USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 33
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WILLIAM F. LODHOLZ.
William F. Lodholz, now deceased, was for many years a well known and successful business man of Ann Arbor. Any one at all familiar with the history of Washtenaw county knows that the city and vieinty were largely settled up by a class of substantial German-Americans, and was to this
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class that the parents of Mr. Lodholz belonged. He was a son of Gottlob and Heinrika ( Spat- helf ) Lodholz, both natives of Germany. After removing to the west they lived for sometime in Ypsilanti. Michigan, and subsequently came to Ann Arbor.
William F. Lodholz was born in Ypsilanti in 1859 and accompanied his parents on their re- moval to this city in early youth, so that he be- came a student in the public schools of Ann Ar- bor. When his education was completed he be- came a factor in commercial circles here by es- tablishing a grocery business, in which he con- tinued up to the time of his death. his trade con- stantly growing in proportion to the increasing population. He was a man of keen discernment and much executive force in business affairs, and possessed the strong determination that enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. He had a strong will and determined purpose, guided. however, by sound judgment and honorable motives.
In 1802 Mr. Lodholz was married to Miss Mary A. Moses, of Lansing, Michigan, a daugh- ter of Charles and Hannah ( Anway) Moses, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respect- ively. Mr. and Mrs. Lodholz had one son. Ray- mond, who is now a bright and manly boy of ten years, attending the public schools here.
Mr. Lodholz was a man of high standing in the community, respected by all who knew him and held in most friendly regard by a very large circle of acquaintances. He was identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic fraternity and was true to the teach- ings of those lodges. In his political views he was a republican but ne never sought or desired office. preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he met with signal suc- cess. His entire life was passed in this county and that he was best liked where best known was an indication of an honorable and straightforward career. He passed away on the 24th of March. 1904. at the comparatively early age of forty-four years and his death was deeply deplored by many who knew him.
Mrs. Mary Lodholz since her husband's death has very successfully carried on the grocery and
bakery business established by her husband. She is a woman of splendid business attainments. pleasing personality and of strong executive force and in the control of her commercial interests has met with very gratifying success. She has a large plant located at No. 1000 Broadway in what is called the Lower Town near the Michigan Central depot. Her trade, however, extends all over the city and she has a fine delivery system and her store is equipped with telephones so that orders are taken direct from customers in that way. She carries a very large and carefully selected stock of goods, the tasteful arrangement of which is an- other feature in the success of the store. In con- ducting the business she has followed the safe. conservative and honorable principles laid down by her husband and already she has made for her- self a most creditable name in commercial circles.
CHRISTIAN G. KOCH.
Christian G. Koch is a member of the firm of Koch Brothers, well known contractors of An Arbor with a business which at once indicates their standing in industrial circles and the trust uniformly reposed in them.
Mr. Koch was born in Wurtemberg. Germany. August 22, 1862, his parents being George and Annie ( Atta) Koch. The father was a merchant and game warden for the government and died when his son Christian was but two years ofl. The mother long survived and passed away in the place of her nativity in 1891. They were the par- ents of three sons and two daughters, namely : Christian G .: John, a mason contractor and builder, who is a member of the firm of Koch Brothers : Henry, who is a mason and works for the firm; Mrs. Sophie Baker, a resident of Ger- many ; and Anna Marie, who is also living in the fatherland.
Christian G. Koch spent the days of his boy- hood and youth in his native country and acquired his education in the public schools there. He was a young man of about twenty-three years when in 1885. attracted by the business possibilities of the new world. he came to the United States.
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making his way at once into the interior of the country. Coming to Ann Arbor, he began work as a carpenter and builder in the employ of his brother Jolin Koch, who after two years admitted him to a partnership under the present firm style of Koch Brothers. They are widely recognized as leading contractors of this city with a business that is extensive and profitable and they have erected many of the finest structures here, includ- ing the new homeopathic hospital connected with the University of Michigan, St. Thomas Roman Catholic and Zion Lutheran churches, and the Farmers and Mechanics and State Savings Banks.
Mr. Koch married Miss Sarah P. Staebler, a daughter of Jacob Staebler, of Scio township, and unto them have been born five sons: Irwin, George C., Oscar W., Karl H., and Oswald J. The family occupy a very handsome residence at 720 South Main street. They have a large circle of warm friends and are highly respected throughout the entire community.
Mr. Koch is identified with some fraternal or- ganizations, including the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of the Mac- cabees, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Zion German Lutheran church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here he has found the business opportunities he sought, which by the way are always open to young men of determination and ability. As the years have gone by through the careful utilization of the possibilities which surround all he has ad- vanced until his position in industrial circles is a prominent one, while his business is represented by a large figure annually.
VEIDER L. SHANKLAND.
Veider L. Shankland, superintendent of the county farm of Washtenaw county, was born in Northfield township, March 24. 1837. and is a son of Robert and Anabel ( Bennett ) Shankland. The father was a native of the state of New York, born November 3. 1701. He served his
country as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in 1832 came to Michigan, attracted by the possi- bilities of this new unsettled country which, how- ever, was rich in its natural resources. He took up his abode in Ann Arbor and later removed to Northfield township, where the birth of his son, V'eider L., occurred. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which was wild and unimproved, but he transformed it into a well cultivated tract that annually yielded to him good harvests. In 1837, however, he sold that property with the intention of going to Texas, but when he had proceeded only a half mile on his way he was in a runaway. Regarding that as a bad omen he gave up the trip to Texas and in- vested his funds in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Salem township, whereon he continued to reside up to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1886, at the age of ninety-five years. He had thus been a resident of the county for more than a half century and had witnessed its wonderful growth and development. also aiding in the work of improvement as the years passed by. He married Miss Bennett, who was born in Massachusetts, and by this marriage there were eight children. Thomas, who married Delia Moore and had three children, died upon the old homestead farm. Carolina married Ira Root, by whom she had four children, and both she and her husband are now deceased. William married Martha Moore, had one child, and has now passed away. Arabelle became the wife of David Bosford and both are deceased. James died in 1869. Andrew married Julia Sav- age and has two children living in Ann Arbor. Veider L. is the next of the family. Margaret is the wife of John Hart. The father was a Univer- salist in his religious faith and in his political views was a life-long democrat. He served as justice of the peace for many years and his decis- ions were strictly fair and impartial, which ac- counts for his long retention in office and the trust so uniformly accorded him. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity while in the east. All who knew him respected him for his genuine worth and his name is inseparably interwoven with the pioneer history of Washtenaw county.
Veider L. Shankland resided at home until
MRS. V. L. SHANKLAND.
V. L. SHANKLAND.
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twenty years of age and assisted in the work of the farm. He also spent some time in working for others and in the winter months he attended the public schools, acquiring a fair English education in that way. He was married in 1863 to Miss Mary MI. Bush, who was born April 10, 1846, and was a daughter of William Bush, a native of New York, who came to Michigan prior to the birth of his daughter. For long years he was known as a prominent and influential farmer of Superior township but later removed to Ann Arbor town- ship, where his death occurred. His political alle- giance was given to the democracy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shankland was born a son, John, who married Myra Galpin. They live upon his father's farm and have two children: Maud, the wife of Dr. John Lemon, of Whitmore Lake, Michigan. by whom she has two children : Robert, who mar- ried Allie Shuart and has three children. their home being at Dixboro. He has been supervisor for three years and his connection with business interests is that of proprietor of a grocery and creamery.
After his marriage Veider L. Shankland pur- chased one hundred acres of land in Superior township. where he made his home and engaged in farming until about twelve years ago, when he was elected for the position of superintendent of the county farm of Washtenaw county. In this capacity he has since served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his fellow citizens. He has always been a democrat in his political views and he filled the office of town treasurer and high- way commissioner. acting in the latter capacity for several terms. Prior to locating on the county farm he was engaged in the grocery business for several years. In the administration of the duties of the office which he is now filling he is practical and reliable. bringing to his work the same energy and determination that ever characterized the con- duct of his private business interests.
He believes in the Universalist doctrine and his life has been in keeping with honorable and manly principles. For sixty-eight years a resident of the county, he well deserves mention among its hon- ored pioneer settlers, for he has witnessed the greater part of its growth and development. He has seen its forests cut down and the land re-
claimed for the purposes of civilization and as the years have passed he has given hearty co-opera- tion to many movements which have been of di- rect and permanent benefit to the county.
CHARLES L. MILLER.
Charles L. Miller. an enterprising and prosper- ous young man of Ann Arbor and a popular citi- zen, was born at Dunkirk, New York, August 25, 1869, his parents being Louis and Minnie (Schultz) Miller, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to this country in his youth and, settling in New York state, event- ually became a farmer there, carrying on agricul- tural pursuits in the east until 1874. when he re- moved to Michigan where for a long period he was actively engaged in general farming in Wash- tenaw county. He is now living in Ann Arbor in the enjoyment of an honorable retirement from further labor, but his wife has passed away.
Being a young lad when brought by his parents to Michigan, Charles L. Miller acquired his edu- cation in this city and entered upon his business career as an employe of the firm of Dean & Company about 1800. He remained with that house for ten years, during which time he be- came familiar with the trade and with mercantile methods both in principle and detail. His energy. fidelity and capability won him promotion from time to time. his wages being correspondingly increased and when from his earnings he had saved enough to enable him to join the ranks of business men in this city he embarked in the gro- cery business on his own account in 1900 under the firm style of Miller & Smith. This relation was maintained for one year, when the junior partner sold his interest and the firm has since been Miller & Pray. They conduct an excellent grocery store, well equipped with a fine line of staple and fancy goods and its neat and attractive arrangement, the reasonable prices and fair deal- ing of the proprietors have secured a liberal and growing patronage. The store is conveniently located on North Main street.
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Mr. Miller is well known in connection with fraternal and political interests of Ann Arbor and is now clerk of Ann Arbor camp, No. 2796, M. W. A. He likewise holds membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees and is a com- municant of the Catholic church. Politically a republican, he has served as alderman of the third ward for two terms and is now a member of the board of education. His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and arises from a pub- lic spirited devotion to the general good. He is a man of fine personal appearance, of upright character and of a genial, affable nature, which has made him popular with both business associ- ates and the friends of social circles.
GOTTLIEB H. WILD.
Gottlieb H. Wild, who is connected with the business interests of Ann Arbor as a tailor, was born in Leinfelden county, Stuttgart, Germany, in 1865, and represents one of the old families of that country, the ancestral history, as far as is known, being interwoven with the records of Germany. His father, John George Wild, was born in Germany, and came to America in 1892. since which time he has resided in Ann Arbor, and is now employed in his son's tailoring estab- lishment. He married Miss Wilhelmina Reick, also a native of the fatherland ; and her death oc- curred in Ann Arbor, when she was fifty-four years of age. In their family were seven chil- dren, four sons and three daughters, namely : David and Gottlieb H., who are partners in the tailoring business here: Michael G., who is in the employ of his brothers; William, who is liv- ing in this city ; Caroline: Fredericka : and Wil- helmina.
While in his native country Gottlieb H. Wild learned the tailor's trade with his father, serving a regular four years' apprenticeship after leav- ing school. He came to America when but sev- enteen years of age, and made his way to Ann Arbor, having relatives in this city, who had come to the new world in 1835. Here Mr. Wild entered the employ of James Stafford, and later
went to Toledo, Ohio, where he followed his trade as a journeyman until 1887. In that year he embarked in business on his own account in Toledo, but after a year returned to Ann Arbor, and, believing that a profitable field of labor was open in the tailoring trade, he established his present business in January, 1888, locating on East Washington street, between Main street and Fourth avenue. There he remained until 1904. when he removed to 311 South State street, where he is now located, occupying a new build- ing, which he erected for that purpose. His busi- ness venture here has been attended with success, and he now has an excellent patronage drawn from the best class of citizens here. This is owing to his excellent work. his trade continually in- creasing, for the service he renders his customers is entirely satisfactory. In 1800 he admitted his brother David to a partnership, the latter having previously learned the business, and they are now associated under the firm style of G. H. Wild & Company.
Mr. Wild of this review was married in Ann Arbor in 1891 to Miss Martha Wurster, whose birth occurred in Dexter, Michigan, her father being Michael Wurster of that town. They have three children, all of whom were born in Ann Arbor, Erwin C., George A. and Helen H.
In his political views Mr. Wild is a republican, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Elks lodge. He possesses many of the sterling characteristics of the German race, including the substantial qualities of an honorable manhoood. which contribute to the happiness as well as the success of life.
PETER SUYDAM KNIGHT.
Peter Suydam Knight, who for more than half a century has been a resident of Michigan, where he began life in the humble capacity of a farm hand, is now the owner of a valuable property of one hundred and four acres on section 22 Bridge- water township. the place being equipped with all modern conveniences, including a handsome resi- dence and large and substantial outbuildings.
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Mr. Knight is a native of Seneca county, New York, his natal year being 1833. He was the sec- ond of seven children born unto John S. and Sally Ann ( Swarthout ) Knight. The father was born in New Jersey, April 15, 1807, and was a son of Luke and Jane ( Suydam) Knight, both natives of Middlesex county, New Jersey, the former born September 22. 1775. and the latter April 17. 1774. Mrs. Jane Knight died in Seneca county, New York. August 10, 1849. She had two daugh- ters who died in the east. The family were of Scotch descent and the original American ances- tors came to this country at an early day. John S. Knight became a blacksmith and not only fol- lowed his trade but also carried on farming in New Jersey. He married Miss Sally Ann Swarth- out, who was born in Ovid, Seneca county, New York, April 23. 1811, and was the youngest in a family of eleven children whose parents were Ralph and Lois ( Halstead ) Swarthout. Her father was also a native of Seneca county, born January 1. 1764, and died December 11, 1845. while her mother was born October I. 1767, and died December 28. 1849. Her paternal grand- father was a major in the Continental militia. Both Mr. and Mrs. John S. Knight were devoted members of the Reformed church, taking an ac- tive interest in its work and the extension of its influence, Mr. Knight serving for a long period as one of the church officers. He was also a well- to-do and industrious business man and a good citizen. His political support was given to the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party. He died June 9. 1882, and his wife passed away in Sep- tember. 1894. In their family were seven chil- dren : Mary, the deceased wife of William Smith, of Seneca county, New York; Peter ; Matilda, who is the widow of Hiram Lammoreau, who was a soldier of the Civil war and a resident of Seneca county ; Ralph, who served in the Union army and died at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1861 : Lois, the de- ceased wife of Louis Brown. of Seneca county ; Luther, who has also passed away ; and Charles, an engineer at Geneva, New York.
Peter S. Knight was reared to farm life and largely acquired his education in the schools of
Lodi township, Washtenaw county. He came to Michigan in 1852 and began work as a farm hand near Tecumseh at sixteen dollars per month. He was employed in that way for seven years, when with the money he had saved from his earnings he purchased sixty-two acres of the farm on which he now lives on section 22, Bridgewater town- ship. To this tract he added as his financial re- sources permitted until he now has a valuable property of one hundred and four acres. Upon this place he has erected a handsome residence and also good outbuildings which are in keeping with his home. All modern equipments are found upon this place and the well tilled fields return good harvests. Mr. Knight is still a strong and vigorous man, who has led a frugal. industrious life and is now a prosperous citizen of his com- munity.
In 1862 occurred the marriage of Peter S. Knight and Miss Sarah Remington who was born in Macon, Lewanee county, Michigan, in 1840 and died in 1902. She was a daughter of James Lenardo Remington, a native of Massachusetts, who became a pioneer settler of Lenawee county, where he followed farming. He married Miss Ann Wheeler, a native of New York, and they became the parents of nine children : Sarah, de- ceased : Anna, the wife of George Howell. of Te- cumseh, Michigan; Ransom, who is living in Montana : Maria, the wife of Wesley Bennington. of Macon, Michigan : Lorain, a resident of Frank- lin, this state : Clara, the deceased wife of Morton Goodin : Ella T., the wife of Thomas Temple, of Detroit : William, of Montana : and Elisha and Lenardo, both deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Knight became the parents of three children. Carrie A., who was born Decem- ber 12. 1853, is the wife of Alfred Frederick Allen, a farmer of Clinton, Michigan. Flavius J., born in 1868, is a graduate of the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and is now a practicing physician of Char- lotte, this state. Clyde L., born in 1874, married Grace Martin, a daughter of Merritt and Anna (Saxton) Martin, both natives of Lenawee county, while their respective parents were na- tives of New York and became early settlers of
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Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Knight have two children : Peter Lenardo, born August 28, 1903; and John Martin, born February 4, 1905.
The family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, in which Peter S. Knight is serving as steward and in the work of the church he has taken an active and helpful interest. He has been a life-long republican, giving his support to that party since its organization, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. All that he possesses and enjoys has been acquired through his own labors and now he has a handsome competence and valut- able property as the reward of his earnest work in former years.
THEODORE F. PROCHNOW.
Theodore F. Prochnow, proprietor of a restau- rant in Ann Arbor, is a native son of Washtenaw county, his birth having occurred in Northfield township, on the 26th of September, 1875. His parents were Frederick and Lovena (Steffee) Prochnow, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. When a lad of twelve years the father crossed the Atlantic to America, and made his way direct to Ann Arbor, since which time he has been a resident of Washtenaw county. In his youth he was employed as a farm hand and worked for various agriculturists of the com- munity ; but the years and his well directed labors brought him success, and. when he had saved a sufficient sum from his earnings, he made pur- chase of a tract of land, to which he has since added until he is now the owner of a large and valuable farm of two hundred acres in North- field township, well improved and highly culti- vated, this property classing him with the sub- stantial citizens of his part of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Prochnow have been born four children: Theodore F., of this re- view ; Thad C., who carries on farming pursuits on a place adjoining his father's home: Louis, who is upon the home farm ; and Carrie, sixteen years of age, who completes the family, and is yet with her parents.
Theodore F. Prochnow, reared on the old fan- ily homestead, pursued his early education in the
grammar school of Northfield, and passed through successive grades until he became a high school student. Later he continued his studies in Ann Arbor, where he pursued a business course ; and after leaving school lie embarked in the res- taurant business, in which he has continued for four years, his present location being at No. 104 East Huron street. That he conducts his busi- ness in a manner satisfactory to the public, is in- dicated by the liberal patronage which is ac- corded him, for he has many regular patrons as well as transient trade, and is now prospering in his undertaking.
In 1902 Mr. Prochnow was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Ludwig, of Northfield, and they have a little daughter. Gladys, in her first year. Mr. Prochnow belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Woodmen of America, while his religions faith is indicated by his membership in the Zion Lutheran church. Po- litically he is a stanch democrat, active in the work of the party and well informed concerning questions and issues of the day; and he has served as clerk and supervisor of the township of Northfield.
CHARLES HENRY SCHROEN.
Charles Henry Schroen, who was born in York township. November 30. 1870, and makes his home in Saline, is a son of Adam Schroen, whose birth occurred in Mankshausen in the duchy of Hesse, Germany, November 1. 1845. He sailed for America in August, 1862, coming to York township, where he occupied a farm of one hun- dren and twenty-seven acres upon which he still resides. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Eggler, is also a native of Hesse and sailed for the United States on the same vessel on which her future husband was a passenger. They were married after arriving in this country and they are yet worthy residents of York township. where Mr. Schroen gives his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, being one of the well known and enterprising farmers of his commu- nity. The members of their family are as fol- lows: John J., a resident farmer of Pittsfield
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