USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 37
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PAUL KORZUCK.
Paul Korzuck, who is engaged in contracting and building in Ann Arbor, was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 22d of February, 1867, a son of Frank and Albertina Korzuck. In the year 1889 the parents came to the United States and in 1890 took up their abode in Ann Arbor. The father is a carpenter, still following that trade but the mother has departed this life. In their family were three sons, Paul, Albert and Richard. all of whom are residents of this city.
Paul Korzuck pursued his education in the public schools of Germany and after putting aside his text-books prepared for the practical duties of life by learning the carpenter's trade and has since been connected with this line of activity. He was employed by others for some time and then em- barked in contracting and building on his own account, in which connection he has been a repre- sentative of industrial life of Ann Arbor for many years. Some good contracts have been awarded him and he receives a liberal share of the public patronage which comes to him in recognition of his skill and capability and his interest in all of his business relations.
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In 1900 Mr. Korzuck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Reddeman and they now have two interesting little daughters, Lucile and Leona, aged respectively five and three years. Mr. Korzuck is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and also of the Methodist Episcopal church, while in his political views he is a re- publican. He stands as an advocate of all that tends to advance the welfare of his community along material, social, political, intellectual and moral lines and is a worthy representative of the German citizenship of Ann Arbor-which has been a most important element in the development and upbuilding of the city.
FRANK JOSLYN.
Frank Joslyn is a leading member of the Ypsi- lanti bar. and his life record is in contradiction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for lie has so di- rected his efforts and energies that at the bar he has made a name and gained success second to none of the lawyers of the city. Ile was born November 25. 1843. a son of the late Judge Chauncey Joslyn, whose birth occurred in the Empire state, and who died in Ann Arbor in Oc- tober, 1889. The father pursued his education in the schools of New York, and after completing his literary education, took up the study of law, following which he was admitted to the bar. In 1833 he came to Michigan and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Ypsilanti. Here he opened a law office and practiced for four or five years. after which he engaged for a short time in the milling business. In 1880 he was elected cir- cuit court judge, and held the office until suc- ceeded by Judge Kinne. He was also at one time probate judge of Washtenaw county, and was a worthy representative of the profession which stands as the conservator of personal right. liberty and justice. He became a factor in the public life of the state, and was influential in molding thought and opinion. He was twice married. his first union being with Caroline Com- stock. who died when the subject of this review
was about six years of age. They had three chil- dren: Fred C .. who is now living in Oakland, California : Frank, the subject of this review ; and George, who died May 1, 1861. For his second wife Judge Joslyn wedded Sarah M. Silsby, now deceased, and they had three children : Alvira C., the wife of Charles R. Whitman, of Chicago; Ella and Benjamin F., both of whom are living in New York city.
Reared in Ypsilanti, Frank Joslyn entered the public schools at the usual age and passed through successive grades until he was gradu- ated from the high school with the class of 1862, and entered the University of Michigan, but like many another college career, begun in those troublesome times, his course was cut short by his country's call for aid to preserve the Union. In the summer vacation following his matriculation in the university he enlisted as a member of Com- pany B. Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and in the spring of 1863 was promoted to the rank of sec- ond lieutenant of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry. but never obtained his commission on account of the ill feeling that existed between Governor Blair and his father, Judge Joslyn. He then re- mained at home until March, 1865, when he again joined the army as a member of the Twenty- fourth Michigan Infantry, remaining at Camp Cutler. in Jackson, until the close of the war.
Returning to his home in Ypsilanti, Mr. Joslyn was, for two years, employed as a clerk in a mercantile establishment, and later spent two years as bookkeeper in a Detroit house. Again coming to his native city he took up the study of law in the office of Joslyn & Blodgett, of which his father was the senior partner. There he re- mained until the election of Judge Joslyn to the circuit bench. In 1881 Frank Joslyn was admit- ted to the bar. and has since been active in the practice of law. His fellow townsmen, recogniz- ing his worth and ability, have several times called him to office. and, for seventeen years. he filled the position of city clerk, a record un- equaled. perhaps, in the history of the state. In 1885 he was elected justice of the peace for the second district of his city, and served thus until 1891. when he resigned and removed to Muske- gon. Michigan. After six years' residence there he
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returned to Ypsilanti and was once more chosen justice of the peace, being retained in the office up to the present time. His political allegiance has ever been given to the democracy, and he is fearless in the defense of his honest convictions.
In 1871 Judge Joslyn was married to Miss Kate Beach and they have a son and two daugh- ters. Walter B., the eldest, is now an electrician residing in Stockton, California. Kate B. and Fannie B., twins, are at home. Judge Joslyn is quite prominent in fraternal circles. He belongs to Phoenix lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M. and to the order of the Eastern Star. He is likewise a member of Ann Arbor lodge of Elks, the Inde- pendent Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and its Ladies' Auxiliary, the Maccabees, the Royal Arcanum and the Colum- bian League. Socially he possesses those quali- ties which render him popular : and he is a fa- vorite, not only in fraternal circles, but through- out Ypsilanti and wherever known. He pos- sesses a jovial, genial disposition, spreading around him much of the sunshine of life. In his profession he has long been recognized as an able practitioner with a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, and is seldom at error in the slightest degree in the correctness of his application of a legal principle to the points in litigation.
JAMES LELAND BABCOCK.
James Leland Babcock, one of Ann Arbor's most prominent citizens, is the eldest son of Dr. Leland Babcock and Elizabeth ( James) Babcock, and was born in Goshen, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, February 10. 1840. He is a de- scendant of the Pilgrim Fathers through his mother, who was the daughter of Captain Malachi and Elizabeth (Lyman) James.
Captain Malachi James was a descendant of John James, the elder of three brothers, all of whom came to America about the time the Pil- grim Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock. John James married Deborah Bates, of Pembrook, Massachusetts, and had six children, of whom
John James, Jr., was the eldest. John James, Jr .. was born in 1744, married Lois Beals, of Cohas- sett, Massachusetts, April 4. 1765, and died July II, 1804. Malachi, his son, was born July 9. 1767. and was married to Elizabeth Lyman, of Northampton, Massachusetts, February 18, 1790, and died August 24, 1849. He was an aide to General Mattoon in Shay's re- bellion and had eleven children, of whom Mrs. Elizabeth Babcock, the mother of the subject of our sketch, was one. Mrs. Eliza- beth Babcock died in Ann Arbor, August 16, 1898. Others who became residents of Washte- naw county were Luther James, who came here in 1835. engaged largely in wool buying and amassed a large fortune by it. He it was who donated to the county the courthouse clock. He died in Ann Arbor July 25. 1888, aged eighty-five years. Enoch James died in Ann Arbor February 28, 1867. Lewis L. James died in Dexter, Au- gust 17, 1880, and Mrs. Sophia Sears died in Lima, January 16, 1879.
Mr. Babcock's father, Dr. Leland Babcock, was the son of Amos Babcock and was born in Peters- burg, New York, April 29, 1818, and died in Chi- cago, Illinois, November 28, 1893. He was a physician of much note. Amos Babcock was born April 28, 1767, and died in 1846 at Peters- burg, New York. He was a lineal descendant of James Babcock who was born in Essex county, England, in 1612 and emigrated to Rhode Island previous to 1640. This branch of the Babcock family in England had a coat of arms, and an older brother was a knight. Mr. Babcock's an- cestors saw service among the patriots of the Revolutionary war as did the ancestors of his wife.
James L. Babcock was educated in the com- mon schools of Goshen and at the academy at Northampton, Massachusetts. For ten years he was engaged in the mercantile business in Lake street, Chicago, until the great fire of 1871. Com- ing to Ann Arbor in 1871, he joined his uncle, Luther James, and took care of much of his ex- tensive business. On the death of his uncle, he succeeded to the greater part of his large fortune. He purchased the Dr. Wells homestead on the corner of Division and Ann streets and entirely
JAMES L. BABCOCK.
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remodeled it, making it one of the handsomest homes in the state.
Mr. Babcock was married September 29, 1892, to Miss Ella Stanley Butler, of Waukesha, Wis- consin, daughter of Walter C. and Cynthia (Stan- ley) Butler. Mrs. Babcock is a talented woman, a fine musician and conversationalist. She was educated at her early home, New Haven, Con- necticut.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Babcock spend much time in traveling and divide their time largely between Ann Arbor, Waukesha, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Massachusetts, but they have visited many other parts of the country and enjoy the otium cum dignatiti which their means entitle them to. They entertain a great deal and their receptions are looked forward to as among the greatest so- ciety events of the season. Mr. Babcock is public spirited, liberal but unostentatious. He has given to many things of a public nature. He is a director in the First National Bank of Ann Arbor. He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, having joined the chapter in Detroit. there being no chapter in Ann Arbor. Mrs. Babcock is a mem- ber of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was one of the twelve founders of the Sarah Caswell Angell chapter at Ann Arbor.
GEORGE H. POND.
George H. Pond, postmaster of Ann Arbor, was born in Putnam, Livingston county, Michigan, on the 16th of June. 1846, and is one of a family of eight children, and the only surviving son of Na- than and Rutilla ( Mead) Pond. The father was a native of Vermont and was a son of Hon. Ben- jamin Pond, who was a member of congress dur- ing the second war with Great Britain and who voted to declare and sustain that struggle. Na- than Pond was a soldier during the war of 1812. serving with a New York regiment, which took an active part in the battle of Plattsburg. Mr. Pond traces his family history in this country back to 1630 on his father's side, the progenitor of the family coming from England during that year with Governor Winthrop. On his mother's side
also the Mead family, from which he descends, were among the very first permanent emigrants that came to America. On leaving the east his father came to Michigan in 1832, making his way to Ann Arbor, and residing at Dixboro for three or four years, which place at that time bid fair to become prominent. Ann Arbor was then a small village, and the country but sparsely set- tled, while the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. About 1836 be removed to Livingston county, where he took up his abode upon a farm and where he lived for many years. He married Miss Rutilla Mead, a native of Ver- mont. born July 5. 1820, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom but two are now living. The daughter, Miss Abbie A. Pond, resides in Detroit and was for over twenty years a prominent and capable teacher in the Ann Arbor public schools.
George H. Pond spent the days of his childhood and youth upon his father's farm in Livingston county and pursued his education there in the district schools and later at Ann Arbor. He en- tered upon newspaper work in 1860, as an em- plove in the office of the Ann Arbor Argus, re- ceiving his early instruction in journalism from that able editor, Elihu B. Pond. A few years later he became publisher and editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser, at Caro. Michigan. In 1883. however, he returned to this city in the employ of Julius E. Beal, in the publication of the Courier. with which he retained his connection for four- teen years, becoming one of the well known jour- nalists of the state. Mr. Pond has also rendered valuable service to his city and county in public office, and the trust reposed in him has been worth- ily placed, for his official career has been actuated by patriotic and public-spirited service. He filled the position of city treasurer for two terms, and for four years was a member of the county board of school examiners. His first public service in office was that of city recorder, retaining the in- cumbency for three terms, having been elected on the republican ticket at a time when the democrats had a large majority in the city. He likewise acted as supervisor of the fourth ward for two terms, and in each office he has studied the duties that have devolved upon him, and the extent of
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his official prerogatives, and has so labored as to produce excellent results for the city and county. In 1889 he was appointed a member of the city board of fire commissioners, and served in that capacity four years, helping to organize the pres- ent efficient fire department. June 1. 1898, he was appointed postmaster of Ann Arbor by President William Mckinley, and received reappointment from President Roosevelt in 1902, so that he is at present administering the duties of the office, which for a city of this size transacts an unusual amount of business and handles a vast amount of mail. The service for the past seven years, dur- ing which time solid rural free delivery has been successfully introduced and the city service greatly extended. has been efficient and satisfactory. largely due to the untiring efforts and personal attention given it by Mr. Pond. He has thor- oughly systematized the work of the office, so that the best possible results are obtained. During his incumbency the receipts of the office have risen from thirty-four thousand one hundred and ten dollars and four cents in 1897, to fifty-four thousand five hundred and twenty dollars and fifty-eight cents in 1904, and the office has been advanced from the second to the first class.
In 1872 Mr. Pond was united in marriage to Miss Nellie J. Carman, of Flint, Michigan, who died April 8, 1887. They were the parents of four children, of whom Llewellyn and Lilian, the first and third members of the family are now deceased. Harry E., who served in the Spanish- American war as a corporal in Company A. Thirty-first Michigan Infantry regiment, is now in San Gabriel, California, while Elisabeth Pearl. the youngest, lives at home with her father.
On September 1. 1800, Mr. Pond was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mahel Bushnell Keith, of Ann Arbor, who had one child by her former marriage, Kenneth B. Keith, who is now seventeen years old and a student at the Ann Arbor high school.
Mr. Pond is a member of Fraternity lodge, F. & A. M., and also of Washtenaw chapter, R. A. M., and belongs to Arbor tent. K. O. T. M. He was for several years a vestryman and junior warden of St. Andrew's Episcopal church, of which his entire family are communicants. That
Mr. Pond's life has been a busy one can be judged from the fact that besides his other activities he found time to serve for several years as secretary of the Washtenaw County Fair Association ; was also the first president of the Ann Arbor Press Club, which at the time was quite an active organ- ization, and for several years a director of the Y. M. C. A. during its early period, helping to lay the foundation for its years of later success. There has scarcely been a time in the past twenty years that he has not been chairman or secretary of some important committee of the republican party in the city or county.
Since age gave him the right of franchise he has never faltered in his allegiance to the princi- ples of the republican party, but has always stood by the organization which has been the champion of reform progress and beneficial constructive legislation. Having for many years resided in Ann Arbor, as a representative of journalistic and political interests, he has become widely known. In all things he is eminently practical, so that his efforts are resultant factors in whatever he under- takes, and his official record has won him high encomiums because of the fidelity and ability with which he has discharged his duties.
JACOB F. WURSTER.
Jacob F. Wurster, conducting a profitable dairy business in Ann Arbor, was born in Simmersfeld. Wurtemberg. Germany, March 3. 1877. His father. George Frederick Wurster, a farmer by occupation, is now living in Northfield township. as is the mother, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Regina Gunther. The brothers of our
subject are: George Frederick, a dairyman re- siding in Northfield township : Martin and John, who are resident farmers of Ann Arbor township : Adam, who was drowned in Huron river be- tween Ann Arbor and Geddes in April, 1904: and Regina, the wife of Edward Danner, of Northfield township.
Mr. Wurster acquired his early education in Wurtemberg, pursuing his studies there until ten years of age, when he came with his father's
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family to the new world in 1887, the family home being established in Ann Arbor. After six months they removed to a farm in Northfield township. and through the succeeding five years Mr. Wur- ster, of this review, was a student in the district schools. In 1900 he began business as a dealer in milk and owner of a dairy in Ann Arbor, and is still engaged in this line with a patronage that makes his work very profitable.
In 1903 Mr. Wurster was united in marriage to Miss Emma Helber. a daughter of John and Mary Helber, of Ann Arbor, both of whom were born in Wurtemberg. Germany. They have a beautiful home at No. 913 Main street, South, and are popular in this city, with a circle of friends that is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Wurster is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and also the Home Guards of America and he belongs to the Zion Lutheran church. He is yet a young man, but has already attained success that many an older man might well envy, and in an analyzation of his life work it will be seen that industry and perse- verance have been the salient features in his career and constitute the source of his present creditable financial position.
CARL F. BRAUN.
Carl F. Braun, assistant cashier of the Ann Arbor Savings Bank, was born January 26, 1873. in Ann Arbor township, this county. His grand- father. John Braun, was a native of Wurtemberg. Germany, and came to Washtenaw county, Michi- gan, in early life. In his family were eight chil- dren : Micheal, a farmer residing on the Whit- more Lake road: Charles, who is farming in the same locality : Henry, who carries on agricultural pursuits on the Dixboro road : Christian, deceased ; Mrs. Christine Kirn, of Ann Arbor : Mrs. Caddie Stein, who is living in Ann Arbor township : Simon, deceased ; and Frederick B., the father of our subject.
Frederick B. Braun was a native of Washtenaw county, born in October. 1840, and spent his entire life here. His father purchased the Vogel farm
west of Ann Arbor when he was twelve years of age, and on selling that property bought a farm on the Whitmore Lake road. In 1869 Frederick B. Braun bought the farm on the Dixboro road, which was his home up to the time of his death. He became recognized as one of the influential and leading business men of the county and was president of the Washtenaw Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company at the time of his death, which oc- curred in December. 1902. His success was marked and attributable entirely to his well di- rected efforts. He was a man of unassailable in- tegrity in his business affairs, was highly re- spected in all of life's relations, and by his cour- tesy and kindliness he won hosts of friends who hold his memory sacred. He was a republican in his political views, very prominent in the ranks of the party, and held almost every township office. He belonged to the Zion Lutheran church and was a man of upright life and of marked influ- ence, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon many public movements. He mar- ried Regina Kirn, also a native of Michigan, and to them were born three children: Carl F. ; Ben- jamin N., who is senior engineer in the University of Michigan ; and Caddie M., who died in 1887.
Reared in the county of his nativity and edu- cated in the public schools. Carl F. Braun is a graduate of the Ann Arbor high school of the class of 1802. He continued to assist his father in carrying on general agricultural pursuits until January. 1894. when he entered the Ann Arbor Savings Bank in the position of collector. He has been successively promoted to bookkeeper. teller and assistant cashier, filling the latter position at the present writing. This bank stands first in Michigan in point of surplus to capital, with total resources of over two million dollars. Mr. Braun has become interested in other business enterprises. being now a director in the Crescent works, where corsets, waists and skirts are extensively manu- factured. He and his brother still retain the own- ership of the homestead property, which is a fine dairy farm, comprising one hundred sixty-three and a half acres of land.
In October. 1899. Mr. Braun was united in marriage to Miss Marie C. Knapp, of Chicago, and they have one son, Roger K., who is five years
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of age. Mr. Braun is an independent republican in his political views. For about ten years he has been one of the directors of the Alumni Associa- tion and has also been treasurer during that en- tire time. He is a young man of excellent business ability, who is steadily working his way upward, realizing that capability and close application con- stitute the basis of all success.
BYRON C. WHITAKER.
Byron C. Whitaker, who, retired from agri- cultural life, has for many years been a resi- dent of Dexter, where for some time he was con- nected with commercial interests, was born in Benton, Yates county, New York, May 30, 1835. His parents were Isaac J. and Achsah ( Cushman ) Whitaker. The father was born in Barnards township, Somerset county, New Jersey, on the 16th of January, 1792, and died in April. 1855. upon the old homestead in Lima township. His wife, who was born in Kent, Putnam county. New York, on the IIth of July, 1796, passed away in 1883. When Isaac Whitaker came to Michigan the state had not been admitted into the Union and he was one of the pioneer settlers of Lima township who aided in laying the foun- dation for its present development and prosperity. He bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, the greater part of which was covered with tim- ber. A small clearing had been made and a lit- tle log cabin built and in this primitive home he continued to reside until 1849. when he built a more modern and commodious residence. Sub- sequently he purchased another tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres that had been im- proved to some extent. He largely engaged in raising wheat and his market was on the Huron river at Dexter. Not only was he active in busi- ness life but took a helpful part in community affairs and for many years capably and efficiently served as road commissioner. He attended church at Lima Center and was one of the worthy pio- neer citizens of the county. In the family were seven children : Charles, Stephen D., Phebe C .. Isaac M., Matilda J., Anna S., and Byron C.
The last named is the only surviving member of the family. He was brought by his parents to this county in the fall of 1836, arriving in the month of October. He pursued his early educa- tion in the district schools and afterward contin- ued his studies in Ypsilanti. Upon the old home- stead he was reared amid the scenes of pioneer life and shared with the family in the hardships of a frontier existence as well as in its pleasures. He was early trained to the work of the farm, tak- ing his place in the fields almost as soon as old enough to reach the .plow handles. Eventually he assumed the management of the old home- stead and became its owner, retaining his resi- dence there until 1876, when he removed to Dex- ter, where he now resides. He and his brother Isaac purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and he was actively engaged in farming until 1876, when, as stated, he took up his abode in Dexter, where he embarked in the lumber and hardware business in 1881. con- tinuing in that line of trade for about eight years. He next went upon the road selling reapers, mow- ers and binders and spent six years as a traveling salesman.
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