USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 40
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LOREN BABCOCK.
Loren Babcock, who after many years of active connection with business interests is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned ease and has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey, was born in Wayne county, New
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York, August 4, 1822. His parents were Moses and Abigail (Van Surdan) Babcock. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was a car- penter and joiner by trade. He came to Michi- gan in 1833, when the state was still un- der territorial government and the work of improvement and progress had scarcely be- gun. He took up his abode in Putnam. Livingston county, at a place now known as Reeves Mill, there purchasing a farm which his sons operated while he continued to work at his trade. He cut down the timber and the farm was cleared and placed under cultivation. The father was closely connected with the early de- velopment and progress of this part of the state until his death, which occurred in 1866, while his wife died about 1855. In their family were eleven children, all of whom have now passed away with the exception of Loren Babcock, who was the fifth in order of birth and upon the old home- stead farm the subject of this review was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and la- bors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He continued to assist his father in the cultivation of the home place until his marriage, which was celebrated on the Ist of January, 1845, Miss Eliz- abeth Green becoming his wife. They traveled life's journey together for about fifteen years, when, in 1860, Mrs. Babcock was called to her final rest. In 1862 he wedded Miss Kate Oxtoby. By his first marriage he had four children, all of whom died in childhood with the exception of Colin E. Babcock, of Grass Lake, Michigan, where he conducts a branch store for W. P. Schank, and is a partner in the enterprise.
Following his marriage Mr. Babcock took up his abode in Chelsea and became a factor in the commercial life of the village as a dealer in dry goods and general merchandise. His labors in this direction were attended with a gratifying measure of success and he was awarded a liberal patronage. He also engaged in buying wheat and wool for thirty years, from 1861 until 1891, during which period business was conducted first under the firm style of Babcock & Company, and after under the firm name of Babcock & Gilbert. his partner being James Gilbert. In 1891 Mr. Babcock sold out and is now living retired but is
still the owner of a farm of eighty acres on Cav- anaugh Lake, which is devoted to horticultural pursuits, being largely planted to pears, peaches and apples. He also has property in Chelsea, in- cluding stores and residences and these bring to him a good rental.
Since the organization of the republican party Mr. Babcock has been one of its advocates and stanch supporters. Previously he was a whig and democrat at different times. For a half cen- tury he has been a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and his life has ever been honorable and upright. He is a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy, strict integrity and liberal views and has been fully identified with the growth and prosperity of Chelsea. He has now advanced far on life's journey and his record is exemplary in many respects so that he has gained the esteem of his friends and confidence of those who have had business relations with him.
WILLIAM W. TUTTLE.
William W. Tuttle, representing the commercial interests of Ann Arbor as proprietor of a restau- rant and confectionery store at No. 338 South State street, was born at Blue Point, Long Island, on the 3d of February, 1833. His father was Joshua Tuttle, also a native of Blue Point. and a farmer by occupation. He married Joanna Hud- son, and in the year 1837 they became residents of Michigan, the father's death occurring in Jack- son county in 1854, while the mother passed away in 1840. He had been married previously. The children of his first wife were Mrs. Avery, Hum- phrey A .. Josiah, Joshua B. and Susan, all now deceased with the exception of the first named. The children of the second marriage are : William W .. of Ann Arbor : Daniel R., who is living in Perry, Michigan, and Charles C., who resides in Shaftsburg, this state.
William W. Tuttle. spending his boyhood and youth in Jackson county. attended the public schools and afterward entered Ypsilanti Normal School, from which he was graduated. Later he devoted his time and energies to teaching for
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a number of terms and then conducted a general store at Norwell, Michigan, where he also acted as postmaster for fourteen years. He had a good trade at that place but seeking a broader field of labor came to Ann Arbor in 1880, and for eight years was upon the road as a traveling salesman in the ladies' furnishing line of trade. He has since been proprietor of a restaurant and confec- tionery store and is now doing a good business at No. 338 South State street. Realizing that labor is the basis of all success and that close ap- plication and unremitting diligence are concomi- tants of every record of prosperity Mr. Tuttle has directed his efforts along such lines and is now meeting with the just reward of his persist- ent purpose and indefatigable energy.
In 1865 Mr. Tuttle was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Moon, of Napoleon, Michigan, and died in 1893. They had two sons: Charles S., who is married and is now living in Chicago, where he is engaged in the real estate business, and Victor E., who died in 1905. In his social relations Mr. Tuttle is a Mason. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party but has never been an aspirant for office, although he served as post- master at Norwell. Other than this he has held 10 position of political preferment, as he has de- sired to give his attention to his business inter- ests.
MRS. ELIZA COUSINS BROGAN.
Mrs. Eliza Cousins Brogan, who is connected with business interests in Ann Arbor, was born in Barry county, Michigan, on the 17th of May, 1857. Her father, John H. Hall, a native of England. died during the early girlhood of his daughter, while the mother, Mrs. Harriet Hall, now resides in Ann Arbor with Mrs. Brogan.
Mrs. Brogan acquired her education in the dis- trict schools of her native town and was carefully trained in the duties of the household, so that she was well equipped to take care of her own home at the time of her marriage. In 1873 she gave her hand in marriage to William Cousins and they traveled life's journey happily together for about
seventeen years, when they were separated by the death of Mr. Cousins in 1890. There were two children by that marriage: John William Cousins, who died in childhood ; and Miss Lillian Eliza Cousins, who lives with her mother and assists her in the florist's business. In 1895 Mrs. Cousins was again married, her second union being with Thomas P. Brogan.
In the early '70s Mrs. Brogan came to Ann Ar- bor and in the early 'Sos established business as a florist, in which enterprise she is now associated with her brother, John H. Hall and her daughter Lillian. They have a well equipped establishment, handling potted plants, shrubs and cut flowers. and their business has become quite extensive, a liberal patronage being accorded them by reason of their earnest desire to please their customers, their reasonable prices and honorable dealing. Mrs. Brogan has thus become well known in business circles of Ann Arbor and she has won the respect of all and the friendship of many with whom she has been brought in contact.
AUGUST WILLIAM DOROW.
August William Dorow, one of the young and energetic business men of Ann Arbor, being the senior partner in the firm of Dorow & Rockol, proprietors of a large grocery and meat market at No. 1001 Broadway, was born in Germany on the 21st of November. 1879, his parents being William John and Bertha ( Vrook ) Dorow, who are yet residents of this city. The father was for a number of years engaged in farming in Ann Arbor township and later was associated with the Ann Arbor Railroad Company as road builder. having come to Washtenaw county in 1882, in which year he crossed the Atlantic from the fatherland to the new world. In his family are three children : Mrs. Frances Ludwig, a resident of Ann Arbor: August W., of this review, and Louisa, also residing in Ann Arbor.
August W. Dorow was not yet three years of age when his parents came to the new world and chose Washtenaw county as the place of their ahode. He is indebted to the public school sys.
MRS. ELIZA COUSINS BROGAN.
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tem for the educational privileges he enjoyed and through his active business career he has been connected with the grocery and meat trade of Ann Arbor, having in 1904 established a large store and market, which has been conducted under the firm style of Dorow & Rockol, at No. 1001 Broadway, in the same building in which Dean & Company of Ann Arbor conducted business fifty-seven years ago. They have a large and growing trade, have developed a splendid delivery system and are very attentive to the wishes of their patrons, doing all in their power to please. securing thereby a liberal patronage. Mr. Dorow is quite well known in fraternal circles as a mem- ber of the Odd Fellow's lodge and of the Macca- bees tent, while his political affiliation connects him with the republican party and he has won notable success in his business career. having at- tained prosperity that many a much older man might well envy.
PATRICK McKERNAN.
Patrick McKernan, deceased, was a representa- tive of a pioneer family of Washtenaw county. his parents having settled here about 1830. He was a son of Thomas and Ann ( McDermott ) McKernan, both of whom were natives of Ire- land, whence they emigrated to America at an early day, settling in Orange county, New York. where the father engaged in farming until 1830. In that year he came to Washtenaw county, Michi- gan, taking up his abode in Northfield township. where he purchased a tract of land, giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits through- out his remaining days. Both he and his wife died upon that farm. Of their children only three are now living : James, who is engaged in farm- ing on the old homestead in Northfield township : John, a retired farmer living at No. 533 North Main street in Ann Arbor: and Caroline, living with John.
Patrick McKernan was born in Northfield township. January 24. 1833, and acquired a good education, first attending the old Webster school in Northfield township, after which he came to the
city of Ann Arbor and attended the private school of General Van Cleve. He was next a student in the Union school in this city, after which he went to Ypsilanti, where he attended the servi- nary. Returning to Ann Arbor he matriculated in the state university and pursued a complete course in the law department, from which he was graduated in March, 1863. Between the periods of his student life he engaged in teaching school in Northfield township.
Following his graduation Mr. McKernan be- came a law student in different law offices of Ann Arbor and after spending several years in that way entered upon the active practice of law in this city. He was accorded a liberal clientage that connected him with much important litigation tried in the courts of his district and his trial of a case showed a thorough understanding of legal principles, logical reasoning and great strength of argument.
Mr. McKernan was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary L. Boximer. a daughter of Bernard Slamon, of Ireland, who came to America and died in the west. She first married Dr. Leonard Boximer. who was a graduate of one of the leading schools of Berlin, and who after crossing the Atlantic made his way to Ann Arbor, where he became a student in the medical department of the State University. He then engaged in practice here for a few years but became ill and died of heart fail- ure July 8. 1861. when a comparatively young man. Mr. and Mrs. Boximer had no children. nor were any born of her second marriage.
While attending the school in Ann Arbor Mr. McKernan was chosen supervisor of Northfield township and occupied that position for several years. In Ann Arbor he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which capacity he served for eight years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. For fourteen years he served as circuit court commissioner. His political alle- giance was given to the democracy and he took a very active and helpful part in the local work of the organization, always serving as a delegate to the county conventions of his party and doing everything in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. In 1807 he became ill and abandoned his practice, after which he lived
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retired, being an invalid for five years. He passed away August 10, 1902, in the faith of the Cath- olic church, of which he had been a devoted com- municant. His wife also belongs to the Catholic church of Ann Arbor. Mr. McKernan was quite successful in his law practice and lived a very busy and useful life up to the time of his illness. When not in his office he was at home working in the garden or around the house. He had many friends here and during the five years of his in- validism some of them were always at his bed side. Mrs. McKernan still resides at the old home place, where her husband died at No. 346 South Ashley street. In addition to this she owns resi- dence property on both North and South Fourth avenue, which brings to her a good rental. She usually spends the winter months with her niece. Mrs. Laura Graves, who resides in Parsons, Kansas.
Mrs. McKernan is a niece of James Gaynor. who was one of the pioneer settlers of Ann Arbor. He had few business interests here, living retired, for he was quite wealthy. He set out the trees that now adorn the courthouse yard and he gave the bell to the Catholic church and also the grounds for the Catholic cemetery. He was a very prominent man here at an early day and made his home in Ann Arbor up to the time of his demise.
FRANK STAFFAN.
Frank Staffan, who is now engaged in the un- dertaking business and has at various times been connected with other business enterprises that have contributed to the substantial improvement of Chelsea, was born in 1832 in what is now the province of Lorraine, Germany, but was then a part of France. His parents were Frank and Margaret (Stebish) Staffan. The father came to America in 1847. hoping that he might benefit his financial condition in the new world with its broader business opportunities, its livelier com- petition and advancement more quickly secured. He had followed the butcher's trade in his na- tive land and after reaching Michigan he settled in Lyndon township, Washtenaw county, where
he purchased a farm of eighty acres. To this he afterward added another eighty-acre tract, thus becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5. He died upon the farm in 1875. and was survived by his wife, who passed away at the age of eighty-four years. In the family were three sons and three daughters, of whom four are now living, Michael, Frank, Sarah and Della, while Jacob, the second in order of birth, and Katherine, the fourth of the family, are now cleceased.
Frank Staffan began his education in the pub- lic schools of his native country, and when a youth of fifteen years was brought by his parents to America, where he was employed as a farm hand for some time, and even after his marriage attended an English school for two terms. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Keusch, and subsequent to this event, turned his attention to carpentering, and eventually began contracting on his own account. In 1862 he en- gaged in the undertaking business, which he fol- lowed in connection with contracting, and his building operations connected him with the sub- stantial improvement of his locality, evidences of his skill and handiwork being seen in some of the best structures of Chelsea. He built most of the brick store buildings here, and also two churches, but he has now retired from contracting. He was also in the ice business for a time, and he pur- chased a tract of land of about thirty-five acres in the southern part of Chelsea, of which fifteen acres was peat bog. This he sold, and there has now been erected a factory for the manufacture of peat for the market. Much of the remainder of the land has been laid off in village lots and has brought Mr. Staffan a good profit upon his investment.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born the following children: Edwin and Louis, both deceased ; Amelia, the wife of M. Foster, of Grass Lake: Margaret, now the wife of Henry Fenn, a druggist of Chelsea: Katie, who married Edwin McKune ; and George, who embarked in business with his father in 1900, but for the past year has been a resident of Detroit.
In politics Mr. Staffan is a democrat, and for several years served on the city council, giving
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public spirited and progressive service to his town as the champion of many measures for reform, progress and improvement here. He has also been highway commissioner of the township and drainage commissioner. His success is due to the economy and prudence, and his career forcibly illustrates what may be accomplished by deter- mination and energy, in a land where opportunity is open and exertion is untrammeled.
ISAAC L. SHERK.
Isaac L. Sherk, although one of the more recent additions to business circles of Ann Arbor, has made for himself a creditable position as a repre- sentative of industrial interests here being in charge of the Argo mill owned by the Michigan Milling Company. A Canadian by birth, the place of his nativity was Aylmer, Ontario, and his natal day February 25. 1859. His father. Isaac Sherk. was a native of Sugarloaf. Ontario, and having arrived at years of maturity was married in that country to Miss Sarah Walker, whose birth oc- curred in Dorchester, Ontario. Given his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, he became the owner of a fine, extensive and well improved farm near Aylmer, which he supplied with modern equip- ments and successfully cultivated until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife survived him for only a brief period. passing away in 1885. In their family were five children: Mrs. Catherine Dean, who is now living in Brown City. Michi- gan : Mrs. Mary Tilden, of Blytheswood. Canada : Susan, who is the widow of Hopkins Dean and makes her home in Brown City, this state : Will- iam, who died in youth, and Isaac L., of this review.
In taking up the personal history of Isaac L. Sherk we find that in his youth he was a student in the public schools at Avon. Ontario, and that he left school at an early age in order to earn his own living. He secured employment on a farm at Harriettsville. Ontario, where he remained until seventeen years of age, when he went to Aylmer and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the miller's trade. When he had thoroughly mastered
the business he removed to Lapeer City, Michigan, in December, 1877, spending two years as a miller at that place, after which he located in Flint. Michigan, where he devoted his time and energies to the milling business for five years. His next place of residence was at Milford, Michigan. where he lived for seven years, having charge of the mills there. In February, 1894. he came to Ann Arbor to take charge of the Argo mill of the Michigan Milling Company, located on the Huron river, with a fine water power. The plant has an extensive capacity, manufacturing as high as three hundred barrels of flour per day. The com- pany owns mills in Owosso, Delhi. Ann Arbor and other places and not only manufacture a very high grade of flour but also handle feed. grain. beans and seeds. Mr. Sherk is a miller of long experience and capability and is well qualified to discharge the honors and responsibilities that de- volve upon him in his present position.
On the 12th of February, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sherk and Miss Ester Ploof. of Flint, Michigan, and unto them have been born eight children: Charles C., who is engaged in the insurance business in Toledo, Ohio, and Clara, Florence, Frances, Ester, Rosa, Wellman and Ed- ward. all in school. Mr. Sherk and his family attend the Methodist church and contribute to its support. He is a stanch republican, who keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is thus enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. Upon that ticket he was elected alderman from the fifth ward. although the ward usually gives a democrat majority. He was chosen in April. 1904. and is the present in- cumbent in the office.
ANDREW D. JACKSON.
Andrew D. Jackson, who is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in York township and was for- merly identified with building operations in this part of the county, was born in Seneca, Ontario county. New York, July 14. 1841. a son of Charles and Clarisse ( Owen) Jackson. The father came to York township in 1853 and was a farmer
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by occupation, owning, occupying and operating eighty acres of land. He died in the '6os, while his wife, who was a native of the state of Connec- ticut, passed away on the 27th of January, 1879. Their sons were: William J .; Andrew D .; John A., a mechanic of Milan ; and Charles M., who is living in Virginia, Minnesota. The daughters of the family are: Mrs. Mary J. Stimpson, the wife of Oscar Stimpson, of Saline; Arabelle, the wife of James McMillan; Alice, the deceased wife of Richard Gauntlett, of Detroit ; Mrs. Syl- via C. Blackmer, of Saline, now deceased; Har- riet A .. the deceased wife of George Nason, of Saginaw, Michigan ; Annie, the deceased wife of Spencer R. Rogers, of Pittsfield, Michigan ; Eliza J., the deceased wife of James LeBarron, of York township, Washtenaw county ; and Isabelle, now deceased.
Andrew D. Jackson was educated in the public schools of York township, which he attended un- til eighteen years of age, when he began farming on his own account. In 1884 he entered indus- trial circles as a carpenter and joiner and contin- ued his building operations until 1900. He re- sumed farming in York township in 1904 and now devotes his energies to general agricultural pursuits, having a good tract of land which re- sponds readily to the care and cultivation he be- stows upon it. His business career, however, was interrupted by his service as a soldier of the Civil war, for on the 30th of August, 1862, he re- sponded to his country's call for aid, enlisting as a private of Company G, Sixth Michigan Cav- alry. He participated in the hard fought engage- ments of Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Winchester and Cedar Creek and altogether was in over fifty cavalry engagements, being discharged with the rank of corporal on the 5th of December, 1865.
On the 18th of November. 1869, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Frances A. Richards, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Richards, of York township, who were natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have an adopted son, Frank D. In 1904 Mr. Jackson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 12th of April after an illness of two years, her remains being interred in York cemetery, where her pa- rents and other relatives were also buried. She
was a loving wife and a devout Christian woman and her loss was deeply deplored by many friends as well as her immediate family.
Mr. Jackson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and has been chosen to several offices. He was justice of the peace for one term, town- ship clerk for three terms and president of the corporation of Milan village for one term. He was also councilman for three terms and assessor for one term and the duties thus devolving upon him were faithfully and promptly discharged. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic and he belongs to the Baptist church.
GEORGE L. SWEET.
George L. Sweet, manager of the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Ann Ar- bor, is a native of Indiana, his birth having oc- curred in LaGrange county on the 25th of Oc- tober 1872. His father, Hiram A. Sweet, was born in Ohio and following his removal to Indi- ana was for many years a publisher of the La- Grange Independent. He then went to Sturgis, Michigan, where continued his journalistic work as publisher of the Times and Journal for twelve years and about nineteen years ago he came to Ann Arbor, where he has since been connected with newspaper work, being now with the Daily Times of this city. He married Miss Celia A. Morse, a native of Indiana, who died in Decem- ber, 1904.
George L. Sweet pursued his primary and grammar school education in Sturgis, Michigan, and following the removal of the family to Ann Arbor continued his studies as a high school stu- dent rere. In 1889, when seventeen years of age, he entered the office of the Western Union Tele- graph Company, where he became an operator and when he had thoroughly mastered the busi- ness he accepted the position of manager of the Postal Telegraph Company's office in this city, acting in that capacity for seven years. He was afterward assistant manager of the Athens The- atre of Ann Arbor and later he became manager
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