Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 27

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 27

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On the 23d of February, 1903, Mr. Hasley was married to Mrs. Sadie Heston, the widow of Ed- ward Heston and a daughter of Mrs. Lucy Coe.

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Fraternally Mr. Hasley is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Dramatic Order of Knights of Korassan. In politics he is a stanch democrat but has many warm friends among the repub- licans. He is a great lover and patron of athletics and other outdoor sports and he has many friends among followers of those interests. Mr. Hasley is popular with all on account of his jovial and genial manner and cordial disposition and he has a wide acquaintance throughout the southern part of Michigan, especially in Detroit. The qualities of his manhood are such as have gained for him respect and confidence in political and business circles and in social life the circle of his friends is constantly increasing.

HORATIO J. ABBOTT.

Horatio J. Abbott, a speculative builder of Ann Arbor, who has done much for the city through his improvement of property, was born in Clay- ton, Lenawee county, Michigan, on the 26th of March, 1876, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that district, for his paternal grandfather, Ezra A. Abbott, settled in Lenawee county in 1835. There he followed the occupa- tion of farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1860. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Emily Tuttle, and was born in Oneida county, New York, long surviving him, died in the year 1897, at the age of ninety- three years. In their family were nine children, of whom six have passed away, while three are living, namely : Mrs. Nancy Foster, of Chicago; Aaron, father of our subject; and Oramon, who follows farming near Lansing. Ingham county. Michigan, where he owns an eight-hundred-acre farm, six miles south of the state capital.

Aaron Abbott was born in Oneida county, New York, and there spent his early youth, attend- ing the district schools. Following the removal of the family to Michigan, he devoted his at- tention to general agricultural pursuits, but later became a contractor and builder, being identified with building operations for many years. About

six years ago he came to Ann Arbor, where he is now living retired from active life. He was mar- ried on the 5th of June, 1856, to Miss Mabel Johnson, a daughter of John Johnson, a promi- nent farmer and a pioneer of Lenawee county. Mr. Abbott is a member of the Methodist church, and his political allegiance is given to the democ- racy, while fraternally he is connected with Fra- ternity lodge, No. 262, A. F. & A. M. He is now living at No. 713 Dewey avenue, Ann Ar- bor. In the family are two daughters: Mrs. Abbie McLouth, a resident of Lenawee county ; and Mrs. Olive Dowling, now living near Tra- verse City, Michigan.

Horatio J. Abbott, the only son, pursued his early education in the village schools of Clayton, Michigan, and afterward attended the Adrian (Michigan) high school, from which he was graduated in 1898. He then became assistant city editor of the Adrian Daily Telegram, and in the fall of 1899 he matriculated in the University of Michigan, in which he pursued a literary course. In 1901 he purchased the Washtenaw Republi- can, changing the name to the Ann Arbor Rec- ord, conducting the paper successfully until 1903. when he sold out. He purchased large tracts of vacant property near State and Packard streets, and has built many houses, transforming un- sightly vacancies into fine residence districts. He is an extensive dealer in real estate, selling both unimproved and improved property, but has mostly given his attention to the building of residences, which, when completed, he places upon the market, either for sale or for rent. He has erected over one hundred beautiful homes in a few years, which he has sold at a good profit. He displays splendid business discernment and unflagging enterprise, and his laudable ambition and strong determination have been salient fea- tures in what is a most creditable and successful business career.

Mr. Abbott belongs to Fraternity lodge, No. 262, A. F. & A. M., and likewise belongs to the Washtenaw chapter, No. 6, R. A. M., and has taken the Red Cross degree in the commandery, and is a member of the Eastern Star, No. 121. He is influential in local political circles, having for five years served as secretary of the democratic

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county committee. He is a man of pleasing per- sonality, very popular with a large circle of friends, and certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for he is still a young man, having not yet completed the third decade since starting upon life's work.

On the 29th of November, 1905, Mr. Abbott was united in marriage to Miss Florence A. Sut- ton, the youngest daughter of Supervisor Robert B. Sutton, of Dover, Lenawee county, Michigan. Her father is a very prominent man in the county, being a wealthy farmer, and very influ- ential in politics.

H. S. HOLMES.

H. S. Holmes, president of the Kempf Com- mercial & Savings Bank of Chelsea and the pro- moter of many business enterprises that have con- tributed in substantial measure to the business growth and prosperity of the village, possesses that keen insight into business conditions and ready adaptability which are the foundation of all success. Moreover his business methods have been so honorable and his activity so continuous that he has gained on untarnished name and at the same time a gratifying measure of prosperity. He was born in Macon, Lenawee county, in 1854, his parents being Samuel W. and Cornelia (Peters) Holmes. The father came from New York state to Michigan in 1842. He was a car- penter by trade and followed that pursuit for a time after reaching the west but later purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Scio township, Washtenaw county. It was in 1856 that he took up his abode in this county, living upon his farm throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1896, after forty years of close connection with agricultural interests. His wife passed away in 1898. He was a democrat in his political views, active in the work of the party, and served as supervisor of Scio township. In his family were eight children, of whom one died in infancy. The others were: Dallas, now de- ceased : Frances, the wife of R. P. Copeland, of Dexter, and the mother of Professor Copeland, of

Ann Arbor : Addie M., the wife of William Mar- tin, of Webster township, this county : Elizabeth, the wife of John J. Tuomey, of Detroit ; H. S., of this review : Eva M., the wife of R. D. Walker, of Chelsea : Henry and Alfred, both deceased.

H. S. Holmes pursued his early education in the district schools of Scio township, his father having removed from Lenawee to Washtenaw county. Later he continued his studies in Dexter high school and he embarked in business on his own account on the 21st of March, 1872, forming a partnership with Thomas Wilkinson under the firm style of Wilkinson & Holmes. This associa- tion was maintained until March 21, 1874, when Mr. Holmes sold out. They had conducted a general store and Mr. Holmes gained a good knowledge of business methods in its control. In August, 1874. he engaged in business as a member of the firm of Durand, Holmes & Company, carry- ing a general line of goods and continuing therein until 1880, when the senior partner sold his inter- est to B. Parker and the firm of Holmes & Parker was formed. That relationship was maintained until the spring of 1888, after which Mr. Holmes was alone in the conduct of the business until 1904, when the H. S. Holmes Mercantile Com- pany and department store was organized. The house carries a large line of goods and the busi- ness was incorporated in May, 1904, with H. S. Holmes as president ; E. R. Dancer, vice presi- dent ; D. H. Wurster, secretary ; and Ed Vogel. treasurer and manager. Employment is fur- nished to about twelve people and the business is one of the large, enterprising and profitable com- mercial interests of Chelsea.

Mr. Holmes is a man of resourseful business ability and broad capacity for the successful es- tablishment and conduct of commercial interests. On the Ist of January, 1902, he organized the firm of Holmes & Walker and in 1890 he went into business with E. G. Hoeg under the firm style of Hoeg & Holmes, dealers in hardware, farm implements and furniture. In this enter- prise Mr. Holmes continued until 1902, when the business became the property of Holmes & Walker. On the 17th of July, 1898, Mr. Holmes became actively connected with the Kempf Com- mercial & Savings Bank, which had previously

S. W. HOLMES.

H. S. HOLMES.

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been the private banking house of R. Kempf & Brother. The officers during the first year of its existence under the present organization were R. Kempf, president, and H. S. Holmes, vice presi- dent, but since the Ist of January, 1899, Mr. Holmes has been president, with C. H. Kempf, vice president, John A. Palmer. cashier, and George A. BeGole, assistant cashier. The bank has a capital stock of forty thousand dollars, a surplus of twelve thousand. undivided profits of five thousand and deposits amounting to four hundred and forty thousand. Mr. Holmes was also a stockholder and director previous to Jan- uary, 1898, in Chelsea Savings Bank, having been thus connected with the institution for twelve years. He is with the William Bacon-Holmes Lumber & Produce Company, of which H. S. Holmes is president : William Bacon, manager ; George A. BeGole, treasurer : John Palmer, first vice president ; and R. D. Walker, second vice president. Mr. Holmes is likewise a member of the firm of Dancer Brogan & Company of Lan- sing, dealers in dry goods. His chief attention, however. is given to the banking business at Chel- sea and under his guidance a safe and conserva- tive policy is followed that makes this one of the reliable financial institutions of the state.

In October, 1879, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Edith Cushman, a daughter of Ira Cushman, of Chelsea, now deceased. Three children have been born unto them: Ralph H .. who was graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in the class of 1903 and is now manager of the advertis- ing department of Hygiene Food Company of Battle Creek, Michigan ; Enid P .. at home ; and Howard S., who for two years has been a student in the university.

In his political views Mr. Holmes has always been a republican. He has served as a member of the board of trustees and as president of the school board and was appointed on the board of control of Michigan state prison during Governor Pingree's administration, receiving appointment in February. 1897, his term extending until Feb- ruary. 1903. Fraternally he is a Mason, belong- ing to Olive lodge, No. 156. A. F. & A. M. : Olive chapter. No. 194. R. A. M .; and Ann Arbor

commandery, No. 13, K. T. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Washtenaw county and his labors and influence have been an important factor in its upbuilding and substantial growth, especially in Chelsea. While "the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong" the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy, industry and ability a successful career. The truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Holmes. His entire career is illustrative of the fact that certain actions are followed by certain re- sults. In business he has been a promoter of successful enterprises that have contrib- uted to general prosperity as well as to individual success and as a citizen he is an illustration of a high type of our American manhood.

ADOLPH H. FRITZ.

Adolph H. Fritz, who for twenty-two years has been a resident of Ann Arbor, as a represent- atives of its business interests, was born in this city. January 16, 1867. His parents were John and Minnie ( Kiebler ) Fritz. The father, who was a farmer of Washtenaw county for many years, died about nineteen years ago, but the mother is still living on the old farm homestead. In their family were seven children: Will, who is engaged in the dry goods business in Mill- brook, Michigan: Edward, a resident of Cali- fornia: John, a miller of Saline: Adolph H., of this review : Rudolph, who is living in Oregon ; Julius, who resides upon the old homestead farm ; and Louise, who lives in Lodi.

Adolph H. Fritz, whose name introduces this record, began his education in the public schools of Lodi township, and during the periods of vacation he assisted upon the home farm, where he remained until nineteen years of age. He then came to Ann Arbor and has since been iden- tified with building interests in this city, first as an employe of Colonel Winslow and Henry Bliton, contractors of Ann Arbor. For a number of years, however, he has been engaged in busi- ness on his own account as a general building

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contractor and his efficiency and fidelity have been the moon's of bringing him a good patronage. He has his workshop and office at No. 729 South Main street, and from that point super- intends his various building operations.

On the 20th of March, 1893. Mr. Fritz was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bonet, and they now have three interesting children: Almer. a bright boy of eleven years: Laura and Itema, at home.

Mr. Fritz is a member of the Zion Lutheran church and in political views is independent. He cares naught for the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to give undivided atten- tion to his business pursuits. Throughout the period of his active business career he has lived in Ann Arbor, and those who know him know that his success is attributable entirely to his own labors. Starting out in life without any special advantages, he has realized the value and impor- tance of elose and persistent effort and upon this has based his prosperity. His business interests are well conducted and his labors have been a factor in improving and beautifying the city.

GENERAL MARTIN DAVIS.

General Martin Davis, one of the most distin- guished citizens of Washtenaw county during its pioneer epoch and through the middle portion of the nineteenth century, was a native of Mor- ristown. New Jersey, and attracted by the op- portunities of the west when this was a frontier district, he came to Ann Arbor, from Port Byron, New York, making the journey by way of canal to Buffalo, where he took a packet to Detroit, and thence proceeded by stage to his destination, it requiring three days to make the trip from Detroit to Ann Arbor. He located in what is now the seventh ward of the city, his home being on the present Liberty street on the site occupied by the residence of Emil H. Arnold. He traded with the Indians in those early days, for they were about the only human beings in this part of the state. His name is associated with many of the "first things" of the county. He brought the

first repeating rifle to the territory, and it was an object of great awe and curiosity to the In- dians who tried many times to steal it. He built the first frame house in Ann Arbor, at what is now the corner of Huron and Ashley streets, and also built the first brick house, which stood on the site of the Koch & Nichols building. He was also the first justice of the peace and mar- ried the first couple in the county.

General Davis married Miss Mary Lewis, who was born in New London, Connecticut, and was married when fifteen years of age. She died in 1870, while General Davis passed away in 1872. They were the parents of twelve children.

John Milton Davis, who resided in Lockport, and afterward removed to Clinton, Michigan, was a jeweler.

Ann Eliza Davis became the wife of P. Mc- Cauley, and died in Detroit, in March, 1905. at the advanced age of eighty-five years.

Adelaide A. Davis, now Mrs. A. A. Freer. spent her early school life in Mrs. Wood and the Misses Clark Seminary in Ann Arbor. At fourteen years of age she went to New York city. where she studied music, and she has since been very prominent in musical cireles, singing in Grace church ( New York) choir and in the Epis- copal choir of Ann Arbor. She was a pupil of the famous musician, George Washburn Morgan. of New York city, and has a beautiful soprano voice. As soloist she assisted in the dedication of University Hall, and she has figured promi- mently in connection with many notable musical events. She married C. D. Bliss, of Ann Arbor, and they had two sons, Harry A. and Ferdinand Bliss. The former, now residing in New York city, is a traveling salesman for the great jewelry house of Crementz & Company, with which he has been connected for twenty-three years. He married Miss Mary Doyle, of Newark, New Jer- sey, and they have two children, Harry F. and Hazel E., the former a student in Princeton Col- lege, belonging to the class of 1906. Ferdinand Bliss married Kitty Fell, of New York city, and is now in Cleveland, Ohio, with the Buckeye Electric Company, with which he has been con- nected since its establishment. Mrs. Freer was living in Chicago at the time of the great fire

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there in 1871, and her home was destroyed in that mammoth conflagration. She now makes her home in Ann Arbor and is a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal church here.

Frances L. Davis, the fourth member of the family, became the wife of John Sedgwick, a member of the firm of Longstreet, Sedgwick & Company, extensive clothiers of New York city. Mrs. Sedgwick died in 1877. Her three chil- dren, Mary B., Benjamin and James, are living in Mount Vernon, New York.

Mary Davis was married in New York to James Doyler, a silk importer, and they had six children, of whom three died in infancy, while three are still living, and make their home in Hamburg, Germany. Mrs. Doyler died in 1872.

Harriet Davis became the wife of Samuel Tooker, of New York city, and was living there at the time of her death in 1880.

Martha Davis became the wife of Theodore Aschmann, a Swiss, who was engaged in import- ing silks. She had four children, whom she edu- cated in Europe, residing there for eighteen years, and her death occurred in 1800.

We can give no better account of the life, the works and the character of General Martin Davis than to present in its entirety the obituary notice which appeared in one of the local papers at the time of his demise, and which said, "We have the painful and yet pleasant duty of recording the death of one of the first settlers in this city and one of the earliest pioneers of the state. General Martin Davis departed this life July 30, 1872. at the residence of his eldest daughter. Mrs. Me- Cauley, at St. Charles, Michigan, full of years and honors, at the ripe old age of eighty-six. He emigrated to the then far west and settled in this city in the spring of 1825. forty-seven years ago, when his principal neighbors were the red men of the forest. Three brothers came together. The eldest, William, died at Battle Creek at the advanced age of ninety-four. The other. Doctor Davis, who was the first surgeon of the prison at Jackson, Michigan, died in that city, nineteen years ago at the age of seventy. General Davis was an officer in the war of 1812, and won hon- orable distinction. participating in several battles, obtaining and retaining the warm friendship of

General Scott, which lasted through life. He was very active in organizing the militia of the then territory and was foremost in every good word and work for the advancement and prosperity of the country. He was literally full of labors, offi- cial and individual. was the first justice of the peace in the county, married the first couple, built the first frame and first brick houses in the city. both of which are now standing, the former now occupied as the law office of our excellent towns- man. Major T. W. Root, and the latter consti- tuting the west portion of the Leonard House. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the United States and ranked very high in that an- cient order. being the senior grand warden of the grand lodge of the territory of Michigan when that illustrions citizen, patriot, statesman and Freemason, General Lewis Cass, was grand mas- ter. He was also the first senior warden of Ori- ental lodge of this city, which was chartered in 1846, when the writer of this was master, in all of which offices he honored himself and was an ornament to the royal craft. General Davis was in many respects a very remarkable man. His heart was pure and was always open to the wants of the needy, unbounded in its simplicity and irresistible in its perfect truth and frankness. No more entertaining companion could be found the world over, pleasant and hearty, fond of all manly and sociable amusements, particularly at- tached to music, and an inveterate disciple of Izaak Walton. He lived fifty-seven years with his wife prior to her death, which occurred two years before his own, and no doubt hastened it. and the happiness of that more than half a een- tury can not be better expressed than by deserib- ing those long years as one continued honey- moon. He was enthusiastic in his support of the great party of popular rights, and it is an inter- esting faet in the early history of this county that on the inauguration of President Jackson in 1829, at a festival given by the father of the writer at his house, to which every "Jackson man" in Washtenaw county was invited. and most of them were present. General Davis was prominent among the guests and sang in a rich. melodious voice that then famous war song. the "Hunters of Kentucky." and was the life and

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soul of the feast. The lamp of his life went out peacefully and quietly. He died without disease and without much pain, expressing gratitude that his time had come and relying with unshaken confidence in the faith of a glorious immortality, and with full and dear hopes of meeting his loved ones again in that world from which no traveler ever returns. His family left, which are six children, mourn his loss, but feel that their loss is his gain, knowing that the old must die and the young may. His remains were taken to that beautiful city of the dead, Greenwood cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, where he rests by the side of his sainted wife and beloved daughter."

JOHN W. MARKEY.

John W. Markey, a member of the city council of Ann Arbor, and well known in business cir- cles as a railroad contractor, is numbered among Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Pinckney, Livingston county, on the 4th of December, 1858. His father, Bernard Markey, was born in Ireland, and became a resident of Washtenaw county in 1837. For a number of years he followed merchandising but later turned his attention to farming and was thus closely associated with agricultural interests in this part of the state. In politics he was a pronounced democrat and in his religious faith he was a Catholic. He married Miss Ann Cline, who was born in Ithaca. Michigan, and for many years they traveled life's journey together but were separated by the death of the husband on the 21st of October, 1882. Mrs. Markey survived for a number of years, passing away in May, 1897. Their marriage was celebrated in Washtenaw county, May 15, 1851, the wedding ceremony being performed by Father Cullen. They became the parents of six children, of whom three are yet living : James Bernard, who is living in To- ledo ; John W., of this review; and Robert Francis.

John W. Markey acquired his education in the schools of Pinckney, Michigan. For twenty years he has made his home in Ann Arbor, during

which time he has traveled extensively. He has been engaged in the real estate business and rail- road contracting business through the south and southwest for many years and his operations have been extensive in that line. He has contracted for the construction of many miles of railroad.

In 1892 Mr. Markey was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Cooney, a native of South Bend, Indiana, and a daughter of Michael Cooney, a very prominent farmer of St. Joseph county. Five children have been born unto them: Marie Estella, thirteen years of age, now in school; Francis Bernard, ten years of age, also in school ; Jerome William, six years old; Leo Joseph, a little lad of three years; and Marguerite Ann, an infant.

The parents are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Markey is identified with several fraternal and benevolent organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he was elected alderman of the city by a large majority from the fourth ward and is now serving as a member of the council. He is deeply interested in the work of public progress and improvement and exercises his offi- cial prerogatives for advancement along all ma- terial, intellectual and moral lines here. He and his family occupy a nice home at No. 1515 Fuller street.

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Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 27

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