USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 20
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WILLIAM BLAIR, M. D.
Dr. William Blair, physician and surgeon of Ann Arbor, whose activity and helpfulness in community affairs entitles him to mention with the representative citizens here, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1869, his parents being Andrew and Mary (Stewart)
Blair. The father was a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, and the mother was likewise born in the Keystone state. They are now living in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Blair is an officer in the Cumberland Valley Railroad and active in business affairs.
In the public schools of his native city Dr. Blair remained as a student until he had mas- tered the branches of its curriculum and in 1887 he came to Ann Arbor, where he entered the high school. completing the course here by graduation in the class of 1888. In the fall of the same year he enrolled as a student in the literary depart- ment of the University of Michigan, but illness forced him to put aside his text-books and it was not until 1890 that he resumed his studies, be- coming then a student in the medical department, from which he was graduated in 1893. For two years he was a teacher in the university and he remained in private practice in Ann Arbor until 1894, when he removed to Harrisburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he opened an office. Two years later, however, he returned to Ann Arbor, where he has since practiced with constantly growing success. He is a member of the Washtenaw County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Ann Arbor Medical Club, and thereby keeps in touch with the ad- vance of thought of the profession. with the knowledge that is gained from individual prac- tice and experience and with the progres that is reached through scientific investigation. Dr. Blair is also well known because of his activity in behalf of community interests. He takes a helpful part in matters pertaining to the welfare of the city, withholding his endorsement from no helpful public measure and as a member of the city council of Ann Arbor he has given tangible proof of his loyalty to its welfare. His political views are in harmony with republican principles and his religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Presbyterian church.
Happy in his home life he was married in 1892 to Miss Viola M. Williams, who was a classmate of his in the literary department of the University of Michigan, the marriage being celebrated on the day of her graduation. Her parents were Jeremiah D. and Jane L. ( Stark ) Williams, early
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settlers of Washtenaw county, having taken up government land here when this county was first opened up. Hospitality is one of the pleasing characteristics of their home and their social prominence in enviable. Dr. Blair has won an equally gratifying position in professional circles as a result of his skill, knowledge and ability. In his professional capacity he is known through- out the city and surrounding country and a dis- tinguishing feature of his practice is the strong humanitarian principles which he so frequently displays.
FRANKLIN BENHAM.
Franklin Benham, deceased, made his home in Ann Arbor throughout his entire life and was a representative of a pioneer family of this city. He was born here, November 5, 1842, his par- ents being Nelson and Polly ( Collins) Benham, both of whom were natives of the Empire state, where they reside until 1838, when they came to Ann Arbor, becoming early residents of Wash- tenaw county. The father engaged in the hotel business on the north side, which was then the best part of the city, purchasing what was then known as the old Washtenaw House, conducting it as a first-class hostelry throughout his remain- ing days. He was born April 3. 1801, and died in 1876, having long survived his wife, who was born February 14, 1802, and died June 16, 1847. They had a large family of children, of whom Franklin was the youngest.
In the public schools of his native city Franklin Benham acquired his education. Always a lover of fine horses, he began to follow the races and engaged in that business most of his life. His brother, who conducts a livery stable, owned many fine race horses. Mr. Benham of this re- view became known as one of the best horsemen in the state, was an excellent judge of horses and owned many fine animals. He traveled quite extensively, especially in the summer time, visit - ing the state and county fairs but he always spent the winter months with his wife in Ann Arbor.
Mr. Benham was married in this city, March 20, 1903, to Miss Frances Adeline Tice, a na- tive of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county, New York, and a daughter of John and Sabrina (Hayner) Tice, both of whom were natives of Rensselaer county. Her father became a pioneer resident of Ann Arbor, locating here when the city was little more than an embryo village and when the county was wild and unimproved. He was a carpenter by trade and built many of the fine residences of the city, including the home of Dr. Smith and other substantial structures here. In fact he was identified with building oper- ations in Ann Arbor until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1892. His wife also died here October 27. 1891. Two of their sons, Abraham and John E. Tice, are yet resi- dents of Ann Arbor.
The death of Mr. Benham occurred on the 2d of March, 1904. In politics he was a demo- crat but at local and state elections cast his ballot for the candidate whom he regarded as best qualified for office. In his business affairs he was successful, capably managing his interests until a good financial income resulted. He had a wide acquaintance throughout the state, where his genial manner made him popular. Mrs. Ben- ham is quite prominent in social circles in Ann Arbor and is well-to-do. She owns a nice home at No. 517 Hiscock street, which was built by her father, and also other valuable property in this city and in and around Battle Creek, Michi- gan.
MICHAEL J. LEHMAN.
Michael J. Lehman, like the great majority of the sturdy Teutons who have contributed so largely to the development and prosperity of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 3, 1850. His father, Michael Lehman, Sr., was a farmer by occupation and died November 22, 1883. His wife, who prior to her marriage bore the name of Eva Maria Heselschwerdt, died January 3. 1898. In the family in addition to Michael were six sons and five daughters. The living broth-
FRANKLIN BENHAM
JOHN TICE.
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ers are as follows: Matthew L., a resident of White Oak. Ingham county, Michigan ; Henry, of Waterloo. Jackson county : William R., of Grass Lake township, Jackson county ; and Con- rad L., of Chelsea. Michigan. Those who have passed away are: George L., who died in Lyndon township in 1897: and Peter J., who died in Ann Arbor in 1901. The sisters are: Mrs. Catherine Oesterle, of Sylvan : and Mrs. Mary Wurster, of Manchester, this county : Mrs. Elizabeth Riemen- schneider, of Waterloo. Jackson county; Mrs. Lydia Nordman, of Jackson city: and Mrs. Ida Barth, of Ann Arbor.
Michael J. Lehman came with his father's fam- ily from Germany at an early age. the family home being established in the township of Free- dom. He completed his literary education in the Grass Lake high school and then determining to make the practice of law his life work he entered the law department of the University of Michi- gan in 1878 and on the completion of the regular course was graduated with honors. His repu- tation at the bar is well known throughout south- ern Michigan. He was prosecuting attorney of Washtenaw county from 1888 until 1892 and in the control of his private practice has shown keen discrimination, analytical power. logical reason- ing and forceful presentation of his cause. A liberal clientage has been accorded him and his business has been of a distinctively representative character.
On the 24th of November. 1881. Mr. Lehman was married to Miss Mary Schumacher. a daughter of George and Dorothy Schumacher, of Waterloo. Jackson county. They have three sons : Christian Henry, who is studying in the University of Michigan with the class of 1907; George Michael. a member of the class of 1908 in the literary department ; and Carl Adolph, who is attending the high school of Ann Arbor.
Mr. Lehman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and has held the highest offices in that fraternity. He is also a member of the Workingmen's Benevolent Association of Chel- sea lodge and belongs to Ann Arbor Bethlehem Evangelical church. His law office has been re- moved to Detroit and he occupies suite 51 and 52. McGraw building, where a liberal practice is
accorded him. He lives in a beautiful home at No. 119 Grandview avenue, Ann Arbor, com- manding a view of the city with its university buildings and the valley of the Huron that can not be surpassed anywhere in this section.
JOHN B. BURKE.
John B. Burke, proprietor of a large plumbing and heating establishment in Ypsilanti, is a na- tive son of this state, his birth having occurred in Northfield on the 4th of February, 1876. He is one of the ten children who were born unto John and Margaret (Cominskie) Burke. The father, who for many years followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family, is now living a retired life near Ypsilanti and has at- tained the age of seventy years. Nine of the children are yet living.
John B. Burke was reared under the parental roof and in the district schools of Northfield ac- quired his education, pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon the farm, early becom- ing familiar with the arduous toil necessary to the development of the fields and the care of stock. He was thus employed until eighteen years of age. when. thinking that he would find the industrial or commercial pursuits more con- genial, he left the old homestead and came to Ypsilanti, where he entered upon an apprentice- ship to the trade of plumbing and heating. In this capacity he was employed by various Ypsi- lanti concerns, continually broadening his knowl- edge of the business and promoting his efficient workmanship. For the past five years he has been engaged in business on his own account and for two years has been located at No. 16 North Washington street, where he conducts a large plumbing and heating establishment, carrying general fixtures and plumbing supplies and doing contract work in this line.
Mr. Burke has given his political allegiance to the democracy since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Catholic church and is a member of the Knights
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of Columbus. He has a wide and favorable ac- quaintance in Ypsilanti, where he has now made his home for more than a decade and is justly accounted one of the wide awake, alert and enter- prising young business men, possessing the sta- bility of character and strength of purpose that enables him to carry forward to successful ac- complishment whatever he undertakes.
ADOLPH G. NIETHAMER.
Adolph G. Niethamer, a member of the well known firm of Huss & Niethamer, contractors and builders of Ann Arbor with an extensive business which covers this city and Washtenaw county, was born in Scio township, May 27. 1870. His father. Jacob Niethamer, was a na- tive of Stuttgart in the duchy of Wurtemberg, Germany, and coming to America he purchased an eighty-acre farm at Scio, where he died when his son Adolph was only two years old. His wife, who prior to her marriage was Mary Gen- genbach, was also a native of Stuttgart.
Adolph G. Niethamer attended the public schools of his native township until he was four- teen years of age. He had two brothers : Johnson F., a grocer: and Moses G., a carpenter and builder, both of whom are now living in Ann Arbor. There were also two sisters in the fam- ily : Minnie, who died at the age of sixteen years ; and Lydia, who became the wife of Henry Frey. of Francis, Michigan, and died in 1899.
At the age of eighteen years Adolph G. Niethamer began learning the carpenter's and builder's trade under the direction of his brother Moses. The following year he went to work for John Walz, of Ann Arbor, with whom he re- mained for eleven years with the exception of eighteen months spent in the employ of the state at work upon the university buildings. In 1904 he entered into partnership with Aaron C. Huss, a well known carpenter and builder of Ann Arbor, thus forming the firm of Huss & Nieth- amer. now doing contract work on an extensive scale in this city and the county. Many im- portant contracts have been awarded them and
they are insured a continuance of a liberal pat- ronage by reason of their fair and honorable methods and the excellent work executed by them.
On the 15th of December, 1892, Mr. Nieth- amer was married to Miss Mary L. Eiding and they have two children, a daughter. Delta K., now five years of age, and a son, Woodard A., who is two years old. Although Mr. Niethamer ever gives an unfaltering support to the democracy he has never been a candidate for office. He is a member of the American Health & Sickness Association and attends the Fourth Avenue Evangelical Bethlehem church of Ann Arbor. Having always lived in this city he is widely known and has attained a creditable posi- tion in business circles through his own well directed efforts and merit.
EDWARD J. WAGNER.
Edward J. Wagner, an enterprising young farmer who represents one of the old pioneer families of Washtenaw county, was born in Scio township, October 3. 1882, his parents being Wil- liam H. and Margaret ( Berk) Wagner. The father was also born in Scio township, his natal day being September 1, 1848, and he was a son of Casper and Dorothea C. ( Ehemann ) Wagner, both of whom were native of Wittenberg. Ger- many. The grandfather was born June 25. 1810, and came to this country in 1837. locating first near Toledo, Ohio, where he worked on a canal. Later he came to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he was first employed as a farm hand, but when his labor had brought him capital suf- ficient to justify his engaging in farming on his own account, he bought forty acres, which he cleared and improved. In 1875, having sold his original purchase, he bought one hundred acres and after disposing of that he purchased two hunded and six acres, whereon he resided until 1889. He then built him a home in Ann Arbor, where he lived retired up to the time of his death, which occurred July 23. 1901. He was first
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married to a Miss Allmendinger, and their only child. a son, died in infancy. After a married life of two years Mrs. Wagner died and on the 3Ist of October. 1847. Casper Wagner was mar- ried to Mrs. Dorothea C. Balden, nee Ehemann, the widow of Frederick Balden. She was born in Wittenberg. Germany, January 14. 1814. and died May 9, 1904. Both Mr. and Mrs. Casper Wagner thus lived to be more than ninety years of age. They held membership in the Evangelical church. In their family were three sons: Wil- liam H .: John D., who was born June 7, 1851, and is now living in Plainwell, Michigan; and Herman J., who was born November 12, 1854, and died April 16, 1894.
William H. Wagner, father of our subject, was reared to the occupation of farming on the old family homestead in Scio township and con- tinued to follow that pursuit throughout his en- tire life. He was married at Berlin, St. Clair county. Michigan, March 18. 1875. to Miss Margaret Berk, who was born in Lorain county, Ohio. October 22, 1851, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Heussner) Berk, both na- tives of Hessen, Germany, the former born Janu- ary 28. 1822, and the latter December 26, 1814. Coming to America in 1837. Mr. Berk settled in Lorain county, Ohio, and in 1866 removed to this county, taking up his abode in Dexter township, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land three miles west of Dexter. He built a new house on this land and carried on general farming until 1870, when he removed to Berlin, St. Clair county, Michigan, where he pur- chased a farm upon which he spent his remain- ing days. He died May 24. 1875, and his wife died June 16, 1887. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters. Eva Eliza, the eldest, born June 25. 1840, who became the wife of Henry Spiegelberg, and died at the age of twenty-two years, leaving one son ; William H., who was born January 25. 1842, and died at the age of seventeen years ; Mary C., born Septem- ber 17. 1849, and now living in Capac, St. Clair county ; Mrs. Margaret Wagner; John F., who was born June 24. 1854, and is now living in Port Huron, Michigan ; and George B., who was born January 13. 1857, and is now living on the old homestead in Berlin, St. Clair county.
Margaret Berk gave her hand in marriage to William H. Wagner when twenty-three years of age, and they began their domestic life upon the home farm. He had been educated in the public schools of Scio township and when a young man lived at home with his parents and worked on the farm. When nineteen years of age he went on a trip to Germany, spending three months abroad in sight-seeing, and in visiting his uncles and aunts. After he had been married about three years he began working the old home farm on the shares and thus continued up to the time of his death. He made money through his farm- ing operations, which were carefully conducted, raising as high as fifteen hundred bushels of wheat some years. He lived an honest, upright life, respected by all who knew him and left to his family a comfortable competence and an un- tarnished name. He acted as a member of the school board for a number of years and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. He gave his political support to the republican party, which has always been the faith of the family. He died May 6, 1887, and his widow is now liv- ing at No. 1214 Huron street, Ann Arbor. In their family were two daughters: Sarah S., born May 4. 1876, is the wife of Dr. Otis M. Cope, of Lorain, Ohio: and Cora, born June 9, 1879, is with her mother.
Edward J. Wagner, who was born in Scio township on the farm where he is at present living, has always been identified with farming interests. He completed his more specifically literary education in the Ann Arbor high school ; he then began clerking in Ann Arbor, remaining in the employ of E. E. Beal for two years, after which he went to Saginaw, Michigan, where he was in charge of a boot and shoe business. Again going to Ann Arbor, he was in the employ of Schairer & Millen for a year and a half, at the end of which time he attended Cleary Business College, at Ypsilanti, Michigan, at which institu- tion he took their business course. He was mar- ried soon after finishing his course at Ypsilanti, and returned to the old homestead farm in Scio township on the Ist of April, 1905. Here he is farming along modern business lines, and in the present year harvested about fourteen hun- dred bushels of wheat.
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On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Maude Wilkerson, a daugh- ter of Horace and Dora (Johnson) Wilkerson, both of whom were natives of Dundee, Monroe county, Michigan. The father, who engaged in the operation of a flour mill at Dundee, also owned an interest in a sawmill and was likewise engaged in the lumber business. He possessed excellent business equipment and was a respected and honored citizen. Fraternally he was con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Dundee, and also with the Masons in which order he had taken twenty degrees. In politics he was a republican. He died in 1899. while Mrs. Wilkerson is still living in Dundee. They were the parents of three children, Mar- garet, Maude and Nan.
Mr. Wagner is a member of the Disciples church at Ann Arbor, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He is well known in the city as well as in Scio township, and is a popular young man, enterprising in business, and with a host of warm friends in the county. where almost his entire life has been passed and where his ancestors settled in pioneer days.
JAMES H. WILCOX.
James H. Wilcox, deceased, whose business life constituted an important element in the in- dustrial and commercial activity of Ypsilanti, where for many years he was a well known repre- sentative of the marble trade, was born near Syracuse, New York, May 12, 1831. His par- ents always remained residents of the Empire state, where the father owned large woolen mills, which he operated for many years.
James H. Wilcox acquired a good academic education in his native town and was the only member of his father's family who came to Michi- gan. He was thirty years of age when he came to Ypsilanti and believing that there was a good opening for a modern hotel, he engaged in the conduct of a hostelry on Washington street for
a year. On the expiration of that period he secured a position as traveling salesman with a Chicago house, his territory being central Illinois and through the succeeding two years he was thus engaged. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ypsilanti. After his marriage he entered into a partnership under the firm name of Batchelder & Wilcox and they established a marble business on Washington street, manu- facturing all kinds of tombstones, monuments and other marble specialties. From the beginning the new enterprise prospered and they employed many workmen and did a large business. Mr. Batchelder attended to all the inside work of the shop and Mr. Wilcox to the outside interests of the firm, doing all of the soliciting, collecting and other business connected with the management and conduct of their trade. He was actively en- gaged in the business for seventeen years or until the time of his death, and with mutual harmony and profit the business was carried on, bringing a good financial return.
After his return to Ypsilanti Mr. Wilcox was married here to Miss Sarah J. Haner, a daughter of Charles P. and Sarah (Sliter) Haner, both natives of Albany, New York, whence they came to Washtenaw county in 1837, thus casting in their lot with its pioneer settler. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres and they were among the first settlers in Augusta town- ship, where he located his farm, cleared his land and placed it under the plow. His remaining days were there devoted to general agricultural pursuits and following his death Mrs. Haner came to Ypsilanti and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox until called to her final rest. Three of the members of her family are living : Mrs. Wilcox; Albert, a retired farmer residing in Milan ; and Louis, a retired farmer living in White Pigeon, Michigan, at the age of eighty-one years.
Mr. Wilcox exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and his position in regard to political or other vital questions was never an equivocal one. He was fearless in defense of what he be- lieved to be right and he stood as the champion of many progressive and reform measures. He
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belonged to the Ancient Order of United Work- men, of Ypsilanti, and he held membership in the Congregational church, of which his wife was one of the charter members. All his life he was a stanch champion of the temperance cause and was loyal to whatever tended to uplift man or raise to higher ideals the standard of human conduct. His own life was in many respects most exemplary and he had many warm friends both in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. He died February 9, 1900, and having endeared himself to many with whom he had been associated, his death was widely regarded as a personal be- reavement. Mrs. Wilcox owns and occupies a good home at No. 413 Huron street, and is well known in the city where she has so long made her home until the friendships of her girlhood have extended into later life and made her popu- lar in social circles of the city.
JOSEPH WYCKOFF.
Joseph Wyckoff was born in the town of Romulus, Seneca county, New York, and was married at the age of twenty-one years to Phebe WV. Peterson. Coming to Washtenaw county, Michigan, in 1827, he purchased a section of land, which is now included in Superior and Salem townships, it being on both sides of the dividing line. When he located there it was still a wil- derness, his nearest neighbors being three and a half miles away. The roads and paths were marked by blazed trees and Detroit was the near- est market, it requiring two days to reach that city with ox teams, and as the roads were gener- ally in a bad condition it took four oxen to haul the loads. The Wyckoff home became the stopping place for the settlers as they arrived here while building homes for the accommoda- tion of their families. It would often happen that there would be fifteen or twenty for whom Mrs. Wykoff had to cook besides her own little family.
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