Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 4

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 4

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On the 18th of June, 1901. was celebrated the marriage of Frederick M. Freeman and Miss Ann Ette Kingsley, who was born in Manchester in 1878, and died on the 7th of April. 1905. She was a daughter of John H. and Matilda M Kingsley, pioneer settlers of Washtenaw county, descended from New England ancestry. She was an educated and talented young woman, a cul- tured vocalist and stood high in social circles.

Fraternally Mr. Freeman is connected with the Elks and with various branches of the Masonic order. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has always taken an ac- tive interest in its work and progress. Since

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

he attained his majority there has not been a When his education was completed he entered county, congressional or state convention that he has not attended, while on numerous occasions he has addressed audiences on the issues of the campaign, for his logical argument and forceful presentation of his case never fail to elicit deep interest and oftentimes most hearty support. In the spring of 1904 he was elected president of the village of Manchester without opposition and was re-elected in the spring of 1905, so that he is the present incumbent in the office, and he is giving to the village a public-spirited and pro- gressive administration, having deep and sincere interest in its welfare and general improvement.

J. FREDERICK WUERTH.

J. Frederick Wuerth, a member of the firm of Staebler & Wuerth, dealers in clothing and men's furnishing goods of No. 211 South Main street. Ann Arbor, was born in the black forest in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, February 25. 1871. His father, Louis Wuerth, was a farmer, and died two months before the son Frederick was born. The mother, who prior to her mar- riage bore the name of Fredricka Heist, died in Ann Arbor in 1902. In the family were five sons and two daughters, namely: Louis, a carpenter, engaged in business in Ann Arbor ; Christian, a resident farmer of Lodi township: Charles, a clerk in the employ of Martin Haller, of this city ; John, a resident farmer of Ann Arbor town- ship; George A., an official at the headquarters of the Young Men's Christian Association at Ann Arbor; Mrs. Ricka Schnierle, of Ann Arbor township; Mrs. Lena Kapp, of the city of Ann Arbor ; and J. Frederick.

In the year 1872 the mother brought her fam- ily to the United States and made her way at once to Ann Arbor. Mr. Wuerth of this review was then only about a year old. At the usual age he entered the public schools, wherein he pur- sued his studies continuously until fourteen years of age, with the exception of a period of two years, which he spent in studying German at the Bethlehem German Evangelical parochial school.

upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in the employ of George Wahr, of Ann Arbor, with whom he remained for twelve years. No higher testimonial of his efficiency, capability and trustworthiness could be given than the fact that he was so long retained in one service. In 1900, in connection with Robert E. Staebler, he established the well known clothing and furnish- ing house of Staebler & Wuerth, located at 21I South Main street. They carry a large and well- selected line of clothing and men's furnishing goods, and the business has proven profitable from the beginning, their patronage steadily in- creasing as the years have gone by.

In politics Mr. Wuerth is independent. He be- longs to the Masonic fraternity, and, advancing through successive degrees, is now a Knight Templar and member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a prominent and valued representative of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen and of the Maccabees, and he belongs to the German Evangelical Lutheran church, holding member- ship in the Fourth Avenue Bethlehem congrega- tion. He resides at No. 510 West Liberty street, Ann Arbor, and in this city almost his entire life has been passed, for he was little more than a year old when brought to the United States. His history is therefore largely familiar to his fellow townsmen, and the fact that many of his stanch- est friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present, is an indication that he has lived an upright life.

JOHN O'CONNOR.

John O'Connor, a molder in the employ of the Michigan Manufacturing Company, was born in the city of Ypsilanti on the 12th of June, 1868, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Nowlin) O'Connor, both natives of Ireland, whence they came to America in 1860. The father's last days were spent in Ypsilanti, where his death occurred in 1871, but his widow still survives and yet makes her home in this city. In their family were seven children, of whom five are now living,

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J. F. WUERTH.

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

namely : Mrs. Maggie Dilworth, of Detroit : Henry, also of Detroit ; James, who is engaged in the painting business in Ypsilanti; John, of this review. and Mrs. Sarah Laidlaw. Two daughters, Mary and Mrs. Elizabeth Derr, who were respectively the second and fourth in order of birth in the family, have now passed away.

At the usual age John O'Connor entered the public schools of his native city, wherein he con- tinued his studies until he had gained a fair knowledge of the branches of learning which equip one for life's practical duties. After put- ting aside his text-books and entering upon his business career in order to earn his own living he spent three years as an employe of the Michi- gan Central Railroad, and then took up the task of learning the molder's trade. He has since been employed in this capacity and is now a repre- sentative of the Michigan Manufacturing Com- pany, his efficiency and trustworthiness having secured for him a good position.

In his political views he is a stanch democrat and is now serving for the second year as alder- man from the fourth ward. As an official he gives careful consideration to each question which comes before the city council for settlement and favors progressive measures leading to permanent improvement. He has a wide acquaintance in the city where his entire life has been passed and where he is known as a trustworthy man, while his social qualities have gained him many warm friends.

GEORGE BURKHART.

George Burkhart, postmaster of Saline, and a popular and well known citizen, comes of worthy German ancestry. He was born in this village May 30, 1862, but his father, Charles Frederick Burkhart, was a native of Wurtemberg, and in his childhood days was brought from Germany to America by his parents, who settled in the town- ship of Freedom. There Charles F. Burkhart was reared and educated, and after putting aside his text-books he worked for his father on the home farm for several years. He then took up his abode in the village of Saline and secured a

clerkship in a dry goods store. Later he started in the dry-goods business on his own account in the early 'oos, and is still identified with business interests here. Ile then bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres three-fourths of a mile west of Saline, becoming owner of this property in the early 'Sos. He has since carried on agricul- tural pursuits through his son, Charles F., and is one of the representative farmers of this part of the county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Maria L. Case, was born in Saline town- ship, and died at the age of twenty-six years. when her son George was six years of age. The other members of the family were: Frederick L., who is engaged in clerking in his father's store ; Charles F., who occupies the home farm in Saline township: Mrs. John Wahr, of Ann Arbor. who died in 1800; Mrs. William Cody. of Pittsfield township : and Louise, who is living with her father in Saline.

George Burkhart acquired his education in the village schools, completing a course in the Sa- line high school with the class of 1880. From his early youth he was more or less familiar with mercantile methods through the assistance which he rendered his father, and for seventeen years he remained in his employ as a clerk. Dur- ing this time he was married on the 19th of May. 1892, to Miss Marguerite Harmon, a daughter of Anson and Jane Harmon, of Saline, representa- tives of an old family of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart have an adopted son, Donald, the child of his wife's cousin, born April 26, 1894.

From early boyhood days Mr. Burkhart has taken an active interest in politics and has always been a champion of republican principles. He has taken an active and helpful interest in the work of the party in this locality, has been presi- dent of the corporation of Saline, also a trustee and the treasurer of the village. He is now not only serving as postmaster, but is also a director of the school board, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He received appoint- ment to his present position as postmaster in 1897. and gives a public-spirited administration, char- acterized by promptness and fidelity in the dis- charge of all his duties. It was through his efforts that the postal authorities consented to have

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

two extra mail deliveries made in Saline, using the electric railway for this purpose. Fraternally Mr. Burkhart is connected with the Masons and has taken the Royal Arch degrees. He is also a Knight of the Maccabees and is clerk in the Mod- ern Woodmen camp. He is also identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America and is a member of the Arbeiter Verein. Mr. Burkhart is one of the most popular and esteemed residents of Saline, possessing a kindly manner, a cheery disposition and an unfailing courtesy which ren- der him a favorite with all with whom he comes in contact. A stranger visiting the village always finds in him a friend who is willing to do a favor or grant a courtesy to the visitor. Both he and his father have been actively associated with the welfare and improvement of Saline for many years, and their efforts have found tangible evi- dence in hearty co-operation in many movements that have been of direct good.

MOSES KERNGOOD.

During a residence of six years in Ann Arbor Moses Kerngood won the warm friendship of many with whom he came in contact. Although the period of his connection with the city was comparatively brief, and during that time he lived retired, he yet gained a very wide and favorable acquaintance and was especially well known in fraternal circles. His birth occurred in Syracuse. New York, on the 4th of August, 1847, his pa- rents being Simon and Fanny Kerngood. both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America at an early day, and the father spent the greater part of his life in the state of New York, living in various town. His death occurred in Syracuse, while his wife passed away in Balti- more, Maryland.

Moses Kerngood acquired his education in the public schools of Syracuse, New York, which lie attended until thirteen years of age. The father died when the son was quite young and the family was left in straitened circumstances, so that it became necessary for Mr. Kerngood to earn his own living. He secured a position as clerk in

a clothing store in Syracuse, where he was em- ployed for three years, and from his small salary he assisted his widowed mother. Becoming im- bued, however, with a desire to enter the medi- cal profession he sought employment in a physi- cian's office, and at different times was thus as- sociated with various medical practitioners of Syracuse, his leisure hours during that period being devoted to reading medicine. During the Civil war he acted as courier, carrying dispatches from Washington to Alexandria. Virginia, for Colonel H. H. Wells, provost marsal general south of the Potomac.

Having saved a sum of money, Mr. Kerngood took his mother to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was engaged in the clothing business for a short time, but in 1865 he returned to New York and entered the employ of a clothing house at Almira. The following year he removed to Rochester to act as manager for a Mr. McDon- ald, who was the proprietor of the largest clothing establishment in that city. In 1868 he embarked in the oil business, and in 1872 turned his atten- tion to the wholesale and retail tobacco trade, but in 1878 returned to the clothing business, be- coming a member of the firm of Rosenthal, Cauff- man & Company, manufacturers of clothing. He came to Michigan in 1883, and in partnership With Messrs. Rosenthal & Doyle carried on busi- ness at Saginaw under the firm style of the Ex- celsior Clothing Company, successors to "Little Jake." He continued in trade there until 1889, enjoying a large and growing patronage which brought him a very gratifying competence. In the year 1898 he removed to Ann Arbor in order to educate his daughter in the university, and for a brief period conducted a billiard parlor, but soon disposed of that, and on account of ill health gave up all business interests.

Mr. Kerngood was married in Rochester, New York, to Miss Henrietta Rosenthal, a native of Kokomo, Indiana, and a daughter of Samuel Rosenthal, who was a clothing merchant there. Later her father removed to Rochester. New York, where he engaged in the wholesale cloth- ing business until five years prior to his death, when he sold his stock to his son. J. W. Rosenthal. and his son-in-law, Mr. Kerngood. He then

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

lived retired in Rochester up to the time of his death. There was only one child born to MIr. and Mrs. Kerngood, Fanny S., now the wife of Harry O. Schloss, who is engaged in the tailoring business in Baltimore, Maryland, where they make their home.

For about ten years MIr. Keragood was in ill health and was quite a sufferer during the last five years of his life. He passed away August 22, 1905. respected by all who knew him. while his death was the occasion of deep and wide- spread regret among many friends. His remains were cremated at Detroit and buried in Mt. Hope cemetery, Rochester, New York.

In his political affiliation Mr. Kerngood was a republican and while living in Rochester served as alderman. He was very prominent in social orders, and throughout the greater part of his life was connected with the Masonic fraternity. joining to the lodge in Rochester, and afterward attaining the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in New York city. Coming to the west he affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Saginaw, and he was soon to take the thirty-third, or last, degree, but death claimed him before this honor was conferred upon him. He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. and was the first ruler of the lodge at Saginaw. He was also president of the Saginaw Charity Association for seven years and was one of its organizers. He was likewise one of the organ- izers and members of the Red Men's tent at Saginaw, and he belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the National Union, Royal League, An- cient Order of United Workmen and the Business Men's Association. He was an intimate friend of W. F. Cody-Buffalo Bill.

Mr. Kerngood was quite successful in his busi- ness undertakings, carefully planning his advance- ment and making a record in mercantile circles that any man might well envy. His career ex- cited the admiration and respect of his contempo- raries, for it was marked by consecutive advance- ment. and although he started out in life in a humble financial position he steadily worked his way upward to snecess and prominence. During the period of his residence in Ann Arbor he made

many friends and was especially promnom in Masonic circles. He possessed a kindly. gemal spirit and a sympathetic disposition that won him high regard, and his loss was deeply regretted by all who knew him. The funeral services were in charge of the Masonic fraternity, and in ac cordance with his request his remains were cre- mated and the ashes taken to Rochester. New York, for burial. Mrs. Kerngood now resides at No. 109 South Ingalls street, and is well known in social circles here, while the hospitality of the best homes of Ann Arbor is freely accorded her.

JAMES HENRY O'TOOLE. D. D. S.

Dr. James Henry O'Toole, one of the younger representatives of the dental fraternity of Ann Arbor, whose years, however, seem no bar to his professional success, was born in Dexter, Washte- naw county. July 28. 1871, his parents being Lawrence and Catherine ( Smith ) O'Toole, both of whom are yet living. The father came to Ann Arbor in 1855 and engaged in the hardware busi- ness here, but for the past quarter of a century has been a dealer in sewing machines. In the family were three sons: James Henry: George (leceased, and Francis Joseph, who is employed by the telephone company of Ann Arbor.

At the usual age Dr. O'Toole entered the pub- lic schools and passed through the successive grades of the grammar and high schools of Ann Arbor until he had completed the full course. He prepared for his profession in the University of Michigan, being graduated from the dental department with the class of 1896. Thus well equipped for his chosen profession he opened an office in Ann Arbor, which is well equipped with the latest appliances known to the dental frater- nity. He has kept thoroughly in touch with the progress being continually made by the profes- sion, adopting each new method whose practical utility has been proven. He has now a very ex- tensive patronage and his business is continually increasing.

Dr. O'Toole is a member of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. He has voted for the candidates of both the republican and democratic parties and does not consider him- self bound by party ties, giving his support to the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. With a wide acquaintance in the county of his nativity and the city of his residence he is regarded as a popular young man with a large circle of friends.

COLONEL HENRY STEWART DEAN.

Colonel Henry Stewart Dean, a merchant of Ann Arbor for forty years, whose name figures on the pages of the military and political history of Michigan, was born in Lima, Livingston county, New York, June 14, 1830, and when but six years of age was taken by his parents to Liv- ingston county, Michigan, the family home being established in Green Oak township, where he at- tended the district schools. In 1840, he came to Ann Arbor, where he spent one year as a student, and after spending the following year at West Bloomfield, returned to Ann Arbor, continuing in school until fifteen years of age, when he put aside his text-books to become a factor in com- mercial circles, entering the general store of J. H. Lund, with whom he remained until 1849. He then became an employe of F. J. B. Crane & Com- pany, at Ann Arbor, with whom he continued un- til 1851, when, realizing the value of education. he resumed his studies in the Rufus Nutting Academy, at Lodi Plains, Michigan. He there prepared to enter college but in 1852 he went in- stead to California, where he remained until 1857. In the latter year he returned to Green Oak. Michigan, and made investment of his capital in flour and saw mills, which he operated until 1866.

In the meantime, however, Colonel Dean gave proof of his patriotism and loyalty by active serv- ice in the Civil war. He enlisted in Company H. Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in as second lieutenant, July 28. 1862; was commissioned captain on the 3Ist of July, and mustered August 22, 1862. He was discharged to accept promotion August 24, 1862 :

commissioned major January 5, 1863; and mus- tered January 7, 1863. He was made assistant inspector general on the staff of Brigadier Gen- eral R. S. Granger in June, 1863 : discharged to accept promotion June 16, 1864; commissioned lieutenant colonel to date June 7, 1864 ; mustered July 17, 1864; and mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, June 26, 1865. Colonel Dean was granted a thirty days' leave of absence in Octo- ber, 1864, and while in Detroit saw a notice that General Steedman had been ordered from Chat- tanooga to Nashville, Tennessee. Supposing that the Twenty-second Infantry would march with him, Colonel Dean started at once for Nashville and arrived with eight days' unexpired leave of absence in his pocket and reported to General Thomas, who called the Colonel's attention to his leave, not yet expired, but the Colonel said he was there for duty and asked what he should do. General Thomas told him to report to General Steedman, who was on the extreme front. Colonel Dean did so and served on the General's staff during the memorable two days' battle of Nash- ville, taking part in the most desperate conflicts waged on the field.

On the 12th of July, 1865, Colonel Dean again reached Ann Arbor. He had made a military record of which he had every reason to be proud and his course reflected credit upon the cause which he represented. Taking up the pursuits of civil life, he returned to his mills, which he oper- ated until 1866, when he disposed of the property and became a member of the firm of Dean & Company at Ann Arbor, proprietors of a general store, which is still conducted under that name. The business has developed with the growth of the city and conducted along modern lines is in- dicative of the enterprise and energy of the owner, whose position in commercial circles is alike cred- itable and honorable to himself and his city. In connection with mercantile interests he is presi- dent of the Michigan Milling Company and also president of the Forest Hill Cemetery Company.

Colonel Dean has also figured prominently in republican circles. While in Livingston county he served as justice of the peace and he was a mem- ber of the state prison board for many years. . \t one time he served as postmaster and supervisor

PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

of Ann Arbor, and from Governor Rich received the appointment to the position of regent of the University of Michigan to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry Howard. After serving for four years he was then elected on the repub- lican ticket by a large majority for a full term of eight years. He has also been a member of the board of directors of the Ann Arbor School of Music and his influence and efforts have been an effective force in promoting educational progress as well as political advancement in his state. He is well known in a number of military organiza- tions, including the Loyal Legion of the United States, of which he is past commander of the commandery of the state of Michigan. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Grand Army of the Republic. being past commander of his post and past commander of the department of Michigan. G. A. R. He is also connected with the American Historical As- sociation.

On the 24th of August. 1865. Colonel Dean was united in marriage to Miss Delia Brown Cook, and they have one daughter. Elizabeth Whetten Dean. Such in brief is the life history of one of Ann Arbor's representative men. In whatever relation we find him, in the government service, in business or social life, he is always the same hon- orable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

WILLIAIM G. DOTY.

The ancestry of William G. Doty, both lineal and collateral, through many generations is dis- tinctively American and can be traced back to the time of the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth harbor. Edward Doty, the first of the name of whom record is obtainable, was born in 1599, and as one of the passengers on the historic Mayflower landed on the Massachusetts coast in 1620. He was married in Plymouth to Miss Faith Clark. a daughter of Richard Clark, with whom she was also a passenger on the memorable voyage that brought the first settlers to the shores of New England. The Doty and Clark families were 3

among the founders of the Plymouth colony and aided in planting the seeds of civilization in the new world. Unto Edward and Faith ( Clark ) Doty were born nine children, six sons and three daughters. This number included Edward Doty (2d), whose birth occurred in Plymouth in 1637. He married, February 5. 1663. Miss Sarah Faunce. He was a mariner, and with his eldest son was drowned during a storm in Plymouth harbor. February 8, 1600. The next in the line of direct descent to our subject was Captain Samuel Doty, also a mariner, who likewise fol- lowed merchandising and farming. He was born at Plymouth, May 17. 1681, and was married at Saybrook, Connecticut, December 3. 1706, to Anne Buckingham. He became a man of wealth and distinction, exerting much influence in molding the early policy of the colony. He died January 26, 1750. His son, who also bore the name of Samuel Doty, was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, June 17. 1712, and was a graduate of Yale Col- lege of the class of 1735. He was married April 3. 1733. to Marjorie Parker, followed the occu- pation of farming as a life work and died at Deep River, Connecticut, December 16. 1751. His son, Samuel Doty, great-great-grandfather of William G. Doty, was born at Saybrook, Connecticut, in 1736, and was married there about 1758 to his cousin. Mercy, a daughter of Benjamin Doty. Subsequently he removed to Stephentown, New York. He served as a Revolutionary soldier, be- coming an officer in the American army. John Doty, the great-grandfather, was born at Say- brook, Connecticut, October 26, 1761. and also espoused the cause of the colonists in the Revolu- tionary war, aiding loyally in the cause of inde- pendence. He was a farmer by occupation, fol- lowing that pursuit at Stephentown, New York. He was married to Eunice Adams, May 22, 1785. and he died November 26, 1840.

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Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Part 4

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