USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 36
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The field of his labors has been by no means confined to that of learning. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of his community, having served two years as alderman and two years as mayor of the city of Ypsilanti, of whose welfare and prosperity he has been one of the foremost advocates. Joining the Baptist church more than fifty years ago, he has ever since been an earnest worker in the cause of religion. Al- though not an ordained minister, he has filled pul- pits on several occasions during his career. For many years he has been a member of the Baptist convention of Michigan : was one year its presi- dent. and ten years its treasurer. For over a quarter of a century he filled the office of chap- lain for the insane at Kalamazoo.
During his busy career Professor Putnam has published the following works: "Sunbeams Through Clouds," in 1871 (a little manual for the insane) : "A Geography of Michigan," 1877 (published with Colton's Geography ) : "A Sketch of Michigan State Teachers' Association," 1877 (published by the association) ; "Outline of the Theory and Art of Teaching." 1883: "A series of School Readers." 1882-3 (in connection with
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another gentleman) : "Twenty-five Years with the Insane." 1885; "Elementary Psychology," 1889; "A Primary of Pedagogy." 1800: "Manual of Pedagogies," 1895: "History of the State Nor- mal School," 1894: "Development of Primary and Secondary Education in Michigan," 1904.
Professor Putnam married, July 27. 1852. Sa- rah E. Smith, daughter of Dr. E. B. Smith, at New Hampton, New Hampshire. Their children are: Mrs. Alice M. Kimball: Mary B .: Arthur S .; Ruth S. and William S. Arthur resides at Manistique, is president of a national bank, and senior member of a firm engaged in the drug and jewelry business. William is an attorney-at- law. The daughters are all teachers. Mary is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the other two of the Normal College.
The human side of Professor Putnam's char- acter could not be better described than in the following words of a life-long acquaintance :
"As a man Professor Putnam is unassuming and retiring, but positive in his opinions and firm in his convictions of duty in all the relations of life. As a teacher he appeals to the student's sense of honor and seeks to develop the higher and nobler elements of his character. He seeks to make of his pupils men and women of the best kind rather than simply scholars and teachers. That nobleness of spirit which shines out through all his life and teaching has shed a strong but quiet influence upon the lives of scores of young man and women. Many a former normal student. now at work in the schools of the state, declares that the calm sincerity of Professor Putnam's life and character goes with him as an inspiration in all his work. But the true dignity and purity of his life can be best understood by those who have come into close association with him as he has gone in and out in his daily labors. His deeds are as lighthouses, 'they do not ring bells or fire cannon to call attention to their shining- they just shine.""
In politics he is an independent republican. In 1903 Professor Putnam retired from the field of most of his active labors on a small yearly salary from the Normal College. and lives at his beauti- ful residence, No. 314 Forest Grove avenue, in the city of Ypsilanti. Although in retirement.
he has never ceased to take an active interest in everything appertaining to educational and public matters in general. Of course it is hardly neces- sary to state that a man of such sterling worth and native virtues is respected and beloved by the whole community in which he resides, and by everybody whose good fortune it has been to make his acquaintance.
CLYDE C. KERR.
Clyde C. Kerr, a representative of the Athens Press of Ann Arbor. is a native son of Washte- naw county, his birth having occurred in Foster township about three miles west of the county seat in 1868. His father. Alexander William Kerr. was born in the highlands of Scotland and coming to America was for many years a spinner in Cornwell's mills in this county. His death oc- curred in 1879. His wife, who in her maiden- hood was Abbie Slatford, was first married to William Hurrell, of Owosso, Michigan, and after his death became the wife of Alexander William Kerr. She still survives and is now living in Ann Arbor. By her first marriage she had two chil- dren : George Hurrell, a carpenter living in this city : and Carrie, the wife of A. C. Richards, also of Ann Arbor.
Clyde C. Kerr acquired his education in the public schools of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, con- tinuing his studies until sixteen years of age. when he began learning the printing business as an employee in the office of the Daily News. the first daily paper ever published in this city. There he remained for two years, on the expiration of which period he secured a position in the Ann Arbor Courier, where he completed his trade as a compositor, his connection with that paper con- tinning for six years. In 1900, in partnership with Messrs. Scheirer and Goetz, he established the printing office of the Athens Press located on North Main street and has since been this con- nected with the business, which has had a pros- perous growth and has long since become a prof- itable investment.
Mr. Kerr was married on Thanksgiving day of 1800 to Miss Emily C. Rayer, a daughter of
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William and Minnie Rayer, and they now have two living children, Vernie R. and Harry A. W., aged respectively twelve and six years. They also lost one child, Ernest, who died in infancy. Mr. Kerr belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Typographical Union and his church relation is with the English Lutheran denomination. His entire life has been passed in Ann Arbor and this vicinity and he now occupies a pleasant home at 518 Krause street.
JAMES H. WEBB.
James H. Webb, who for many years has re- sided upon his present farm in Pittsfield township, was born April 14, 1848, within the boundaries of this township on the old family homestead be- longing to his father, Dr. Nathan Webb. The lat- ter was born in Rushville, New York, January 25, 1808, while the grandfather, Nathan Webb, was born in Jannary, 1768, and died in Middlesex. New York, September 26, 1807,-before the birth of his son Nathan. The latter reached the ripe old age of seventy-six years, passing away on the 3d of December, 1884. He acquired a common- school education and subsequently continued his studies in Syracuse College. He prepared for the practice of medicine as a representative of the regular or allopathic school and in 1846 he re- moved to Michigan. While still in the east, how- ever, he was married to Miss Louranda Enos, who was born February 12, 1812, and was a daughter of John Enos, who took up his abode at Niles, Cass county, Michigan, at an early period in the development of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Webb became the parents of six children : Georgiana, the wife of Dr. F. K. Owen, a prac- ticing physician of Ypsilanti, by whom she has two children : Harriet, the wife of Norman Red- ner, of Augusta township, by whom she has three children ; Frederick, who was a member of Com- pany E, Seventeenth Michigan Volunteer In- fantry and was shot at the battle of Antietam ; Hiram H., who was also a member of Company E, Seventeenth Michigan Volunteers and married
Della Begole, by whom he has one son ; James H . of this review ; and Catherine, the wife of Omer Case, by whom she has two children.
Dr. Nathan Webb, the father, following his re- moval to Michigan, practiced all through this sec- tion of the state and was an honored and worthy pioneer physician, whose devotion to his profes- sion was of the utmost good to his fellowmen but involved many hardships for himself, as he trav- eled over poorly improved roads under the hot stimmer sun or through the winter's cold. As the country was but sparsely settled it was neces- sary for him to take long rides in order to render professional aid to those in need of medical serv- ice. He owned one hundred and eighty acres of land, which he personally superintended. At the time of the Civil war he acted for a year as as- sistant surgeon in Convent Hospital at Frederick City, Maryland. Prominent and influential in public life, he was twice elected supervisor of his township and was also called to represent his dis- trict in the state legislature, being elected on the republican ticket, for he was a stalwart advocate of the party which stood as the champion of the Union during the Civil war. His church mem- bership was with the Presbyterian denomination.
James H. Webb, reared upon his father's farm in Pittsfield township, acquired his early educa- tion in the common schools and subsequently at- tended the high school at Ypsilanti, Michigan. Aroused by a spirit of patriotism he responded to his country's call during the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, with which he was connected until the close of hostilities. He then returned to the home farm and aided in its improvement until twenty-two years of age.
At that time Mr. Webb was married to Miss Emma Marriott, who was born July 20, 1846. upon the farm where she yet lives. Her father, Joseph Marriott, was a native of England and be- came an influential and representative agricultur- ist of Washtenaw county. He was also recognized as one of the most stalwart advocates of the re- publican party in this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Webb began their domestic life upon the farm where they have since resided and unto them has been born a son, Joseph F., whose birth
JAMES H. WEBB AND SON, JOSEPH.
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occurred on the 22d of April, 1871, and he was married on the 27th of July, 1894, to Miss Cynthia Hurd, who died September 4, 1900. In 1902 he was again married, his second union be- ing with Miss Cora Bussy, and they have one child. At the time of the Spanish-American war Joseph Webb enlisted in the Thirty-first Michigan Infantry and did active service in Cuba.
James H. Webb is the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He has a well improved prop- erty on which are good modern buildings and everything about the place is kept in excellent re- pair, bespeaking the thrift of an industrious and painstaking owner. He is watchful of every de- tail of his business and of every indication point- ing to success and as the years have gone by has prospered in his undertakings. Politically a re- publican, he has served for many years as town clerk and is at present justice of the peace. He has also been school commissioner and drainage commissioner and the various duties that have devolved upon him in these official connections have been promptly and faithfully performed. In all life's relations he has made a creditable record and is a worthy representative of one of the hon- ored pioneer families of Washtenaw county.
GEORGE H. FISCHER.
George H. Fischer, conducting as a member of the firm of Fischer & Finnell an extensive gro- cery business in Ann Arbor and also well known in the city as a leading republican and valued rep- resentative of various fraternal organizations, was born here on the 21st of November, 1868. His father, Henry Fischer, was a native of Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, and remained in that coun- try until sixteen years of age, when, crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he made his way to Ann Arbor and soon afterward became a factor in the industrial life of the city. He has engaged for a number of years in the operation of a saw- mill and his energy and carefully directed labors have made him prominent in business circles. He married Sophia Fuchs, also a native of Hesse-
Darmstadt, and they have reared a family of ten children, of whom George H. is the eldest, the others being: Gustave A., a builder of Ann Ar- bor; Frank, who is living in Detroit ; Louis, who is employed in his brother's grocery store ; Lydia, the wife of John W. Hermann, of this city ; Henry, a resident of Detroit ; and four now de- ceased.
At the usual age of six years George H. Fischer entered the public schools of Ann Arbor. wherein he continued his studies until fourteen years of age, when he put aside his text-books in order to enter business life and provide for his own support. He secured a position in the store of Dean & Company, merchants on Main street. with whom he continued for fourteen years, dur- ing which time he learned every detail of the business and worked his way steadily upward from one responsibility to another, enjoying in high measure the confidence and trust of those whom he represented. Earnest. conscientious and diligent in the performance of his duties, his worth in commercial circles became recognized and proved the means of winning for him a good patronage when he embarked in business on his own account. Three years ago, in 1902, he established a large general grocery store at 701- 703 Packard street in the midst of the finest resi- lence district of this city and he now has a splen- did trade from the best families of this locality. He is the senior partner of the firm of Fischer & Finnell and they carry only high grade goods, having a well appointed store and neat and taste- ful in its arrangement. The business has con- stantly grown in volume and importance during the years in which the firm has had an existence and the trade now returns to them an excellent profit annually.
In 1888 Mr. Fischer was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Finnell, a sister of his partner and a representative of one of the old families of Ann Arbor. They had two children, but Luella. a beautiful girl of fifteen years, died in 1905. and was laid to rest in the Ann Arbor cemetery. The surviving daughter. Gertrude, twelve years of age, is now a student in the public schools of this city. Theirs is a beautiful home at No. 814 South State street in the best residence portion of the
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city and it is justly celebrated for its gracious hospitality, both Mr. and Mrs. Fischer occupying an enviable position in social circles.
His activity in business life would alone en- title him to representation in this volume with the leading men of Ann Arbor of the past and pres- ent, but chapters in his record are also notable. He has been alderman of the seventh ward for six years, elected on the republican ticket, and lias labored untiringly and effectively for the best interests of the city at large, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many measures that have contributed to the general good. He is also one of the county auditors and as a member of the council has served on the finance and other committees. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Mu- tual Benefit Association, having in the latter served at various times as president, vice presi- dent, secretary and treasurer. A communicant of the Catholic church, he is loyal to its teachings, while in political and business circles he has made an enviable name and won a gratifying success.
GERHARD JOSENHANS.
Among the representatives of the German- American citizens of Ann Arbor is numbered Gerhard Josenhans, whose birth occurred in Leon- berg, on the 5th of January, 1855. His parents, Jonathan and Charlotta ( Weigle) Josenhans, were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and in the fall of 1855 they crossed the briny deep to the new world and made their way into the interior of the country, settling at Ann Arbor, where they spent the winter. In the following spring they took up their abode on a farm just west of the city, now belonging to the Fritz estate, where they lived until 1865, when the father sold his property and bought a farm west of Saline, in the township of Saline. There he lived for some time, when he again sold out and invested in a tract of land in York township. In his native land he had engaged in the manufacture of cloth and dress goods but after reaching the new world turned his attention to agricultural pursuits
which he followed continuously for many years. When his work had brought him a sufficient capi- tal he retired from active business and for twenty years enjoyed the fruits of his former labor in a well earned ease. He died in May, 1902, and was survived for only a brief period by his wife, who passed away in September of the same year. They were the parents of twelve children and there has been no death among this number. The family record is as follows: Johanna became the wife of Rev. J. G. Hildner, and their son is Professor J. A. C. Hildner of the University of Michigan. Mrs. Cornelia Reimold is living in Salina, Kan- sas. Leonard makes his home on the old farm in York. Gotthold is engaged in the dry-goods business at Blissfield, Michigan. Samuel follows blacksmithing in Saline, Michigan. Agatha is living in York. Frederick follows farming in Kansas. Theodore makes his home in York town- ship. Timothy is an architect of Seattle, Washing- ton. Gerhard is the next of the family. Augusta and Fredreka are living upon the home farm in York township.
Gerhard Josenhans spent the first sixteen years of his life on his father's farm in this county, having been brought to America when but a few months old. At the usual age he began his edu- cation in the public schools and on the 21st of August, 1871, he came to Ann Arbor, where en- tered the employ of Mack & Schmid in the hum- ble capacity of an errand or utility boy. He has been with that house continuously since. winning promotion through ability and loyalty until he was made manager of the dress goods department and then floor-walker. This is the largest de- partment store in Ann Arbor and is an unusually fine enterprise of this character for a city of its size, an immense trade being conducted. The firm is now Mack & Company, and the house is located at No. 222-224 Main street.
In 1881 Mr. Josenhans was married to Miss Rosena Bross, a native of Ann Arbor, and they have two children: Alma, who at the age of twenty years is in charge of the sub-postal station in the store of Mack & Company ; and Milda, who at the age of fifteen years is attending school. Mrs. Josenhans was a daughter of Jacob and Anna Marie Bross, old residents of Ann Arbor,
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her father conducting for many years a wagon shop on South Main street. Mr. and Mrs. Josen- hans have a beautiful home at No. 602 East Ann street and it is noted for its hospitality, being the center of a cultured society circle. In social and business life Mr. Josenhans has gained a host of friends, who esteem him highly for his sterling qualities and unfailing courtesy. His success has been so marked that his business methods are of interest to the general public and in an analyzation of his life work it will be found that his advancement has come to him by reason of his fidelity, his unswerving integrity and his unabating industry.
JOHN AUGUST ALBER.
John August Alber, who, as a member of the firm of Stadel & Alber, is conducting a large business as a contractor and builder in Ann Arbor. was born in Lodi township. Washtenaw county. August 24. 1855. his parents being John George and Margarita ( Metzger ) Alber, both of whom were natives of Germany, born in Wurtemberg. The father was one of the oldest settlers in this county, having crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way westward to Michigan at an early period in the development of this part of the state. A farmer by occupation, he became the owner of eighty acres of land, and as his fi- nancial resources increased he added to the prop- erty until he had one hundred and sixty acres. His death occurred in Lodi in 1803, when he was sixty-three years of age, while his wife passed away in 1808, at the age of sixty-seven years. The member of their family were as follows: John August, of this review : Charles Michael, a resi- dent farmer of Saline township : Erhardt Freder- ick, who follows farming in Perry county. Michi- gan : William Henry, a farmer of Lodi township ; Gottlieb Emanuel. a painter of Lodi : John Chris- tian. a farmer living in Saline, and Erhardt .A .. proprietor of the St. James Hotel at Ann Arbor.
At the usual age John August Alber entered the district schools of Lodi township, where he continued his studies until sixteen years old. When a young man of eighteen years he began
learning the carpenter's and builder's trade, and previous to this he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties of field and meadow. For two years he served as an apprentice to a contractor in Lodi. He built George Page's barn, forty by seventy feet, one of the largest in the county, and in 1888 he came to Ann Arbor, where he worked at his trade in the employ of others until the spring of 1895, when he entered into partnership with Sam- uel Stadel. He has since been engaged in house building in this city and in surrounding districts and has been accorded a number of important con- tracts, while on all sides are seen evidences of his handiwork and skill in the substantial homes of Ann Arbor. He is thoroughly conversant with the builder's art, both in principle and detail. is prompt and faithful in the execution of a contract. and his honorable methods have brought to him a liberal patronage.
On the 30th of April. 1880, Mr. Alber was united in marriage to Miss Jacobina Blumhardt, a daughter of John G. and Wilhelmina Blum- hardt, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Alber now have three children : Wilhelmina. born April 9. 1884: Christian William, born April 6. 1888 : and Gertrude Elsie, born September 26, 1893. The parents hold membership in Zion Lutheran church, and they occupy a magnificent new resi- dence which Mr. Alber has recently completed at No. 552 Third street.
SUMNER BUSH. M. D.
Dr. Sumner Bush, engaged successfully in the practice of medicine and surgery in Chelsea, was born in Gaines, Michigan, in October, 1871. his parents being James E. and Delia ( Bird) Bush. The father was a farmer of Gaines, Genesee county, and came to Michigan from the state of New York. He is still living upon the old home- stead. devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. He has a family of five children : Alfred, who is a minister of the gospel : Clara: Fred, who is engaged in bookkeeping : Mary and Sumner.
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The last named was at one time a student in St. Louis, Michigan, and pursued a high school course there. Having acquired a good literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learn- ing he entered the Michigan University and was graduated from the medical department with the class of 1896. He was afterward interne in a hospital in 1806-7, and then located for practice in Chelsea, where he has since made his home. Here he became recognized as a leading repre- sentative of the profession, keeping in touch with the progress and advanced thought of the medical fraternity, nor caring to venture beyond the re- gion of a general practice, for he finds in this ample scope for the exercise of his native talents and energies. He is a member of the State Medi- cal Society and is a conscientious practitioner. who closely adheres to a high standard of pro- fessional ethics.
Dr. Bush was married to Miss Nettie R. Lane, a daughter of F. D. Lane, of Michigan, and in 1904 was called upon to mourn the death of his wife. His fraternal relations are with Olive lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., and Olive chapter, No. 140, R. A. M. In his political views he has ever been a republican, but is without aspiration for office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his practice, which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He has long since den- onstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician and he ever has deep interest in any question which tends to bring to man the key to that com- plex mystery which we call life.
COMSTOCK F. HILL.
Mr. Hill was born near the site of the now famous Mt. Holyoke Seminary in Massachusetts, on the 27th of June. 1835. His father, Fitch Hill, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but became the owner of a farm which he personally managed. He moved to Michigan and settled near Ann Arbor on the Liberty street road. where for some time he conducted a mill. while later he engaged
in farming. There were three children in his family : James, deceased; Mrs. Eliza Kerr, of Cooperstown, North Dakota; and Comstock F., of this review.
Comstock F. Hill was twice married. In 1866 he married Lydia Bentin, of Lodi Plains, where they lived on a farm which he managed with other business interests until 1899, when he moved to Ann Arbor. Three children were born to them : Ernest C., who married Nina Wells, of Vermont- ville. Michigan, and they have one son, Lawrence : Ada B., of Ann Arbor; and Theodore R., living on the home farm, married Anna Fellows, of Sa- line, in 1899, and they have one daughter, Ruth. Following the death of his first wife in 1875. Mr. Hill married her sister, Emily Bentin, in 1881. They lived together until November 25. 1899. when she was called to her final rest.
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