His long connection with banking interests has made him thoroughly informed concerning the business in principle and detail, and in the present institution he has in- augurated a safe conservative policy that has made this one of the strong financial concerns of the county.
Mr. Hemphill in other ways has been closely identified with the business progress and sub- stantial growth of Ypsilanti, aiding in the es- tablishment and successful control of a number of industries, including the Ypsilanti Paper Com- pany, owning and operating an extensive paper mill, the Jackson pulp works and other enter- prises. He is the president of the first named. From among the members of that company the Washtenaw Light and Power Company was or- ganized, which furnishes electric light to both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and of the latter com- pany Mr. Hemphill is also president. This com- pany has built the power house at Geddes on the banks of the Huron, situated midway between the two cities, and the plant is splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery known to the electrical world for the purpose of lighting and furnishing power. The company maintains of- fices in both Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, and has had a prosperous existence since its organiza- tion in 1902. At one time he was also a director and vice-president of the Detroit. Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor Railroad, and was one of the prime movers in re-organizing and transferring the old dummy road to the Detroit. Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor road, saving the stockholders about one hundred thousand dollars.
In his political views Mr. Hemphill is a stal- wart democrat, and for the past ten years has served as city treasurer and is still the incum- bent in the office, a record which is an incontro- vertible testimonial of his capability and his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of the duties of the office. He belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity, in which he has held various of- fices of trust.
In 1863 Mr. Hemphill was married in Ypsi- lanti to Miss Adeline Moore, a native of this city,
and a daughter of Charles and Adeline (Mc- Allister ) Moore. They have two sons and a daughter, all born in Ypsilanti, namely: Robert W .: Charles M., who is cashier of the First Na- tional Bank at Shoshone, Lincoln county, Idaho, and married Miss Mary Curtis of this city; and Josephine. the wife of W. D. Crocker, of Rupert, Idaho.
Mr. Hemphill attends St. Luke's church. He is a self-made man, whose position of prominence is attributable entirely to his own efforts. He is always mentioned as one of the representative and honored residents of Ypsilanti, and is re- garded as a gentleman of great force of charac- ter, of strong principles, of splendid executive ability and business discernment. He stands as a high type of our American manhood, and is as- sociated with that enterprising class of men, whose efforts contribute to the general welfare in addition to individual success. He forms his plans after careful consideration of a business proposition and its possibilities, and is then de- termined in their execution; and as the years have gone by, the concentration of his efforts and energies upon the conduct of industrial and fi- nancial interests, have brought about success that is also attended with honor, because of the meth- ods that have been employed.
CHARLES A. COLE.
Charles A. Cole, proprietor of the Ann Arbor Electric Granite Works, was born in this city in 1868. His father, Benjamin F. Cole, likewise a native of Ann Arbor, died in July, 1903. at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a graduate of the law department of the University of Michi- gan, but never practiced, giving his attention in- stead to agricultural pursuits. He settled on a
farm a few miles from the city and thereon spent his remaining days. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Emma Shetterley, was born in Ann Arbor, where she still makes her home. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, of whom six are living, as follows: Charles A .: Carrie M., the wife of Henry
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Schnierle, of this city: George, who is living in Chicago; Clara; Nelson, of San Francisco, who joined the United States army and was for some time in Manila, while at the present time he is stationed in California : and Hazel, who completes the family.
Charles A. Cole spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and in early manhood engaged in railroading. Later he was employed at the De- troit Bridge & Iron Works, at Detroit, and sub- sequently he worked in the paper mills in Ann Arbor. In 1896 he entered the services of the Ann Arbor Electric Granite Works, owned at that time by John Baumgardner, and there learned the trade of stone cutting, serving a regular ap- prenticeship. In 1900, in connection with D. Hand, he purchased the business of his employer and they continued together for a year, when Mr. Cole purchased Mr. Hand's interest and has since been sole proprietor of the Ann Arbor Electric Granite Works. A liberal patronage is accorded the house because of the reliable business methods practiced and the excellence of the output which conforms with the highest standards of work in this line.
In 1891 Mr. Cole was married to Miss Julia Knebel, a native of Ann Arbor, and they have one child, Ruth, born in this city. Mr. Cole is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen camp and of the Elks lodge, and his personal qualities have gained him warm friendships, while in business affairs he is known as an energetic, industrious man, his personal success being attributable entirely to his own efforts.
WILLIAM J. CONLIN.
William J. Conlin, whose advancement in busi- ness life resulting from adaptability, close appli- cation and a mastery of the business conditions of the present day, has made him a successful merchant of Ann Arbor, is now a member of the firm of Reule, Conlin & Fiegel, clothiers and furnishers. He was born in Webster township, this county, in 1873. His grandfather, Henry Conlin, was a native of Ireland and came to
Michigan at a very early period in its settlement. He took up land from the government which is still owned by his descendants and he assisted materially in reclaiming this portion of the state for the uses of the white man. He married Elizabeth Coyle, also a native of Ireland, whence she came with her parents to the United States. His death occurred at the age of seventy-five years and his wife passed away when eighty years of age. His father, John H. Conlin, who was also born in the same township, is now living re- tired in Toledo, Ohio. He wedded Mary E. Hanlon, a native of Rochester, New York, and she is also living. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom were born on the old homestead in this county, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. In order of birth the children are as follows : Henry A., Mary E., William J., Frank C., John B., Arthur R., Anna A., Elizabeth, Joseph, Gene- vieve, Alice and Lewis. The father followed farming on the old homestead in this county on which his father located in early pioneer times and was a successful agriculturist. He took an active part in community affairs as a champion of all measures for the general good, but never sought nor desired public office.
William J. Conlin began his education in the district schools and continued his studies in the high school of Dexter. After putting aside his text-books at the age of nineteen years he came to Ann Arbor, where he entered the employ of the firm of Wadham, Ryan and Reule, dealers in clothing and men's furnishing goods, in whose service he remained until 1905, when on the Ist of February he was admitted to a partnership, the firm being reorganized. The present style is Reule, Conlin & Fiegel and the house sustains a very enviable reputation because of the excel- lent business policy which is maintained and which commends them to the patronage of a large number of Ann Arbor's best citizens. Mr. Conlin has won his present enviable position in commercial circles through his close application to business, his fidelity to his employers' inter- ests and his entire trustworthiness, and now as a merchant he is justly esteemed, having gained the respect of all with whom he has been brought
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in contact. His political affiliation is with the democratic party.
In 1901 Mr. Conlin was married in Detroit to Miss Catherine V. Crotty, who was born in De- troit, and they have two children, Edward F. and John E., both natives of this city.
BIRD ALLEN TRACY, M. D.
Dr. Bird Allen Tracy, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Manchester, is a native of Schuyler county, New York, born on the 4th of January, 1866. His father, Gustavus A. Tracy, was born in the same county and he, too, was a physician by profession. Coming to Michi- gan in 1891 he settled in Blissfield, where he en- gaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, served as one of its officers and took a most active part in its work. His fraternal rela- tions were with the Masons and his political alle- giance was given to the republican party. He married Miss Helen M. Johnson, who was born in Schuyler county, New York, and is still living there at the age of fifty-nine years. She, too, is a devoted member of the Methodist church. Dr. Tracy, Sr., passed away in April, 1892, at the age of fifty-one years.
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