USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 45
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
whom three are living: Mabel E .; Mrs. Hope Taylor, of Chelsea ; and Violet Wallace, living at Ann Arbor. Those deceased are Frederick, who died at the age of six months ; Viola, at the age of twelve years ; Faith, when eight years of age ; and Charity, aged five. In early womanhood Mrs. Blum engaged in teaching in the schools of Wash- tenaw county for eight years, and for four years she acted as deputy county clerk under her hus- band.
Mr. Blum is a democrat in his political views but has never sought or desired office save that of county clerk. He is a valued member of various civic organizations, belonging to Fraternity lodge. No. 262. A. F. & A. M. : Washtenaw chapter. No. 6. R. A. M .: Union council. No. 11. R. S. M. : Ann Arbor commandery, No. 13, K. T .; and Moslem Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S .. at Detroit. Michigan : Ann Arbor chapter, No. 122. O. E. S. He is past master of Fraternity lodge. No. 262 . the present high priest of the chapter ; and junior warden of the commandery : and the present worthy patron of Ann Arbor chapter, O. E. S. He is also a member of the Maccabees, the Mod- ern Woodmen and the American Insurance Union.
In March, 1905, Mr. Blum formed a law part- enrship with George W. Sample, under the firm name of Blum & Sample, attorneys at law. Mr. Blum's attention is now devoted exclusively to the practice of law and his life record is in contradis- tinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in the locality in which his entire life has been passed Mr. Blum has gained signal recognition as one of its leading citizens and representative lawyers having so directed his efforts and exercised his talents as to win creditable standing in profes- sional circles and in citizenship.
ALFRED C. SCHAIRER.
Alfred C. Schairer, whose interest in the in- tellectual and moral as well as material de- velopment of Ann Arbor makes his a well rounded character, while his energy prompts his active co-operation in these various lines of ac-
tivity, was born in Scio township. Washington county, on the 25th of October. 1874. llis father. John Schairer, was born in Germany and was only eight years of age when brought to Michi- gan. Reared to manhood in this state, he event- ually began farming on his own account and owned and operated ninety acres of land on the Jackson territory road. He married Rose Meyer and both have now departed this life. In their family were eleven children, of whom nine are vet living: Frank, a farmer residing in Lima township: Mrs. William Stierle, whose husband is an agriculturist of Scio: Jacob and William. who follow farming in Scio township; Mrs. George Heppler, who is living in Ann Arbor township: Simon, a merchant of Dexter. Wash- tenaw county : Mattie, living in Ann Arbor : \1- fred C .. of this review : and Clara of this city.
Alfred C. Schairer at the usual age entered the district schools and was a student in Scio town- ship until nine years of age, after which he con- tinned his studies in Lima township until fifteen years of age. At that time he came to Ann Ar- bor and entered the city schools. His connection with the printing business began as an employe of the Inland Press, remaining with that house until about 1000, when in connection with Messrs. Gates & Kerr he established the Athens Press in the Athens Theatre building, just north of the Ann Arbor postoffice. The company has large quarters on the main floor, and are printers of general commercial and society work. pamphlets, booklets, etc. The Athens Press is noted for its high class work, its thorough relia- bility and its continuous progress in keeping with the most advanced ideas of the industrial art. Mr. Schairer has a thorough and practical under- standing of the trade and in the development and growth of the enterprise he has put forth earnest purpose guided by laudable ambition and sound judgment.
On the 25th of August. 1808, Mr. Schairer was married to Miss Lydia Staebler, of Ann Arbor township. and they have a little daughter. Esther. who, at the age of six years, is now attending school.
Mr. Schairer takes a deep interest in those con- cerns which effect humanity and the betterment of the race. He has been corresponding secre-
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tary of the local Young Men's Christian Associa- tion and for three years was one of its board ot directors. The association has fine new quarters in a beautiful brick structure, and the organiza- tion has a large and growing membership. Mr. Schairer belongs to the Bethlehem church and has been a co-operate factor in many activities promoting the moral development of the com. munity. He is a man of kindly sympathy, of ready charity and benevolent disposition, and while he is conducting a business of considerable extent and importance and meeting therein a justly merited and gratifying success, he is never so busy but that he can find time to devote to church or religious work. He is always willing to extend to any one the courtesy of an interview. and his ready sympathy has made him greatly be- loved by many who have benefited by his assist- ance. Fraternally he is connected with the Wood- men of America, while his political relation is with the republican party.
JABEZ BACON.
Jabez Bacon, president and general superin- dent of the Bacon Co-operative Company at Chelsea, has made a record in keeping with mod- ern ideas of commercialism and business enter- prise. He was born in Somersetshire, England. in 1850, a son of John and Anne ( Pord ) Bacon. The father was a minister of the Methodist church, and both he and his wife have passed away. In his native country Jabez Bacon spent the period of his minority acquiring his education in the public schools and learning the lessons of life that have qualified him to meet practical du- ties and responsibilities in later years.
In August, 1871. he bade adieu to home and native land and sailed for the United States, be- lieving that he might enjoy superior business ad- vantages in this country. He came at once to Chelsea to visit an old friend here and soon af- terward entered the employ of C. H. Kempf, with whom he continued for a year, when he became a partner in the firm of Kempf, Bacon & Company.
dealers in lumber and produce. That association was continued until 1879, when he became one of the organizers of the firm of J. Bacon & Com- pany, dealers in hardware and farm implements on Middle street. Thus he carried on business until 1880, when he became a silent partner in the firm of Hoeg & Holmes, and thus still continued in the hardware business. He was connected with the trade under the style of the Hoeg- Holmes Company until 1902, when he withdrew and organized the Bacon Co-operative Company. of which he is the president and general superin- tendent. The other officers are: John J. Woods, vice-president. and Alvin D. Baldwin, secretary and treasurer. They handle hardware, crockery. furniture and farm implements and have a three- story business block, and also a warehouse for storing the farm machinery. The company was organized and the business instituted by M1. Bacon, who has, however, since been joined by a number of farmers in a co-operative company.
In 1874 Mr. Bacon was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Hook, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Hook, a native of England. They have become the parents of twelve children : Anne, Benjamin F., Nellie J., Marie H., Edith C., Mabel E .. George S .. Grace P .. Reynolds, Dorothy L., Don- ald and John. Of this family Nellie departed this life in 1904. but the others are all yet living. Mr. Bacon has a nice home in Chelsea, and the family occupy an enviable position in social circles.
On coming to America, Mr. Bacon took out his naturalization papers and has always been a loyal citizen of his adopted land. There is no one more faithful to the interests and institutions of this country or with more sincere attachment to the stars and stripes. He has always been a republican, and for twelve years served on the school board, while for two years he was a mem- ber of the village council. He belongs to Olive lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., Olive chapter. No. 140, R. A. M .. the Maccabees tent, of which he is past commander, and is also master workman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Such is the record of a man who has worked his way upward from an obscure position to one of promi- nence in the community, where he has so long
JABEZ BACON.
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resided. Nor have his labors been selfishly con- centrated upon measures for his own benefit alone, for in citizenship he has manifested a pub- lic spirit and patriotism that have been of direct good to the village.
CHAUNCEY HUMMEL.
Chauncey Hummel, well known as a traveling salesman whose business ability, genial manner and unfailing courtesy have made him both popu- lar and successful, was born in Lyndon township. Washtenaw county, on the 12th of September. 1856, and since 1886 has made his home in Chel- sea. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth ( Erban ) Hummel. The father was born near Strassburg. Germany, and came to this country about 1852, making his way at once to Michigan. He was married in Detroit, where he spent about one year and later resided for two years in Lyn- clon township. In the spring of 1857 he removed to Cook county, Illinois, where he resided for four years and on the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Allen county, Kansas. where he owned and operated a farm, but on account of ill health he returned to Michigan. again arriving in this state about 1863. For a time he was employed at farm labor in Lyndon township and also rented land there. after which he purchased with his savings a small tract of land of three acres, on which he built a residence. There he lived for a number of years and in 1876 he bought eighty acres of land on which he continued to make his home until about 1880. In that year he took up his abode in Chelsea and in the meantime, in 1885. he had sold the farm to his son Chauncey. Mr. Hummel continued a resident of this village up to the time of his death on the 7th of August. 1903. while his wife passed away on the third of December, 1800. In their family were six children: John, who died in Kansas at the age of seven years : Chauncey : Jacob : Elizabeth : Mary A. : and John J., a molder by trade.
Reared under the parental roof Chauncey Hummel acquired his education in the district
schools of Lyndon township and after putting aside his text-books he worked by the month for eleven years. In 1886 he entered the employ of Jabez Bacon, with whom he was associated for a year and in 1887 he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the Champion Machine Company, of Springfield, Ohio. He was with that company for three years and then entered the employ of the Buckeye Machine Company. with which he continued for four or five years. He next became traveling representative for the McCormick Harvester Company and continued upon the road until 1904. Since the ist of Janu- ary. 1905. he has been engaged in selling cement. He has ever enjoyed the full confidence of the houses which he has represented and as a business man is alert, enterprising and progressive.
Since 1886 Mr. Hummel has made his home in Chelsea and was married on the 12th of January. 1886, to Miss Kate Foster. a daughter of Michael and Madeline ( Stapish ) Foster, of Sylvan town- ship. Her father came to Michigan from Baden, Germany, in the early '40s, and purchased one hundred and forty acres of land in Lima town- ship known as the Gates farm, while his home was over the boundary line in Chelsea. He lived upon this farm for several years and then traded it for one hundred and forty acres of land in Sylvan township. He afterward bought sixty- seven acres additional. so that he had an exten- sive and valuable farming property of two hun- dred and seven acres upon which he made his home for thirty years. He was widely recog- nized as one of the prominent an influential men of his day, especially in agricultural circles, and his his life proved what may be accomplished through close attention and carnest devotion to the work of the farm. He died in December. 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife. who was also a native of Germany, died in 1904. and following the death of her husband in 1887 she continued the management of the farm with the assistance of her sons until 1800, when she removed to Chelsea and bought a fine home on Orchard street, in which Mr. Hummel and his family now reside, it being now owned by him. By his first marriage Mr. Foster had six children : Mary. John, Clara, Elizabeth. Charles and Eve-
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lyn. He was married a second time and by that union also had six children : Katherine M., now the wife of Mr. Hummel; E. J., of Grass Lake; Romaine, deceased ; Herbert A. and A. E., twins, the former of Mount Pleasant and the latter of Owosso; and Germania, of Grass Lake. The four brothers are partners in the hardware, furni- ture and undertaking business, in charge of stores where they reside.
In politics Mr. Foster was a stanch democrat and was justice of the peace for several terms, during which time he discharged the duties of the office without fear or favor, his decisions being based upon the law and equity in the case.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hummel has been blessed with four children, but they lost their first born, Rolland J., at the age of ten years. The others are: Hazel and Walter E., who are living ; and Gertrude MI., who died at the age of four years. Mr. Hummel gives his political alle- giance to the democracy and for four years served as deputy sheriff under Charles Dwyer. He is a member of the Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks lodge, the German Arbeiter and the United Commercial Travelers' Associa- tion. His geniality, deference for the opinions of others and social nature have rendered him popu- lar wherever he has gone and he is one of the best known traveling men of Michigan with a very wide circle of warm friends.
CHARLES H. MAJOR.
Charles H. Major, contractor for and dealer in wall paper. paints, oils, and in fact everything connected with the decorator's art, was born in the state of New York, August 8, 1860. His father, Henry Major, was a carpenter and builder and died in December, 1893, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen O'Keefe, passed away in 1894.
Charles H. Major, the only son, was a public- school student in Cuba, Allegany county, New York, and afterward became equipped for the duties of commercial life by a course in the Clin- ton Business College. He subsequently spent two
years at home and then embarked in business in Buffalo, New York, entering the employ of M. H. Birge & Sons, of that city, controlling an im- mense trade in the manufacture of wall paper, colors, etc. With this house Mr. Major learned the details of the business and began his work as a decorator in Buffalo. He put on the first ceil- ing paper hung in that city. Coming to the middle west he entered the employ of John J. McGrath, of Chicago, the largest jobber of wall paper in the city at that time. The house after- ward suffered from a fire, entailing a loss of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and Mr. Ma- jor at this time entered the employ of S. A. Maxwell & Company, with whom he continued for five years, after which he went to Michigan City with the firm of Woodson & Cook for four years. Arriving in Ann Arbor in 1889 he was for one year in the employ of H. M. Randall, dealer in wall paper on Huron street, and he continued in that house when Mr. Randall was succeeded by the firm of Moore & Taber, and also with the partnership of Moore & Wetmore for seven years. He embarked in business on his own account in 1897 at his present location, 203 East Washington street. He takes contracts for high class decorating and carries a complete line of im- ported and domestic wall paper, paints, oils, glass, moldings, window shades and, in fact, everything known to the decorator's art. He em- ploys thirty men and has the remarkable record of keeping every man in his employ for a long period. Certainly no better indication could be given of his justice and considerate treatment of those who enter his service. With his patrons he is ever found reliable and trustworthy and the reputation which he sustains in business circles is a most creditable one. His methods are of inter- est to the commercial world because of the fact that he started out in life with no capital and is to-day a prosperous merchant in control of an extensive business, that has been secured through his own energy and ability. He has based his business principles and conduct upon the relations that govern strict and unswerving integrity and indefatigable energy. He possesses much artistic skill as well as a knowledge of the mechanical part of the business and he has been the decorator
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of many of the finest public and private build- ings in Michigan and a splendid sample of his work is to be found in the Ann Arbor Savings Bank.
In 1883 Mr. Major was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bodamer, of Chicago, and they have two children : Charles H., who, at the age of twenty-one years, is associated with his father in business, and Ellen Elizabeth, thirteen years of age, now in school. Mr. Major is an Odd Fel- low, likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and has filled all of the chairs in the former. In politics he is inde- pendent. He was formerly a communicant of the Episcopalian church, but is now a Christian Scientist. He is public spirited in an eminent de- gree yet without desire for office, co-operating. however, in many measures that contribute to the general welfare of his city. His ready recogni- tion of opportunity, his thorough understanding of the business in which he embarked as a young tradesman, his natural artistic skill of brush. form and color, and his unfaltering energy have resulted in his rapid continued progress for each step that he has made in the business world has been forward and has brought him to a prominent position as a representative of trade circles in his adopted city.
JOSEPH C. DE MOSH.
Joseph C. DeMosh, who is conducting a large livery business at No. 3 Congress street. under the firm name of DeMosh & Son, was born in Belfour about ninety miles from Paris, France. on the 22d of July. 1830. His father was John Baptist, who was fourteen years a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and died in the year 1843. In the family were seven children, all of whom came to America.
Joseph C. DeMosh was only three years of age when brought from France to the new world. the voyage being made in a sailing vessel which was thirty-one days in reaching the American port. The family home was established in Jef- ferson county, New York, upon a farm of three
hundred acres of land which was entirely wild and unimproved when it came into possession of the father, who sold a part of it in order to ob- tain the funds necessary to be used in clearing the remainder and building the house and barns de- manded for the shelter of his family and for his grain and stock.
At the usual age Joseph C. DeMosh became a student in the district schools of Jefferson county and when eighteen years of age he sought a home in Michigan, believing that he would find better business opportunities in the west. He reached this state on the toth of October. 1848. and spent some time in Detroit, from which place he afterward removed to Belleville. Wayne county, where he remained for many years, be- ing engaged in the shoe business during that pe- riod. In 1870 he removed to Ypsilanti, where he established the Hotel Barton, which he con- dueted in connection with the livery business for nine years. At the present time, however, his undivided attention is given to the latter and he is now conducting a large and profitable livery business at No. 3 Congress street under the firm style of DeMosh & Son. He has a large and well equipped stable, having many good horses and fine vehicles of various kinds and the public accords to him a liberal patronage.
While in Belleville Mr. DeMosh was married in 1855 to Miss Lucy Lickes, of that city, who lied one year later, and he afterward wedded Adelia Hollister, by whom he had three chil- dren, two of whom are living: Frank C. and George B. DeMosh, and they also have an adopted daughter. The elder son. Frank, was horn November 12, 1866, and was married in 1888 to Miss Carrie J. Bunton, of Belleville. They have two children, Naomi Belle, thirteen years of age. and Bernice Georgia, nine years old. Both are attending school. Frank C. De- Mosh holds membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees and votes the repub- lican ticket. He is associated with his father in the livery business, constituting a strong firm. as is indicated by the success which is attending their efforts.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. DeMosh has given his political allegiance to
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
the republican party and while in Belleville he filled the office of constable. He has now reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey but is yet an active factor in business and is regarded as a man of genuine worth, having a host of warm friends, who enjoy his companionship and rejoice in his prosperity.
GODFREY B. OTTMER.
Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county frequently acknowledge their indebtedness to the Teutonic race for the development and progress which have transformed the small and unimproved vil- lage to an intellectual and commercial center. A large portion of the citizens here are either of German birth or parentage and have brought from the fatherland the strong and sterling char- acteristics that have enabled the sons of Germany to adapt themselves to the conditions of the new world and utilize opportunities that have proven resultant factors in the acquirement of desired success. Mr. Ottmer, born in Ebhausen, Wur- temberg, Germany, on the 14th of August, 1865, is a son of John Martin and Anna Mary ( Bren- ner) Ottmer, likewise natives of the fatherland. The father became a resident of Saline, Michigan, about forty-one years ago, and for a long period engaged in business as a shoe merchant, but is now living retired, making his home in Bridge- water. Michigan. His wife passed away on the 17th of March, 1904. In their family were eight children, of whom six are living: John Martin. a farmer of Milan : Jacob Frederich, who follows farming and makes his home in Saline ; Christine, the wife of Fred Wessinger, of Saline; Mrs. D. F. Slayton, of Montana; Godfrey B. : and John Michael, of Ann Arbor. The two who have passed away are Joseph and Anna Mary, both of whom died in youth.
Godfrey B. Ottmer was a young lad when brought by his parents to the new world, and his education was acquired in the high school of Sa- line. "He then farmed until twenty-one years of age, when in 1893 he came to Ann Arbor, seeking a broader field of labor in the business circles of
this growing city. For three years he was em- ployed as a salesman by Charles Maynard, and also spent a similar period in the store of George Stimpson. With the capital saved from his earn- ings he purchased a stock of groceries and en- gaged in business on his own account in 1902, establishing his store at No. 120 West Washing- ton street. He is now located at No. 305 South Main street, where he carries a large and care- fully selected line of staple and fancy groceries, having a large trade which has constantly grown. His business methods are such that when he once secures the support of a customer he is sure to retain his patronage.
In 1893 Mr. Ottmer was married to Miss Ber- tha Fenker, of Saline, and they have two children : Lilian Ida, eight years of age, and now in school ; and Gertrude Bertha, about two years old. Mr. Ottmer owns a beautiful home at No. 500 East William street. In politics he is a republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, yet without political aspiration for himself. He belongs to Zion Lutheran church, and is a man of pleasing personality who readily wins friends and moreover has that worth of character that enables him to retain the kindly regard of those with whom he is brought in con- tact.
CHARLES OLIVER WOODBRIDGE, M. D.
Dr. Charles Oliver Woodbridge, a rising young physician of Saline, was born in Harrow in the province of Ontario, Canada, October 1, 1880.
His father, William Woodbridge, was a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in the early '60s went to Canada, where he was engaged in farm- ing and also raised special breeds of horses, cat- tle and hogs. He likewise engaged in the real estate business and his well conducted interests brought to him a gratifying measure of success. He married Hannah Aikman, a native of Harrow, Ontario, where she still lives. The father, how- ever, died June 19, 1894. In their family were two sons and two daughters, the brother of Dr. Woodbridge being William R. Woodbridge, who
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