Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 26

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 886

USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 26

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Jessup Scott Wood is the only survivor of a family of five sons. He had a twin brother, George S. Wood, who died in 1902. In a log schoolhouse of the early day he acquired his education and on attaining man's estate he began farming on the old homestead in Lodi township, where he resided continuously until August 12, 1902. He then removed to Ann Arbor, where he is now enjoying a well earned life of ease. He was a very energetic and progressive agricultur- ist and made a specialty of raising fine sheep and also had good grades of horses and cattle upon his place. In all of his farm work he was progres- sive and his labors resulted in bringing to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

On the 10th of October, 1848, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Ann Eliza Ingraham, who was born in Ohio and died in Washtenaw county June 17. 1855. They had three children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being Fred C. and Ella Maria. The son, who is now a farmer of Ypsi- lanti township, was born in Lodi township and married Flora Allen, by whom he has two chil- dren : Allen Fred, a graduate of the normal school of Ypsilanti, who is now principal of the high school at Cheboygan, Michigan, and who married Olive Atherton, by whom he has one child, Doro- thy ; and Rose Louise, the wife of Leon Hatha- way. Ella Maria Wood, now deceased, became the wife of William Allen, a brother of Mrs. Fred C. Wood. They have four children : Walter J .. who married Lora Dayton and has one child. Harold Dayton: Nellie B., the wife of James E. Bartlett and the mother of three children. Lois and Allen E. and James H., twins : Fred W., who married Margaret Cox, who died leaving a son. Frederick Curtis ; and William B. On the 16th of October, 1856, Mr. Wood married Lydia P. Ingraham, a sister of his first wife and a daugh- ter of Asa and Betsy ( Ingraham) Ingraham, her parents having been second cousins. Her father was born in Vermont and her mother in New York, and they removed to Ohio at an early day. They had two children. Their son, Norman Asa. married Mrs. Lillian D. Andrews, nee Phillips,

the widow of J. D. Andrews, by whom she had one son, Walter J., while by her second marriage she has a daughter, Anetta Lois. Ann Eliza be- came the wife of Fred A. Hunt and has two chil- dren, Mabel and Lewis W.

Mr. Wood's two grandsons, Fred W. and Wil- liam W., were soldiers of the Spanish-American war, enlisting as volunteers for service in Cuba. Mr. Wood has been a resident of this county for the last seventy years and few therefore have longer been witnesses of the changes which have occurred and the transformation that has been wrought. When he arrived many evidences of frontier life were still to be seen. Frequently wild animals were killed where are now seen the domestic animals of the farm yard and rich fields of grain have replaced the unbroken forests. Towns and villages have also sprung up and the work of improvement has been carried forward along modern lines. Mr. Wood has ever been active as an agriculturist in promoting the growth of the county and its material improvement and now in the evening of life he well merits the rest which is vouchsafed to him in recognition of his many years of earnest and untiring labor.

FREDERICK J. SCHLEEDE.

Frederick J. Schleede, whose business career has been marked by consecutive progress and substantial achievement is now conducting an ex- cellent book bindery in Ann Arbor, where he is also proprietor of a book, stationery and jewelry store. He was born in Germany on the 8th of October, 1842, his parents being William and Mary Schleede, who were likewise natives of the same country. The father was a carpenter by trade, and both he and his wife attained to a venerable age. Mr. Schleede passing away about twenty-three years ago, at the age of eighty-two years, while his wife died thirteen years ago, at the age of eighty-six years. In their family were nine children, of whom five are living.

At the usual age Frederick J. Schleede began his education in the public schools of the father-

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land. He was a youth of fifteen years when he came with his parents to the new world and here continued his studies for a period of eight years, winning the money that enabled him to pursue his course. On his arrival to the United States he made his way directly to Philadelphia, after- ward went to Cleveland, and later spent one year in Detroit and one year in Cincinnati. He next located in Chicago and thence came to Ann Arbor, where he has since made his home. Here he became foreman in the Dr. Chase book bindery and held that position for thirteen years, and foreman in the Beal bindery of this city for eight years. About twenty-two years ago he established business on his own account at the corner of Hu- ron street and Fifth avenue, and his present loca- tion is at No. 340 South State street, where he conducts a book bindery and also has a well equip- ped book, stationery and jewelry store. He is the inventor of a very ingenius temporary binder, which he has patented, and has already sold thou- sands to the students of the University of Michi- gan and to the trade. The device is a very useful one. In the year 1868 Mr. Schleede was married to Carrie Lohr, of Ann Arbor township, and they have five children, two daughters and three sons.

Mr. Schleede is a member of the Independent Order of United Workmen and of the Arbeiter Verein. He has held various offices in these or- ganizations and is now corresponding secretary of the latter. He is likewise an active member of the Zion Lutheran church, and his political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise. After many years of active and close con- nection with business affairs Mr. Schleede, feel- ing that he had already earned a vacation, made a very pleasant trip to California, accompanied by his wife, spending some time on the coast in viewing the many points of historic, modern and scenic interest in that section of the country. He is a man of excellent business ability and keen discernment, who has carefully watched every indication pointing to success and has kept abreast with the changing modern conditions of business life in the conduct of his industrial and commercial interests in Ann Arbor. His enter-

prise has been a strong and forceful factor in his prosperity and his close application and unremit- ting diligence have also been basic elements in his success. He is to-day one of the most promi- nent and representative business men of the city, and his name is an honored one in trade circles and on commercial paper.

MISS EMMA E. BOWER.

Miss Emma E. Bower, wielding a wide influ- ence in intellectual development in Ann Arbor and well known throughout the state in connec- tion with the Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, in which organization she has been honored with the position of great record keeper, was born in this city. Her father, Henry Bower, was a merchant of Ann Arbor for many years and in later life was a publisher in the newspaper field. He mar- ried Miss Margaret Gertrude Chase, a native of New York, who is still living, making her home with her daughter Emma in Ann Arbor. In the family were six children : Henry E. H., who be- came a prominent newspaper man of Michigan and died in 1888 ; Emma E., Margaret V., who is living in Ann Arbor ; Charles and Dwight, de- ceased ; and B. F., a resident of Cleveland, Ohio. and publisher of The World.

Miss Bower was a public-school student in this city, and after completing her more specifically literary education entered the medical school of the University of Michigan, from which she was graduated. She has also been actively interested in intellectual development and progress and her efforts and influence along that line have been far-reaching and beneficial. In September, 1894, she was elected a member of the Ann Arbor school board and has been president, secretary and treasurer therein, in which connection she has studied out methods for practical reform. im- provement and advancement and her labors have been manifest in the upholding of a high stand- ard in connection with the city schools. She is likewise closely identified with various societies for moral and educational culture in Ann Arbor and is honored in public life as well as loved and

MISS EMMA E. BOWER.

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esteemed in social relations. She is now secretary and treasurer of the Michigan Fraternal Con- gress and president of the National Fraternal Press Association, while in 1893 she was elected to the office of great record keeper of the Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, an organization with a membership of eighty-six thousand, with head- quarters in Ann Arbor. In this position she has a force of thirty assistants, maintaining attractive offices in the Henning Block. She likewise be- longs to the Order of the Eastern Star, the Re- bekahs and Welch post, W. R. C. She is also a member of the Michigan Woman's Press Associa- tion and is serving on its executive committee. Religiously she is a member of the Episcopal church and has been an earnest working member therein. A lady of strong intellectual force, keen discernment and executive ability. she is well qualified for the positions of leadership which have been conferred upon her and moreover pos sesses a strong human sympathy and kindly spirit which have endeared her to many with whom she has been brought in contact.

HON. GEORGE M. GAUDY.

Hon. George M. Gaudy, mayor of Ypsilanti, to whom have been entrusted various positions of public responsibility and honor. was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, November 19. 1864. and is of Scotch lineage. his parents being John and Elizabeth ( Moir) Gaudy, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Becoming residents of Canada at an early day, the father died there in 1889, at the age of fifty-four years, but his widow is still living at the old home place in Stratford. He was a marble dealer and followed that busi- ness up to the time of his death.

In the schools of his native city George M. Gaudy acquired his education, and when a young man of eighteen years came to Ypsilanti, where he has since made his home. He sought and found employment here, and through the judici- ous use of his earnings he was enabled to engage in business on his own account in 1886, when he began dealing in confectionery, ice cream and

bakery goods on Huron street. The business, however, was soon removed to its present loca- tion, and from the beginning he has enjoyed a constantly increasing trade at No. 199 Congress street. He conducts both a wholesale and retail establishment, and has won local fame as a man- ufacturer of ice cream, making extensive ship- ments of that product to surrounding towns and localities. In his business life he is notably prompt and reliable, ever watchful of indica- tions pointing to success, and so utilizing his op- portunities as to bring about the best results. He has thus prospered year after year and is classed with the successful business men of Ypsilanti.

Mr. Gaudy is moreover entitled to distinction as a representative citizen from the fact that he has again and again been called to public office by popular suffrage, acting in positions of public trust for almost sixteen years. In 1802 he was chosen alderman, and has filled the office alto- gether for four terms. In 1804 he was a mem- ber of the board of public works, and in the spring of 1904 he was chosen mayor of Ypsilanti as the candidate of the republican party, receiv- ing the largest majority given to any candidate for a long period. He was re-elected in April, 1905. and his administration of the office is char- acterized by a businesslike interest that has been far-reaching and beneficial. He brings to the discharge of his duties the same earnest purpose, executive force and keen discrimination which have characterized the conduct of his private commercial interests ; and he is ever ready to promote reform and progress and give his eo- operation to movements that result beneficially to the city. As president of the Business Men's As- sociation, he furthers in a practical manner its municipal interests.

In 1886, in Ypsilanti, Mr. Gaudy was married to Miss Nellie A. Jarvis, a daughter of George W. Jarvis, of Ypsilanti, and they have two chil- ‹Iren, Ralph J. and Harold W. Prominent in so- cial circles of this city, they have many warm friends here, and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by those who know him. because it is warm-hearted and sincere. Mr. Gaudy has aided many enterprises of both a public and pri- vate character, and he is a pleasant. genial gen-

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

tleman, very approachable. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by the obstacles and difficul- ties which bar the path of all, he has achieved a gratifying measure of prosperity. Steady appli- cation, careful study of business methods and plans to be followed and close attention to de- tails are the traits of character that have brought him success and made him one of the foremost men of Ypsilanti.

JULIUS H. KOERNKE.

Julius H. Koernke, of Ann Arbor, was born in Turo, Prussia, Germany, on the 27th of Septem- ber, 1866, and is one of the seven children whose parents were Carl Ludwig and Laura ( Boenhke) Koernke, who were likewise natives of Germany. The father was a stock raiser and spent his entire life in his native land, where his death occurred in 1872, while his wife passed away in 1873. They were the parents of seven children, of whom six are living : Amelia, who died in 1888; Carl and Wilhelm, who are living in Germany ; August and Theodore, who are residents of Balti- more, Maryland ; and Herman and Julius H., who make their home in Ann Arbor.

Julius H. Koernke spent the days of his boy- hood and youth in the fatherland and in accord- ance with the laws of that country acquired his education. He was about twenty-two years of age when he resolved to seek his home in the new world, having heard very favorable reports con- cerning its opportunities and its privileges. Am- bitious to achieve success he therefore resolved to take advantage of business conditions across the water and in 1888 sailed for the United States, locating first at Baltimore. In 1890 he came to Ann Arbor and subsequently worked in various capacities for John Baumgartner in the stone cut- ting trade, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of the firm of Sauer & Company, with whom he remained for seven years. For five years he has been engaged in busi- ness on his own account as a contractor and builder with offices at No. 716 Fountain street, and being familiar with both the stone cutting

and carpentering trades he has thus been enabled to erect some of the finest houses in Ann Arbor. A liberal patronage has been accorded him and he has been awarded many important contracts which he has faithfully and promptly executed.

Mr. Koernke was married August 17, 1895, to Miss Barbara Beal, of Germany. He has fra- ternal relations with several organizations, includ- ing the Independent Order of United Workmen, in which he is president. He likewise belongs to the Mutual Benefit Association and is an Odd Fellow, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Bethlehem Evangelical church. In his political views he is a strong and earnest democrat and on one occasion was nomi- nated for alderman from the third ward, but was defeated by a small majority. Mr. Koernke owns his own home and is highly thought of in business and social life. He is a self-made man who came to America without capital and through his earn- est and persistent labor has overcome the diffi- culties and obstacles which bar the path to suc- cess, working his way steadily upword until his position in business and financial circles is a noted and creditable one.

JAMES D. MURNAN.

James D. Murnan, the popular and efficient clerk of the Cook House, who is also interested in real estate here, was born in Leroy, New York, on the 16th of April, 1868. His father, Michael Murnan, is now living in Leroy, New York, and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Connoll, died in 1895. In the family of this cou- ple were eight chlidren, of whom seven are liv- ing, William, George, John, Katherine, James, Frank and Arthur. They also lost one son, Thomas. The daughter. Katherine, is now act- ing as housekeeper for her father.

Mr. Murnan of this review pursued his early education in the schools of his native city and afterward continued his studies in Leroy Acad- emy. He spent his early life on his father's farm and became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He has

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traveled quite extensively, gaining the knowledge and culture which only travel can bring, and in the fall of 1890 he arrived in Ann Arbor. He has for many years been clerk in the Cook House, the leading hotel of this city and his capable manage- inent of the duties of the office, his unfailing courtesy and genial disposition have made hini very popular with the traveling public as well as the citizens of Washtenaw county.

Mr. Murnan was married on the 8th of Sep- tember, 1896, to Miss May Wing, of Scio town- ship, a representative of one of the prominent and influential families of Washtenaw county. Her father was a pioneer of the county and traded with the Indians. Her mother bore the maiden name of Harriet Bradford and was of English lineage, being a descendant of Governor Bradford of Mayflower fame. Mr. and Mrs. Murnan have one son, James, Jr., who is six years of age and is attending school.

Mr. Murnan is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is a Catholic in religious faith, while his political allegiance is given to the dem- ocracy. He owns a fine home near the Unversity of Michigan, at No. 702 South State street, and he and his wife are prominent in the social circles of the city, where they now have a very wide ac- quaintance. He possesses a genial disposition, deference for the opinions of others, a kindly spirit and affability, and these qualities have been a factor in his success in his present business posi- tion as well as in his social life.

HENRY BINDER.

Upon the successful establishment of indus- trial and commercial interests depends the growth and prosperity of every town and city, and the real founders and promoters of a community are those who successfully control its business inter- ests. In this connection Henry Binder deserves mention, and although more than a decade has passed since he was called to his final rest, he is yet remembered by the great majority of Ann Arbor's citizens as one, who, in pioneer times, conducted a leading hotel in Ann Arbor, and in

later years contributed to the city's development by the erection of many of its business blocks. A native of Germany, he was born June 7, 1831. His parents always resided in that country and passed away there. The father devoted his en- tire life to agricultural pursuits.

In the common schools of his native country Henry Binder acquired his education, and then began learning the harnessmaker's trade, which he followed in the fatherland until his emigration to America in 1852. He was at that time twenty- one year of age, and with the hope of benefiting by the superior business opportunities of the new world he crossed the Atlantic and made his way direct to Ann Arbor. There was only a small hotel here at the time, and, believing that there was an opening for a good hostelry, he be- gan business in that line near the old Michigan Central Railroad depot. The value of his busi- ness foresight was soon proven, as within a short time he secured an enviable patronage, his hotel finding favor with the traveling public. His ca- pable management brought to him a gratifying measure of success, and as the years passed and his financial resources increased, he made judici- ous investment in city property and erected many of the store buildings now on Main street. These brought to him a good rental, adding materially to his annual income. He continued in the hotel business until his later years, when disposing of his hotel he lived retired, save for the manage- ment of his invested interests, up to the time of his death.

Mr. Binder was married to Miss Caroline Pfinzenmaier, who was born in Germany, Sep- tember 5, 1831. Her parents were residents of Stuttgart, and both died there. Mrs. Binder was the only one of the family to come to America, making the voyage across the Atlantic and the trip to Ann Arbor with a lady friend in the year 1853. Eleven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Binder, of whom eight are now living. Mary, the eldest, is the widow of August Graf and resides with her mother. Her husband, also a native of Germany, came to Ann Arbor in an early day, and was engaged in the hardware busi- ness here until his death on the 2d of June, 1881. Pauline Binder is now the wife of Martin Haller,

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owner of the largest furniture store of Ann Ar- bor. Henry is engaged in the jewelry business in Detroit. Louise is the wife of Gabriel Elskie, of Detroit. Caroline is the wife of John Linden- schmitt, a member of the firm of Lindenschmitt, Appel & Company, clothiers of Ann Arbor. Fred, who was formerly engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Ann Arbor, now resides in Chicago. Wil- liam is acting as bookkeeper for his brother-in- law, Martin Haller, in the furniture store. Emma L. has always made her home with her mother. Those deceased are: Pauline, Frederick and Emma.

The death of the father occurred on the 13th of November, 1894. In politics he was a demo- crat, and socially was connected with the Ger- man Workingmen's Society of this city. He at- tended the German Lutheran church, and his widow and children also worship there. At the time of his death the family were residing over one of his store buildings on Main street, but Mrs. Binder has since erected a large and beau- tiful residence at No. 108 East Willam street, where she and her two daughters reside. Mr. Binder was one of the leading citizens and pio- neer German residents of Ann Arbor. He made no mistake in his decision to seek a home in America, for he found here good business oppor- tunities ; and as the years passed, worked his way steadily upward until he occupied a position of affluence. His methods, too, won him honor and respect, and he is today numbered with the pio- neer residents of Ann Arbor whose labors proved of value to the city.

FREDERICK G. HASLEY.

Frederick G. Hasley, a dealer in implements and seeds in Milan and also serving as city mar- shal there, so that he is well known because of his mercantile and official relations with the town and its people, was born in Adrian, Lenawee county, on the IIth of September, 1864. His father, Louis Hasley, was born in Goelshausen, Baden, Germany, January 14, 1822, and was a soldier in the Prussian war of 1848, participating

in four battles. He came to America in 1850, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which was thirty-four days in completing that voyage. Taking up his abode in Pennsylvania, he remained in the east until 1868, when he came to Adrian, Michigan. Subsequently he engaged in farming in Exeter township, Monroe county, and was a valued and representative agriculturist of the community for many years, passing away there on the 4th of July. 1904. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Hasley, was not a relative of her husband though of the same name and also a native of Germany. She still survives and lives at the old homestead. In the family were the following sons and daughters : Henry, who resides in Carleton, Monroe county. Michi- gan ; Louis, a carpenter residing in Chicago, Illi- nois : John, a farmer at the old homestead in Mon- roe county ; Margaret, the wife of Milo Gage, of Ypsilanti; Elizabeth, the wife of John Palmer, of Detroit ; and Barbara, who is living in Ypsilanti.

Frederick G. Hasley acquired his early educa- tion in the district schools of Monroe county, which he attended until fourteen years of age, after which he gave his undivided attention to farm labor until twenty-two years of age. He was then appointed deputy sheriff, serving until January 1, 1888, and in 1890 he was re-appointed to that office, in which he continued until 1894. In February, 1895, he removed to Milan, where he entered the agricultural implement and seed business, also dealing in buggies, wagons and harness. He has an extensive trade coming from Washtenaw and Monroe counties. In October, 1905, he purchased the implement and seed busi- ness of William C. Reeves & Son, of Milan, thus extending his trade and stock, and he is now con- ducting a large and profitable business, his dili- gence and enterprise bringing a splendid finan- cial return annually. In 1903-4 Mr. Hasley served as deputy sheriff of Washtenaw county and in March, 1905, was appointed village marshal of Milan, being the present incumbent in that office. He is much respected by law-abiding classes but is a terror to evil-doers.

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Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 26

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 886

Author: Beakes, Samuel W. (Samuel Willard), 1861-; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 886